Faith. Strength. Structure. That’s what Melesha says it took for her to move past her situation 25 years ago, and that’s what she encourages clients to build on today in her role at Raleigh Rescue Mission.
Melesha was 18 years old, with an infant daughter to care for, when she came to the Mission seeking a secure place. She credits the practical and spiritual lessons she learned with helping her become a better person for herself and her family. Her daughter is 26 now, and Melesha has four additional children and six grandchildren. “They are all doing very well,” Melesha proclaims gratefully.
These days, Melesha works as an On-Call Client Support Specialist for women who have joined the Mission’s New Life Plan. She understands the courage and commitment it takes for the clients to persevere because she’s walked a mile in their shoes. The clients respect her and appreciate her encouragement.
“What excites me about being back at the Mission is being able to give back in ministry. It’s a fantastic thing to be able to serve from a place of humility. The New Life Plan deals with several aspects of life, not just what someone might need physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. There’s structure, and that’s sometimes hard for people when they first come in. But the goals the clients set for themselves and the tools that the Mission offers, help you gain clarity on where your life could go. It helps you become a whole person in essence. It’s pretty amazing.”
“My desire is to walk in the purpose that God has set for me,” continues Melesha, “to reach out and let people know that what God did for me, he can do for them. We just have to trust Him along the way. I’m honored to be able to come back to the Raleigh Rescue Mission in this way.”
We thank Melesha and all the staff at Raleigh Rescue for their dedication to the ministry and their service to the men, women and children who enter the New Life Plan.