James Lee

“I am really grateful to God that he has given me a Second Chance to be a part of His work here at the Raleigh Rescue Mission.  At the Mission, one person at a time, we are changing the world and making disciples.”

James believes that God has prepared him for this ministry at the Mission from early on in his life. Prior to working at the Mission, James built kitchen cabinets for over two years and spent over three years before that doing temporary work in the community. While doing that work, James constantly prayed to God that he would give me a second chance to work with people that were in need of Godly intervention.

Due to some very challenging situations in his life, James made some decisions that put his career as a Human Service worker in jeopardy for over 15 to 20 years.

“As a young person I was very reckless and it ended with me hitting rock bottom, very similar to many of the clients here at the Raleigh Rescue Mission. But God saw my “Sacred Value” (like he did the Prodigal Son) and picked me up, put me on his shoulder, cleaned me up and set me on a great Career path.”

James went to college at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA where he received an undergraduate degree in Human Services. From there, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Human Services from HBCU at Lincoln University in PA. During this process, James was working full-time at White Deer Run, a Substance Abuse program in Allenwood, PA where he worked for over 12 years.

Through life experience, education, and much training over the years, James felt he was prepared me for the ministry work here at the Mission. He views working for the Mission as more than a job, but a calling from God to help clients realize their “Sacred Value.” “They are the Prodigals; some are like Jonah running away from their calling”.

James has three sons – Derek,  Rafael, and Sabir, all of whom are Veterans. He has six grandchildren (three girls and three boys) and one great-granddaughter. James enjoys a good conversation about the Book of Revelations and discussing/researching The Gospel in the Stars.