Dear Friends,
We’ve had an amazing week at Capital Compassion. Honestly, I could say that every week because there’s always something new happening—people God is bringing our way. Word of mouth is spreading. People who’ve been helped are telling others, “You can get help there.”
One of those is Jonathan. He had been coming for several weeks, a quiet and unassuming guy, always very pleasant. One night, Teresa, one of our kitchen volunteers, woke up in the middle of the night thinking of Jonathan. The next day, she talked with him about taking next steps, and he was ready. That same day, he signed up for rehab. Within just a few hours, an opportunity opened up for him to go. I took him to lunch at In-N-Out, and from there we went to the rehab center. He’s been there now for two weeks and is loving it.
Jonathan even called me yesterday, asking if I could help with a few things. He had my number and said one of the things he needed was a Bible. How could I say no? He also asked for shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other basics to get his life back on track—things he didn’t have when he entered the facility. I went out, picked up the items, and brought them by. When I arrived, they brought Jonathan out to see me, and he handed me a note he had written beforehand.
It said:
“Good morning. I’m doing extraordinarily well here at Centerpoint Rehab. I have every intention of completing the program—I know I will. I have everything I need to complete the program thanks in no small part to the continued support, both financial and spiritual, I receive from your amazing staff and volunteers, you included. I look forward to completing this phase of my recovery and moving on to bigger and better things, like being a more productive member of society and other goals, like being a good father to my two young children. I honestly feel like none of this could be possible without your much-needed attention and support. I want to thank you all for the great work you do. I pray that God continues to work through you for the good of all you’ve helped along their way to a better life. Thank you and God bless each and every one of you.”
Jonathan is going to complete his program. We’re going to walk with him every step of the way—into housing, health, and spiritual growth. He’ll be reading that Bible he just received.
This weekend, I also want to share something personal. Sunday is my birthday—September 28th, I’ll be 68 years old. I feel like I’m in the prime of life, filled with energy, excitement, and vision for this moment God has placed us in. We’re here to make a difference in a broken, divided world—bringing people together and reminding them they have value before God and with us.
If you’d like to do something for my birthday, I don’t need anything for myself. In the past, people have given me Starbucks cards and little things like that, but I don’t need those. Instead, I would ask you to consider making a donation to Capital Compassion. Your gift provides Bibles, hygiene products, food, diapers, clothing, and so much more for people like Jonathan and for families facing refugee-like situations.
This is how we change the world—one person, one family at a time. It only happens because we give and care. With your help, we can continue to impact this community and beyond.
For my birthday, let’s make a big impact together. This year, we’ve had 183 donors—how amazing would it be to grow that number to 500, even 1,000? Maybe you’ve been thinking about supporting what we do—this is the perfect moment to step in.
Thank you for walking with me, for loving the people God has placed in front of us, and for being part of transforming lives like Jonathan’s. Together, God will use us to bring hope, healing, and restoration.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Pastor Rick Cole