Courage to do What’s Right
250 years ago, 56 men signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, recognizing fully that they had just told the most powerful country in the world who was responsible for the rebellion that was about to take place. Being the 250th year Anniversary of our nation’s founding right on the heals of the 25th Anniversary of September 11th and one year mark of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the topic of courage.
As a protestant Christian, each October I recall that on October 31, 1517, German monk Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He did so during a time in church history in which making such a stand, even among fellow Christians, required a kind of courage that many would say… can only come from God. This is why our chapel topic for this month is “Courage to Do What’s Right”.
God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9.
For our residents courage began by taking their first step into the Mission. “Will they accept me? What if I don’t get along with everyone in there? What if I’m not ready to quit? What if I fail?” These are the kinds of questions racing through the mind of a person approaching our doorsteps for the first time. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s faith in motion.
Every day presents moments to choose the easy way or the right way. God calls His people to act with conviction: to stand for truth, to speak up for justice, to own their choices, and to trust Him with the outcome. Courage is the power to obey when fear tells you to quit. It shows up in honesty, integrity, forgiveness, and faithfulness under pressure. The Mission grows stronger when courage becomes our culture.
Over the course of this month, we will discuss courage in four ways:
- Courage to confess who we are. It takes courage to be honest, to admit mistakes, ask forgiveness, and start fresh. Confession isn’t weakness, it’s strength in truth. Psalm 32:5
- Courage to confront problems. Learning to deal with problems rather than avoiding them. Silence in the face of wrong is still a choice. Ephesians 4:15
- Courage to continue. It’s not just one time boldness, but being steadfast over time. Courage is faith that keeps going. 2 Chronicles 15:7
- Courage to stand alone. True courage is obeying God when everyone else walks away. Better to stand alone with God than fit in without Him. Daniel 3:18
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’ God doesn’t ask us to be fearless; He asks us to be faithful. Each act of courage strengthens our character, builds trust in our community, and shines light into dark places. Please pray for our staff and residents as they seek God’s favor and to grant them courage on the journey from homelessness to independence.
Brian Bouteller
Executive Director
Finding Her Footing: Zoe’s Story of Restoration at the Mission
When Zoe Cromwell arrived at the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission just over two months ago, she was at her lowest and most broken point. Struggling with her physical and mental health, she felt entirely lost in her faith and overwhelmed by vulnerability.
Zoe’s journey to the Mission was marked by profound betrayal and hardship. Seeking a safe environment for herself and her eight-year-old daughter, Nattie, Zoe had initially tried staying with someone close who she thought was stable. Unbeknownst to Zoe, that person was privately battling a severe relapse, struggling with sobriety, and using inhalants. As their host became increasingly erratic, Zoe became the target of shifting moods and hostility. Eventually, after taking every dollar of Zoe’s tax refund and leaving her with zero financial means, the person drove Zoe and young Nattie to a bus station in The Dalles, dropped them off, and told them to “figure it out”.
Stranded and desperate, Zoe sat outside a store with her daughter and her food stamp card, praying for an hour straight. “God, I don’t know what to do, and I need you,” she cried out. In an incredible answer to prayer, a kind stranger stopped, provided them with a safe place to sleep for the night, and gave them enough funds to make their way back to Grants Pass. Though they briefly tried staying at a local tent camp, the chaotic, unsafe environment—where drug use was rampant and sleep was impossible—proved that they needed true refuge. Remembering the Mission from the time she lived in Grants Pass years ago, Zoe knew it was her last and best hope.
Walking through the doors, Zoe was terrified and plagued by negative self-talk, fearing she would be judged or punished. Instead, she was met with warmth and clear structure. For Zoe, maintaining her sobriety had always been paramount. Approaching four years of sobriety on November 6th, Zoe viewed even the smallest infraction as a dangerous open door to past destruction. What kept her anchored through the darkest nights was her fierce love for Nattie, a small reserve of willpower, and a deepening reliance on God.
At the Mission, Zoe found that the structure and rules weren’t frightening; rather, they provided a profound sense of safety, mutual understanding, and stability. She discovered a community where her Christian faith could be openly practiced without fear of ridicule or ostracization.
As her confidence grew, Zoe embraced new responsibilities, stepping into a leadership role as a resident assistant to help other women break down overwhelming life goals into achievable steps. Working alongside the Women’s Coordinator, Zoe developed a practical budget, completed her orientation with WorkSource, refined her resume, and began applying for receptionist positions.
Today, Zoe is looking toward the future with genuine peace. She is applying for jobs, dreaming of buying a car, and building a stable foundation for her family. Young Nattie is thriving as well, recently sharing a heartwarming dream where Jesus and God visited her to tell her that she is beautiful inside and out.
Reflecting on her journey, Zoe is overcome with emotion and gratitude. “Without this place, I probably wouldn’t be here,” she shares through tears. “We come to the door broken, at our lowest, and vulnerable… and it is amazing to know we can be honest and not feel worthless. You helped me and my daughter, and you renewed my faith. I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Dear Friend of the Mission,
Because of your unwavering generosity and faithful prayers, a vision that was once just on paper is about to become a reality! We are thrilled to invite you to the groundbreaking ceremony for MissionView Village on Friday, October 30th. Because we operate entirely without government funding, this milestone truly belongs to you. You are the reason we are able to build a secure, peaceful community for older adults transitioning out of homelessness. Please join us as we turn the dirt and celebrate what God is doing through your continued support. Ceremony details are included below.
Thank you!
-The Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission Staff
The Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, October 30, at 9:00 AM to officially launch the construction of MissionView Village. Located at 1650 Harbeck Road, this new 55+ community of 20 tiny homes is designed specifically to offer a permanent housing solution and restored dignity for older adults on fixed incomes who are experiencing homelessness.
This project was funded entirely through the generosity and support of the community without using tax-payer dollars.
Currently, many older adults in Grants Pass face an impossible equation: attempting to survive on limited fixed incomes while facing skyrocketing rental costs that can demand up to 80% of their monthly budget. MissionView Village will directly address this crisis by pairing affordable homes with the Mission’s proven programming.
Beyond just providing a safe place to live, residents will receive continued case management to support their long-term independence. This includes monthly visits with Mission staff to ensure residents are successfully managing their finances, developing a small savings, keeping up with necessary medical appointments, and participating in community events to end isolation.
It is important to note that MissionView Village is not a public accommodation and will not accept direct public applications. Instead, it serves as a specialized next step for individuals who are already participating in the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission’s established programs. Prospective residents must first come to the main Mission campus, where staff will work with them to vet, stabilize, and assess their specific needs to ensure they are prepared for the independence of the Village.
Executive Director Brian Bouteller will open the ceremony, followed by remarks from Oregon State Representative Dwayne Yunker, other community leaders and a ceremonial turning of the dirt to celebrate this milestone.
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for MissionView Village
WHEN: Friday, October 30, 2026, Ceremony begins: 9:00 AM
WHERE: 1650 Harbeck Road Grants Pass, OR
