The Hope That We Offer - Broken Vessels Ministry in TN

Rock Bottom Is a Beautiful Start

Helping You Overcome a Rough Patch in Life

Recovery and rehabilitation does not have to be a daily struggle; it can be ever present in each moment of our lives. We must believe that there is a way out of it, somebody can help us, and there is hope.

Broken Vessels Ministry in Tennessee is passionate about helping others and being a conduit of love that connects people. We strive to create unity—one with nature and under the authority of Jesus Christ. Our hearts’ desire is to take those that have been thrown away by society and repurpose them to be of use in our lives and in our communities for the Glory of the Lord.

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It is one thing to have a ministry that is gospel believing and even gospel proclaiming but quite another to have one that is gospel centered.

- Tim Keller

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The Vision

In 2015, God gave Chris and Melinda a vision. They had seen different parts of the vision, and when they discussed it, they realized that everything they had seen was connected and interwoven.

What they saw was a ministry building. It was complete with a soup kitchen, conference center, sanctuary, garden, and wood workshop. The structure was situated in a spacious land that could accommodate numerous people.

A Haven for Learning

The ministry building was a place where people could learn lost arts, basic education, arts and crafts, and various skills such as:

Woodworking
Sewing
Gardening and Seeding
Mechanical
Whittling
Making Music
Beekeeping
Cooking
Computer Skills
Herbal Remedies

Quilting
Storytelling
Square Dancing
Beading
Letter Writing
Archery
Weaving
Pottery
Job Skills

Job Searching
Budgeting
Paying Bills
Basic Handyman Skills
Plumbing
Roofing
Electrical Wiring
Working With Power Tools
Furniture Making

They also had daily ministry classes where they taught life-building skills. The place was pretty much a rehabilitation center for people who just came out of rehab. However, unlike typical rehabilitation centers, the ministry building was truly a haven for learning. It was a training ground where people can hone different life skills that they can use to make a living.

The ministry building had a peaceful environment. It was a teaching ground for people to deal with stresses so that it would no longer be a trigger.

Above all else, the heart of that place was the Lord. It was God-centered and free of charge.

Our Ministry
Following the Lord

The moment they saw the vision, Chris and Melinda knew it would lead them to start their ministry. It was a calling to help people who are suffering from addiction, to comfort those who feel hopeless, and to offer support to the families who have given up.

For 27 years, the couple was in the same condition as the ones they are reaching out to. That is why they can relate to and understand the struggle each person has to face. Chris and Melinda can offer something that the world cannot.

Although they only had their personal house, God kept dropping people at their doorstep. From 2015 to 2018, they have helped 10 individuals and by God’s grace, 8 of those people are still clean, sober, and living a productive life. There have been many more since that time and they will continue to offer hope, connections and accountability.

Finding Purpose in Broken Things

Our ministry continues to unveil under the Lord’s guidance. Currently, we create various items made from materials that people throw away. We repurpose objects that seem of no use and turn them into new and radiant things.

It’s the same thing with people. Sometimes in life, we get cast aside or are even found useless by others. But God can renew us, revive our light, and make us radiant. He uses broken people to rescue other broken people.

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How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.

- Bill Bennot

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The Circle of Life

Everything old and thrown away can be used to pour into others a continuous circle of life. That living water can flow into the surroundings—into every being, plant, land, and most of all, our hearts—and allow total healing to take place. Though somebody threw them away once, they still have worth, value, and a purpose in this life.

Education Through Cooperation

We know that we are not alone this mission. With God on our side, we trust that He will provide everything needed for our cause. After all, He saw fit to send people to us, and we have come to their aid.

In their vision, our founders saw volunteers and a network of people willing to share their knowledge and show great compassion to everyone who came to the ministry building. We believe that our team will continue to grow and be there to love, support, and comfort others.

A Way to Give Back

In this ministry, our joy comes from seeing the impact we have made in other’s lives. Whatever people learn in our programs, we hope that they not only use it to better their lives but also to share it with others or their community at large.

For example, if we teach them how to garden and use the plants they have grown to cook meals, we hope that they will feed the homeless at least once a week. The whole concept is for them to take everything they learn and give something back to someone else who needs it.

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Instead of showing me a love I cannot produce, show me a love I cannot resist.

- Chet Murrell

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A Leap of Faith

We understand that we have certain limitations. But with God, nothing is impossible! We are stepping out in faith knowing that the Lord will help us fulfill the vision He gave us. He has already set our purpose, and now we rely on Him to direct us to the right path.

The Lord is the wind that pushes our ship forward; we only sail in the direction that He leads. They have already made the first step: believing and having faith. They only obey what’s in their hearts just as the Lord directs them. As God continues to unravel His plans, we are sure that He will be with us all the way.

Our Mission

As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we strive daily to live by His word and teach others as well. Our lives are dedicated to helping others know about Him and His love. We are devoted to assisting them in living out the Kingdom life.

Our Commitment

We don’t have much to offer except for our hearts, love, and deep compassion. We will not teach about religion. Instead, we will minister the relationship with Jesus Christ and with the lives of those who seek our help. We are devoted to Jesus and try to help those who suffer from addiction or simply feel like there is no hope for them.

Our Hope
Anchored on the Rock That Is Jesus

This hope, this confident assurance that we have, is like an anchor of the soul that cannot slip and cannot break down. Even when heavy pressure bears down upon it, it remains strong. It is a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells. (Taken from Hebrews 6: 17-20)

The one who gives us hope is Jesus, He is the anchor to our soul.

Barn Again Gallery

This gallery highlights the items that we have created using undervalued and discarded materials. Feel free to browse our photos to see how broken things can be repurposed with a little faith, compassion, and dedication. #GodDidThat