P. O . B o x 1 1 2 5 4 , B i r m i n g h a m , A L 3 5 2 0 2 • R e s t o r i n g H o p e . . . R e s t o r i n g L i v e s • F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 8

THEY TOOK A CHANCE ON ME

When I heard Matthew Zarna’s story I pictured the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He talked about big Sunday dinners with extended family at his parents’ home in Fairfield, and he told stories that have been passed down for generations about his ancestors back in Greece. The stories have been told and retold around tables laden with Greek food until Matthew tells them with ease. Most of us know we descended from Ireland or England or Italy but Matthew knows the names of the people he descended from and even for many of them, how and when they died.

His parents were deeply in love and their marriage lasted 49 years. His dad died first, suddenly, from a stroke. His mom died after a lingering illness with cancer. Matthew had his own home and several different businesses at the time, working primarily as a Bail Bondsman. As his mom’s illness progressed she needed more and more care. Matthew, glad to be able to

help, found he was spending less and less time with his businesses. He began to suffer financially because of it but also because he was addicted to heroin.

He had had the same girlfriend for 10 years and she was also using drugs. He lost so much money from the neglect of his businesses and from his drug habit that he eventually lost his home. This put him in a downward spiral that resulted in the loss of his home, his girlfriend, and cars that he owned. He was homeless, an addict, and physically very sick.

He describes being dependent on his church for help getting into hospitals, motels, and shelters. Because of his inability to kick his addiction even his church family wearied of helping him. Family members turned their backs on him and he found himself alone. He had multiple health issues and on 12/31/12, Matthew was told by doctors that he was dying.

“I remember looking out my hospital window and seeing fireworks”, Matthew says, and he remembers clearly the irony of the dazzling fireworks against the stark backdrop of the devastating news he’d just received.

He left the hospital and checked himself into a Birmingham shelter. He stayed there until they began to realize that they were unable to care for someone in his grave condition. Matthew had a list of places to contact and Brother Bryan Mission was at the top of the list.

It was early in 2013 when Matthew showed up at Brother Bryan and he was met by Tom Zobel and Brian Keen.

“They decided to take a chance on me”, Matthew said, and they allowed him to come in off the street and welcomed him in.

Matthew says he immediately knew he was in the right place, and he has thrived at Brother Bryan Mission. Six years after his terminal medical diagnosis he is now living on his own and has joined the Brother Bryan Mission Staff. He talks animatedly about how he loves to help the men here. He remembers his own desperation and wants to help others who might be in similar situations.

“I belong to an exclusive club”, Matthew said. “You have to lose everything to gain everything. I have less materially than I had when I was 16 years old, but I have more contentment than I have ever had”.

Matthew says the men at Brother Bryan Mission have become his family, and he delights in spending holidays with the men here, who he calls his brothers. It may be different from the big Greek dinners in Fairfield, but they are family just the same. And years from now someone will be telling his story with great ease…the Greek with big, doleful eyes who lost everything, but gained so much more.

Matthew Zarna’s StoryBy Kay Etheredge

SINCE 1940

Jim EtheredgeExecutive Director

1616 2nd Avenue North

P.O. Box 11254Birmingham, AL 35202

(205) 322-0092 Office(205) 322-7820 Fax

www.bbmission.com

NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIPRECOVERY PROGRAM

BACK TO WORK PROGRAM

DISCIPLESHIP

CHAPEL SERVICES& BIBLE STUDY

NOURISHING MEALS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dean Nix President

John Bell Vice President

Ed Allen Secretary

Brian George Treasurer

Allan Causey

Sandi Gornati

Bryan Gunn

Jack Knight

Denny Ragland

Craig Westbrook

Jim Etheredge Executive Director

Keep up with

Brother Bryan Mission

or make donations

on our expanding webpage

www.bbmission.com

Dear Friend, February 2018

BBM has been experiencing a sense of revival in the last 5+ years. In 2011 the decision was made to change directions in the programming being carried out at BBM. Rather than simply addressing the effects of homelessness (food, clothes, and shelter) the Board and Executive Director decided to seek to address the underlying causes of homelessness and the barriers that hinder one from returning to a productive life. The results of that decision continue to bear fruit in profound ways. The expansion and upgrade of facilities. Knowing the new programming would need room to operate the Board authorized the purchase of the two-story building two doors down from its existing building. With each phase major additions were brought on line that added to or enhanced significantly the reach and scope of BBM’s ministry. The new computer Learning Center, the new Chapel, and the new Kitchen and Dining area has caused those who see us now to wonder how we operated before. Financial provision. BBM’s Operating Income for 2011 was $302,410. The Operating Income for 2017 was $754,267. The Operating Budget for 2018 is $800,000. With each increase and with each successive year my faith wavered and I feared the Lord would not move in the hearts of His people to support the work in such a generous fashion. Each time when I was at my lowest I would sense God telling me, “I gotcha.” (Whether God uses slang or not is for you to determine). He did indeed prove to “have BBM.” Staff. Growing up it was a real treat to watch Bear Bryant review the previous Alabama game. He would always give credit for a win to surrounding himself with good people and letting them do their job. I have had the fortunate privilege of hiring some good people and they are doing their jobs. Thank the Lord for their dedication and devotion to Him and this work. The men whose lives are being renewed and restored. THE MOST IMPORTANT EVIDENCE OF THE LORD’S WORK AT BBM IN THE LAST 5+ YEARS ARE THE MEN WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. Men like Daniel, who was living under a bridge when he came to BBM looking for a meal. As he ate, he could see there was hope in the eyes of those who were in the BBM program. He asked how to become a participant. Once accepted he not only dedicated his life to Christ but he studied hard to obtain his GED. The evident change that was taking place led to his being offered a one-year internship at BBM. Now whenever someone is seeking entrance into one of the programs at BBM they have to call and talk to the Intake Administrator – Daniel, who is now one of five full-time employees at BBM. There is so much more to tell. So, I would like to personally invite you to hear first-hand the stories of men whose lives are being changed through the ministries of BBM

at the Dessert Celebration on March 8th at Dawson Family of Faith’s Fellowship Hall. It begins at 6:30 and I sincerely hope you can make it. With Sincere Thanks,

Jim Etheredge, Executive Director

BROTHER BRYAN MISSION TAKES NO GOVERNMENT MONEY

In Honor of Given byPaul Compton Dave and Deborah DresherScott and Robin Hinkle Joan HinkleJohn and Jean Lathram, Jr. Charles JagerDon Lupo James ElrodMargery McBride Jean McMillanKen and Helen Traweek Geneva BlackburnTom Zobel Mike and Mary Ellen Zinser

In Memory of Given byMom The Sutton FamilyAnn Allen Dave and Deborah DresherRobert O. and Mary Lesta Lowe Cosby Robert Cosby Tuyet Mai Terry and Connie Ponder

Gifts to Brother Bryan Mission in Honor or in Memory of…

Larger Lunch CrowdsThis winter has seen larger than normal lunch crowds. We are grateful to be able to provide a warm nourishing meal to those who need it. However, it does put a strain on our resources. We have had to order more plates and silverware along with using more canned vegetables, sugar, tea, and paper goods (napkins, toilet paper, and paper towels). Any help with these items would be appreciated.

You are InvitedPlease join us

Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

To celebrate what God accomplished through the ministries of Brother Bryan Mission in 2017. If you were a donor, a volunteer, a prayer partner, or involved in any way with BBM in 2017 we would like to express our appreciation for you as well.

We will gather at the Dawson Family of Faith’s Fellowship Hall to praise God and celebrate His greatness through music and testimonies while enjoying delicious desserts. Feel free to bring a friend and introduce them to this life-giving ministry. A love offering will help pay for the expenses of the evening, but this is not a fund-raising event.

Call the mission office at 205-322-0092 or email debbie@bbmission.com

for more information.

A very special way you can both Honor a Loved One, Great Friend, Teacher, or Other Special Person - and help Brother Bryan Mission, is with a gift in their honor to Brother Bryan Mission. We will mail a card of recognition to the Honoree(s),

letting them know we received a gift from you in their honor.

P.O. Box 11254Birmingham, AL 35202

MISSION NEEDS

Name: ________________________________________

Phone # _______________________________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________

City: ______________________ State: ____ Zip: _______

Email Address (optional): ____________________________

Automatic Monthly Donations to Brother Bryan MissionTo make automatic monthly donations, complete the following and mail to: Brother Bryan Mission, P.O. Box 11254, Birmingham, AL 35202

Amount of Monthly Donation $_______________________

Card Type ❏ Visa ❏ Mastercard ❏ AmEx

Name on Card: __________________________________

Card No.: ______________________________________

Expiration Date: ____ / ____ Security Code: ____________

Signature: ______________________________________

Clothing & Bedding Needs• Towels• Twin extra-long sheets• Shoes• Men’s clothes

Food Service Needs• Paper/Styrofoam plates• Coffee• Sugar• Canned Vegetables

Other Needs• Copy paper• Toilet paper• Paper towels• Deodorant

You may also donate on-line at bbmission.com

Giving new life to the addicted and homeless

Major Needs• Regular Monthly Financial Support

• Replacing serviceware for the kitchen: $7 per set of 9” dinner plate,

6.5” dessert plate and 16 oz. bowl (Carlisle Kingware melamine in tan)