Since our doors opened in 1877, Pacific Garden Mission has been a constant source of hope and salvation to many weary and hopeless individuals who have sought refuge within. This is our mission statement: “We serve with the compassion of Christ and minister with the transforming message of the Gospel.” What was true about people in 1877 is true today. People need hope. The same message out of the same Book is proclaimed multiple times a day to an audience that needs hope.

We recently asked some of our guests how PGM has changed their lives. Here are some of their comments:

“Hearing the Gospel at least twice a day has helped me to recognize who I am in God. I have a new identity and I am no longer a homeless man, but I am a man of God who is loved.” —Jake

“Coming to a building where the Word of God is all around me and the Gospel is on display everywhere has helped me to understand who God is. He is a God of second chances and because of PGM, I have a second chance at life.” —Anonymous

“My life changed when I arrived at PGM. The best thing was getting to know God and learning to be a good mother and to love my children more. I learned to be less proud, more sociable and humble. All of this was done by the mercy of God and I am very grateful, first of all, to God and the PGM family.” —Nicole

“More than a shelter, it has been our home for all these months since we had no place to be. My family and I thank God first and foremost, and PGM for all the help and love they have put into each person, as well as for the great blessing it has been for our children. They are safe, comfortable, have their food day by day, and most importantly, they grow spiritually.” —Yojeili

“I feel that my life has changed for the better, particularly in my relationship with Jesus and God. I feel closer to God since I arrived at PGM. I’ve always believed in God, but I still didn’t live my life accordingly. I still don’t, but I’m working on that—and being at PGM is slowly but surely helping me with that. The PGM staff have been very good to me, and very respectful and helpful. They helped me find a job after being out of work for nearly four months, and so far the job is going great! Hopefully, in the next few months, I can save up enough money to get an apartment. Even after I eventually leave PGM, I will always be very grateful to them for everything they have done, and of course, I am grateful to God.” —Gregory

“When I came to PGM and needed help, they helped me. The last time I came, I was here for a month in the winter. I needed help. If you’re serious, it’s a great place. If you’re trying to be lazy, this isn’t the place for you.” —Lamont

This is just a small sampling of the number of lives impacted at PGM. Thank you for your love, care, and support as we continue to do what we always have: share the love of Jesus.