Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. –Isaiah 43:19a HCSB

“The only constant in life is change” is often attributed to Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher from Ephesus. As we reflect on our lives, it certainly seems that way: children grow up, parents grow old, years end, and leaders leave (you can see why he was called the weeping philosopher).

But God is constant, unchanging, and faithful, regardless of our continuously changing circumstances and challenges.

Isaiah 43:19 reflects God’s desire to bless Israel as He moves them into a new season, growing their understanding of His great love and mercy while developing their resolve to love Him and their neighbors. God is bringing them to a new moment.

For years, Scott Dunwoody led this Mission well. His Spirit-directed service touched countless lives as he tangibly demonstrated Christ’s love to those dealing with homelessness and addiction. His faithfulness has been a boon to Bethesda Mission, and we are seeing an outpouring of God’s blessing because of his leadership.

As Bethesda Mission’s new Executive Director, I take the responsibility of manning the helm of this 110-year-old House of Mercy seriously, and I look to continue the previous leaders’ faithful service to God and the community. I know our unchanging God will provide.

Dreams, Devotions, and Deliverance

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and distinguish between right and wrong. –1 Kings 3:9

When God asked Solomon what he desired, the young king did not selfishly ask for wealth, victory in battle, or a long life. Instead, Solomon rightly sought wisdom and understanding to faithfully and justly lead God’s people.

Transitions always bring about questions and challenges; Solomon faced quite a few while succeeding David. This, therefore, is my request: please pray for me as I continue to seek the Father’s heart and the Spirit’s leading to serve and support our board, our guests, and you—our precious donors.

Please pray for the continuing work of Bethesda Mission: that our guests would be open to the change possible only through God’s grace and that our staff would be strengthened as they diligently seek to help broken people.

Please pray for our incredible volunteers, who devote their time and energy to make a tangible difference in the lives of men, women, and children. Finally, please pray for our upcoming projects and events, like the Jason Gray concert in May (more on that soon).

As my wife, Amie, and I continue to settle into this new area, I would love to get to know you. If you would like to take a tour or have a conversation, I will make myself available. For those of you I have already met, I have been delighted by your commitment to those hurting in our society and hope to continue working together for their good and for God’s glory.

I want to thank you for the changes you have made possible in 2024 (and in 2025 already). Construction continued on the new Community Center building, and it is nearly finished. Your generous support has enabled men, women, and children struggling with homelessness and addiction to find rest and care. Last year, nearly 100 people living in our shelters or participating in our Community Center programs committed their lives to Christ. Praise God!

Be on the lookout for inspiring testimonies of transformed lives, which you made possible through your generous support. I am truly excited to see what God is going to do in this next chapter at Bethesda Mission. I hope you’ll join us!

May God bless and keep you!

George Chochos
Executive Director