Mission Makers
“It’s the desired goal for us to see our men come to Christ, learn to live under His lordship, going back to their families and telling them of what has taken place, and being the instrument God uses to help their family,” explains Jim Etheredge, the Executive Director of Brother Bryan Mission, Birmingham’s longest serving ministry of the homeless.
The Mission’s capacity to serve has recently expanded thanks to the addition of a newly renovated building on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 16th Street next to the Mission’s current space. The new building means the Mission can now house an additional 28 men and increases bed capacity to more than 100. The new space also has a day room where men choosing to live on the street can have a safe place to rest, take a shower, be given clothes and even wash clothes. “Many of the homeless aren’t dying to get into programs for the most part because they would give up their independence. So what we want to offer them- particularly as we approach inclement weather of wintertime- is a safe place they can come in off the street,” says Etheredge, adding, “They can relax, sit down their possessions and know they won’t be rifled through.”
In addition to providing meals for men living at the Mission, the Mission also provides lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for men living on the streets. Etheredge explains mealtime is a time volunteers can really make an impact on the men. “A volunteer who sits across the table from them and speaks to them normally means the world to someone who is living on the street. It’s not so much we are looking for people to put food on a plate- although that’s a start- but to then go out and sit with our men means the world.”
The heart of the mission is its New Life Fellowship program. “It is a nine month residential recovery and job readiness program,” says Etheredge. “It emphasizes the need to come to Christ for the healing of one’s soul and then to learn the discipline required to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ going forward. That’s our ultimate goal for every client. We want every client to leave free of addiction, with stable housing and employment, and with healthy relationships with God, their family and others.” Volunteers who are Christian mature men are particularly needed. “We have a mentor program so when a gentleman enters what we consider third phase, right before going back to work, we assign a mature Christian man who will help him make that transition back into the work force. We have seen tremendous results.”
Watch the video below to hear more about Brother Bryan Mission’s growing impact in Birmingham.
To learn more about the Mission and ways you can help visit www.bbmission.com or call 205-322-0092. †
