The Foundry

A couple of days ago I was invited to attend a "Lunch and Learn" at one of Birmingham's best kept secrets: "The Foundry."

The Foundry is a Rescue Mission and Recovery Center that "offers relief services such as nutritious food, safe shelter and clean clothing" to more than 240 men and women who struggle with "life-dominating sins that had stolen their hope."

But The Foundry does even more. It also features a Christ-centered, residential recovery program that provides the hope of radical personal transformation.

Bill Heintz is the Executive Director of the Foundy and "the visionary" behind many of the Foundry's amazing accomplishments. The ministry raises 70% of it's operating income through enterprises like "the largest thrift store in the Southeast," an Auto Sales and Service Center, the Foundry Studios and more.

It also features its own medical clinic that not only serves the residents of The Foundry, but also provides medical care to the uninsured in the area at an amazingly low cost.

Heintz, an interdenominational minister, and his wife, Michelle, moved to Birmingham 12 years ago and took over what was then the Bessemer Rescue Mission, a typical overnight shelter in a corner building. They had no experience treating addiction. But in 1996, the Heintzes and a small staff converted the shelter into a treatment center with eight beds.

Today, the Foundy touches the lives of more than 240 men and women... This week they will officially begin refurbishing a three story building that will allow them to house more than 50 women...

This morning, Janet, myself and the kids took in their weekend worship service. The worship was passionate. The congregation was ethnically diverse. The place was "alive." Micah Andrews presented a challenging message.

If you're not acquainted with the ministry of The Foundry, check out their website here. Better yet, check out their ministry. Experience a weekend or Thursday PM Worship Service.

This is a ministry that lives out the reality of Matthew 5, "men will see your good works and glorify your Father i heaven."

This is a ministry worth celebrating. An incredibly bright light in a dark and broken world.