The Testimony of Richard Rigney

In twenty years, Rick had only seen his sister, Betty, twice, once at their mother’s funeral and again at their brother’s. Drinking shattered Rick and his family early on in his life. His addiction caused him to loose many opportunities and possessions, but most importantly, it cost him his family. Then he came to the Durham Rescue Mission, renewed his faith in the Lord, and God began to work in his life. However, let’s start from the beginning.

While only eleven, Rick had accepted the Lord as his Savior. A Sunday School teacher from Bible Baptist in Durham had befriended the young boy and began taking him to church where Rick learned what Christ had done for him. Later, as a teen, he drifted away from going to church. After joining the Army in 1970, he began to drink. As the years went by, he became more and more dependent on alcohol. He left the Army in 1985 and moved to Virginia. He and another family member started a painting company, but his drinking and the other guy’s drug use soon cost them their new business.

Rick moved back to Durham and began working for a trucking company, but his drinking got him fired after 9 years. From there he worked odd jobs only looking for enough money so he could buy his next drink. By now, his entire family was out of the picture. He was eparated from his wife and children and had no contact his sister. He was living on the streets and sneaking into board houses to get a bath every once in awhile. One day at a boarding house, some guys told him about the Durham Rescue Mission. They encouraged him to go. He was desperate, he was broke, had no hope, and didn’t care about anything any more. He had lost everything except the clothing on his back and a small bag with a few possessions.

July 2005, he decided to go to the Durham Rescue Mission. He really didn’t want to have anything to do with the mission. He just wanted to get sober, clean up, and find a job. Shortly after arriving, he met Walter Cole. Walter reminded him of his days in the service, but he soon found out that behind Walter’s military efficiency there is a very large, warm heart! Today, he loves Mr. Cole and appreciates his encouragement over the past year and a half. Walter kept encouraging Rick to join the Victory Program. He finally did join in October 2005. During the next year, he learned many valuable lessons in Victory. He says it is the best thing the Durham Rescue Mission has going for it. He loves studying the scriptures and finds it exciting. He says the Victory Program gives people more than a ‘salvation sermon,’ it gives a person what they need to grow in their relationship with the Lord, because to grow, one must study the Word. He graduated from the Victory Program in October 2006 and is now attending Cedar Grove Bible College. He hopes to become certified as a Christian counselor. He works as an Encourager at the Durham Rescue Mission and finds his job very rewarding. It amazes him that God can and would use someone like him, after all the bad things he has done.

In June of this year, he was taken to the hospital with chest pains. He soon found himself in the operating room where the doctor placed a couple of stints to help his heart. While recuperating, he just wanted to get back to work, but Mr. Cole insisted that he follow the doctor’s orders and rest. One day while sitting around during his recovery time, he asked another mission resident to walk with him across the street to the store. He really didn’t need anything, he just wanted to get out for a few minutes. As they were walking into the store, a car pulled up and Rick was expecting someone who needed directions. Instead, a blond lady said, Richard? He was shocked, but answered, Yes. She said, It is me, Betty! Joy flooded his heart as he realized this lady was his sister! She had been driving down Main Street and thought she recognized him as he crossed the street. She drove a couple of blocks and turned around to see if he was indeed her brother.

Since that meeting, Rick and his sister have been in touch three or more times a week! At their first dinner after being re-united, Rick was concerned about his sister’s spiritual condition. Betty was sitting across from him wondering how to tell him all the Lord had done for her. When they finally realized each of them had asked the Lord to come into their heart, they really had lots to celebrate! Several times now, Betty and her daughter, Rick’s niece, have come to Lighthouse Baptist Church with Rick and shared their faith through music as they sing together. What a blessing for Rick to reunite with his sister and niece. He is praying that he will be able to establish a connection with his children. For now, he is excited that this Christmas he has already received a wonderful gift, a relationship with his sister! He is looking forward to the holidays for the first time in many years.

When asked what, if anything, he would like to say to those friends who support the ministries of the Durham Rescue Mission, Rick said, If they could see the work, the lives that are changed, they would know their gifts are doing a wonderful job. When you see the Victory Program working and helping someone who feels hopeless find hope, it makes it worthwhile. After traveling with the Victory Choir and hearing the Mills speak to people, asking them to help, I still cry and get excited about all the Lord is doing here at the Durham Rescue Mission. It makes you want to give more to help.

Richard's niece, Richard, Richard's sister
October 2006 Graduation