Holiday Newsletter 2024

---

Dear Friend, Through this year we have seen the Lord work through you to give hope to people here at Hope Gospel Mission. We have seen men and women turn to God and be filled with His Spirit of love, joy, peace and hope.  Once they had no connection with God.  They were on their own and suffering through life.  Few people, if any, cared for their well-being.  Most were without hope and without God. But now, we see people here who believe God is with them and will never leave.  They have His promises that He will get them through all the troubles of life, and one day, see Him face to face. When a person relies on Jesus Christ for all the blessings they will need on earth and in heaven, they have every reason to celebrate.  That's why this Christmas will be a time for celebration.  There will be food and gatherings with singing.  Men and women will gather together, sharing good conversation and hopes for a bright future. At the same time, my heart goes out to those who remain in desparate situations.  They weigh on our hearts and fill our prayers.  I hope they come to this place.  I want them to see God has opened the door of heaven for them, through Jesus Christ.  They too can be saved by Him and personally know His great love for them. Even so, we have much to celebrate this Christmas.  We know there are troubles in this world.  But we also know the one who overcame all those troubles.  Jesus came to be with us, so we need never fear again.  He has overcome the world, and it is a time to rejoice.  Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for providing this wonderful place to welcome and care for those who are hurting.  Thank you for caring.  You are changing lives.  May God bless you and your loved ones this Christmas. Sincerely, Sandi Polzin  Executive Director Hope Gospel Mission

---

Coming from a family of alcoholics, Brian drank his entire adult life.  He realized he was drinking himself to death and decided it was not happening fast enough.  He made a plan to commit suicide and chose a tree from where he would hang himself.  That night, a storm came through and tore the branches down.  "Looking back,"  Brian says, "I now see God was always with me."

A friend reached out and took Brian to a hospital for help.  With no insurance, he did not have many options for future recovery.  After being released from the hospital, he found out he lost his apartment and all his belongings.  "I told my parents I lost all hope," Brian says.  "Then my mom asked if I tried Hope Gospel Mission."

Growing up in Eau Claire, Brian heard of Hope Gospel but did not know they helped people with addictions.  Within a few short days, he became a resident and began his journey to sobriety.  Brian did achieve sobriety, but more importantly, he found Jesus Christ.  "Now that Jesus is in my corner, my life is easier, and I know God is, and always was talking to me," he explains.  "Hope Gospel Mission taught me how to deal with daily and big life problems.  I love being sober now!"

Today, Brian enjoys encouranging others and sharing his testimony.  "I would like to eventually help teenagers see the future risks and signs of addiction, and how they can avoid them," he says.  "I want to make a difference for others, and I know God is not done with me yet!"

Brian is thankful for his new life and wants to share his gratitude with you.  "Every dollar goes to good use, and we are all so grateful for you.  Last Christmas, volunteers came to serve a wonderful breakfast," he says.  "The kindness shown meant so much to me and encouraged me to keep going."

Looking forward to a new, healthy life in Christ, Brian spends much of his time in the new Hope Learning Center.  "This new Center is such a blessing," he says.  "It is so quiet, and you can really feel God here.  Thank you for providing this place of healing!"

Coming to Hope Gospel Mission can feel like entering a world where everything is brighter.  The harsh times are left behind and God seems close.  People talk about Him easily and personally.  

Residents gradually feel they belong to this community.  Instead of being put down, they are built up.  Staff and volunteers know their names.  Friends pray for one another.  Christmas Dinner is a time when all of this comes together, thanks to you!

The annual Christmas Community Dinner is a great spread of ham with all the fixings and dessert.  Anyone in need of a good meal and a warm welcome is encouraged to join us.  This is a wonderful time to join others in fellowship and celebration.

When you support Hope Gospel Mission you help feed people both physically and spiritually.  Thank you for caring.

Paul began drinking and drug use at the age of 12 and using marijuana at age 13.  Upon graduation, he wanted to live a life away from his family values.  His drinking got so out of control, he could not stop.  "I tried so many times to get sober," Paul confesses.  "Every time I went to rehab, I would go right back to my old ways.  Nothing ever changed."  Then Paul had a son.  He gave up drinking, but continued using other drugs.  

This came to an abrupt end when he and his wife divorced.  Paul went back to drinking heavily and using drugs.  His actions led him to some time in jail, where he says he hit rock bottom.  "While I was in jail, I realized this was not way to live life.  I spent my life trying it my way but not God's way.  At that moment, I committed my life to following God's plan for me," he says.

Paul came to Hope Gospel Mission with a plan and a purpose.  He worked hard in his classes, studied the Bible and prayed continuously.  "The only way I can stay sober," he says, "is if I completely give my life over to God."

Being at Hope Gospel Mission gives Paul the time to step away from his old habits and focus on the plans God has for him.  "I do not know the future," Paul says, "but I know God will provide for me.  I am a work in progress, but I will not give up.  I will make myself available for the Lord to use me and promote His Kingdom."

Today, Paul continues his studies and is active in his church, where his family are also members.  He enjoys praying with his son and encouraging him to trust in the Lord.  Paul is excited for whatever the Lord brings into his life and shares his gratitude with you.  "God bless you.  Hope Gospel Mission changes lives and heals families.  People heal from their addictions through God, and that is the number one variable here.  Jesus truly heals.  Thank you."

"Thank you, Hope Gospel Mission and everyone who has a connection here, for everything you have done for me!"

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Annual Harvest of Hope Fall Fundraiser!

The Luncheon and Dinner were a huge success!
If you missed the event, it is available for viewing at www.hopegospelmission.org/harvestofhope.

Gifts Given in Memory

(Persons being honored are listed first)

Violet Waller	Gene and Mary Krueger
June Lovelien	Mark Lovelien
Rita McCarthy	Forrest and Sharon Fox
Ron Wolfe	Jean Wolfe
Linda Koxlien	Louise Koxlien
Ken Gauerke	Virgil and Linda Dick
Ken Gauerke	Dr. Cecil and Debbie Berlie
My Uncle Marvin	David and Roxanne Cieszynski
Ken Gauerke	Douglas Green
Arlene Vince and Peggy Hurless	Jaxon Allsage
David G. Anderson	Carol Anderson
Celia and Balser Mattern	Roselyn Persons
Danny Glasspoole	Linda Melgaard
All Military	Matthew and Becky Johnson
Jane Norrish	Randy Norrish
Sharron C. Rasmussen	Sam Fleming
Millard, Shirley and Danne Silvertson	Robyn Sivertson
Lorraine Peller	Maureen Welch
Bernard & Nellie Kahl, Edward & Beverly Kinnick	Jeffrey and Joan Kahl
My Mother	Mary and David Linderud
Mona Sullivan	Tim Pabich and Denise Hanson-Pabich
Clarence Fitzsimmons	Mary Fitzsimmons
John and Judy Heintz	Shirley Ives
Tony and Chris	Tony and Paul Shoemaker
Jesus Christ	Lynette Hupfer
Morgan Maher	Heather Petersen
Naomi	Dennis and Marty Swearingen
Jack Kearney	Lynn Delvaux
Mona Sullivan	Jeff and Kathy White
Richie Urban	Kally Burns
Doris Zimmerman	Donna Meier
Doris Zimmerman	Mary Ann King
Jim Coleman	Neil Hemenway
Marlys Leary	Robin Leary
Evan	Mary Daniels
My Mother	Bridgett Hera
Charles Cooley and Janice Johnson	Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hanson
Ronald H. Tucker	Jeff and Wendy Tucker