On Saturday, January 25th, the Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers celebrated the graduation of 170 formerly homeless men, women, and children, who had completed their residential programs in Miami, Hollywood, or Pompano Beach.
The theme of this graduation was “Defining Moments”. The atmosphere was exhilarating from the moment you walked into the converted Community Activity Center of the Miami Campus. Decorations everywhere reflected inspiration and a defining moment. Over 500 guests including family, loved ones, and supporters were in attendance.
The Musical Prelude was given by “Deep Fried Funk Band” and the Mission's own Regeneration Singers also performed. This was followed by several testimonies of a changed life that brought the audience to tears.
The program consisted of several inspirational speakers: Guest Speaker Dr. Linda Washington-Brown, Associate Dean Broward College RN-BSN Program told her own story of how she overcame her troubles and learned to forgive, let go of anger and was able to get up and study hard and became the person she is today. The Keynote speaker was WIOD Radio Personality Rick Sanchez, who gave a moving, inspirational talk to the graduates that pointed out that you may fall and rise up many times, but in the journey you keep getting back up and going on. Rick gave real experiences in his own life that related to the audience.
Graduate Pernell, said in his testimony, “I understand today that is not about what I could have, it’s about what I do with what I got. I’m also very grateful for all the help I received and I plan on helping others.”
The Challenge message was given by Minister Darian C. Bouie, who wrapped it up by stating that just because you are in a defining moment now does not mean to you are done, keep training for other defining moments yet to come. There was also a dance number by MQV Dancers and an inspriational song, Moving Forward, sung by Shanier Souffrant.
President Rev. Ronald Brummitt stated, “Our graduations become a defining moment and is a culmination of all that happens at our centers in Miami and Broward. We see the homeless come in broken, hopeless, suicidal, depressed, hungry, sick in body and spirit, but with the support of the thousands of donors and supporters we are able to pour into these lives. Love counts as the biggest asset they receive when they come for help. Education, life skill classes and case management ties it all together to help change their lives. Many of our graduates find out that God loves them and has a purpose for them. This helps to empower them to go on to the next defining moment in their life."
