Passing on the Ladle of Compassion

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17


Your incredible support has allowed us to achieve a remarkable milestone – providing 210,863 hot, handmade meals to those in need on the streets last year. This achievement, a new record for River of Life Mission, is a testament to the generosity and compassion of individuals like you.

The impact of your kindness goes far beyond the number of meals served. It reaches the hearts and lives of 210,863 individuals who experienced warmth, love, and provision through your support. Your generosity truly reflects the profound truth from Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

Today, I am excited to share a heartwarming story that encapsulates the essence of our mission. Our remarkable Chef, Hilda, has been observed “passing on the ladle” to a younger team member. For a Chef, to entrust the most important tool in the kitchen signifies a significant moment. Hilda leads our kitchen team with unwavering dedication, coaching the team to treat each meal as an offering to Jesus. The result is extraordinary food that defies expectations for a ministry providing meals for free, out in the community.

This notion of “passing the ladle” mirrors the journey we are embarking on with you. We are proud to have found innovative and expansive ways to share the love of Jesus with those struggling on the streets. Daily, we extend compassion to the communities, empowering them to make a difference in the lives of the homeless. The impact is tangible, with more individuals transitioning off the streets than ever before.

Recently, we witnessed the ripple effect of “passing the ladle” when a Hub leader facilitated the transition of someone from the streets into a live in year-long discipleship home. This leader, fueled by faith and commitment, served hot meals and engaged in heartfelt conversations with a challenging and drug infested homeless encampment. The result was transformative – a life changed forever as the individual embraced Jesus and made decisions to transform his life.

We are grateful for the continuous support from individuals like you, allowing us to “pass the ladle” of compassion all over Oahu. Your contributions enable us to expand our impact, growing our ministry from the inside out. Together, we are making a difference, offering hope and purpose to those who have lost it.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. As we continue to press on toward the goal of helping more individuals find hope and purpose in Jesus, we are inspired by your unwavering support.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Paul R. Gates
Executive Director