Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness and Looking Ahead with Hope
Each year, we pause to reflect on the impact God has made through the Medford Gospel Mission—giving thanks for lives touched by His grace and for the many people who make this ministry possible. As we enter our 67th year as a para-church ministry, we remain deeply grateful for the board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and church partners who have faithfully served with biblical conviction in an ever-changing culture.
Without your generous investment of time, resources, and talents, the stories of transformation we celebrate today would not be possible.
Our Mission: Reaching the Lost & Gathering the Reached
We take our mission—Reaching the Lost and Gathering the Reached—very seriously. We reach people who are caught in cycles of poverty and separation from God and His people, and we gather them into local churches right here in our community.
While our work at the Mission is important, we know that true restoration happens within the believing community. The local church is where relationships deepen, discipleship takes root, and long-term transformation flourishes. For this reason, we desire to serve the local church we love by championing the Gospel with clarity, compassion, courage, and joy.
As men and women walk through our discipleship process, we encourage them to connect with a local church where they can build authentic, healthy relationships that last a lifetime.
As we reflect with gratitude on God’s work this past year, we also look ahead with hope—trusting that He will continue to shape our ministry, deepen our partnerships, and expand the reach of the Gospel throughout our community.
Growing Partnerships with Local Churches
A key part of our vision for the coming year is continued growth in partnership with local churches. Each partnership looks a little different—and that’s a good thing. Whether through prayer, service, discipleship, hospitality, or giving, every congregation plays a role in God’s story of restoration.
We are thankful for every church family the Lord has brought alongside us, and we look forward to seeing how He will continue to weave our stories together in the year ahead.
Expanding the Pillars Program
We are also excited to expand the Pillars Program in the coming year. Pillars are graduates of our process who desire to give back by becoming a steady, shepherding presence within our micro-community. Anchored in their local churches, they model the Gospel through prayer, reliability, and intentional encouragement.
Having walked the path of restoration themselves, their presence strengthens our shared life together and helps cultivate a community where men and women truly flourish.
Financial Stewardship
The Medford Gospel Mission operates 100% free from federal, state, and local government funding, allowing us to serve in ways that honor God and align with the mission of His Church. Because of your generosity, we are able to reach people throughout our community with hope and restoration.
Financial Support (Fiscal Year: October 2024 – September 2025)
Thanks to $874,446 in financial contributions, the Mission was equipped to reach our community with the hope of the Gospel.
Sources of Support:
- 81% Individual Contributions
- 9% Local Churches
- 8% Businesses
- 2% Recycling
Expenses
Because of your generosity, we operated 11% below total financial contributions, demonstrating careful stewardship and ensuring that most resources went directly toward restoring men and women.
Use of Funds:
- 69% Restoration Program
- 19% Administration
- 12% Fundraising
Gifts In Kind
This past year, we received $459,928 in gifts in kind, including food, clothing, and essential household goods. These donations—provided by individuals, businesses, non-profits, and churches—allow us to maintain a low operational budget and, more importantly, build relationships with people, which is the foundation of real life change.
Legacy Gifts
In addition to regular financial support, individuals continue to bless the Mission through legacy gifts. These gifts have allowed us to complete much-needed upgrades, improve facilities, and plan for future ministry needs. This past year, legacy funds helped us replace a donation pickup van, upgrade a walk-in freezer, install new exterior lighting at both campuses, and remodel a house at our Bartlett Campus.
Outcomes That Reflect Real Life Change
At the Medford Gospel Mission, outcomes are never just numbers—they are storied outcomes. We value relationships and aim to equip people for long-term development. Our outcomes focus on learning to relate rightly to God, self, others, and creation.
This past year:
- Men and women invested 76,590 hours in restoration.
- Staff, volunteers, local church members, and participants invested 95,310 hours working side by side toward restoration.
Relational restoration takes time, and these hours represent real people dedicating real time to rebuilding their lives.
Stories of Restored Relationships
Restored Relationship with God
Every journey of restoration begins with trusting God’s gracious invitation. Many arrive carrying fear or discouragement, yet through Scripture and community, they discover His steady presence.
Tawyna shared:
“It teaches me that God has us where He wants us, that with His love and grace all things are possible. All we have to do is believe and trust in our Savior.”
Laura expressed similar confidence:
“The closer I get to Him, the less fear and worry I have… when I start to doubt I pray and He renews my strength!”
This growing trust—fear giving way to faith—is the beginning of restored relationship with God.
Restored Relationship with Self
As people grasp God’s grace, they begin to see themselves differently—no longer defined by shame, but by dignity and purpose.
Jacqualine reflected:
“God’s grace and mercy are the greatest accomplishment in my life; mostly for my awareness of self and accountability.”
Another participant shared:
“I realized that I was not ready for reconciliation… God knew I needed more growing up before I can deal with my family.”
Tammy expressed gratitude for a renewed identity:
“God has provided me with a job I love… The grace He shows me is never ending even though I am undeserving.”
This kind of self-understanding is the fruit of restored identity.
Restored Relationship with Others
As participants practice listening, honesty, and presence, relationships with others become places of healing and service.
One participant shared:
“Engaging directly with others lets me understand their challenges… This active listening fosters deeper empathy in me.”
Laura described her church family with joy:
“They are all so very kind and excited to hear how I’m doing… This group of Christians are truly amazing!!!!”
These relationships demonstrate how community shapes lasting transformation.
Restored Relationship with Creation
Restored relationship with creation includes work, stewardship, and meaningful tasks. As men and women grow, they learn to see work not as a burden but as worship.
Shannon shared:
“Seeing chores as a way to please God helps me approach everything with a better attitude… This shift—seeing everyday responsibilities as acts of worship—reflects a restored view of creation.”
These stories are just a small glimpse behind the numbers—real people investing real time in real restoration. Each step of growth reflects lives being rebuilt by God’s grace as men and women learn to walk in renewed relationships with God, themselves, others, and creation.
Thank you for your partnership in this work. We look forward with hope to all that God will continue to do in the year ahead.
Partner with us in God’s work of relational restoration.