Today, when people think about poverty, they often focus exclusively on needs and deficits. In doing so what is already present is often overlooked. We are taught to ask what is missing, what is broken, and what must be fixed. But at the Medford Gospel Mission, we have learned that restoration begins somewhere else—with the gifts and capacities God has already placed within people.
That conviction is shaping a project we are currently working on called Daily Bread.
The Daily Bread project is not yet complete. The space is still being remodeled, and processes are still being developed. And yet, something important is already happening. From the very beginning, this work is being shaped by the assets of the community itself. Men and women are contributing skills, creativity, and labor—learning, problem-solving, and stewarding what has been entrusted to them. The process itself has become formative, inviting participation rather than mere receiving.
Bread offers a fitting image for this season. It rises not because it is rushed or forced, but because life is already within it. In the same way, this project is growing by honoring what people already carry—their abilities, work ethic, and desire to contribute with purpose. Even before a single pastry is shared, dignity is being practiced through collaboration and responsibility.
As Daily Bread takes shape, the vision is simple: to create a shared place where people learn skills, do meaningful work, and use what they create to bless others. Not as a program designed to fix people, but as a space that recognizes them as image-bearers with something to offer.
As you read the stories in this month’s newsletter, we invite you to notice the quiet faithfulness woven through them. What you will see is not a finished product, but restoration unfolding through participation, patience, and shared responsibility—one small act of faithfulness at a time.
Restored Relationship with Others
Over the past month, we have seen encouraging growth in relational restoration as participants practice healthier connection through respect, consistency, and meaningful community. These stories reflect how restoration often shows up in everyday conversations, renewed family relationships, and learning to build trust over time.
Clemente continues to experience meaningful healing in his relationship with his father. He spoke with gratitude and respect about their connection, and staff noted clear growth in trust and consistency where there was once distance. His progress reflects the slow rebuilding of family relationships through humility and perseverance.
Matteo has been making steady progress as he works toward building meaningful, healthy relationships within his church community. He has been intentionally increasing his participation and continuing to pursue consistent involvement as part of his restoration process. This commitment reflects a growing desire for accountability and belonging beyond the Mission.
Dee has been encouraged by the relationships she is building with her church family, and she shared that these connections have helped reassure her that she has made a good choice for her spiritual growth. She has also been getting along well with others in the program, showing respect and kindness in her daily interactions.
Restored Relationship with Creation
Restoration often becomes visible through stewardship — learning to care for responsibilities, time, and daily rhythms with consistency. As participants practice faithfulness in small things, we see dignity restored through structure, discipline, and meaningful contribution to community life.
Jacqualine and Arick participated in a recent talent show as a comedy duo. It was encouraging to see the strength of relationships within the Mission and growing connections with local churches. Community members attended to show support, and both were hilarious.
Jacqualine continues to grow in responsibility and wise use of her time. She turned in her Term 2 Action Plan and serves faithfully in donor relations, using downtime to study Scripture and work toward her goals. As she enters Term 2, she shared that she feels blessed and grateful to be at the Mission and looks forward to continued growth.
Makenzie is growing in responsibility through daily chores and service. Even when not scheduled, she steps in to help set up for dinner or prepare salads and soup. She is also learning to speak more thoughtfully, choosing her words with greater care.
Misty has been showing encouraging progress as she acclimates to the Mission community. Staff noted that she has been capable and diligent in completing chores, and she has been doing well helping with tasks like preparing salads. She has also shown creativity and skill while working with flowers, contributing meaningfully alongside others.
Restored Relationship with God
Over the past month, we have seen encouraging spiritual growth among program participants as they take meaningful steps toward restored relationships with God. In different ways, individuals are beginning to seek Him through Scripture, discernment, and a desire for genuine transformation. These stories reflect how God works patiently—drawing hearts toward truth, shaping new rhythms, and renewing hope.
Vanessa has been growing in her hunger for God’s Word. As her church studies Genesis, she shared that learning to understand Scripture has felt like a meaningful accomplishment. She has been building spiritual discipline into her daily life, including waking up early and staying consistent in her desire to grow.
Michael is pursuing spiritual maturity through discernment and a desire to stay rooted in church community. He has been thoughtfully considering an important decision about where to worship, weighing two strong church options that he values. Rather than rushing, he is approaching this season with intentionality as he seeks God’s direction and considers where he can best grow, be accountable, and serve.
Theresa expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be here and openly acknowledged years of sin and brokenness. With humility, she shared that she is ready to pursue a strong and renewed relationship with God. She has embraced this new season with hope as she looks forward to continued spiritual growth.
Rachel has expressed joy and stability in her commitment to her new church, sharing that she intends to remain connected to her church family long-term. She has also expressed a desire to quit nicotine, recognizing the importance of staying focused and disciplined as she continues growing in her faith.
Restored Relationship with Self
Over the past month, we have seen encouraging personal growth as participants continue learning how to live with greater stability, confidence, and self-awareness. In different ways, individuals are learning to face anxiety, build healthier thinking patterns, and take responsibility for daily life with renewed hope and perseverance.
Brian continues to adjust to normal life marked by sobriety and clear thinking. He has demonstrated increased ability to engage daily responsibilities with greater awareness, emotional regulation, and intentionality. As his thinking has cleared, he has shown improved judgment and a growing capacity to reflect on past patterns while making healthier decisions in the present.
Laura has been learning to face anxiety with honesty and perseverance. During a recent week of mixed emotions, she recognized both the progress she has made and the patience required for the future she hopes for. She was willing to seek advice and try a new routine, and she shared that the change was helpful and that she is doing better now.
Tawnya has been making progress in building confidence and creativity while serving in the kitchen. Although she still experiences anxiety about what to prepare at times, she is learning to generate appropriate meal ideas and regularly seeks suggestions from peers. This collaborative approach has helped her continue developing skills and contribute meaningfully within the micro-community.
Thank you for your continued support.
Partner with us in God’s work of relational restoration.