Mark McKnelly With Victory Mission Joins "Changing Times" Host Lynn MorrisMark McNelly, the Director of Restoration at Victory Mission, discusses the multifaceted support and spiritual guidance his organization provides to individuals seeking a fresh start.Spiritual and Identity-Focused GuidanceMark emphasizes a shift from a "try-hard" approach to Christianity to one focused on the "finished work of Jesus". Key concepts include:The New Me is the True Me: This is the title of his second book and the core theology of the program. It teaches that a person in Christ is a "new creation". 26:16Opens in a new windowIdentity Transformation: He explains that the goal is not for Christians to "change who they are," but rather to "change how they think about who they are". 29:16Opens in a new windowRest in Christ: The teaching encourages individuals to find rest and peace by understanding their identity in Christ, rather than constantly striving to earn God's favor. 31:04Opens in a new windowHolistic Restoration ProgramThe Restoration Program is a 12 to 18-month discipleship program that addresses five holistic areas of life:Spiritual: Building a foundation on Christ. 13:36Opens in a new windowRelational: Teaching healthy boundaries and repairing damaged relationships. 13:40Opens in a new windowSocietal: Helping individuals become productive members of society by assisting with taxes, insurance, and legal documentation. 14:04Opens in a new windowVocational: Providing workforce development and helping find career paths that are a good fit. 15:14Opens in a new windowFinancial: Teaching budgeting and money management. 15:46Opens in a new windowSupport for Basic Needs and HousingMark also highlights the importance of practical support:Emergency Services: Victory Mission provides an emergency men's shelter, food pantry (the Victory Market), and clothing. 04:10Opens in a new windowSecond Chance Housing: Through "All Things New Properties," Mark personally invests in providing rental units for those with "scarlet letters"—such as felonies or evictions—who are often denied housing elsewhere. 40:33Opens in a new windowCurrent Needs: The organization is currently fundraising for a new building and accepts in-kind donations like twin XL sheets, towels, steel-toed boots, and shower shoes. 45:26Opens in a new window, 46:54Opens in a new window