stories of compassion

Alvin and Victoria's Story

When Alvin made the decision to complete his education, he and Victoria went to Heartside Ministry, a division of MTM that offers a GED program.

Sidney's Story

Sidney once had it all— a successful flooring business with a fleet of vehicles, a six-figure salary, a home in a gated community, a beautiful wife— and had even served as a chaplain at a nonprofit helping people in need. He lost everything, however, when a serious injury sidelined him for two years and started him on a path to nowhere. His business floundered and eventually died, he faced homelessness because his medical bills and mortgage payments kept piling up and a job was hard to find thanks to his criminal record.

Lisa's Story

"The Lord is guiding me and showing me his path. I can’t say enough about what he’s already done for me.”

Board Spotlight: Jim's Story

Jim Kregel’s history with Mel Trotter Ministries goes back a generation. His father Robert, who started Kregel Publications in 1939, knew Mel Trotter himself and served on the board for MTM for years. In fact, Jim recalls his father coming home and telling him he found Mr. Trotter crying in his office one day because his dog had died.

MiChelle's Story

MiChelle dreams of having her own home one day, living on her own, and giving back to the community.

“I want to mentor, tell my story, and if I can, help somebody get closer to God,” she said. “I had never prayed before, but God knows my heart and he knows what I’m trying to say. I just ask him to teach me.”

Staff Spotlight: Brian's Story

Bigelow started his job as the Step-Up Recovery advocate on Feb. 1, 2019. He’s case manager for each person in the program, overseeing their recovery and the program as a whole. Step-Up Recovery has capacity for 16—eight men and eight women—though the Covid-19 crisis caused numbers to dwindle. There are currently nine guests working through the 90-day program aimed at those who experience homelessness due to substance abuse.

Staff Spotlight: Saulo's Story

Saulo Montalvo believes in persistence with all his heart. He’s seen God’s persistent love in his own life; he’s seen his father’s persistent love month after month as he visited Saulo in prison. And he’s seen Mel Trotter Ministries’ persistent pursuing of every person who comes in the door.

Board Spotlight: Tony's Story

"Mel Trotter changes lives. I’m a witness to that.”

Your compassionate giving started Tony on a journey of success from guest to board member!

Rusty's Story

"Everything I’ve gone through, all the hardships and failures, God has been there to rescue and rebuild me. He’s never given up on me and I have to believe he has a plan for me."

Tecca's Story

When Tecca fell and broke her hip on an icy winter day, she had no idea how much farther she would fall or how high the Lord would raise her! Tecca’s injury required months of intensive rehabilitation in a nursing center. During this time, a friend from church checked on Tecca’s house and found an eviction notice on the door.