05 Aug “I don’t feel like a burden here. I feel like a human being.” – Michael’s Story
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Michael was once a standout student at Michigan State—High school senior class president, award-winning, and even recommended for a White House internship.
However, his life took a turn in his late 20s, and the voices began.
Schizophrenia—misunderstood and heavily stigmatized—gradually took over his life. He worked as long as he could. He stayed in school. He tried to fight it. But eventually, the illness consumed him, leading to homelessness, arrest, and daily rejection at shelters because of his mental health.
He has published two books, “The Invisible Ear” and “Michael Updated His Status”; both can be found on Amazon. They document his journey through Schizophrenia, incarceration, and homelessness.
Still, Michael found something different at Christ’s Body Ministries. He first saw us in action on the streets at one of our Mobile Outreaches and then started coming to Daily Bread. That was a year ago; he is now a regular guest.
“I’ve been to almost every shelter in the city and felt discriminated against for being schizophrenic. But when I come here, I don’t feel like a homeless schizophrenic man—I feel like a human being.”
That’s the power of compassion in action.
That’s what your support makes possible.
We now pray daily for Michael and that God would heal and remove his Schizophrenia. Will you join us in praying for this miracle?
Another practical way to help individuals like Michael with mental illness—which accounts for a significant portion of the clients we serve—is to prayerfully consider supporting CBM monthly and become one of our “Heroes of Hope” partners.
For just $10 a month, you can help someone like Michael:
- Receive a hot breakfast and a warm smile
- Find clean clothes and dignity through our free clothing closet
- Feel safe, seen, and cared for—no matter their diagnosis or situation
- Be reminded they are still loved and not forgotten
Michael found hope through a burrito and sack lunch delivered on the streets.
You can be the next person to deliver hope.
“Not only is my stomach nourished, but so is my heart.”
Or consider a $5,000 gift and become one of our 50 @ $5k partners; these gifts will help elevate our summer slump. We have 18 individuals who have contributed to this campaign so far. We are still praying for 32 more partners at $5K.
Join us in prayer for Michael and give generously to allow us to serve, share, and care for “the least of these.”
God Bless!
Dr. Jim Copeland
Executive Director & CEO
P.S. Any size gift will be doubled, thanks to a $75K Challenge Grant.
Your gift helps Christ’s Body Ministries feed the hungry, clothe the poor, share the Gospel, and love people like Michael—without conditions.
Jim Copeland
Dr. Jim Copeland serves as a business coach to executives and organizations such as Promise Keepers, CORE Leadership, Life of Valor Men's Ministry, Christ's Body Ministries among others. Dr. Copeland served as the International Director of Journey Corps and Director of Recruitment for WorldVenture, Vice President of Operations for Dare 2 Share Ministries, Vice President of U.S. for Emerging Young Leaders, and seven years with Promise Keepers, where he served as Vice President of US and International Ministries.
Dr. Copeland has served on the Board of Directors for international ministries in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Jim has launched ministries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, ministering in more than 30 countries worldwide. Jim is a popular speaker worldwide on a wide variety of topics including Men’s Ministry, Fathering, Discovering Your Destiny and Leadership.
Dr. Copeland has also held executive positions in advertising, marketing, and church growth organizations. His research, in the area of evangelism and leadership, includes several national surveys, international research on the condition of men and the church, and articles. He is the co-author of Men’s Ministry, Every Man Ministering, 1994, and Women’s Ministry, A Model for Mobilizing and Equipping Women for Ministry, 1994.
Dr. Copeland planted two churches and also served in five churches for over 30 years and currently serves as an Elder in his church in Colorado. His education includes a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate in ministry.
Jim resides in Westminster, Colorado, with his wife Denise and has two sons: James (married to Kelly and serves the citizens of Albuquerque as a Fire Fighter) and Sterling (married and pastors at Christ Body Ministries, serving the homeless community of Denver).
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