Alumni Story: Dale Hartman: From Prison to Mission Chaplain

Chaplain, Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, Philadelphia, PA

In December of 1990, I came to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake in Utah. I been out of prison for about 6 months at this time. I was in prison for grand theft because I was supporting a drug habit, I had been homeless at times even before I had entered the mission in Salt Lake. While at the mission in Salt Lake I heard about the Spiritual Training Program and decided to see if I could get on it mainly because it was cold out side. After being there for about a week and hearing the Gospel I turned my life over to Christ.

After completing the program I felt the Lord leading to stay and help in the mission. I was given the position of House Manager. During my time as House Manager I felt the leading to learn more about the Bible and a desire to share in the evening Chapel Service. With the help of the Director and others I was able to do Bible Study through correspondence with Trinity Bible College. After a year and much study I was given the position of Assistant Director. During my time as Assistant Director I continued my studies and with help from others learned more about the ministry of Rescue.

I remained in the mission of Salt Lake until 1999 until I felt the leading to learn other aspects of the ministry and accepted a position at The City Mission in Cleveland, Ohio as a Chaplain and Supervisor of Transitional Housing & Family Shelter. During my time in Cleveland I was able to take more classes in counseling, recovery and other aspects of ministry and was given the opportunity to take the Rescue College [now City Vision University] courses offered by the AGRM. These courses were very beneficial as they gave me insight on all that goes on the operation of a Rescue Mission. I remained in Cleveland for 4 years and am now a Chaplain at The Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission in Philadelphia, PA.

This testimonial was given in 2012.

[Edited May 2015; updated institution’s name]