Greetings Friends,

I hope that the power of our Savior brings you joy and hope this Easter season. In many ways, this is a time of restoration for all of us; a time to be reminded of the compassion of Jesus Christ, and how we can follow his actions and demonstrate compassion to those around us needing support.

As many of you know, we’re marking the 125th anniversary of Mel Trotter Ministries this year. It’s important at this time to reflect on the powerful life story of Mel Trotter. In January 1897, at just 27 years old, Mel was depressed following the death of his son. He was binge-drinking for days at a time, and had no money for food, clothing or housing. Desperate, he hopped a freight train to Chicago, where upon arriving he sold his shoes for a drink of alcohol. His life was in shambles. Right then, he decided to end it all by jumping into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Divinity, in human form, intervened. It was God’s will that Mel’s path to Lake Michigan that night took him past the Pacific Garden Mission, where the Mission superintendent called upon the people in the building to pray for “this poor, poor boy.” The kindness of strangers had spared his life and laid the foundation for Mel Trotter’s life work. Restoring hope–one life at a time.

In 1900, Mel was asked to lead a new shelter that was set to open in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at that time called the City Rescue Mission. The Mission was renamed in Mel’s honor in 1940. Now, 125 years after its founding, our Mission serves as a beacon for anyone experiencing hunger or homelessness. It was the first of more than 70 missions that Mel helped to open. And it all started because someone chose to restore hope in Mel’s life.

The impact of Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids continues to restore hope each and every day. Case in point, the recent experience of one of our guests. When Jacob came to our program he was struggling both mentally and emotionally, often dealing with severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. His case manager used her faith and good-old fashioned prayer to restore hope in his life. Jacob was skeptical at first, but soon realized its positive impacts. Once again, divinity in human form, intervened. Jacob is now on a better path.

Outcomes like this are why I’m grateful to serve as the President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. The human compassion, health services, and workforce development programs provided to our guests are tremendously impactful. Whether it’s a warm bed, hot meal, clothing, healthcare, or guidance, our goal remains constant; to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to anyone suffering from hunger or homelessness. That mission lives on today just as it started 125 years ago under Mel Trotter. Restoring hope–one life at a time.

May you have a wonderful Easter season filled with the restoration of hope and compassion through Jesus Christ.

 

Blessings,

Chris Palusky
President/CEO
Mel Trotter Ministries

Addicted to drugs, coupled with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, Jacob was in rough shape and felt isolated. Without meaningful relationships, he landed at Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM), where he found compassion and a new path to start his journey to a better life.

When Jacob first arrived, some were skeptical about his potential for progress. Plagued by severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, receiving only a small disability check that barely sufficed for his needs, he felt hopeless and alone. Jacob himself admitted, “I’m going to die here alone, and nobody is even going to care.”

Despite the initial hurdles, Jacob’s case manager, guided by faith and determination, saw potential in him. She prayed and fasted for him, writing a plan in her prayer journal, believing in the power of prayer to restore lives.

Jacob was doubtful about faith and unsure of his belief in God. He dismissed prayer which made him resistant to attending chapel services. “Every time Jacob had a panic attack or was about to have one, he would run to me. I would hold his hand and pray,” his case manager recalled.

Slowly, Jacob began to see the light in prayer, realizing it was not just a coincidence that calmed his storms.

Embracing prayer and faith, along with mental health treatment allowed Jacob to manage his anxiety better, paving the way for growth. He secured a job, which significantly boosted his confidence. Soon after, Jacob started his new role as a shift leader, which came with a boost in pay and responsibility—he was given keys to the store! Today, Jacob is thriving in his new position and is enjoying life in MTM’s Transitional Housing.

A story once filled with hopelessness is now filled with hope, belonging, and restoration. When Jacob began to see progress, he believed in himself again. He exclaimed, “God has shown me that through Him, anything is possible…I am grateful for all He is doing in my life.”