Mission Makers
He calls for help but there is no room and the waiting list is long. In an average year Brother Bryan Mission(BBM), the oldest mission in Birmingham, receives 39 applications a month for a spot in its New Life Fellowship(NLF) recovery and job readiness program. Only nine will find an opening. Since 2012, when BBM began the NLF Program, the demand from those looking for hope has been constant and oftentimes overwhelming.
Daniel was one who needed help. Living under a highway bridge, Daniel came to BBM desiring a meal. While eating Daniel saw something in the lives of the men in the NLF Program that he wanted. “It was the look of hope,” he said. Daniel was accepted into the program and soon found a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As he continued, he obtained a G.E.D., began college, and served a ministry internship. After graduating the program, Daniel was hired as BBM’s Intake Coordinator and recently left to start his own construction company. “I do not know where I would be without Brother Bryan Mission… I am so grateful for what God has and is doing in my life and in the lives of those who come to BBM looking for hope,” Daniel says.
BBM saw an opportunity to expand its ministry and increase its bed count from its present 76 to over 100 beds by purchasing the vacant building at 1628 2nd Avenue North. The two-story, 10,000 square feet building will allow for an additional 28 beds and offer more space to carry out its programming designed to change men’s lives. Drawings have been completed, zoning approval granted, and permits issued to occupy the 2nd Floor where the additional beds will be housed. The price for this phase is $1.2 million. “The current construction climate has increased costs significantly,” Executive Director Jim Etheredge says, adding, “but when I think of the lives that will be changed and the families that will be restored, I think it is worth it.” To find out how you can help with this project, call 205-322-0092 or visit www.bbmission.com. †
