As our women come into WSRM and allow the Lord to change their lives, they very often impact others outside the Mission. The following is a recent testimony from a resident who is working in the community at a secular job.
“I get to work about an hour early every day (due to bus schedules), so during this time I do my devotions. A fellow worker would come into the breakroom and after awhile we started to share about what God was doing in our lives. I shared that I was beginning to look for my own place, and that I may have found one, and what I would have to spend to get it.
One morning this coworker came up to my register and handed me a card. I was going to open it later, but she asked me to open it right away. I did, and in this card was a LOVE GIFT of $375 to help me pay my security deposit.
And in the meantime all the people that I work with are helping me with furniture, a TV, an air conditioner, and cleaning supplies. God has surely placed some really special people in my life. And I give all PRAISE to Him.”
-Elaine Hostetter, Women's Ministry
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Helping each other
Today I had a couple of counseling sessions. In counseling I have often heard things that have helped me.
In addition, I also met with clients who wanted to see me, “off the clock”. These times have an even greater enjoyment, for it is what doesn’t have to be done. I heard about the blessing of going the second mile, and these illustrate the benefit of it.
Showed my class a video on yielding rights and God pointed to an issue. In my last contribution to the blog, I wrote about being proud of being humble. A further area was revealed today.
At the end of the day a former client surprised me with a visit. Seeing him was very good. He even helped me locate a place I had longed to see, but did not find until today: the library. Continued relationships with graduated clients are a benefit of Water Street Rescue Mission. I have seen it with the chaplains and their former clients and experienced it anew today.
Each of these events has something in common. In helping others, I am helped.
-Michael Haines, Men’s Ministry
In addition, I also met with clients who wanted to see me, “off the clock”. These times have an even greater enjoyment, for it is what doesn’t have to be done. I heard about the blessing of going the second mile, and these illustrate the benefit of it.
Showed my class a video on yielding rights and God pointed to an issue. In my last contribution to the blog, I wrote about being proud of being humble. A further area was revealed today.
At the end of the day a former client surprised me with a visit. Seeing him was very good. He even helped me locate a place I had longed to see, but did not find until today: the library. Continued relationships with graduated clients are a benefit of Water Street Rescue Mission. I have seen it with the chaplains and their former clients and experienced it anew today.
Each of these events has something in common. In helping others, I am helped.
-Michael Haines, Men’s Ministry
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Leap of faith
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 NIV
During one of our recent summer endeavors, my co-worker and I were treated to a biblical object lesson (of sorts) from a youth who attends our day camp program. Although this young man had no idea that he was teaching us a valuable lesson, his action resembled the Hebrew picture imagery, which Jesus used to teach his disciples and captivate so many others.
The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque; beautiful Mount Gretna on a pristine August afternoon. Although Travonne was hesitant to make this trip with his peers, he was willing after an encouragement (and hug) from Mr. Jose. It wasn’t that this young gentleman didn’t enjoy our various special outings, but most likely was imprisoned by some of his own fears. Tra’s hesisitancy to join us this particular day was due to last year’s trip, when he wasn’t able to swim out 100 yards to the high-dive tower to hang with his friends, who were jumping ( and making their counselors nervous every time!) into the cold water below.
As we began the day practicing swimming techniques in the shallow end of the lake, I couldn’t help but notice that Travonne would often glance out to the high-dive tower. His yearning to be alongside the other boys seemed to stir up a tension within him, which wouldn’t rest. As his skills increased, so did his desire to make the “big jump.”
A half-hour prior to departure time from the lake, Tra (with tears in his eyes) confessed that he was ready to slay this “giant” in his life. Along with an escort of six experienced swimmers, we made our way out to the tower successfully. The moment of truth had arrived. The fear that tried to paralyze this young man as he climbed the ladder was eclipsed by the increasing sound of spectators chanting “Tra! Tra! Tra!” The moment of truth was here. After a 10-minute “apprehension” session at the top, Travonne nervously leaped into the water (safely), and was congratulated by those who acted as his “safety net.” As they say in those credit card advertisements, “Priceless!”
So, what was it that we actually learned from this? For one, in our Christian walk, we can be assured that the Lord will stretch us in calling us to do things which stretch us and flat out, scare us. He also wants us to trust Him first, but also to welcome the encouragement of those fellow believers, who have gone through similar experiences. At times the victory may come at the “reckless abandonment” of closing our eyes and jumping into the trustful hands of our Heavenly Father!
- Michael Kerrigone, Lancaster Teen Haven
During one of our recent summer endeavors, my co-worker and I were treated to a biblical object lesson (of sorts) from a youth who attends our day camp program. Although this young man had no idea that he was teaching us a valuable lesson, his action resembled the Hebrew picture imagery, which Jesus used to teach his disciples and captivate so many others.
The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque; beautiful Mount Gretna on a pristine August afternoon. Although Travonne was hesitant to make this trip with his peers, he was willing after an encouragement (and hug) from Mr. Jose. It wasn’t that this young gentleman didn’t enjoy our various special outings, but most likely was imprisoned by some of his own fears. Tra’s hesisitancy to join us this particular day was due to last year’s trip, when he wasn’t able to swim out 100 yards to the high-dive tower to hang with his friends, who were jumping ( and making their counselors nervous every time!) into the cold water below.
As we began the day practicing swimming techniques in the shallow end of the lake, I couldn’t help but notice that Travonne would often glance out to the high-dive tower. His yearning to be alongside the other boys seemed to stir up a tension within him, which wouldn’t rest. As his skills increased, so did his desire to make the “big jump.”
A half-hour prior to departure time from the lake, Tra (with tears in his eyes) confessed that he was ready to slay this “giant” in his life. Along with an escort of six experienced swimmers, we made our way out to the tower successfully. The moment of truth had arrived. The fear that tried to paralyze this young man as he climbed the ladder was eclipsed by the increasing sound of spectators chanting “Tra! Tra! Tra!” The moment of truth was here. After a 10-minute “apprehension” session at the top, Travonne nervously leaped into the water (safely), and was congratulated by those who acted as his “safety net.” As they say in those credit card advertisements, “Priceless!”
So, what was it that we actually learned from this? For one, in our Christian walk, we can be assured that the Lord will stretch us in calling us to do things which stretch us and flat out, scare us. He also wants us to trust Him first, but also to welcome the encouragement of those fellow believers, who have gone through similar experiences. At times the victory may come at the “reckless abandonment” of closing our eyes and jumping into the trustful hands of our Heavenly Father!
- Michael Kerrigone, Lancaster Teen Haven
Monday, August 21, 2006
Happily ever after
Today my husband and celebrate 35 years of marriage. In some ways August 21, 1971 seems like a lifetime ago. I wish I could tell you this couple lived “happily ever after” since then, but I can’t. Life isn’t a fairy tale. Reality creeps in and the fairy tale quality of dating disappears. Suddenly disappointments and unmet expectations make “Mr. (or Mrs.). Right” seems all “Wrong.”
I think back to the starry-eyed bride and groom on our wedding day. We thought we had it all. Our marriage would be different from all the others. Oh, yes, we had heard that the bloom of first love fades as time wears on, but surely it wouldn’t happen to us. We were different. We were committed to making our marriage the best in the world. People would look at us and wonder how we do it. Idealistic? Absolutely! Different from any other couples on their wedding day? Probably not!
Just like every other couple the reality of every day living set in and I dare say that the next years of our marriage were not unlike those of many other couples. There were days, and weeks, and yes even a few years when we learned you really can’t just live on love. Love doesn’t pay the electric bill or put food on the table; it takes cold, hard cash. Love doesn’t mean “never having to say you’re sorry,” a phrase taken from the movie Love Story. In sickness and in health really does mean cleaning up the mess when the spouse and kids are all sick at the same time. And really any married couple will probably admit that things often do get worse before they get better.
But then I remember the joys. The thrill of holding our first born, a daughter, and later her brother. The celebration of milestones in their lives, which marked milestones in our lives as well. Observing first hand in their adult lives that they have embraced many of the values we taught and will pass them on to the next generation. Looking back to lives we have touched through foster parenting, home groups, mentoring, counseling, and teaching and feel a sense of satisfaction that we were able to pass on our heritage of faith. And I thank God for thirty-five years of relationships that have developed with people in our church, our neighborhoods, and our workplaces.
Most of all, I look back and know it was the hand of God that kept us going when things got tough. And as time will do, the struggles and heartaches are dimmed and the joys and celebrations of thirty-five years are enhanced. And I know that life is good. Thirty-five years doesn’t seem like a lifetime ago. It’s a joy and a privilege to walk hand in hand through life with my husband. I look forward to spending many more years with him – maybe another 35 so that we too can celebrate our 70th anniversary together just like his grandparents did!
Come to think of it – the bride and groom really are living “happily every after!” It all depends on your definition of happiness!
-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club School
I think back to the starry-eyed bride and groom on our wedding day. We thought we had it all. Our marriage would be different from all the others. Oh, yes, we had heard that the bloom of first love fades as time wears on, but surely it wouldn’t happen to us. We were different. We were committed to making our marriage the best in the world. People would look at us and wonder how we do it. Idealistic? Absolutely! Different from any other couples on their wedding day? Probably not!
Just like every other couple the reality of every day living set in and I dare say that the next years of our marriage were not unlike those of many other couples. There were days, and weeks, and yes even a few years when we learned you really can’t just live on love. Love doesn’t pay the electric bill or put food on the table; it takes cold, hard cash. Love doesn’t mean “never having to say you’re sorry,” a phrase taken from the movie Love Story. In sickness and in health really does mean cleaning up the mess when the spouse and kids are all sick at the same time. And really any married couple will probably admit that things often do get worse before they get better.
But then I remember the joys. The thrill of holding our first born, a daughter, and later her brother. The celebration of milestones in their lives, which marked milestones in our lives as well. Observing first hand in their adult lives that they have embraced many of the values we taught and will pass them on to the next generation. Looking back to lives we have touched through foster parenting, home groups, mentoring, counseling, and teaching and feel a sense of satisfaction that we were able to pass on our heritage of faith. And I thank God for thirty-five years of relationships that have developed with people in our church, our neighborhoods, and our workplaces.
Most of all, I look back and know it was the hand of God that kept us going when things got tough. And as time will do, the struggles and heartaches are dimmed and the joys and celebrations of thirty-five years are enhanced. And I know that life is good. Thirty-five years doesn’t seem like a lifetime ago. It’s a joy and a privilege to walk hand in hand through life with my husband. I look forward to spending many more years with him – maybe another 35 so that we too can celebrate our 70th anniversary together just like his grandparents did!
Come to think of it – the bride and groom really are living “happily every after!” It all depends on your definition of happiness!
-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club School
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Sorry for the inconsistency
I've been out of the office a bit lately (Willow Creek Leadership Summit, RV trip with some Teen Haven guys to Steeler's Camp, and tomorrow for a short vacation), and I neglected to get someone else to take over my blog editing duties. Next week, we should get back on track with a consistent posting pattern (hopefully a new one each day).
In the meantime, check out the two we just posted below, and practice extending grace and forgiveness to your humble blog editor...
Thanks.
-Jack
In the meantime, check out the two we just posted below, and practice extending grace and forgiveness to your humble blog editor...
Thanks.
-Jack
A mess?!? Who, Me???
Mark McMinn, in his book, “Why Sin Matters: The Surprising Relationship Between Our Sin and God’s Grace” reminds us of that: “Part of our mess is not knowing we are a mess….It’s been observed in surveys that the average person believes he (or she) is better than the average person.”
As we talk with, work with, pray with men and women who have run out of everything and need our help, it is all too easy to fall into the trap McMinn mentions – seeing ourselves as super-saints bending low to help a one less fortunate. When we think we have the answers to someone else’s problems and just can’t understand why they don’t want to take our advice, it is vital to avoid adopting an “us against them” mentality - an attitude of superiority like the Pharisee in the temple (Luke 18:11).
When my children were growing up, I’d occasionally hear one of them say, “You always take his (or her) side because you just like him (or her) best.” I knew they could not understand until they had children of their own how a mother can love each of her children with her whole heart and still have plenty of love left over. How much greater than this is the Father’s love for us – all of us – love beyond all measure. God knows all our faults and still considers us His treasure. When we trust Him with our failures, He uses them to move us forward toward maturity. Can we do less for those He has called us to love?
“I have a maker. He formed my heart.
Before even time began, my life was in His hands.
He knows my name;
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.”
“I have a Father. He calls me His own.
He’ll never leave me no matter where I go.
He knows my name;
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.”
-Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministries
As we talk with, work with, pray with men and women who have run out of everything and need our help, it is all too easy to fall into the trap McMinn mentions – seeing ourselves as super-saints bending low to help a one less fortunate. When we think we have the answers to someone else’s problems and just can’t understand why they don’t want to take our advice, it is vital to avoid adopting an “us against them” mentality - an attitude of superiority like the Pharisee in the temple (Luke 18:11).
When my children were growing up, I’d occasionally hear one of them say, “You always take his (or her) side because you just like him (or her) best.” I knew they could not understand until they had children of their own how a mother can love each of her children with her whole heart and still have plenty of love left over. How much greater than this is the Father’s love for us – all of us – love beyond all measure. God knows all our faults and still considers us His treasure. When we trust Him with our failures, He uses them to move us forward toward maturity. Can we do less for those He has called us to love?
“I have a maker. He formed my heart.
Before even time began, my life was in His hands.
He knows my name;
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.”
“I have a Father. He calls me His own.
He’ll never leave me no matter where I go.
He knows my name;
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.”
-Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministries
Gratefully doing God's will
On Friday I had the privilege to meet two ladies who were volunteering at the Lydia Center. Barbara Sargent and Anne Yocum, from Community of Grace Fellowship in Mansfield, PA, spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Lydia Center.
How did you end up coming to the Lydia Center to volunteer? We first learned of the Lydia Center through two people who used to pastor our church. They moved to Lancaster and became staff at Water Street Rescue Mission. Last year they invited us down for a tour and to do some volunteer work. We wanted to come back again this year and do more! Our church also encourages us to be servants in the community. We have been blessed and we want to share that blessing!
What have you done in your time here so far? Painting! We have painted the trim around the windows, the front door and other odds and ends. We are also eating supper with the Lydia Center residents tonight and then having a game night.
What have you enjoyed the most? We have really enjoyed getting to know some of the ladies here. They are so open! They welcomed us and made us feel very much at home. We’ve also enjoyed the fellowship we’ve shared together, “gabbing” while we paint.
What will you remember from your time here? We were having a conversation with one of the residents and she said something that I (Barbara) think I will always remember. She said that she is here, learning to “gratefully do God’s will.” That has been so challenging to me—how often am I grateful that I can choose to do God’s will.
Thank you Anne and Barbara for the blessing of your time, your work and your fellowship! And thank you to each our volunteers who have shared your life, your resources, your time and yourself with us here at
-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Thank you
As I walk around our campus here on Prince Street I feel a sense of gratitude. Our new Men’s Dorm is both very needed and a special treat for our guys. It feels like home to our men.
The renovations being done to our old 260 building are equally wonderful. The expanded Medical-Dental clinic, the extra classrooms, the expanded Learning & Career Center, the new Family Shelter and the addition of Air Conditioning in our Women’s Emergency Shelter are all greatly appreciated gifts to the community of homeless men, women and children in Lancaster County.
I am thrilled to be part of this outstanding organization, staffed with men & women devoted to serving the Lord through excellent, sacrificial service to those in need.
I especially want to thank the generous donors who have responded to the Lord’s prompting and provided the funds and the trust required to do what we do.
And thank you Jesus for creating and sustaining this ministry.
-Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries
The renovations being done to our old 260 building are equally wonderful. The expanded Medical-Dental clinic, the extra classrooms, the expanded Learning & Career Center, the new Family Shelter and the addition of Air Conditioning in our Women’s Emergency Shelter are all greatly appreciated gifts to the community of homeless men, women and children in Lancaster County.
I am thrilled to be part of this outstanding organization, staffed with men & women devoted to serving the Lord through excellent, sacrificial service to those in need.
I especially want to thank the generous donors who have responded to the Lord’s prompting and provided the funds and the trust required to do what we do.
And thank you Jesus for creating and sustaining this ministry.
-Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Crisis?
Monday morning on the way to the mission, I began to review the upcoming day. My thoughts went back to a ‘crisis’ I was having the prior Monday. I knew that something had bothered me a week ago but couldn’t remember what the crisis was! Isn’t that odd? Nothing could help me recall what worried me so much from the Monday prior! And it got me thinking: how often is the present very annoying and bothersome thing really the crisis I make it out to be?
When I’m in ‘crisis mode’ I take things that others do as personal affronts to my self-worth, my heart rate increases, I’m more anxious about pretty much everything and life looks bleak and hopeless. And I wonder why others aren’t seeing the same ‘crisis’ that I am!
I don’t totally understand the ‘psychology’ of why I perceive some things at times as a crisis but I have noticed this: often over time and with a bit of perspective my situation turns out not as dire as I am making it!
And I’m reminded that Jesus never seemed to operate in ‘crisis mode’ in spite of being surrounded by real human tragedy and others who wanted to convince Him of the crisis of their situation! And what was His ‘secret?’ Why didn’t He lurch from one crisis situation to the next trying to stay ahead of the pressing human need all around Him? I’m not totally sure but am reminded of His own words that speak of His desire to obey the Father and not be governed by the ‘press of the crowd.’
Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.” (John 5:19-20)
-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries
When I’m in ‘crisis mode’ I take things that others do as personal affronts to my self-worth, my heart rate increases, I’m more anxious about pretty much everything and life looks bleak and hopeless. And I wonder why others aren’t seeing the same ‘crisis’ that I am!
I don’t totally understand the ‘psychology’ of why I perceive some things at times as a crisis but I have noticed this: often over time and with a bit of perspective my situation turns out not as dire as I am making it!
And I’m reminded that Jesus never seemed to operate in ‘crisis mode’ in spite of being surrounded by real human tragedy and others who wanted to convince Him of the crisis of their situation! And what was His ‘secret?’ Why didn’t He lurch from one crisis situation to the next trying to stay ahead of the pressing human need all around Him? I’m not totally sure but am reminded of His own words that speak of His desire to obey the Father and not be governed by the ‘press of the crowd.’
Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.” (John 5:19-20)
-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries
Monday, August 07, 2006
He makes all things new
The clinic had a beautiful Hibiscus plant in the window that was blooming about every 3 days with a large orange flower. Millie & I loved looking at that flower and believed it was a sign from God of the wonderful work He is doing through the clinics to make people “bloom”. He has a plan for each of us, and it is good!
One day, Millie noticed that the plant’s leaves were turning yellow and it was infested with aphids. My heart sank and I prayed, “Dear Lord, I love this plant. Everyday as I looked upon it I got hope for the clinic and that those we touch will bloom and grow under your hand.” I looked at it for a couple of days with sorrow and finally, with Millie’s encouragement, took it home. She advised me to trim it back to short branches (it was about 2 feet tall) and then treat it with aphid spray.
I took it home and placed it on my deck, away from the other plants so as to not infect them, and looked at it for 3 days. I just couldn’t bear to cut its beautiful branches (although they weren’t as beautiful with the infection) for I remembered how beautiful it used to be, and was afraid it would die if I cut it back to far. Finally, I realized if I did nothing it was going to die also. I had to try. So I cut the branches off to about 6 inches & sprayed it twice with the aphid spray, gave it water with nutrients and prayed.
Wow, within days I noticed fresh green tender leaves sprouting from places that were barren and appeared dead! My heart had hope, and as I watched it grow healthier I became filled with joy. He was saving the plant from death, but I had to do my part by pruning and treating the disease.
It has now been a month and the Hibiscus plant is full and strong. As I sat and thanked God for this, He reminded me that this is what He is doing in the clinics. Clients come to us for their disease (illness, decay) and we have to cut out and treat the disease and give them medicine. He then works in them to heal. His healing is way beyond the physical. He has us start with the physical in the clinic as the immediate need, and then by offering His Word, prayer and His Spirit, He heals their body, mind and spirit. He makes all things new!
I am amazed at how God uses the everyday things in our lives to speak His truth & wisdom to us! Sometimes though we don’t want to go through the pain of pruning in our lives even though it is exactly what we need!
Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
II Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
-Gale Thomason, Water Street Clinics
Thursday, August 03, 2006
The passing of a frequent missionite (7-28-06)
(Tonight 8/3/06 - we will have a special memorial service in the chapel at 7pm for Rick)
Rick Ferguson (45) was one of a kind in many ways. He certainly fit the stereotype “homeless man” from the outside but on the inside he was nowhere close to a stereotype (guess God made sure of that).
Rick had a difficult home life and was put up for adoption at a young age. Thankfully he was adopted by a loving family. However in his teenage years he overheard his adoptive parents talking about his biological parents and discovered to his horror that his father killed his mother when Rick was very young and got away with it. It’s not hard to fathom why Rick would have had a life long rage and anger at his father and authority and why he had a hard time trusting people. When he was 25 and high on drugs he nearly killed himself in a motorcycle accident and has had seizures ever since.
The combination of drugs and alcohol, frequent seizures and secondary physical problems all contributed to a very shoddy work history which also contributed to his homelessness. His anger and trust issues led to his dismissal from many a shelter, hospital and church soup kitchens… which landed him on the streets… which led to vagrancy… and arrests… and fines to pay.
I was so hoping that Rick could let go of his anger and learn to trust me. There were times he did, but then he would revert to “his old man” – as he called it. In spite of his occasional departures from the mission, he continued to attend church at West End on a VERY regular basis and I think he felt very comfortable there – maybe even felt that he once again belonged to a family. Sure we put up with the smells, the occasional attitude and seizures but we also got blessed by his tender heart for the Lord, compassion for others and generosity. He was the first one ready to serve when there was work to be done at the church. In spite of Rick’s many and constant physical, emotional and financial problems – he also deeply cared for other hurting people. I must also mention that he loved to play guitar and was ALWAYS working on a song.
Rick was an extremely passionate man and it often came out in negative ways for much of his life. I’m glad we could also see the blessing side of that passion. Rick was a perfect example of a sinner saved by grace, BUT he was equally a reflection of God’s workmanship. Good bye Rick, I will miss you as a client and as a brother.
-Chuck Albrecht, Men’s Ministry
Rick Ferguson (45) was one of a kind in many ways. He certainly fit the stereotype “homeless man” from the outside but on the inside he was nowhere close to a stereotype (guess God made sure of that).
Rick had a difficult home life and was put up for adoption at a young age. Thankfully he was adopted by a loving family. However in his teenage years he overheard his adoptive parents talking about his biological parents and discovered to his horror that his father killed his mother when Rick was very young and got away with it. It’s not hard to fathom why Rick would have had a life long rage and anger at his father and authority and why he had a hard time trusting people. When he was 25 and high on drugs he nearly killed himself in a motorcycle accident and has had seizures ever since.
The combination of drugs and alcohol, frequent seizures and secondary physical problems all contributed to a very shoddy work history which also contributed to his homelessness. His anger and trust issues led to his dismissal from many a shelter, hospital and church soup kitchens… which landed him on the streets… which led to vagrancy… and arrests… and fines to pay.
I was so hoping that Rick could let go of his anger and learn to trust me. There were times he did, but then he would revert to “his old man” – as he called it. In spite of his occasional departures from the mission, he continued to attend church at West End on a VERY regular basis and I think he felt very comfortable there – maybe even felt that he once again belonged to a family. Sure we put up with the smells, the occasional attitude and seizures but we also got blessed by his tender heart for the Lord, compassion for others and generosity. He was the first one ready to serve when there was work to be done at the church. In spite of Rick’s many and constant physical, emotional and financial problems – he also deeply cared for other hurting people. I must also mention that he loved to play guitar and was ALWAYS working on a song.
Rick was an extremely passionate man and it often came out in negative ways for much of his life. I’m glad we could also see the blessing side of that passion. Rick was a perfect example of a sinner saved by grace, BUT he was equally a reflection of God’s workmanship. Good bye Rick, I will miss you as a client and as a brother.
-Chuck Albrecht, Men’s Ministry
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Amazing impact
As we’ve said so many times, we are so thankful for the volunteers who faithfully serve God by serving at Water Street Rescue Mission! But when I tell people that in 2005 we had over 6,000 volunteers who donated more than 25,000 hours of volunteer service, many are amazed! Our volunteers do so many things, from painting the kitchen to serving meals, from mentoring a client to driving him to an appointment, from treating an illness to providing dentures. Our volunteers are amazing people with many and varied God-given talents!
So far this year from January through June (July’s hours have not been calculated yet), over 3,000 volunteers have blessed Water Street Rescue Mission! Take a look at the chart below to see where these volunteers are being put to work!
Though we are blessed with so many wonderful volunteers, we still have need for more! If you want to find out more information about volunteering at Water Street Rescue Mission, please check out our website, www.wsrm.org, or contact me at volunteer@wsrm.org.
January - June 2006
--------------------------------Hours---------People
Administration-----------------335.25-----------35
Community Outreach----------523.00-----------84
Dental Clinic-------------------823.50----------166
Development-----------------1293.00----------176
Food Service------------------3034.25--------1306
Learning/Career Center--------155.00----------23
Lydia Center------------------2015.00---------241
Medical Clinic------------------1619.25---------254
Men's Ministry-----------------144.50-----------18
Redistribution-----------------1908.25---------618
Thrift Store----------------------12.00-----------2
Women's Ministry---------------156.25----------38
Wonder Club--------------------412.50----------62
Teen Haven-------------------3635.00---------190
Totals------------------------16066.75--------3213
So far this year from January through June (July’s hours have not been calculated yet), over 3,000 volunteers have blessed Water Street Rescue Mission! Take a look at the chart below to see where these volunteers are being put to work!
Though we are blessed with so many wonderful volunteers, we still have need for more! If you want to find out more information about volunteering at Water Street Rescue Mission, please check out our website, www.wsrm.org, or contact me at volunteer@wsrm.org.
January - June 2006
--------------------------------Hours---------People
Administration-----------------335.25-----------35
Community Outreach----------523.00-----------84
Dental Clinic-------------------823.50----------166
Development-----------------1293.00----------176
Food Service------------------3034.25--------1306
Learning/Career Center--------155.00----------23
Lydia Center------------------2015.00---------241
Medical Clinic------------------1619.25---------254
Men's Ministry-----------------144.50-----------18
Redistribution-----------------1908.25---------618
Thrift Store----------------------12.00-----------2
Women's Ministry---------------156.25----------38
Wonder Club--------------------412.50----------62
Teen Haven-------------------3635.00---------190
Totals------------------------16066.75--------3213
Thanks
-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator
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