The Gift of Kindness

By: Mike Ellis

This past summer and ongoing, my family and I have received tremendous grace and support from this company. Shortly after I came to Nussbaum in April, I was really struggling in my personal life. In June, things came to a head, and the Lord made it clear that something had to change.

With the help of my wife, pastor, and others, I chose to enter a 90-day addiction treatment program in Minnesota. I was not sure what would happen to my job, but I knew that I had to surrender it to God and take the first step toward recovery and redemption.

During my time away from home and work, the grace and support from the company was amazing. That has certainly continued since I’ve been back. I’m so thankful to work here. We have been humbled by the generosity and kindness shown during this time.

However, the most meaningful thing has been how Nussbaum has stuck with me and supported me through this process, allowing me to take the time away and return to work. Since returning, the Lord continues to make it clear that this is a very special place to work and that this is where I belong. Even though I was mostly a stranger who had just started here, you all showed me grace, kindness, support, and generosity. My family and I are forever grateful. Benevolence goes far beyond financial gifts.

Several members of our church also blessed my family during my time away. Anonymous financial gifts were sent to my wife to help with some of the cost of treatment. Additionally, many people blessed us with meals, help with childcare for our kids, things around the house, and simply their time.

We have been in awe of the Lord and His love and guidance during this trying season. Thank you all so much!

About The Benevolence Committee

The Benevolence Committee exists to amplify and uphold our “Benevolence” core value and serve as a bridge between employee-owners and the charities we regularly support. In January, they hosted a writing contest and asked contestants to respond to the question, “What does benevolence mean to you?” or “How have you seen or experienced benevolence in your life?” This story is one of five that will be shared over the week of February 12-16. We hope you are touched and encouraged as you read about the gift of benevolence. Each winner was asked to choose a charity for the Benevolence Committee to donate $500 to. Mike chose Redemption House (Christian Drug and Alcohol Recovery):

“This is the treatment program I went to in June of last year. It’s a Christian-focused, 90-day residential program that greatly helped me get started on my recovery journey. The team at Redemption House helped to shift my focus toward Christ as the center of my life, and to cast aside idols. The program emphasizes learning to live for God’s glory through repentance, forgiveness, and fellowship with other residents. It is a small, private program that is doing great work and faithful service to help men who are struggling with addiction.”

To all of the writers (whether your story was shared or not), we want to send out a sincere thank you for your vulnerability and willingness to share your story. The Benevolence Committee had a very hard time narrowing down the entries to the five that will be shared this week. Each story was special, and a testament to the power of benevolence in our lives.