More Than a Shelter

When Brad Hancock first walked through the doors of the Gateway Rescue Mission's New Life Program, he was desperate for a change. Now a staff member, Brad joins me, Rex Baker, to share powerful insights from his own experiences and those of others who have faced the immense challenges of addiction recovery. Together, we explore the crucial first week in the program, a period that can set the tone for someone’s journey towards a life free from addiction. Brad's firsthand accounts provide a window into the behaviors and mindsets that reveal a person’s true readiness for transformation.
Withdrawals from substances like opiates and crystal meth are brutal, and Brad and I don't shy away from discussing their harsh realities. Listeners will gain an understanding of how these drugs physically and mentally trap individuals in a vicious cycle of addiction. We recount encounters with individuals right at the edge, their bodies and minds battered by exhaustion and paranoia. The outreach efforts by the Gateway Rescue Mission offer a lifeline, stepping in when hope seems lost and providing the critical support needed to start anew.
The conversation then shifts to the broader challenges of addiction recovery programs, with a particular focus on alcohol addiction. Misconceptions about short-term rehab are confronted head-on as Brad and I champion the benefits of longer, faith-based programs. These initiatives not only address the physical aspects of addiction but also nourish the soul, offering a path to sustainable recovery through community and spiritual growth. As we close, we reflect on the hope found in the gospel, offering listeners a message of peace and grace—a testament to the spiritual foundation underpinning our mission at the Gateway Rescue Mission.

Welcome to God After Dark, where real people share extraordinary stories of how God reveals Himself in the darkest moments of their lives. In our inaugural episode, we feature the powerful journey of Hunter Hooge, who found redemption after battling addiction and incarceration. Host Rex Baker, Executive Director of Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, Mississippi, guides us through this compelling narrative.

Hunter's life took a challenging turn in his teens, leading to a turbulent path of addiction and repeated incarceration. His final prison stint was a result of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Despite initial resistance, Hunter found himself at Gateway Rescue Mission, a faith-based shelter and recovery program.
Inside the prison walls, Hunter discovered that drugs were as accessible as they were on the streets. His experiences with synthetic marijuana, known as "spice," shed light on the devastating impact it had on individuals. Hunter's journey took a turn when he encountered a transformative moment, leading him to fully surrender his life to Jesus Christ.
Join us as Hunter shares how his life has changed in the 87 days he's been at Gateway Rescue Mission. Through faith, he's experienced a profound shift in perspective, finding joy, patience, and a renewed sense of purpose. His story is a testament to the power of genuine transformation and the incredible impact of surrendering to God's grace.
Join host Rex Baker and Hunter Hooge on God After Dark as they explore the profound miracles that emerge from the depths of life's challenges. Follow us for more inspiring stories of faith, redemption, and the enduring light that shines in the darkest moments.
For more information about Gateway Rescue Mission, visit us on the web at https://gatewaymission.org/

After years of searching for a meaningful way to address addiction recovery and homelessness, we've rebranded our podcast to More Than a Shelter to better embody the mission of Gateway Rescue Mission. Today, we promise to guide you through our New Life program's unique approach, blending traditional 12-step methods with biblical principles. Joined by Forea Ford, our insightful Director of Programs, we unpack the daunting challenges participants face, such as co-occurring mental health disorders and the scars of childhood trauma. We also emphasize the critical role of faith, not just in personal transformation, but as a foundation for enduring recovery.
For more information about Gateway Rescue Mission, visit us online at https://gatewaymission.org/

Welcome to "God After Dark." In this episode, Rex Baker sits down with Gerald Snell, the overnight shelter manager for Gateway Rescue Mission, who offers us a glimpse into the diverse struggles and triumphs of the homeless population Gateway serves.

Gerald shares poignant accounts of individuals, each with unique backgrounds and challenges, from mental illness to substance abuse, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. He sheds light on the profound impact of Gateway's support, providing shelter, nourishment, and hope to those in need.

Tune in to hear firsthand experiences, from heart-wrenching moments to heartwarming transformations, as Gerald navigates the complexities of this vital mission. Gain insight into the complexities of homelessness and discover how faith, love, and resilience continue to light the way for those in search of hope.

Join us on this compelling journey, and together, let's find inspiration in the strength and perseverance of these individuals as they forge a path toward brighter tomorrows. Don't miss this episode of "God After Dark" - where faith shines in the darkest hours.

We promise an episode that goes beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of the legal system, but in an inspiring and uplifting way. Can you imagine a public defender persuading a house owner to drop charges or a District Attorney having a last-minute change of heart? That’s just a glimpse into Andre's riveting tale. But it's not all about the trials and tribulations. We also celebrate how Andre, through his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the incredible support of Gateway Rescue Mission, was able to transform his life and become a beacon of hope for his community. So tune in, and embark on this journey of redemption and renewal, where faith, hope, and the power of transformation take center stage.