“I am the LORD God… and I can do anything!” – Jeremiah 32:27
As we approach the year’s end, with the holiday season and family gatherings just around the corner, I wanted to provide a remarkable overview of all the incredible work that God is doing through the River of Life Mission. At the end of this letter, I will extend a heartfelt invitation to our upcoming annual Gala on Thursday, November 2, 2023, an event you won’t want to miss as we showcase the impact we’ve made and feature the incredible people and stories God has used to bring transformation.
In just one year, we’ve seen incredible things. We’ve grown from one location with hundreds of volunteers to an astonishing 70 HUBs around Oahu with thousands of volunteers. This year has been nothing short of miraculous as we’ve witnessed not only the expansion of locations serving individuals experiencing homelessness but also an exponential increase in the number of compassionate people helping us care for those in need. It’s estimated that through our 70 HUBs, we’ve been able to minister to approximately 3,000 people living on the streets every week. These are truly astounding numbers.
In the first eight months of this year alone, we’ve served a record-breaking 202,765 meals and this puts us on track to surpass all previous records by a significant margin. In addition to meals, we now offer 287 ministry and comprehensive social services every week through our 70 HUBs. Through the dedication of God’s people, we’ve witnessed 98 individuals transition from homelessness, 202 people accepting Jesus, 60 individuals advancing their education to obtain their GED, and 55 homeless guests giving back by serving at their Home HUB Spot.
Would you like to hear even more inspiring stories? Join us at our Gala and secure your ticket below. It promises to be a grand celebration!
Now, let’s shift our focus from the big picture to the individuals we’ve had the privilege to call friends and guests:
Victor found himself in a desperate situation, his body ravaged by drugs, and his life hurtling towards tragedy at an alarming pace. Thanks to God, Victor crossed paths with Barry at one of our HUBs. Barry, one of our dedicated HUB spot leaders, wasted no time sharing the message of Jesus with Victor. Touched by Barry’s words and guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, Victor accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. With Barry’s support, Victor secured employment at a local restaurant as a dishwasher, and thanks to a generous donation of Red Wing boots, he’s excelling in his role and is already recognized as one of the grill’s best new employees. Victor has shared with our staff that his newfound faith in Jesus and his new job have been instrumental in keeping him away from drugs. His faith is growing, and his job is providing structure and accountability. We praise God for Barry and for Victor’s remarkable transformation.
Annie was on a perilous path and particularly vulnerable in the aftermath of a devastating fire on Maui. The landscape of Maui has been marred by destruction and tragedy, leading to untold pain and panic. Sadly, this dire situation has, in some instances, resulted in further violence by bad people. For a woman living on the streets in Maui, this is an urgent and potentially life-threatening situation.
Because of our decision to send one of our exceptional young leaders, Josue, to Maui to assist with the fire relief efforts, we were able to collaborate with the Maui Rescue Mission, our sister organization on Maui. On the day Josue met Annie, she was finally ready to go home. Together, we arranged for her to be flown back to her family on the continental U.S. and that very same day, Josue got her on a plane, heading toward a reunion with her family. This swift action highlights the urgency required to save individuals living on the streets. We give immense thanks to God for Josue’s rapid and selfless response, saving a life and changing it forever.
We were incredibly blessed to receive a photograph of Annie in the car with her brother, reunited with her biological family, who can now assist her in getting her life back on track. It’s a true testament to the beauty that can arise from the ashes, with God using the River of Life Mission and Josue on Maui to help rescue and transform a life. Please visit our website to learn more about our ongoing efforts in Maui, supporting those affected by the fires.
This has truly been a miraculous year, and we would like to invite you to join us in celebrating all that God has accomplished, as well as the new vision He has revealed to us for helping even more people. Will you join us at our annual Gala on Thursday, November 2, 2023, to hear more inspiring stories? The venue promises to be spectacular, reminiscent of a Great Gatsby-style evening, and the stories will touch your heart like no other. It has been a powerful year, and we give all the glory and honor to Jesus!
Secure your tickets now at www.riveroflifemission.org/gala or scan the QR code below. Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in our mission. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
God Bless You!
Pastor Paul Gates
Executive Director