WITHIN the past five years many missions for the relief and betterment of the fallen and destitute have been established by our denomination, in cities of this country, and all are doing a great amount of good.
Among the best of these, both as regards financial prosperity and spiritual results, is the Helping Hand Mission of Cleveland, Ohio. Beginning in a very humble way, in an old "rookery" on Wood Street, a part of the so-called "tenderloin" district of the city, it grew rapidly, until to-day, two and a half years from its opening, it occupies a large four-story building, having a capacity of 200 beds, where the destitute are lodged. Starting in a frame house at a rental of $18 per month, it now pays a rental of $125 per month, for one-half of a former popular hotel building; yet in winter it is taxed to its utmost capacity to care for all who apply.
Its appointments are of the best, and its family of workers, serving without compensation, are so completely in accord, and all acting in harmony, that there are not, and need not be, any masters, laws, rules, or human control, as each one seeks to find his or her place, and to fill it with gladness and faithfulness, vying with one another in their efforts, to not only prosper the work, but to "in honor prefer one another." So far the mission has been entirely self-sustaining, that is, has not been in debt, and the receipts from its patrons and donations from its friends have supported the work.
During the past year, ending July 1, over 20,000 men have been housed and fed, and over 150,000 penny lunches served; hundreds have been clothed, more or less completely, and over 1,500 influenced to abandon their life of sin and depredation, and many have been fully converted.
This record is extraordinary, considering that the mission is not yet three years old; still there is a sufficient reason for it all—and that is, that the work is based upon the principle of sacrifice, and every worker strives to sacrifice in a willing, thankful spirit, appreciating the goodness of God in permitting him or her to have even the most humble part in the work, which enables the Spirit of God to work in and through them in power, and the angels to co-operate. Therefore the peace of God reigns supreme.
