Patrick’s Story
Being born and raised in Grand Rapids, Patrick drove past the Mission countless times over 40 years, seeing people struggle, and looking down on them for sleeping on the sidewalk. He never thought he would end up at Mel Trotter Ministries one day, saying, “I prayed and hoped that I would never end up in a place like this.”
However, when life took a turn and he and his wife separated, she took possession of the house, and he needed a safe place to land. “Life dealt me a rough card and this place caught me when I was falling,” Patrick remarked.
As soon as he secured a job, he returned with a bouquet of flowers and a sign that read “love and respect to all.” He placed it in the window, so guests checking in that night would feel loved, valued, and welcomed just as he did.
Patrick is grateful for the compassion and care he received at MTM. He said, “I felt the love and respect that this place gives to everyone.” He was happy that someone was there to catch him and lift him up when he was down.
The bouquet served as a simple symbol of his gratitude and a reminder that everyone, no matter their circumstance, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Patrick said, “thank you so much to all the employees and all the guests for welcoming me… thank you for opening a new door in my heart.”
