A Word of Encouragement from Pastor Michael L. Brown

If Jesus and Peter were to get off a Greyhound bus just down the street and decide to take a tour of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission during the Easter season, eventually they would end up in our cafeteria. I can hear Jesus say, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter would respond, “Of course, I love you, Lord.” “Then feed that man over there who’s hungry, depressed and lonely,” Jesus would say. Jesus would then go down the hall where He’d see a half-starved mother in a miniskirt. Again He would ask, “Peter, do you love me?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you,” would be his reply. “Then get a plate of food for this woman and for every one of her kids. Then get them some warm clothes, and make sure they have a place to stay tonight.” 

But Peter, do you really love me? 

Then Jesus would notice a line of people — a line so long that it spilled out the door into the cold of the evening. Again, Jesus would ask, “Peter, do you love me?” “Master, you know how much I love you,” Peter would say. Jesus would then motion toward the kitchen and say, “Peter, put on that apron over there and get behind the counter and start feeding every person who’s hungry. And if anyone wants seconds, give that person all he or she wants. And while you’re at it, Peter, give them an encouraging word. Make them feel like human beings again.”  My friend, this is the spirit of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission — the spirit of Jesus. During the coming months there will be hundreds of desperate men, women and children coming through our doors for physical and spiritual help. And we will be doing exactly what Jesus asked Peter to do: feed, clothe and share a word of encouragement with our homeless friends.  

Please know how much I appreciate your faithful giving and loyal support. You are the wind beneath our wings as you continue to help us in this ministry of rescue. May God bless you richly for your compassion.

Pastor Michael L. Brown

Executive Director