NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lifeway Christian Resources employees spread some early Christmas cheer by donating a total of $110,000 to support two local organizations—the Nashville Rescue Mission and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.
“One of our company values is ‘be better together,’ which includes the element of serving. Jesus modeled a life of loving the poor, and we want to create more ways for our team to follow His example,” said Lifeway CEO Ben Mandrell. “My wife, Lynley, and I have sensed the Lord leading us to get more personally engaged with those in need, and we hope to lead Lifeway to become more actively engaged as well. This is one of our big goals for 2022.
“Although Lifeway team members work and live in many different places around the country, many of our employees have come to call the Nashville area home. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner with these two organizations doing important work to help people who are in immediate need in our own backyard,” Mandrell said.
The Nashville Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered community committed to helping the hungry, homeless and hurting. The mission serves close to 1,200 hot meals a day, 365 days a year.
“Around 800 men, women, and children come to the Mission each day seeking shelter from the cold, along with warm clothing, nutritious food, and a hot shower,” said Cheryl Chunn, vice president of development for the Nashville Rescue Mission. “Others are grateful to enter our Life Recovery programs. Your giving ensures we are ready to bless them in their time of need. Together we are the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville helps to provide affordable housing for hardworking Middle Tennessee families. Future Habitat for Humanity homeowners qualify for Habitat’s homeownership program, meet income qualifications, attend education classes and work with their sponsors and volunteers to build their homes. Habitat homes are not free. Habitat homeowners pay a 0% APR mortgage made possible because of funding partners like Lifeway.
“We are so grateful to Lifeway for this generous gift at the holidays,” said Kevin M. Roberts, director of Faith Relations, Habitat of Greater Nashville. “There is a future homeowner in our program right now who will move into a brand new Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville home in north Nashville next year because of this benevolence.”
Since 1985, Habitat of Greater Nashville has built or recycled more than 1,313 homes, nearly 1,000 locally, and served more than 3,268 family members including 2,060 children.
Lifeway began its Community Fund partnership with the Nashville Rescue Mission and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville in 2017. Since then, Lifeway employees have served meals, hosted events, and provided kitchen equipment to the Nashville Rescue Mission and participated in Habitat’s build days. In addition, every new Habitat homeowner in Middle Tennessee receives a CSB Bible from Lifeway.
“While Lifeway employees serve their neighborhoods through their local churches, we’ve also developed a fund that allows our team to combine their resources to contribute to people in need,” Mandrell said. “I’m floored by the generosity of our employees and am grateful to present these gifts on their behalf.”
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About Lifeway Christian Resources
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, Christian music and movies, VBS, and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Lifeway receives no denominational funding and operates as a self-supporting nonprofit.
About Nashville Rescue Mission
Nashville Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered community dedicated to providing hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for eternity to the hungry, homeless, and hurting. The Mission provides meals, safe shelter, and clothing to those in need, as well as support and long-term assistance for those struggling with homelessness, addictions, and other life-debilitating problems. With a focus on two ministries—Guest Services Ministries and Recovery Ministries—the Mission operates almost entirely from donated foods, materials, and generous contributions from individuals, churches, and organizations. Established in 1954, Nashville Rescue Mission is a faith-focused, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and does not rely upon government funds. Visit nashvillerescuemission.org to learn more.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to help hardworking Middle Tennesseans achieve homeownership in four counties: Davidson, Wilson, Dickson and Cheatham counties. Future Habitat homeowners attend home education classes, work at the build site, and volunteer at Habitat’s retail outlet, the ReStore. To request an application or to receive more information about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, call 615-254-HOME (4663), or visit http://www.habitatnashville.org/davidson.
