OUR NEXT SERVICE EVENT

STARTS AT 12/29/24 at 11AM

Breaking cycles, Restoring hope

The critical need for restoration and hope in the city of Roses.

Portland, Oregon faces a significant challenge with rising rates of homelessness, addiction, and social marginalization. Individuals transitioning from incarceration, those experiencing homelessness, and others battling addiction encounter systemic barriers to reintegration, including limited access to housing, employment, and essential support services. These barriers are compounded by societal stigma and a lack of coordinated efforts to address their practical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This creates cycles of instability and exclusion, leaving many unable to achieve a productive and meaningful place in the community. Additionally, the absence of affordable housing and job opportunities exacerbates the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations, while local resources often lack the capacity to offer long-term solutions. As a result, these individuals remain at risk of repeated cycles of incarceration, homelessness, and addiction, further straining the city’s social fabric and hindering efforts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its residents.

Who we are

Transforming Lives, Restoring Communities

Awake to Grace is a transformative ministry focused on serving those in need and fostering lasting change in the City of Portland. With a mission to restore lives through a combination of spiritual guidance and practical support, we aim to make a meaningful impact in our community. By reaching out to individuals who have faced hardship, we provide both the resources and hope necessary for personal and community transformation, working to restore not only lives but the city's beauty, safety, and opportunities.

Our vision is to cultivate a thriving, united community where all people, regardless of their past, can experience God's grace and find purpose in His love. We are committed to equipping individuals with the tools they need—whether through education, job skills, or spiritual growth—to help them reenter society and become active, contributing members of the community. This collective effort, involving businesses, churches, families, and ministries, is key to our shared goal of making Portland a model city, where God's love is evident in every corner and transformation is seen in every life.

Through education, spiritual teaching, and hands-on ministry, we strive to create an environment where God's love can truly thrive. Our mission is to not just exist but to flourish, with the hope that Portland will become a beacon of grace and a place where individuals, families, and businesses come together to build a vibrant, thriving city.

ROOTED in God's teachings

Scriptural Foundation

Awake to Grace, as a ministry, finds its roots in the transformative teachings of Jesus Christ, unwavering in our commitment to serve and uplift individuals regardless of their past. This dedication is grounded in three pivotal verses from the book of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible.

At Awake to Grace, our mission resonates with the profound influence of Jesus Christ's teachings. We stand resolute in our commitment to serve the last, the least, and the lost, distinguishing ourselves through a unique approach that seamlessly blends compassion with practicality. This commitment transcends immediate assistance, reaching into the core of individuals' lives, guiding them on a transformative journey toward restoration and purpose.

Our overarching mission is to foster an intimate connection with God, nurturing a deep spiritual bond. Simultaneously, we strive to cultivate growth within the church community, creating a supportive environment where individuals can flourish in their faith. In doing so, we aim to inspire others to embark on a similar journey of spiritual discovery and personal development. Through these collective efforts, Awake to Grace endeavors to make a lasting impact, not just in the lives of those we directly serve, but in the broader community by fostering a culture of compassion, growth, and inspiration.

The core of our commitment to the last, the least, and the lost is firmly established in the timeless wisdom of Matthew in the New Testament:

The Last: Drawing inspiration from Matthew 20:16 (NIV) - 'So the last will be first, and the first will be last,' we believe in uplifting those who are often overlooked, recognizing the inherent worth in every individual.

The Least: Guided by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 (NIV) - 'The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,"' our ministry is dedicated to extending compassion and support to the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Lost: Embracing the mission outlined in Matthew 18:11 (NIV) - 'For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost,' we are committed to reaching out to those who may feel lost, offering a path to spiritual redemption and restoration.

Jesus, during his ministry, was himself without a permanent home. As stated in Matthew 8:20 (NIV), "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Instead of aligning with the wealthy nobility, he chose to spend his time with the "last, least, and lost" of society, including tax collectors, prostitutes, and the poor. If he were present today, there's little doubt that he would devote much of his time to building community and sharing meals with Portland's unsheltered homeless population. This ministry, therefore, is an opportunity to continue following Jesus’ example beyond conventional humanitarian understanding.

Community & Corporate Partnerships

Awake to Grace is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with community organizations, corporations, and local and state government agencies to create a robust support network for our participants and the village, enhancing the overall effectiveness of our program by ensuring access to the comprehensive resources and guidance necessary for a successful reintegration into society; to ensure safety and adherence with regulations and guidelines; and the securing of any needed permits for the execution our mission and purpose.