Rescue Atlanta has pretty much wrecked my life. I came feeling sorry for the homeless but I've really fallen in love with them this summer. I feel like I've found my purpose, the reason I was made. And that is to serve and show the love of Christ to the people society deems worthless and invaluable. After seeing and knowing the need, I can't leave and go back living my life with a self centered focus. RA has challenged the way I think about the homeless and the poor. I came thinking that I was somehow better than people on the streets but working at Rescue Atlanta kind of threw all my own self-righteousness and arrogance back into my face. I don't think I really understood what it meant to "come to Christ as you are" until I came to Rescue Atlanta. I'd known the Christ who loved the little children... but then everyone loves the little children. I'd never truly known the Christ who loved the prostitutes, pimps and alcoholics...ect. and desperately wants to set them free. Something huge that Rescue Atlanta made me learn was how to rely on the Holy Spirit not only just by making sure I spend time with him consistently so that I know Him. (I mean I'm def still learning I def don't have that one down) haha. He showed me though that His Spirit is not my servant rather I'm His Spirits servant. I'd find myself thinking God I wish you would do this or that for this person... instead of asking him what he wanted me to do. Katie you are incredible, everything you do for Rescue Atlanta just leaves me with my mouth hanging open catching flies. You are amazing. I wish everyone knew how much went into this ministry.
Lydia- D’Ville, GA
I decided to serve at Rescue Atlanta this summer after my classes finished. I thought it would be an amazing opportunity for me to see what real issues ministers tackle, how to assist people in their daily needs, and what urban ministry looks like. Little did I know, that the ministry team , congregation, and people on the street would bless me so much. I had little expectations of the internship when I started. What amazed me was the amount of love I received from everyone. The best thing about the internship was just that- the interpersonal relationships and connections I met with people who are on a journey with Christ. I was so humbled and unaware of the homeless situation in Atlanta. I think my materialistic-ethnocentric–selfish lifestyle had almost blinded me to those marginalized by society. I grew closer to Christ in my time at RA. The scriptures came alive to me. Especially Micah 6:6-8 NASB 6 With what shall I come to the LORD And bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, With yearling calves? 7Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? The word “Justice” rang aloud to me. This word means (to help those who have no voice) or make right. We are called as Christ followers to love. This means actively choosing to look beyond ourselves. For so long, I have been so selfish. God used RA to help move me beyond my circumstances, and my experience to hear others. I want to help those who have no voice of their own. Thank You Rescue Atlanta for giving me a chance to serve and thank you for serving me.
Rebecca- Graduate Student of Divinity at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
I was truly transformed through an internship with Rescue Atlanta this past summer. Not only did I get a behind the scenes look at full time ministry, but I actually got to be hands-on involved in everything from street feeding to children’s ministry, serving at outreaches to working in the clothing closet, witnessing to cooperate prayer! My favorite part was building relationships, and getting to take time to listen and learn people’s stories, making great friendships along the way. It was truly awesome to wake up every morning and be confident God was going to use me to minister to someone, even if I had no idea who or how. He was so good to me, and was able to use my time in Atlanta to show me what it really means to have a servants heart, and rely on Him fully! No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord- there is so much room to serve, learn, and grow through an internship with Rescue Atlanta."
Jenn- University of Maryland
