Larry Serves Up a Slice of Encouragement

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV

College students at a local university know exactly who to go to when they’re looking for encouragement and compassion as they deal with the responsibilities of college...and he’s not a counselor.

They stop by their dining room and see Larry, who serves up hot, fresh pizza with a big smile and an upbeat greeting for every customer.

We introduced you to Larry, a former resident of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, some time ago. In his previous life, he was addicted to drugs and alcohol -- he’d even steal just to get his next fix. After walking out on his daughter, he found himself “knee-deep in drugs” and quickly approaching rock-bottom.

But that was over three years ago. Today, Larry’s a completely different person!

Walking with Christ

Your gifts gave Larry the opportunity, through the recovery classes at MRM, to clean up his life -- and his soul. And part of that process for Larry came through his experience of “Godly love.” Larry says, “MRM is more than a building. I can go to the staff and talk to them...ask questions...get feedback. MRM showed me how to love God. It’s incredible!”

Larry found that by putting the Lord first in his life, blessings followed...including a renewed relationship with his daughter, now grown and serving in the Navy. “She makes an effort to see me,” says Larry.

Larry has been clean and sober for over three years. He loves his job serving pizza, but he’s doing so much more with his life. “MRM taught me to stand up and be a man...I’ve learned to walk with Christ,” Larry says. “I know He’s with me. My life is a testimony.”

Giving, Not Taking

Larry used to steal from others for drugs, but now he’s giving away as much hope and encouragement to as many people as he can. He’s no longer a “taker,” but a “giver” who wants to help students feel welcome by genuinely getting to know them.

“Serving pizza is not only a job. I do what I can to encourage other people. To connect with others, I take it as a personal interest,” Larry says.

Your generosity has had a real impact on Larry...on his total life-change. And, he’s thankful for you. “Thank you,” he says. “It’s your donations that keep this place in business...to help guys like me find Christ.”