News

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Mel Trotter Ministries, which exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward the hungry, homeless and hurting of the Grand Rapids area, has matched itself with eight artists from around the world, acting as their venue host during ArtPrize, an international arts competition. One of the artists, Deborah Higgins, a former resident at Mel Trotter, entered Mel Trotter’s residential substance abuse recovery and discipleship program in January 2008. Higgins’ artwork, “Jesus Loved the Little Children,” will be hung in Mel Trotter’s glass atrium, located at 225 Commerce Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan.    

 

“Deborah is very excited to be a part of ArtPrize,” said Bill Merchut, vice president of operations at Mel Trotter Ministries. “She feels grateful for the changes God has worked in her life. Her work is a reflection of the painful past in her present joy in Christ. She is working hard on her painting and is very inspired. She sees this as a great honor and a good way to give back to Mel Trotter.”

 

Higgins, who was raised in Grand Rapids, is one of eleven children. She began drawing and painting when she was eight-years-old, after significant prodding from her teacher. At age 34, however, Higgins began using drugs, and was soon out-of-control.

 

In January 2008, Higgins, at age 49, came to Mel Trotter Ministries, where she enrolled in S.A.V.E (Spiritually Accountable, Vocationally Equipped), Mel Trotter’s residential substance abuse recovery and discipleship program. The program combines counseling, work experience, teaching and discipleship in a structured, therapeutic community setting. Residents are required to live at Mel Trotter, and to commit to one year in the program.

 

Higgins has been clean and sober, drawing and painting, since entering the program. “I came to Mel Trotter with little faith. I was defeated and desperate,” said Deborah Higgins. “But Mel Trotter gave me hope. I have always loved to draw and paint, and although I have no formal training, I want my art to reflect all that Christ has done in my life.”

 

“There are many faces of pain and despair on the streets of Grand Rapids,” said Theresa Dekker. “I think that these portraits will be a representation of the courage and faith shown by so many of the individuals at Mel Trotter who are working hard to change their life stories, and that they will serve to inspire others to make a similar change.”

 

Dekker, who grew up in a creative atmosphere and who primarily works with watercolor, charcoal, and pastel mediums, created the pieces with the help and cooperation of some special residents who were willing to share their stories. She spent countless hours at Mel Trotter Mission, speaking with and getting to know residents as she painted. 

Mel Trotter Ministries is one of several Grand Rapids-area businesses and organizations that have agreed to host artists during ArtPrize, but it will act as a unique venue, as it is a long-term drug rehabilitation facility and homeless shelter. It houses 225 to 275 people each night, and also distributes food boxes to those in need. On average, MTM currently serves 670 families each month, which is approximately 18,000 pounds of food. This does not include the additional 1,200 families MTM serves at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

           

For more information on ArtPrize, and the artists Mel Trotter will host, please visit http://www.meltrotter.org/events.aspx. For more information on Mel Trotter Ministries, and its substance abuse recovery program, please contact Mel Trotter at 616.454.8249.  

 

Established in 1900 by Mel Trotter, Mel Trotter Ministries exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward the hungry, homeless and hurting of the Grand Rapids area by providing shelter, food, clothing, education, biblical studies, computer-based learning, and work training and experience for both men and women. Mel Trotter also offers a state-licensed substance abuse recovery program for those with drug and alcohol additions, and owns and operates three retail outlets based within the community. For more information on Mel Trotter Ministries, visit www.meltrotter.org.