His money had run out again, and as Earl checked out of his hotel room, he thought to himself, “What street am I going to live on now?” |
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“Where in the world do I go?” This was now the second time Earl came into some money, booked an extended stay at a hotel, and squandered what was left on alcohol. Unsure of what to do, he went back to his dad's house - which he described as “a prodigal son situation.”
“I still remember because it was Easter Sunday. My two sisters were also there, and one was really putting pressure on me, asking what I was going to do next. Before leaving that day, my dad handed me my stimulus check and said I couldn't stay here. In April of 2020 I had stayed at PRM, so I called to see if I could come back. They said, 'Yes.'”
On April 7, 2021, a year later, Earl was back at the Mission. “A few days in I heard about a church group hosting game night and decided to go. I hopped into a game of Uno and made some good friends. No one was beating me down, trying to preach to me; it was just good clean fun. I had been in the hotel all by myself with no one to talk to, so this was the most fun I've had in more than a year!”
Earl was invited to worship the next morning at Hampton Roads Fellowship, just ten blocks down from the Mission. He came that Sunday, continues to attend weekly, and even came back to serve a meal with the church group! What's even more amazing is to hear Earl share, “Since April 7 when I came back to PRM, I have not had a drink. Without this place my life would be in turmoil and full of stress. My dad may have let me come home, but
that wouldn't be a good situation for either of us. PRM welcomed me back, held me accountable with the random breathalyzers, and I was able to get connected to a local church. Now I have something to look forward to each week. I'm not isolated, and I'm pushing myself to be among people. I'm learning about the Lord, and I'm glad to be a part of it.”
On May 13th, Earl transitioned out of PRM and into a group home for veterans after being hired by a Christian small business to do commercial janitorial work. “The temptations are still there, but I just keep telling myself it's not worth it.” If you ask Earl what's next for him he will tell you, “Restoration. Grow strong in the Lord. Make more friends because I'm tired of being isolated. The main thing is my spiritual life. With that everything else will come. I'm taking it one step at a time.”
Earl expresses his gratitude for you and your generous support of the Mission. He also wanted to share, “If you are truly trying to give to a worthy cause, a cause where you know your money will be well-spent and appreciated - to give to the glory of God, PRM is one of those places.” Thank you for being a part of Earl's journey. God bless!
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"PRM welcomed me back, held me accountable, and I was able to get connected to a local church." |
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After hearing Earl's story, we sat down with Andre Byrd (Hampton Roads Fellowship) to hear more about their game night ministry. |
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What is game night?
An opportunity for the men and us to engage with one another on an even playing field through playing games. We can proclaim with our mouths and our actions that we are all made in God's image, and therefore we are all equal in that way.
What is the vision of game night?
Two things. One, for the men to experience a restoration of dignity as we enjoy one another. Two, to help those who serve to fight against that provider/recipient relationship and just grow in how we relate to others.
Why is it important?
We've all been in seasons of life when we needed a lot of help. There are people who are willing to help and serve you, but fewer who are willing to just be with you. This is a different type of sacrifice. Sometimes we just need someone's presence more than their service.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Having a steady supply of volunteers who are willing to come each month. Perhaps it's because of misperceptions of the men or other issues, but recruiting people who are willing to sacrifice time is the greatest challenge.
What has been the biggest evidence of God's grace?
Earl. He came to game night and the next day when we led a Q&A session in chapel, he asked the first question, “What does it mean to repent?” Since we just played Uno with him the night before, we were able to meet him where he was, answer his question, and share the gospel with him. Game nights have helped break down barriers and allowed us to have deeper conversations.
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A Note From Alan
OUR YOUNG GUESTS
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It will forever be difficult to look around PRM and see our chairs filled with guests. Each chair represents a hard story. One group of residents especially saddens me - our younger guests - those in their early 20's, or even some in their late teens.
When our guests share their “PRM stories” most include a short list of poor choices that caused them to lose something - job, support from loved ones, etc. For some of our younger guests those bad choices began as far back as middle school. We understand that most of these young men tend to lack solid, male role models after which they can pattern their lives, so they are trying to figure out manhood on their own.
The PRM rules are simple, but they are enforced to ensure a safe, pleasant stay for all of our guests. When residents ignore those rules, they are held accountable. It's an eye-opening experience for the younger ones when they are held responsible for their choices - especially when it results in dismissal from PRM. We hate it when this happens. The consequences of sin wreak havoc in every human life.
But there is also much kindness and grace shown to all of our residents. And we daily share the Word of God, praying that it will, through Christ, become a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path. We pray that they might one day declare the words of the Psalmist and say, “I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:102-103)
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Memorials / Honors
Moving forward, honors and memorials will be listed on our website ( www.prm.info/memorials). We know how special these gifts are and we desire to add an even more personal touch to your generous contributions. If you provide us a name and address of the designated individual or family, we have a variety of PRM cards for notifying them of your gift. You can even include a brief message if you like. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to sharing more ministry updates with you in our newsletter. |
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Ways To Pray
Camp Open Arms
- As COA comes to a close, pray for these young boys and girls to apply what they have learned to their lives. Transitioning home is a challenge for some.
Men's Shelter
- Pray for all the homeless in our community who are outside in this brutal summer heat.
- Pray for those who come to us for shelter - that they would feel welcomed as Christ has welcomed us.
- Pray for the Lord to fill our open positions of Kitchen Manager and a part-time Maintenance Man
Overcomers Program
- Program Men – Mike W, John H, Eric S, James L, and Kendall F.
- Pray for those considering Christ and for spiritual growth for those who are already saved.
- Pray for their courage to re-enter the workforce. This is a big step!
- Pray for more men to consider joining the program.
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VOLUNTEER AT PRM!
If you are interested in serving, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Faith to find a spot or ask any questions! |
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3700 Huntington Ave., Newport News, VA | 757-380-6909
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