Dear Paul,

You know how important the Easter season is. Family traditions, sharing with friends and celebrating the Easter story gives us hope. And it's just weeks away!

But there's always a growing crowd of men in our community who are left out...literally. Our unpredictable winter weather, COVID closures and challenges, and the on-going issue of drug and alcohol abuse continue to hit homeless, hungry people hard here on the Peninsula.

More and more hurting souls come to the Mission for a hot meal...clean clothes...a safe, warm place to sleep. Each day, we serve about 80 meals to homeless guests, even with COVID restrictions. And our Overcomers Program beds and overnight shelter beds are always in demand!

It will be another Easter holiday on the streets for most of our homeless guests. They'll look to Peninsula Rescue Mission for help. Men in distress regularly turn to us when they're going through tough times. And they know we'll be there for them - thanks to the generous support of friends like you.

Between now and Easter, we will serve almost 3,000 hot, nutritious meals. Each meal is an opportunity to change someone's life. For some of these hurting men, the meal they get at the Mission will be the beginning of a NEW LIFE in Christ.

Charles came to the mission about a year ago, referred to us by his probation officer. That was the beginning of NEW LIFE for Charles.

"My conditions for probation were steady work and steady housing," Charles explains. "That worked fine until I had a work injury. Then without a job, I was evicted from my apartment. Fortunately, my probation officer introduced me to the Mission, instead of back to jail."

Charles says it's hard now to get re-established, because of so many COVID closures and restrictions.

"On the positive side, it's given me a chance to work on my spiritual self," he says. "With the Mission's daily devotions and chapel, my prayer life and faith have really grown."

Safe shelter is a huge relief for Charles, especially coming from jail. It's the same for our homeless guests. "It's such a relief," Charles says. "Not only physical, but emotional. And once you're in a better place, you can start to work on the spiritual stuff, too."

Charles wants to continue to grow in the Lord, get a steady job and return to a normal home life. "You have to stay positive," he says with a smile. "With God, all things are possible. There are two words in 'impossible'...I'm possible!"

Men often come to the Mission thinking they need nothing more than a meal...but then they find help to meet much deeper needs.

And it all starts with their first visit to the Mission -

The first time they sit down at our table...

The first time the Easter story speaks straight to their heart...

The first time they find compassion, no strings attached.

Would you consider providing an Easter Meal Ticket that will truly make a difference for our guests this Easter? It costs us just $2.49 to serve a wonderful meal at the Mission. This means a gift of only $25 will help 10 people in need. To help, click the 'Donate an Easter Meal' button in this email or visit www.prm.info/donate to make your special NEW LIFE gift this month and see what impact an extra-generous gift provides.

Thank you for your generous partnership with Peninsula Rescue Mission...at Easter and all year. With your help, we serve everyone who comes to us. Lives are transformed by the power of the resurrection. You make this happen. Indeed NEW LIFE!

God's blessings,

Alan DeFriese

President/CEO

P.S. On the heels of our busy winter season here in Newport News, we expect even more people to come to us for food, shelter, and a helping hand in the weeks ahead. Please help us serve as many people as possible this Easter.