Celebrating at a Concert Together

This post is part of our current Blog Series - focusing on Addiction! As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.

Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

“Where you go, I’ll go, where you stay, I’ll stay, when you move, I’ll move, I will follow you.” These lyrics are by Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan and Chris Tomlin in the song: I WILL FOLLOW. I can say that they really sunk into my head and heart one memorable night at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA as singer, Chris Tomlin sang them March 8, 2011. A co-worker, Mark Noel, and I had the luxury of enjoying the concert with 2 van loads of men from the LifeRecovery Program at Water Street Mission. Men who had previously lived in addiction, prison, and various levels of life apart from God’s will had joined us and thousands in worship and surrender to the "YOU", Almighty God!

For my life to move forward in surrender and obedience to God it actually involved a move for my wife and I to the big city of Lancaster and taking on a job as a Program Counselor to men who needed help, and yes, lots of love. God had prepared my heart to love others that some folks might find difficult to love unconditionally. The same song included these words: “Who you love, I’ll love, how you serve, I’ll serve, If this life I lose, I will follow you.” Humbled by this challenge I turned to my co-worker and mentioned that the men standing in worship together with us are “who you love, I’ll love.”

We love hearing from you! Post your comments below, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Previous Posts in this Series:

Fighting Addiction With the Armor of God

Fighting Addiction, and Experiencing God's Love

Dying to be FREE

She Walked In

Caught Between Egypt & the Promised Land

Quitting is the easy part!

Preventing Teen Drug Use

Realizing our addictions (remember... even Jesus was tempted)

Now That Was God

Access to Health & Hope

Healing from Hurts, Hang-ups & Habits

A Journey to Christ

Children's Prayers Reach God's Ears

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Dying to be FREE

We're excited to introduce a NEW SERIES focusing on Addiction
As you read these stories we invite you to share your thoughts, reflections and insights. This series will include stories on addiction, along with 8 articles from our most recent Messenger magazine. Our hope is that as we engage in conversation together, we can gain a deeper understanding in the midst of trials and celebrations of overcoming addiction.
We invite you to SIGN-UP to receive our Messenger magazine electronically! Click Here to sign up.

Article 1 of 8 - From the Messenger magazine! Click Here to read more stories from this Winter 2011 edition of the Messenger magazine.
By Aaron Eggers, Director of Men’s Ministries, Water Street Mission and Daral Boles, Director of Women’s Ministries, Water Street Mission

Though the face of addiction has changed remarkably in the last 50 years, the dismal statistics continue. Fifty-two people die every day in this country from addiction (alcohol and other drug) related complications*. Those 52 people are moms, dads, sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters to someone. At the Water Street Mission in our LifeRecovery Program alone, 23 men have died as a consequence of their substance abuse over the past five years. One young man, well-liked by this community and actively struggling to shake his addiction, died in our cafeteria bathroom with a needle in his arm.

While we at the Water Street Mission understand that biological vulnerability plays a part in addiction, we also know that addiction plays out in relationship. Addiction of any kind, be it to substances, partners, or behavior patterns, reflects and perpetuates the cycle of broken relationships.

We see the impact of addictive choices in every aspect of our clients’ lives, in their relationships with self, others, and God. Water Street Ministries therefore addresses it on all fronts, in all ministry divisions:
• Addiction is a physiological problem (Water Street Health Services and the Water Street Mission).
• Addiction is a family problem (the Water Street Mission, Lydia Center, Teen Haven and Wonder Club Early Learning Centers).
• Addiction is a spiritual, relational problem (all of the divisions of Water Street Ministries).
• Addiction is a community problem (Water Street Mission in collaboration with our many partner churches and agencies, including housing, drug & alcohol treatment programs, counseling centers, public assistance programs, and schools).

52 people die every day in this country from addiction.*

No one ever plans to become an addict. It doesn’t happen overnight, but neither does the journey to recovery. Recognizing that recovery is a process that may take time, we commit to a long-term relationship with our clients that may involve several stays at the Mission. We understand that relapse is part of recovery (for more on this concept, see page 6), and we rejoice over baby steps as much as big ones.

The residential programs at the Water Street Mission offer a purposeful mix of Christian guidance and evidencebased relapse prevention, while our Community Emergency Shelter enables us to engage with individuals who have not yet committed to change. We look to help our clients not only change destructive life habits but also maintain those changes with the support of churches, mentors, and the community. Above all, we practice new, healthy relationships, centered on Christ Jesus, who forgives us regardless of the nature of our addiction or sin.

All Christ-centered relationships grow and change over time, and our relationships with addicted clients are no different. For some of our clients, sobriety begins when they step onto this campus. Newly clean and sober, they know better than anyone the fragility of that early stage, and while they may sometimes resist it, many also recognize that structure and accountability are the keys to gaining traction in the battle.

A client at our women’s emergency shelter, for example, recently talked of the “blessing” of nightly blood alcohol content monitoring. (All shelter residents are tested nightly for alcohol, and random drug tests are also performed in our programs.) There have been days, this client says, when the only thing keeping her out of the bars is the knowledge that she will be tested that night.

That baseline accountability is bolstered over time in group and individual counseling that addresses not only addictive behaviors but the issues that led into that substance abuse and the fallout it has produced. We know that the first months of recovery are times of remarkable and sometimes even miraculous neurological and spiritual healing, but also pain.

Those who persevere, however, reap the blessings of peace, stability, and a sound mind. And they in turn begin in the 12-step tradition to “give back” to our community, modeling to staff and residents alike a life of dependence on God and caring for others. Every Mission staff member could, if asked, recall the names and stories of specific individuals who have touched our lives in the course of their recovery. We know that we have been blessed by them, and we thank God for allowing us to witness and support their
journey of healing.
*www.selectown.com/drug-addiction-statistics.php

We love hearing from you! Post your comments on our Blog, or Click Here to visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!

Stay tuned for the next post in this series on Addiction!

Greetings from Men’s Ministry!

On the left you'll see some of the people involved in the Men’s Ministry Department at WSM. In the past we have included some comments from these folks. Look for future postings and hear how the Lord is working in the lives of His people serving the residents and guests at WSM!
From left to right in the photo on the front porch of Kuhns Hall:
Jim Stanton – Program Counselor, Steve Brubaker – Chief Vision Officer, David Miller – Learning Center Director, Andrew Onguka-Program Counselor, Chuck Albrecht-Shelter Manager, Aaron Eggers-Director of Men’s Ministry, Philip Wrightstone-Resident Assistant, Mark Noel-Program Counselor, Michael Kerrigone-Evening Chaplain, Emily Towers-Residential Ministries Secretary, Jon Shacklett-Program Counselor

Also be sure to take notice of some progress on our Community Mosaic (on the front of the staircase). This mosaic was an Open Studio Project lead by Kevin Lehman's Pottery for Family Day 2010 as friends and families from the community joined with our volunteers, residents, and staff to complete this masterpiece. We are excited to continue it's installation after the weather warms up!

Looking Back

The following are reflections from a graduate of the Men's Recovery Program...

I am awed by my experience here at Thaddeus Stevens. Even to the point of being overwhelmed. I wonder if things can get any better. I am discovering things about myself that for the longest I only fantasized about. Both in terms of ability and emotional experience.

I question why I did not go back to school when I was younger. In reality I know the answer. It is because I was overly involved in my emotional pain, and choose to comfort myself in attachments instead of seeking solace in relationships.

At the risk of sounding pretentious I now believe that I can, I will, I do, I am, and I have. In a way I am living my dream, and it’s fantastic. At this point Craig Hickey would remind me of Romans 12:3, and I do well to remember that the only accurate way to understand myself is by what God is and by what he does.

This verse says, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

All of this of course comes by grace, and is the result of my experience here at college and, also from having been involved in the programs, and opportunities presented to me by you and Water Street; without which I would not be here continuing my education. You have a part in my success, and I thank you!

To Learn more about the programs within the Men’s Discipleship Center of Water Street Mission visit:
http://waterstreetministries.org/Ministries/WaterStreetMission/MensDiscipleshipCenter.aspx

What is a Home?

Alvin was my client, is now in Transition, and is on an awesome path in following the Lord. He wrote this on his own and read a handwritten copy at my former church where he and some other men shared about Water Street. I asked him to type it out and share it. The touching part is that the author has NOT had a home of his own for nearly 2 years. Blessings as your read – watch out for tears!
Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

What A Home is to me.

Home is a place for happiness; where laughter is a cure for pain.
Home is a place for togetherness; when lights go out in heavy rains.
Home is a place for family; where conversations last into the night.
Home is a place for truth, because you lead by example and not by flight.
Home is a place for love, it’s so easy, sitting around with a smile.
Home is a place for nurseries, because we’ll be practicing for a while.
Home is a place for education, for it’s the key to success.
Home is a place for building confidence; doing your very best.
Home is place for relaxation; to kick your feet up and close your eyes.
Home is a place for therapy, to talk about things, even if one cries.
Home is a place for fun; where acting silly will surely pass the time.
Home is a place for honesty, because we don’t want lies on our minds.
Home is a place for religion, because without God, our souls are lost.
Home is a place for keeping the faith, no matter what the cost.

• Written by Water Street Mission Resident: Alvin

Thanksgiving Reflections

What are you thankful for?

I was so thankful to be invited to the baptism of a gentleman in our Residential Recovery Program at his church last Sunday. It was a tremendous joy to see him beaming and seated in the same pew with his 3 children who had NEVER been together before that day. These 3 young people had the honor of seeing their dad, a man changed by Christ, experience baptism, and declare a public profession of his faith. This was one of the highlights of my opportunities as a counselor. “Thank You, Lord, for changed lives and how these folks impact their families and others.”

Jim Stanton • Program Counselor

Outreach Ministries - Serving our Community

Last Tuesday, we found there was more donated produce than we could distribute through Outreach Ministries so we loaded a pallet of bread/pastry and a pallet of cantaloupe and took it to the streets. Two of the program men came along, one made a sign that read “From God to you” which we hung on the back of the truck. When we found the right spot off South Duke Street we pulled over and displayed the free goodies. One of the residents of Men’s Ministry headed off with small gospels of John to invite people to come and partake of the free food while we waited at the truck. Curious folks soon came to see what was going on and word spread fast once it got out!!

There were many neat things about this experience. We could communicate how God remembers them and is the one who ultimately provided this gift for them. It was a delight to see the expressions on faces and answer the “how many can I have question” with “as much as you can use but no more!” One of the men who came along made the connection that this is one thing his pastor was talking about on Sunday when he said – “love God, love people and impact your community” What a joy to help spread out the bountiful harvest God has given again this summer!

Dean Wenger – Redistribution Manager

Spring 2009 Graduate – Men’s Discipleship Center

David Nein, a recent graduate of Water Street Mission, reflects about his experience living in community through the Men’s Discipleship Center and how his life has truly been changed!

(above, David is pictured with his counselor, Jim Stanton)

I'd like to thank God for allowing Water Street Mission and Breakout Ministries, my church family, to be a part of my life and its changes. When I look back 13 months ago I couldn't see the reason I was even alive, I had no life. I lived to have another drink and do more drugs. I hurt the ones who cared about me the most. I couldn't see anyway out of the life I was living, I felt hopeless and helpless.

Now, I see how relationships built on love, honesty, caring, and compassion are the relationships God wants for me. I am building new relationships and mending the ones I've misused with my family that were good. Thank God I have a biological family that still loves me after all I put them through. The congregation of Breakout Ministries and my mentor, Mike Pierce, accepted me as I was and walked alongside of me throughout my journey here at Water Street Mission. A big risk with a great outcome happened when I visited a Bible study that I can walk to nearby in Lancaster city. Sam Pagan, the group leader, drew me to him through my respect for his knowledge of the Word of God and watching him walk in faith with his family. Mr. Pagan is now my second mentor.

My future looks so much brighter now than it ever did before. I have a long road ahead of me, but I know God will be with me to walk me through it. I must continue to trust that God is in control and include the people He has put in my life in every decision I make. I will never forget where I came from and how I got to where I am now. Last fall I was baptized to proclaim my faith in Jesus Christ. Membership into the Breakout Ministries congregation became official this year and with the friendships I have made I am now involved in the Hospitality Committee. These positive experiences encourage me to invite other people to take the risk and get involved in a local church that partnered with Water Street Mission and its programs. I did!

-David Nein, Spring 2009 Graduate of the Men’s Discipleship Center at Water Street Mission


(David Nein, along with the entiring graduate class and several staff are pictured together on the RIGHT)



For more details on the Men’s Discipleship Center visit our website at the following link: http://waterstreetministries.org/Ministries/WaterStreetMission/MensDiscipleshipCenter.aspx

Serving and Supporting

Lately I've been giving thanks to God for all the people and especially families I see supporting the homeless. I've recently had 3 invigorating conversations.


First, I discovered that an exmissionite at a local nursing home (recovering from a head injury and month long coma!) indeed has family that cares about him and visits him regularly!

Then, just Friday I met a lifetime neighbor of one of our men in the Christian Life Development Program. He was glad his friend was getting help and wanted to stay involved in his life.

Finally, I had an encouraging conversation with a step grandfather of a former resident who left the mission very upset with me. The step grandfather helped me understand some background from the ex resident and he told me how they were reaching out to him but also holding him to boundaries.

In each of these conversations I am aware of the importance of relationships in our resident's lives - even if it isn't family - relationships are SO important. It's an honor to work with friends and families of our residents.

I thank God for all the friends and families of our residents past and present and I pray for even more to get involved. If you're interested please contact our Men's ministry director Aaron Eggers @ 358-2026

P.S. I am also constantly reminded of how blessed we are as staff at the Mission to have so many agencies in Lancaster County that we have the privilege of working with and who help our residents in so many ways. How lonely it would be……

-Chuck Albrecht, Men’s Ministry

The "Us & Them" Paradox (part one)

Life at Water Street often involves living with paradox. Please take the time to read both of the posts below... Aaron Eggers, from our Men's Ministry challenges us to think about the "Us & Them" paradox.

My concern today is about us & them. As a “Gospel” rescue mission one would assume that we, beyond most, would be appalled at any sort of us & them kind of thinking. Whether we are speaking of client/staff us & them or racial us & them or economic us & them or educational level us & them or almost any other kind of us & them, our position of record would most likely be, “We are against it.”

Us & them thinking sneaks in everywhere, even among us whose mission it is to help erase the lines between us & them. You can find us & them thinking here as we align ourselves by gender, department, by our place in the hierarchy of leadership or income level.

Though we say we don’t like the distance that separates us & them, and many of us will even claim that we are really no different than them, still, I think we wouldn’t necessarily want to be one of them. I think that’s the real problem; being one of us makes us feel somehow better than one of them.

We (us) have been talking a lot lately about poverty (them). I wonder what will change because of that. Will any of us make any choice today that will make any difference to any of them?

Sometimes I’m embarrassed to be one of us. I don’t think Jesus was one of us. I think He actually prefers to be counted among them. We prefer us. Something is wrong with that. I wonder what life would be like if we preferred them to us.

Today I asked myself, ‘What have I personally, concretely, recently done to erase the line between us & them?’ I was saddened by the answer.

We have been offered a solution however:

“…with humility of mind regard [them] as more important than [us]” Paul, the Apostle (parentheses mine)

Dare we take the solution?

Imagine.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

The “Us & Them” Paradox (Part two)

Though it has become popular these days to ridicule any sense of us & them distinctions, I wonder how far it will go. My question is, “How far should we go in trying to erase the lines between us & them?” Is there any time where a clear us & them distinction is good and right?

When I go to my auto repair place I think I prefer them distinguishing clearly between those (them) who can repair motors and us who cannot. From this simple example many more spring to mind where a clear distinction separating us & them is important.

Here are a few:
Who treats the sick: them or us?
Who enforces the laws: us or them?
Who flies the planes: them or us?
Who teaches the children: us or them?
Who runs the company: them or us?
Who makes the rockets: us or them?
Who makes nuclear reactors: them or us?

I am sure there are many more examples of us & them categories about which we are very glad that they exist. But it seems to be getting to the point where any notice of any difference of skill or resource level is considered demeaning in some way.

Sometimes even here on campus we are made to feel as though we are supposed to apologize for having something to offer our clients (them). Further, even to believe we have something to offer them is seen as arrogant.

Why is this helping ministry singled out as ‘condescending’ for believing we have what they need? When did us offering a cup of cold water out of our supply to them, who have no water, become a bad thing.

I continue to encounter voices that seem to think that homeless and /or addicted people (them) are the same as us. They are not. If they were we would all be homeless and/or addicted or none of us would be.

We work with a unique population, and working with this population requires as much, or more, skill and training as any other field of life. Let’s stop apologizing for being experts in our field. If I am ever in need of these services again, I want someone working with me who knows what to do to help me.

I don’t see the problem with recognizing the differences between us & them. A clear understanding of these differences is exactly what helps us to help them.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Mentors matter

Mentors are a special part of the addiction recovery programs at Water Street Mission. Serving as a sounding board and friend, mentors help clients walk through and live out what God’s teaching them. Ultimately, mentors are established as a healthy relationship for a client’s transition back into society.

Here are some comments that Lee, a mentor, recently shared about Don, his mentee.

“Don has made great progress and looks forward to the completion of his GED. You folks at [Water Street Ministries] have poured new life into him – and he is really grateful to you! Perhaps I just came on for the time to assist what you at the Mission have been doing!

It was interesting to me that Don said that he was concerned about me. I think that that is really a great focus change for him – when he starts being interested in other people and their difficulties. We can praise God for grace abundantly showered and provided for Don.”

Now showing at the Prince St Cafe

Have you ever searched to fill an aching void? To understand the meaning of life? To grasp your purpose? If you have, you’re not alone. Many people have spent their whole lives without answers to these questions. Some have driven themselves nearly insane while pursuing, or avoiding, these answers.

Recently, ten men devoted over one year of their lives to address these issues. For each of them, what started out as an “average” dose of doubt, anger or fear in their daily lives grew, through the decades, into a spiral of despair. In the middle of their despair and brokenness, they became homeless. It was through the recovery program at Water Street Rescue Mission that these 10 men began their journey to healing. They had the opportunity to create two pieces, one written and one visual, inspired by a message that has been life-changing during their journey at Water Street Rescue Mission.

Just as there’s more to your city than its buildings, there’s more to your shelter than a soup kitchen…

What God is teaching our staff...

God has taught me more patience through my role as a chaplain. I have been reminded that as we ask our clients to grow in areas of life, such as patience, how much more important it is to model it.

-Jon Shacklett, Men's Ministry

Water Street has taught me that patience is not an option, and by the work of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God I'm learning this virtue.

-Bill Lewis, Operations

Changes in the lives of men become more evident with longer stays here at the Mission. This is parallel to situations in my life where the longer the "stay," the longer the relationship with someone, the deeper the lessons.

-Steve Gentino, Business Office

Learning from one another

Sometimes the men and women who spend time with us here at WSRM learn more from each other than from any of us on staff:

“Gary” arrived for his first day back at the Learning Center in a bad mood. Sue was especially nervous to have Gary in class because of some previous encounters that did not turn out so well.

As he sat down, Sue cautiously approached him and began to help him with his classwork. She could tell right away that Gary was not going to cooperate today. As she started to engage him over some wrong answers on his math paper he immediately became defensive. His voice got louder and his arguments became more and more hostile. He was on the verge of completely exploding when Sue asked him to step outside the classroom to take a break.

Sue did not think she would see him again that day, but to Sue’s surprise, about thirty minutes later Gary was back in his seat, working on his math. Sue’s surprise was even greater when he apologized for his behavior and asked for her forgiveness. For the rest of the day, Gary was cooperative and even a pleasure to work with.

Later, we learned that Gary’s thirty minutes outside the learning center were not spent in isolation. He had wandered into the library just down the hall. There he ran into “John”. John was a Learning Center graduate. Gary opened up to John about his frustrations in the Learning Center. As it turns out, John, too, had his struggles in the classroom. He spent many hours working through obstacles and addressing the emotions that were dredged up. Ultimately though, he had gained insights about himself from his days in the classroom. He had come to the realization that even though academics are taught in the Learning Center, the lessons that are learned can affect a person on a deeper level.

God used John to give Gary a whole new perspective about the Learning Center classroom.

-David P. Miller, Learning and Career Center

Overheard on campus...

Some resident comments[1] recently overheard that made me think …

From Michael (who is currently living in transitional housing): “Steve, isn’t it really great being able to have a private bathroom? I haven’t had a private bathroom in twenty years! Isn’t God good?”

From 40-something Hazel (who is parading around on the campus with a children’s baby doll): “Mr. Steve, I know I’m acting silly but I don’t care. I didn’t have a childhood and I kind of like being able to play with this doll and make other people laugh when they hear me speak through her!”

From Natalie (who accepted Christ into her heart while in the Women’s Shelter and is now at the Lydia Center): “I’m so glad I can read again! I read a lot when I was a child but literally could not comprehend words during the years I used drugs. When I accepted Christ into my heart I don’t know what happened but suddenly I could read again. I am reading voraciously now. It is so cool to be able to read again!”

-Submitted by Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries
[1] These are not their real names!

A Father's Journey

(The following article can also be found in the most recent Water Street Messenger)

By Wendy Capoferri, volunteer

Russell Mumma does not sugar coat his life choices. He shares, “I was a lousy father to my daughter. I was not around for birthdays or anything. Holidays were all about me, me, me. They were just another day to get high.”

Until two years ago, Russell hardly remembers a time when drugs and alcohol were not the focus of his life. Married at age 19, he was already an addict. When his marriage ended five years later, he continued to live a destructive life until he hit rock bottom at the age of 48. Suicidal, addicted to heroin and homeless, Russell ended up in a local hospital. Upon his release, he came to Water Street Rescue Mission and enrolled in the long-term recovery program.

“No one would have wanted to be around me two years ago,” states Russell. However, change did not happen overnight. “God is working on me daily. I see things happening in my life that can only be the work of God. They can’t be me,” he says.

Currently working on earning his GED, Russell recently became a Men’s Ministry Intern. Love and kindness are two feelings Russell prays will grow and develop as he strives to be a positive influence to others. “Being around Christians here at Water Street makes me see how good it feels to help others. It feels so much better to give than to take,” he says.

As for Russell’s daughter, who is now 30 and has a 9-year-old daughter, she has given her father a wonderful gift – forgiveness. Russell recently attended his daughter’s wedding. He shares, “I rejected my daughter, her mother and the rest of the family for 25 years. They were happy to see me and so glad I became a Christian. They welcomed me with open arms. I even got a hug from my granddaughter. I will never forget that.”

Although his daughter now lives out of state, Russell talks to her as often as he can. This Father’s Day, he would rather think of others than himself. Russell explains, “I’m thankful my daughter had a good mother and step-father. I am proud of my daughter and I’m glad she forgives me. I can hear it in her voice, read it in her letters and thankfully, I saw it on her wedding day.”

Common ground...

At Water Street Rescue Mission, the men’s long term program has a morning chapel each day of the week. This is a great way to minister to the guys and get the day off to a good start. On one particular morning, we had arranged for a high school hand bell choir to come play for 30 minutes. It seemed like an odd fit – a group of young students from a private school playing hand bells for a group of homeless men. (I began wondering what I had been thinking when I scheduled this group to come!) It only took minutes into their playing for us to realize that God had orchestrated the hand bell choir to be at Water Street that morning.

The songs they played ministered to the men’s hearts. One song represented a storm with a calm at the end. Many of our men have weathered very difficult and complex storms – storms that are finally subsiding as they allow the peace of God to reign in their hearts.

The students also shared testimonies. One girl shared how she had spent most of her young life working hard to gain her father’s approval. She talked of how she began to relate this to her relationship with God – feeling that, like with her own father, she may never gain His approval either. She talked of how she had truly embraced God’s grace and began to see His love and acceptance for her. Many heads in the audience nodded with understanding of how she felt.

At the end of the chapel, one man came forward and clasped the hands of the director. He began to pray with her. She and the group had touched his heart.

The body of Christ has no boundaries. The two very different groups of people had reached a common ground in Christ. The differences in outward appearance were stripped away and only inward souls were left.

We are all alike on the inside – whether we’re homeless or attending a private school. We each have longings, dreams, and emptiness that only He can fill.

Thank-you Lord Jesus that you come in to our lives regardless of our background, our choices, our circumstances. You see our hearts and you meet all our needs. Thank-you for working in us. Fill the voids and heal the hurts in each of us today. Amen.

- Cheryl Wahlberg, Volunteer Coordinator

Caught or taught?

What makes me excited to come to work at WSRM?

I am thrilled each day to come and share life with real people who need someone to love them as they are. It is my joy to hug others and bless them in Jesus' name.

What has God taught me lately in my role at WSRM?

I was totally humbled by a young man's testimony of how our 3 month Overcomers Class impacted him. "Dan" told me the content of the class was cool and important, but even more importantly, he caught the attitude and character of the teacher instead. God allowed me to experience His grace as I learned that much is caught, not taught by servant people.

-Jim Stanton, Men's Ministry

Fear not...

Frankly, I was scared to death to begin working at Water Street Rescue Mission. I love working with people and meeting needs, but never dreamed that this sheltered, suburban boy would be working in the city with drug addicts and alcoholics.

But I have found that God met me here and enabled me for this ministry, and that I have nothing to fear, for God is with me.

-Craig Hickey, Men's ministry