KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Easter is a symbol of hope for a new start and a better life.
Hundreds of people at the City Union Mission got up early Sunday for a special Easter sunrise service, which was followed by a huge breakfast.
“He defeated death,” the speaker said. “Those promises he made 2,000 years ago are still true today.”
By 6:30 am, nearly 300 of Kansas City’s homeless gathered to hear a story of hope.
It’s a message that transformed Victor Cahill from an addict to a bit of a mentor to others on the streets.
“We have the ability to stand up as men and possibly return to our families and loved ones and do good throughout the world,” he said. “We want to give the kindness that God gave to us back to mankind.”
The mission is full of men with changed lives. Jeff Lee served three years in prison. Now he’s a mission staff member back to rescue others from the fate that ultimately changed him.
“For me, it was bringing the message back to the same people that I was once a part of,” he told FOX 4 News. “So bringing that message of hope, restoration and healing power that is Jesus Christ and that is what I told the guys. They don’t have to live like this forever.”
“If you want seconds, raise your hand and we will bring it to you,” the volunteer said.
After the service, hundreds were served a huge Easter breakfast by volunteers from Northland Cathedral.
“It’s something I grew up doing and learned from a very early age to give back and to serve. What better day to do that then on Easter Sunday?,” said Greg Hinds, one of the volunteers.
The staff at the mission know sometimes the inspiration for the lifelong change happens in an instant. But more often, it takes time and plenty of support.
“There is hope for everyone. That is the neat thing about the story of the Bible. God gives everyone second and third chances. He is a God of great hope,” explained Dan Doty, the mission’s executive director.
