Testimonials

Founded in 1977 by Lexington congregations, the Resource Office for Social Ministries provides pertinent information to the religious community about persons requesting financial assistance. ROSM works with agencies and religious groups as the liaison in finding appropriate resources to meet valid individual needs.

“I am one of the few pastors who actually remember Lexington before ROSM. Every pastor and every church secretary dealt with everyone who called or walked in off the street. There was no one to call for advice. No one to e-mail for information. Each person was all alone as they faced the individual needs of the poor of Lexington. With the coming of ROSM in 1976, all that changed. Today, ROSM provides us with a clearing-house of information. We have communication with social workers and churches. We are not alone anymore. Long live ROSM!” ~ Rev. Dennis Burrows, Associate Pastor, Southern Hills Methodist Church

Bobby

Bobby has lived and worked in a lot of places: Georgia, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Ohio. He’s worked as an executive chef in restaurants. And he’s battled a drug and alcohol addiction. But it wasn’t until he found Lexington Rescue Mission that he began to win his battle and his travels ended. Bobby had been in rehab programs before. He was 19 when his sister caught him smoking pot and told his parents. His parents gave him a choice – either go to the program or don’t come home. "I went for all the wrong reasons – I went for them and not for me." This time he decided to do it for himself. "I do believe in divine appointment. I do believe that my Lord and Savior brought me here. When you are forced to face yourself in the mirror everyday, and you are finally sober, you have to look at the wake of destruction you have caused. And it is a sobering though, but that is where grace comes in." Bobby has since graduated from the Lexington Rescue Mission’s Life Renewal program and moved back to Knoxville, Tennessee. He is currently interviewing for a job as executive chef of a bed and breakfast nestled in the Smokey Mountains. He has found a new church family there and is actively involved in the church’s Celebrate Recovery ministry. Bobby credits the Mission for helping him change his attitude. "The one thing I’m really grateful to Lexington Rescue Mission for is teaching me how to trust. I had some major trust issues, both in the program and with God. He showed me, 'Look, I’m for real,' and the more I trust him, the more freedom I’ve found in Christ…I’m not boasting about what I’ve done with my life, but what Christ has done for me is a miracle. I never thought I’d be able to stop drinking or using drugs or even lusting. Now I have real freedom."

Kim

Kim was raised in an upper class family, and had all the comforts money could buy. She doesn't know why she turned rebellious at age 18, but she was into drugs by age 20. A baby came at 27 and she quit drinking and using drugs during the pregnancy. At 29 Kim got married and had another child. Then her life turned upside down. Her dear mother became sick and died. Kim didn't realize until her mom passed that she was her "anchor to reality." Overwhelmed with grief, Kim was in a tailspin. She went to the doctor to find relief for depression and was given medication. Soon she was hooked again and went deeper into drugs. Before long, her husband divorced her, took her children away and kicked her out. The shock of losing her mother and her family made her realize that over that two year period she was all alone in the world with nothing and no one. Kim describes her plight in this way, "I had no money, no make up, not even a purse; just the clothes on my back when I showed up at the door of The Salvation Army. I was completely homeless and so scared. The people in charge were so very wonderful to me. They welcomed me in and gave me a caseworker to help me make a plan to pull myself out of this mess. It took me a long time to admit that I had a problem. The Safe Haven recovery program was a life-saver. We met twice a week, completed our workbooks, and talked about our feelings. I did whatever the caseworker told me to do. I went to Vocational Rehabilitation and then I got a job. The Salvation Army Chaplains were very kind and loving. It was their (the chaplains) loving actions that made me want to know about God’s love. I really can’t say enough about The Salvation Army." Kim has graduated to our honor dorm, "The Way House." She has given her life to Christ and regularly attends Bible study. Kim believes that Philippians 4: 12-13 is a reflection of her journey in life. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Keisha: If I had not found Step By Step I may have never become the woman or mother that I am today. Step By Step has taught me the true meaning of faith, how to forgive, love, and accept things I would not have before. Step By Step in general was and is a true blessing to me, but the staff makes the program. They are very strong women. I look at them as my angels. They believe in me. They don’t give up on me like everyone else. Step By Step helped my son learn about our good God. They started a path that led my son to make the decision to be saved.

Taryn: I have been active in SBS for 3 years now. Words can barely describe the progress & accomplishments that I have achieved & witnessed there. Personally I have learned so much about myself & my issues. My walk with Jesus Christ became clearer once I got to know the people of SBS. I am literally surrounded by people who understand my pain exactly. Even our fearless leaders have shared their stories with us. We know that we can discuss anything & express thoughts that we are having & they would never judge us. When we go on retreats we are given the opportunity to just let it all out & deal with it. During these two days we are able to learn so much through lectures, group discussions & prayer. I have been able to share things I could never share anywhere else. There is something to be said about being around people who are just like you while also being surrounded by godly people & honest, purposeful prayers. Sometimes I hear someone speak & I just cry because it is like they are speaking the words in my head. The best part is when I hear someone speak who used to be just like me. Just today one of the volunteers was talking about how wonderful it is not to be tied down any more by the horrible things in her past, & every single thing she said is an issue I am working on. There are not enough words to describe the hope & happiness that fills me with! We are not judged or looked down on there. That is the most important part of SBS because we can’t learn to deal with our troubles and face facts if we are not able to first express our feelings and work on our issues openly and honestly. I am so grateful for SBS. It has given me so much & I look forward to the day when I can give back.