From a Heart Attack to a Change of Heart

Don restored his physical and spiritual health at Muskegon Rescue Mission.

You may have heard about people being one paycheck away from homelessness. In Don’s case, it was one major health crisis.

A little over two years ago, Don thought he had the flu. But when he went to the emergency room to get relief from the nausea, he learned he had suffered a heart attack. Further testing revealed that Don needed open heart surgery—and soon. Don underwent a successful quintuple bypass, but he was unable to work for a year.

“I had no insurance, no work, no income,” Don says. “I used every cent I had to pay rent. When I was out of money, I was homeless.”

Don heard about Muskegon Rescue Mission and knew it was his only option. “I had no idea what they did,” he admits. “But they had a bed and a warm meal for me, it was safe, and it was a place for me to lay my head.”

Before long, Don learned that there was much more to Muskegon Rescue Mission. He went to the Community Resource Center to look for employment. He attended chapel every night. And he joined our Man of Integrity Program, a comprehensive, year-long plan to help men rebuild their lives on a solid biblical foundation.

“For the first 90 days, I worked every single meal in the kitchen,” Don remembers. “It was drudgery, but I learned about grace, humility, and servanthood. I learned what it means to be a brother in Christ and how to love the Lord with my whole heart.”

Although Muskegon Rescue Mission had never been part of Don’s plans, he sees that it was God’s plan for him…and he is grateful.

I CAME TO LOVE THIS PLACE, THE PEOPLE. IT’S BEEN EYE-OPENING, LIFE-CHANGING. IT’S LIKE NO OTHER GOD EXPERIENCE I’VE HAD IN CHURCH IN MY WHOLE LIFE. IT’S BEEN A HEART CHANGE. AND I KNOW GOING FORWARD, MY LIFE IS GOING TO BE BETTER BECAUSE I’VE BEEN HERE.”

Today, a proud graduate of the program, Don has now secured a job and is moving into his new home. He says, “I feel as strong as I’ve ever been. My endurance is back. My mindset is different. My priorities have changed. My mission is to do everything unto the Lord, in His will, in His timing.” Thank you for helping Don restore his physical and spiritual health at Muskegon Rescue Mission. “This place is special,” he says.

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