O.U.R. Mission… And Yours
by Rob Swanson

What would you call a man who is responsible for saving and improving hundreds of lives every year, leading them to the Lord, completing the education of high-school dropouts and offering hope to this and future generations? A Champion? A Saint? Or maybe, a modern-day hero.

“No, no, let’s not put it that strong,” says Don Moody, Executive Director of Orlando Union Rescue Mission, “it’s just being a servant of the Lord. It’s a calling, you know?” His mild manner and soft accent lend an appealing innocence to his words, but this elderly man has built O.U.R.M. into a giant engine of hope to the homeless of Orlando. He is a preacher, educator, fund-raiser, and most of all, a man of tremendous vision.

Forty-two years ago he tried to get into the insurance industry, despite his previous work at a West Virginia Mission and a degree in Theology. “I was looking for any kind of job to support my family, and insurance seemed like a good idea.” Moody speaks with a sense of wonder. “The fellow I was interviewing with had books about the Mission in Charleston and he immediately said ‘I don’t want to talk to you about insurance, I want to talk about the Mission.’” Turns out he was the Treasurer of the beleaguered City Rescue Mission, searching for a new director. A position Don and his wife Patricia accepted with little pay, no employees and the responsibility of caring for the city’s homeless. For over eight years they served, turning the Mission into a robust charity, still with little pay.

Why did they keep doing it? The question took him by surprise, as if the answer was obvious. “Oh, we love it. We really do.”

Their next posting as Executive Director of Huntington City Mission in West Virginia brought a new challenge: Depression. Employee turmoil in the beginning of their term kicked off an emotional battle in Moody that didn’t prevent him from working but brought heaviness to his soul and robbed him of joy. Still, the mission grew and Moody caught the eye of Orlando Union Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors. What was supposed to be a quick meeting with a friend on the backend of a vacation turned into a full scale interview with the O.U.R.M. Board. A job was offered, but Moody wasn’t looking for a change. After months of prodding from Orlando, much prayer and counsel, the Moody family moved South and took over Directorship of O.U.R.M.

At that time, 1978, the Mission collected about $100,000 a year to fund the 44-bed dormitory and kitchen for homeless men, and a part-time bookkeeper who, according to Moody, “really knew how to talk to the Lord.” Moody, in typical candor, admitted his struggle with depression to his new employee and asked her to pray for him. After that prayer he felt the cloud begin to lift. Since then, when depression starts to rear up, he focuses on God’s Word and physical exercise. He’s had no significant reoccurrences since. It did, however, create a very real empathy with those he serves.

Homelessness is also often hopelessness, and in the 1970’s the homeless demographic was undergoing a major transformation. O.U.R. Mission, in its first 25 years helped mostly men in their 50’s and 60’s, but by the time Moody took over in 1978, over forty percent of the homeless were families, many of them single mothers of small children. The average age of adult homeless dropped to 30-years-old. Housing men and women at one location was problematic at best. Don and Patricia Moody met the challenge with not just vision for greater facilities, but also greater opportunities for education.

Once approval came from the Board, fund-raising and location scouting began. The city boasted prices too high for consideration, so they began looking in the weeds, finding property and prices touched by God. In 1988 a new Mission home opened its doors on West Washington Street (which is no longer ‘in the weeds’ with Orlando’s urban sprawl) with so many rooms Moody was sure it would take months to fill. They maxed out in a matter of weeks.

Welfare’s answer to homelessness is to throw money at it; O.U.R. Mission’s answer is to provide spiritual sustenance and education. The Mission house is for “transitional housing.” To qualify for this free program the client must be motivated to improve their situation and willing to break from destructive behavior.

Unlike the Men’s division, which offers services every day, the Mission home provides Wednesday and Sunday services that residents are encouraged not to attend. “Our goal is to integrate them back into society, so we encourage everyone to find a local church, not to be dependant on our services,” Moody explains.

The educational program begins with the Victorious Life Program, an in-depth introduction to the Christian life. “A lot of them have never heard the gospel. They may be aware of Jesus, but not what He’s done for us. By the end of the program, most accept the Lord.” Residents without a High School diploma enter the Career Learning Center where they can earn that diploma. “Not a GED, but an actual diploma.” That accomplishment can be followed by vocational training, or in some cases higher education at Valencia.

The Mission now encompasses the Men’s Division, Women and Children’s Center, and Family Life Center. Moody’s single employee is now accompanied by over sixty employees, including Moody’s daughter and a team of dedicated workers, counselors and educators. Plans are on the board for an expansion, including a retirement home, food distribution facilities, and further housing. All of it shows a forward thinking vision for serving the unfortunate, from a man who considers it his fortune to be working with them.

What is the most rewarding aspect of Mission ministry for Moody? “Oh, it has to be going all over town and seeing people who have come through our ministry into healthy, spiritual and working lives. Some barely eke out an existence, others do real well. All are children of the Lord and all work at giving something back.”

With thousands of people coming out of O.U.R. Mission, chances are you know – or are – one of them. Our thanks go out to the Moody’s and their team of caring professionals!

For more information on O.U.R.M. visit their website at www.ourm.org, or join their efforts with a gift of your own.

HOPE TOTES

O.U.R. Mission will be distributing Hope Totes at the Easter Banquet for the Homeless.

This is your opportunity to donate a bag of unopened personal care products such as:
· Toothbrush
· Socks
· Toothpaste
· Tissues
· Soap
· Shoelaces
· Shaving Cream
· Shampoo & Conditioner
· Hand or Body Lotion
· Disposable Razors
· Deodorant
· Brush & Comb
· Lip Balm

For more information, please contact LeeDawn Carpenter at 407-422-4855 ext. 116.