Author: Rani Paul

Raven Invasion @HUM…The Rest of the Story

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At 10:30 this morning 7 members of the Baltimore Ravens football team stepped out and showed up — for the 12th Annual Ravens Coat Drive at Helping Up Mission. The morning after a 22-20 time-expired-on-the-clock home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, these guys made themselves available in the Baltimore community. Bravo!

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Admittedly it was a friendly crowd of Ravens fans, but it still had to be uncomfortable for them to show up and face anyone — yet they kept their commitment to the men of HUM. Even Steeler fans were impressed!

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And Fox 45 was here on campus documenting the whole thing — starting at 5AM and doing live-feed teasers every 30 minutes previewing this Ravens community outreach event.

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So, from this 3-decade Redskins fan, special props to and a new level of respect for Joe Flacco, Elvis Dumervil, Marshal Yanda, Buck Allen, Daryl Smith, Kapron Lewis-Moore and Towson U’s Terrance West.

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You guys are my AFC team forever!

Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

After 3 Years Here…Greg’s Moving On — Back With His Wife!

Greg, 42, arrived at Helping Up Mission over 3 years ago struggling with his drug addiction. A quiet, gentle, hardworking guy — he just couldn’t stop getting high…and wound up losing his job and his marriage.

At that point, his sister (10 years in recovery, herself) helped Greg get here for our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program. A good guy when clean and focused, he was willing to follow suggestions and was able to make some significant changes in his thinking…and behaviors.

When eligible, Greg went back to work in the community. Then he graduated from our Program and, with no better place to go, decided to continue living here on campus in graduate transitional housing.

But this new Greg also began communicating with his wife again. While he was changing, she had been working on her own issues, too.

So, at the end of October — 3 years after arriving here — Greg finally moved on. He and his wife have a new place together close to work for both of them.

When we make changes on the inside, things also change for us on the outside!

One Day at a time for them…one day at a time for us,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

California Counselor to Baltimore Boy — Go To HUM!

Jonathan, 50, joined our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program in January 2015. While from Baltimore, he had never heard of Helping Up Mission.

In fact, he arrived here after only being encouraged to do so from a counselor in California where he was living at the time. In a rehab there, Jonathan really wanted to get and stay clean from cocaine!

Once at HUM, and having a Biblical background, Jonathan got serious about his spiritual walk — understanding how it could empower his recovery from drugs. He followed direction and made good choices both in here and while out in the community.

One of his decisions was to get his Maryland High School diploma and he made good progress to that end. But, upon entering the final phase of our Program, Jonathan also wanted to go to work.

I told him my concerns — that he wouldn’t keep working on his diploma — but he assured me he would. Jonathan found an appropriate job that would also allow him the time to continue working with tutors toward his diploma.

I ran into him yesterday and he gave me an update. He’s been here 10 months now.

The job is going well and he is still working on his diploma. In fact, he had taken a practice test that morning and did okay.

Then Jonathan showed me something he received the night before — his “Clean and Serene For One Year” keytag from Narcotics Anonymous. I asked when the last time was that he did 12 months clean and he said, “Never! Not since I started using 30 years ago.”

The look on his face said it all and I’m really happy for Jonathan! And — I think — the best is yet to come for him!

It does work…

One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

Veterans Day 2015 – HUM at its Best!

When I arrived at work just before 6:30 yesterday morning, it appeared Helping Up Mission was being invaded! I couldn’t enter our parking lot because of all the military vehicles in my way.

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HUM Director of Facilities and Operations, Tom Stone, and some friends brought half a dozen old army vehicles, including a troop carrier, tow truck, and mobile kitchen to celebrate Veterans Day. As soon as they got set up, coffee and cookies were served from the kitchen in the parking lot throughout the morning.

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I guess the rest of the vehicles were just there as a show of force!

Then last night the Helping Up Mission kitchen staff quietly saluted our military veterans with a special meal.

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It was my privilege to serve them — some member of our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program, some graduates of our program and some living here as part of our contract with the Veterans Administration to provide temporary housing for vets in transition.

There were vets from the Viet Nam era (the same period as some of the military vehicles!) and both Gulf Wars. Even a number of guys who’ve served just recently.

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Our HUM kitchen provided a wonderful steak dinner and our staff and security team stepped up to meet every need. It made me proud to see everything in motion and everyone in action.

I thank God for my country…the men and women who served and serve in our Armed Forces…and the folks I serve with and get to serve every day at Helping Up Mission.

Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

 

Slow but Steady Wins the Race…& Gets the Job!

I think Pete would agree with 7th century BC Greek author Aesop: “Slow but steady wins the race.” At least that’s how it’s worked for Pete in his recovery here at Helping Up Mission.

A hard-working old construction guy — layoffs, slow downs and the daily wear and tear of his profession left Pete tired and beat up when he arrived here.

He was also pretty jaded about life, skeptical about anything someone might suggest and nervous about his future.

And there was his chemical addiction. To paraphrase another old guy, Aristotle (4th century BC), I’m not sure which came first — the chicken or the egg…that is, Pete’s job troubles or his addiction.

Either way, in our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program because he had no better options, Pete kept to himself and quietly did what we asked him to do.

In time, Pete became more comfortable with himself and his life — and eventually was ready to get back to work. Done with construction, he wanted steady hours with benefits. Pete wanted a new career… with a particular employer.

Now a HUM grad living in graduate transitional housing here on campus, Pete started with that employer — through a temporary employment agency. Recognized for his work ethic and solid daily performance, he started feeling good about a permanent position there.

But the employment agency moved Pete elsewhere…and he shined there, too! In fact, they offered him a full-time position!

But, after talking with our Vocational Coordinator, Pete said “no thanks” and told the agency what he really wanted. Eventually sent back there — Pete got the permanent job he wanted a month ago!

Not quite so jaded anymore, Pete’s feeling pretty good about his future. In fact, he even smiled — broadly — telling me this story!

One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

“Sorry, Dad, I’m Just Not Ready Yet”

Mel’s been at Helping Up Mission for almost 9 months. At 55, and struggling for years with a heroin addiction, he was ready to try our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program.

Here, Mel’s been focused on his own recovery — especially addressing the underlying issues that cause him to use…and it’s been working. He feels good about himself again — and others can see it in him, too.

But there’s an old saying in recovery — “You have to give it away to keep it!” Focused and working on his own recovery, Mel now has some experience, strength and hope he can pass on to others.

Mel has a 28-year old son who also struggles with addiction and it’s tearing up his life. Dad knows exactly how his son feels…and, today, he has something to offer him.

So Mel encouraged his son to go ahead and get the same kind of help he received, himself. His son admitted he needed something and agreed to go into a recovery program.

But when it was time to move and Mel called his son — he was nowhere to be found! Eventually, when they did talk, Mel’s son said, “Sorry, dad, I knew that was you calling. I didn’t answer because I didn’t want to have to tell you no. I’m just not ready yet!”

While disappointed, Mel understood. No one could make him to go into recovery until he was ready, either!

Dad responded, “You’re my son and I will always love you — and you’ll have to find your way like I did. But I do want you to have what I have today.”

Mel’s in process…and God’s not done with his son yet, either! You may want to keep both of them in your prayers.

One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

Focus on Recovery – Drew Dedrick

By Tom Bond, Director of Programs

At HUM, we have 26 Biblical character qualities that we work to instill in the men we serve. I could not help but appreciate how well the character quality of patience fits Drew’s journey. One of the first things we say to men coming into the program on day one is “sit still, be patient, and listen for God”. You cannot hear God’s voice if you are constantly surrounded by chaos. When men arrive here, they are separated from the chaos of the outside world. For the first time in a long time (maybe ever for some) they can actually sit still and quietly wait on the Lord.

Drew’s story illustrates the power of patience and of the miracles that happen here every day! Drew sat still and he did not lean on his own understanding. Rather, he listened patiently to discern where God was leading him, and now he has been given the opportunity to join an incredibly dedicated group of HUM employees, many of whom were once program clients just like him. Moreover, this “grow your own” model creates a community with a culture built upon the very tenants of Jesus’ teachings. This culture of hope, love, and grace is something every visitor can feel in their soul the moment they pass through our front door. I urge you to come see for yourself!

November 2015 Executive Director Update

Dear Friends,

I wish for you the very best during this Thanksgiving holiday season. There is a lot of negativity (drugs, crime, homicides) in our city culture that we could focus on that could poison our spirit of gratefulness. But, the HUM family chooses to focus upon helping people up who are living in despair and promoting the best of human character qualities. We are a positive large and growing family of people made up of 500 program members and their families; 70 staff members and interns; hundreds of volunteers; strategic partner organizations and tens of thousands of active donors. Together, we are pouring out our love and wellness to bring wellbeing back into our city while observing fantastic results in transformed lives.

It’s been my experience, having worked with the HUM family for over 21 years, that people who are genuinely grateful to God for all of his gifts tend to also be great helpers of others. So, I can confidently ask you again to give generously this Thanksgiving season. And, to channel some of your giving to Helping Up Mission. Your prayers and financial gifts will absolutely help heal the broken lives of 500 men in a life crisis and their families including approximately 350 children. It’s impossible to measure the full impact of the HUM family’s giving. But, assuredly, our combined generosity is transforming the lives of broken men and building a better Baltimore.

Thank you for helping during this Thanksgiving season!

With Gratitude,

Robert K. Gehman

We First Met Almost 10 Years Ago…

This week I ran into Clark on our campus. A ’06 Helping Up Mission grad who works in the city, he stops by frequently. HUM is an ongoing part of his recovery network.

Clark joined our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program in January 2005, really needing some things to change in his life — and getting clean from drugs and alcohol was only one part.

He got clean and developed some meaningful spiritual connections with God. And, since he was here and wanted to be a different guy, Clark also committed himself to earn his high school diploma in our Learning Center on campus.

When he moved away 18 months later — as a HUM grad — Clark also took his State of Maryland High School diploma with him! He was also employed full-time at a local hospital.

Now living closer to work, even though he stops by HUM often, I haven’t seen him much over these past 9 years and didn’t really know how things were going — so it was great catching up when we connected this week.

He’s still there at the hospital…now a supervisor in his department. Today, Clark loves God, enjoys his life, likes his job and is grateful for all the things he has.

This is why I come to work every day!
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

Don’t Wear Yourself Out…Show Some Restraint! Proverb for the Day 23:4

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint

This proverb isn’t about any specific characters in Proverbs, just another of those good-things-to-know about life wise sayings.

The first phrase says, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich.” We’re not supposed to invest all our thinking, time and energy into getting rich.

First, because all our efforts may just not produce much at all — and it wasn’t a good investment of our time or energy.

Second, we may be able to get riches, but may not be able to hold on to them very long.

Third, wealth isn’t all it is cracked up to be — and very possibly it won’t be able to provide the things that really matter to us.

Fourth, if God wants us to have it, we don’t need to wear ourselves out to try and make it happen. He can handle all that for us!

The second phrase of this wise saying adds some additional information, “Have the wisdom to show restraint.” But, to be honest, this is more of an explanation than a translation.

This phrase actually it consists of just two words in Hebrew: “from-your-own-understanding cease!”

It reminds me of one of my favorite verses in Proverbs (3:5), where the second clause says (in four Hebrew words) “…and lean not on your own understanding.”

Today’s verse suggests we should curb both our actions (“wear yourself out”) and our attitudes (“have the wisdom’). We’re not supposed to succumb to focusing on and going after wealth.

In the end, wisdom is way better than riches — because wisdom will bring sufficient riches along with it…and wisdom will help us appreciate what we do have more…and wisdom will empower us to be able to share our of what we have with others.

Just good things to know!