Not just an ordinary Father's Day

This is the day many children celebrate and honor their dads, whether biological or adoptive; we celebrate a special day for them.

I give great honor and thanks to my Father, God. He took me out of the worst of the picking; I was anything but a son to be proud of.

My bio-family disowned or shunned me because I choose to speak the truth about the dysfunction in my life with the family. I knew if I was to survive my life I would have to hold up my chin and walk away from their denial. One parent blaming the other, yet both was abusive. Lies that they taught me I believed and lived out until November 14th, 2004.

I became baptized, reborn in my spiritual life, more importantly to me at the time was to be adopted, as is, into my Heavenly Father’s Kingdom. He has blessed me so many blessings.

He directed me to Water Street Rescue Mission, He provided loving and patient staff to allow me a chance to really learn the truth of who God really is, who I am and given me a happier life with Him. I’m swimming in a healing, loving, spiritual pool that my Father has given me. An opportunity to really seek Him out, to make me transparent so His light can shine through me and allow light to brighten another’s darkened spirits.

Father God has taught me Real Love; His Truth in His Word is all about.

I forgave my bio-family and prayed mercy on them. I had hoped they (the bio-family) would have sought out Christian counseling and moved on with their lives.

I’m starting to move on in my life with all my heart and soul on doing anything that is pleasing to my Heavenly Father. I want to live a life that is only pleasing to Him.

He blessed me with a family at West End Mennonite Fellowship, also many Brothers and Sisters at Water Street Rescue Mission. I am also surrounded daily with Love, support, encouragement and inspiration.

This will never be “just another Father’s Day” for me again, but rather a Happy Holy Father God’s Day.

Teach me all your ways so you, Heavenly Father can have all the glory and honor for all the many accomplishments in my life.

Happy Holy Father God’s Day! I LOVE YOU

-Bro. Pauljay

What if I don't feel forgiven?

Today's post comes from a member our Lancaster Teen Haven program. Nate is 14 years old and has been coming to Teen Haven for about 2 years. He is a mature young man with great potential who the staff count it a "privilege" to be training up as a leader.

Many times, we have trouble letting go of the past experiences in our lives. Instead of receiving God’s forgiveness, we try to work for it and still wonder why those “old tapes” play in our heads. Why is it so hard to be free from the past?

Overcoming guilt has been a struggle for me. When I was thirteen years old, something I did (regrettably) stayed with me for a long time. I had a hard time believing that the Blood of Jesus was all that I needed for an eraser, to rid me of that blemish on my record. Sure, I understood that the Word of God was all truth, but it didn’t feel like it. It wasn’t until I realized what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross and understood the true forgiveness given to me through a relationship with Him. It wasn’t about feelings anymore, it was about Truth.

I now know the importance of prayer and standing on His Holy Word, when I don’t feel forgiven. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reads that “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has came.” Praise God for that.

-Nathaniel, Lancaster Teen Haven

Looking for a little depth

I’m reading a book describing the Rwandan genocide where almost a million people were slaughtered within an extremely short time period. During 1994, in the span of 100 days, 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered mostly by machete, mostly at the hands of colleagues, fellow villagers, and even relatives. This event was described as the ‘fastest and most efficient killing spree of the 20th century!’ Yet, Rwanda was statistically the most ‘Christian’ of any African country in the mid – 1990s!

How can we reconcile this (hopefully apparent) inconsistency where the church was unable to prevent or - at a minimum - restrain genocide? How is it possible that so many Christians could participate – while standing by or with machete in hand - in these acts of murder?

I began reading the book with hope of answering these questions and have yet to find adequate resolution. But the Rwandan story has forced me to consider the depth of the faith we are encouraging among homeless folks here at the Rescue Mission. Candidly, we have men and women going through the programs who have never been ‘written up’ or broken a rule while staying here. Many of them are not swearing, not drinking and dressing better and grooming more neatly than when they first arrived. Some can even quote the Bible and sing spiritual songs in chapel! And yet, some will leave here totally unchanged! Underneath the façade they are still thinking the same, struggling with the same issues as when they entered the program. And superficial faith is neither sufficient to prevent a holocaust nor can it withstand assault from the addictions, obsessions, toils, and difficulties that confront all of us in daily life.

How easy it is for all of us – Hutu and Tutsi, or resident and seasoned Christian alike – to define our faith by what we do or don’t do!

A superficial faith allowed the Christians of Rwanda to ‘friendly up’ to the then government. A superficial faith kept the Rwandan Christians from seeing the power grab of the majority Hutus for what it was – a twisted way to compensate for their prior exploitation by the Tutsis. A superficial faith tolerated the butchering of friend, brother and sister, grandma and aunt. And, though apparently less consequential, a superficial faith keeps our men and women – and us - in bondage to addiction and sin.

“Lord forgive us. Forgive us for settling for the ease of defining our faith by what we do or don’t do. Forgive us for judging others when our own heart is far from being centered on you. Forgive us for our pride and help us to be authentic and vulnerable so that in our weakness You will be glorified. And help all of us in the Body of Christ – Hutu, Tutsi, rescue mission worker and resident – grow deep in our relationship with You."

-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

What is poverty?

We are in the midst of a discussion – internally and externally – concerning poverty.

How do we define poverty and what are the causes?

Is there a difference between the deserving and the undeserving poor? Who makes that determination?

Define charity. Is it biblical? Is it redemptive? Who makes that determination?

Who are the poor? What do they look like? Is this an urban or a suburban or a rural issue? How do we respond? How do we determine who needs our help and who does not?

As we look at Outreach Ministries, I have been facilitating a discussion that seeks to answer those questions from God’s perspective. In my flesh, I can draw lines where God might require Love. In my cynicism, I can close doors while God requires open arms.

Answering the philosophical questions are important and necessary, however, there are real people, with real lives, and with real needs who will be affected by what I decide.

Way too much power for a sinner such as I. Good thing I have a sovereign God to lean on.

Pray for me and all the leaders, staff, residents, and volunteers for the wisdom to lean on God and the grace to minister out of His Love for us.

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries

Jesus is Hope

I have often characterized our work as “standing at the edge of Hell pulling people out one at a time”. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Seeing men grasp the hope that will lift them from the pit is truly miraculous. Hope provides both the courage and the energy needed to “fight the good fight”. This hope is the indwelling Christ, who changes men from the inside out.

All too frequently though our men grab on to a wrong hope and these wrong hopes are not sufficient for the task. If we mistakenly focus our men solely on improving life skills, relapse prevention or Bible knowledge we may instill an inadequate hope. With insufficient hope they slip back into the pit. Many of our men are clinging to a false hope.

Real hope comes from trusting in the indwelling Christ alone. This is the scariest thing imaginable for our men. It is also the most difficult thing to teach. How do we teach trust? …not in a class …not in counseling …not by obeying rules …not by more discipline.

In my experience trust is caught, not taught. It is learned in relationship. It is modeled. It defies anything rote or programmatic. It requires an experience of much grace and truth over a long period of time in a safe & healing environment with unrelenting accountability done in genuine loving relationship.

It would be my wish that any who read this would stop and pray for our ministry, that we would be effective modelers of trusting in Jesus. And that our men would see our trust of Him and take the risk of trusting Him themselves.

Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

A tree in the city

Have you ever seen a tree planted in the city (you know in one of those cut-outs in the sidewalk)? Occasionally, one of those trees that was meant to “fit-in” and provide a pleasant diversion in an otherwise bleak landscape does much more than that. It grows so large that it breaks up the sidewalk, causes damage to the street, its roots damage water lines and sewer pipes, and its branches disrupt power lines. It changes not just the sightlines on the street, but it changes the street itself. When it was planted, it was intended to be a pleasant little thing, but now it threatens to disrupt the city.

A while ago I shared about planning for a teen leadership retreat. Well, last weekend was that retreat…Becoming Oaks – The Teen Haven Spring Leadership Retreat. Almost 50 teenagers from Philadelphia, Lancaster, Columbia, and York came to Teen Haven camp for an intense weekend of training, encouragement, and worship.

The emphasis was on encouraging these youth to understand the potential God has placed in each of them (like the potential of an acorn), and equip them to live up to that potential (like a majestic oak).

What encouraged me most in those three days was seeing how many of those teens are already spreading a firm foundation of roots and stretching their branches toward the sky. There was a hunger to learn, grow, and serve among these youth that is a precious resource.

The youth who left Teen Haven camp on May 28th are prepared to disrupt their cities. These “oaks of righteousness” will return home and continue to grow, and their lives will cause their communities to change. I can’t wait to see the work God will do through them. (Isaiah 61:3-4)

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

Learning about life

I work on the administration floor, away from the sweat and tears of real rescue mission work. In an attempt to understand what Water Street Rescue Mission is all about, I spent a Saturday evening on the women’s floor. Really, I spent a Saturday evening learning what life is all about.

I learned about the desire to achieve: I met a female resident in the elevator who had just found employment for the first time in two years. She was so excited and proud – you could see the joy bubbling up from inside of her.

I learned about the hardships of parenting: One resident was very pregnant, and she looked exhausted. It was all she could do to walk down the overly warm hallway (currently the women’s shelter does not have air conditioning), let alone tend to the two rambunctious children tugging and screaming at each arm. She struggled with understanding how to best discipline her children.

Another mother had three children, ranging from 3 to 6 years of age. I sat down with her kids who were watching Cinderella 2 in the lobby. They laughed and hugged me and jumped onto my lap. The youngest even started to cry when I had to leave. Their mom obviously loved them, but often spoke with a sharp tongue – maybe from the frustration of all that homelessness brings, or maybe that’s how her mother spoke to her.

I learned about living out faith. A resident shared about her job, and how her coworkers were giving her a hard time for being thorough and efficient. The resident said she wanted to do her best at the job the Lord had given her and share her faith at the same time, but others’ comments and looks were demeaning.

Thank you, Lord, for each unique individual you bring to Water Street Rescue Mission. Thank you for their gifts, talents, and dreams. Thank you for making a plan for their lives – for each of our lives.

Praising Him,

-Maria B. Ream, Public Relations and Media Manager

Death is life

I found out last week that a client we have helped for the last year has died. Ruth (fictitious name) was a woman in her 40’s tormented by alcoholism and the resulting health problems that come from years of drinking. When I met Ruth she was desperate for help in getting her medications. She was living in a half-way house and had a private Dr, but no money to get the medicines she needed to sustain her life.

I got her hooked into the Clinics prescription assistance program, and wouldn’t you know it, the paperwork got “lost”. I don’t blame her for being angry. She was used to having people let her down and not help her, and here we were, a “Christian” Clinic who also did not do what they promised.

As she was screaming at me over the telephone, my heart softened and ached for her. This was absolutely the Spirit of Jesus in me, for my usual response would have been to get firm with her, and if she didn’t stop yelling to hang up. I listened patiently until she was done, and then simply said, “I’m so sorry we messed up!” I told her I would do whatever was needed to make this right. First, I would get her the medications she needed immediately, and then re-file the paperwork for her medicines from the pharmaceutical company. All the while I was praying, “Lord, how & why did we mess up so for Ruth?”

I then got her address and personally delivered the medicines to her along with a note of apology and a small gift of a notepad & pen. Ruth called me the next day and said that she had not had an apology from anyone in many years and she was sorry she had acted so rudely. We talked and laughed together. What a moment of humility for me and a picture of the Spirit filling us with gentleness & forgiveness.

We continued to help Ruth over the next year get her medications & without any problems with the paperwork, thank the Lord!

She is now in heaven with Jesus, for she expressed to me that life is so hard for her, and she often stumbles, but it is Christ that is seeing her through. No more need for pills or paperwork Ruth & I look forward to seeing you in heaven!

-Gale Thomason, Director of Health Services

Letter from a friend

One of the chaplains recently passed this letter on to me from a former resident.

Hey Chaplain –

You might not remember me but my name is Dale ------ and I wrote this short pray that was read on the radio and I was thinking about you because you helped me when I was down and out. I’ve been clean since Sept. 9, 2005, I was discharged from Water Street in December of 2005 and I have continued to stay rooted and grounded in the word. Just wanted you to know that God works through people such as you and you remain in my heart and prays. Thank you for being you and may God continue to bless you as he sees fit.

Dale

PS – Feel free to share this with your class, it might help somebody that’s having a tough time.

The Song Prayer
By Dale -----

O Lord my God “How Great Thou Art” that you would “Pass Me Not” while I’m “Standing on the Promises” of your “Amazing Grace.”
I can count on your “Blessed Assurance” that as I “Trust and Obey” your commands “Heaven (will) Come Down and Glory Fill My Soul.”
“Nothing but the Blood” can wash away my sins, as I stand “Near the Cross” where my savior died, Hallelujah thine the glory that He has “Revived Us Again.”
Will He refuse us a home in Heaven “No Not One” because there’s “Victory in Jesus.”

Do I love you?

In my life here at the mission I am learning many truths about myself. Some things I thought were true I find were not. I sometimes use words I think I know the meanings of, but I really only know part of their meaning.

Take the word “Love” for example. When I say “I love you” to someone, what do I really mean? Am I saying I like you, you make me feel good, I want you to like me, I lust for you? Or am I saying I am willing to do anything to bring you true happiness even if it causes me pain?

God loves me so much that he sacrificed his only son on the cross to pay for my sins so I can live forever with him in heaven.

I know now that Love is not something you say. Love is something you do. If I say I love you and don’t do anything to meet your needs or help you in your struggles then I don’t really love you. If I say to God, “I love you,” but don’t try to live my life for him then I don’t really love God. If I don’t put my brothers needs before my own I’m not loving my brother.

I hope someone tells you they love you today.

- Lane R (a resident)

Me? Work with the homeless?

If someone had told me when I was younger that I would be working at a homeless shelter, I would have laughed at them. My dream was to be a history teacher. I never knew much about homeless people. I grew up in a middle class family. I remember helping our church when they went to the York Rescue Mission to serve meals and doing a chapel service. I remember thinking “those poor people.” However, I never really got to know them or talk to them. When I was 25 years old, I joined Brethren Volunteer Service, a volunteer organization in the Church of the Brethren. My first year assignment was at a homeless shelter in Fremont, CA as a case manager. What an eye opening experience for me!!!!

While there, I learned a lot about homelessness but more importantly I developed relationships with the men and women who stayed there. One woman, who was a resident, said to me one day, “you can become homeless!” That comment struck me in such a way that it made me think! She was right! I could lose it all because of choices or circumstances in my life. The homeless are people just like you or I. They have families. They have children. They have hopes and dreams. They go through problems. God knows how many hairs on their head like he does ours. God loves them like he loves me even when all of us make mistakes. God sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for anyone who believes in him (it doesn’t matter if your homeless or not!)

That year working in Fremont taught me a lot about homelessness but the people who were homeless taught me so much about life! Since I came back from that year, I have continued working with the homeless. I have tried to use that experience and my current experience to educate people whenever I can about people who are homeless. We aren’t different!

Matthew 25:40 “ …I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

- Mary Minnich, women’s counselor

Are you a Noun or an Adjective?

In the book of Acts, at the church in Antioch, “the disciples were first called Christians.” The noun “Christian” describes those who had devoted themselves to Christ. Jesus, and who they believed He was, directed and drove their lives.

How does that relate to the ministry of Rescue and Renewal that God works out through the various ministries of WSRM and specifically Outreach Ministries?

Well, the adjective “Christian” is often used to describe music, books, authors and TV programs, and generally, the “Christian” aspects of Outreach ministries that help set us apart from other groups attempting to do the same work. However, it is the noun, the person who God uses (Kerry, Jose, Ed, Pat, Bill, Lois, Jackie, Carl, Don, etc.) that should really set us apart from other agencies and organizations. The life I live with Christ, central to who I am, should dictate my thoughts, actions and motivations personally and programmatically.

Am I managing “Christian” (adjective) programs, hoping that the Gospel takes hold and lives are changed as a result?

Or, am I as a Christian, reflecting my Savior in the day-to-day, reflecting the hope, mercy and grace – challenging myself and those God allows to cross my path, with the reality of my Savior and the implications that holds for all life?

Father God, do not allow me to become comfortable in my faith or in my work, in my family or in Your Ministry. Constantly challenge me, wrestle with me as I struggle to articulate who Christ is to a world that does not know Him – and often denies Him – that I might continue to grow into the image of the Risen Savior and Your Name might be glorified throughout the earth

To God be the glory!
Amen

PS: Want to be challenged? My Book of the Month (maybe I can start a popular club like Oprah and get my books for free!) is Rob Bell’s “Velvet Elvis.” Articulate and challenging, this book has challenged my thought processes and convicted me of the sometimes shallowness of my faith (I KNOW that I am the only one who wrestles with that!). Pick it and be blessed – after you get past the uncomfortableness.

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries Director

Blast from the past

A number of months ago, my wife and I took the girls to the pet store to look at the animals (that’s as close as we’ll get to a pet for a while – when you’ve still got three to potty train, you don’t really need a dog to mess with as well).

While looking at the hamsters, mice, and lizards, I heard a familiar voice. Elias came walking up from behind me and gave me a big hug. Elias was one of the kids I met early on in my time running the Youth Center, and I always felt he had great potential. But like many kids, he preferred to “flirt” with Jesus rather than really commit. He never got pulled into the “really” bad stuff that some of his friends did, but he had a bit of a temper and had a baby at a very young age. I wasn’t sure whether he would ever let go and truly follow Christ.

That night at the pet store, Elias caught me up on the last few years of his life. Short version: he is married with three kids, has a good job, a house, and most importantly – he has recommitted his life to Christ and is attending a strong, bible-teaching church. He is even involved in leadership of an outreach ministry of the church. He thanked me for the years at the youth center and assured me that even though it didn’t seem like it then, what we did and said and taught had a huge impact on him.

To be completely honest, I was ecstatic as I hugged Elias again and said goodbye that night, but a part of me wondered how much of his story was for real… he wouldn’t be the first kid to tell me what they think I want to hear rather than the truth. But it seemed real, and my heart felt that it was.

Two days ago, a gentleman from that church was visiting the mission, and we had a chance to talk. I asked if he knew Elias, and my heart leapt as he told me what an outstanding young man and leader Elias is becoming. Praise God.

Sometimes we see fruit in our ministry right away, sometimes we never do, and sometimes God blesses us with a blast from the past.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

Refuge...

“The world breaks us all and some become stronger at the broken places” (Ernest Hemmingway).

Here at the Water Street Rescue Mission, we are a refuge; “a source of help, relief, and comfort in times of trouble”. An endless stream of the humbled flow through our open doors and yet, our constant dilemma is finding those who are actually broken. Though we offer provision to the many, we can only genuinely aid the broken; they alone have what it takes to become stronger at their broken places.

Doug is one of the broken. After completely destroying his life and exhausting his available work-related rehab options, he somehow found his way to our doors. After nearly nine months of submitting to our precious Jesus, Doug’s life is being restored. His family is again opening their arms to him, his railroad career is miraculously being restored, and his sweet Afton (11 years old) is cautiously looking forward to being embraced by her genuinely loving daddy. Doug continues his quest for Christ-like vulnerability and accountability. Last evening, I accompanied Doug to an AA meeting. What a Joy it was to see a formerly hardened old railroader softly asking for, and offering, genuinely intimate fellowship. Doug is becoming stronger at his broken places.

Ron is embracing brokenness. A former missionary to Africa; his marriage gone; his parents recently deceased; Ron crawled through our doors. It has been no small struggle for him to overcome the shame accompanying once ministering for Christ and walking away for a synthetic high. Lately, Ron has been expanding his accountability; painstakingly removing lies and codependent ways of relating from his life. Yesterday, Ron came to discuss his plan for lovingly setting good boundaries in a formerly sick, long-term friendship. Ron is becoming stronger at his broken places.

Then there’s Don, who recently surrendered his life to our precious Jesus and who took a great risk of being transparent in one of yesterday’s classes. And there’s Paul Jay, who has stepped into intimacy with Christ, new friends, and with his Godly calling. And, last but not least, there’s Bill whose stated goal is to make people smile and thus “lift someone else above the emptiness of their unbearable life...” …more men becoming stronger at their broken places.

My days are full, at this refuge called the Water Street Rescue Mission. Being broken is a wonderful privilege, bestowed by our loving God on those He greatly loves. I, too, am becoming stronger at my broken places and daily pray that I will be changed into what I was created to be…


- Norm Lowry, Men's Ministry Intern

From all walks...

We play a little flag football at the Mission during the fall of each year. The park behind the Mission has an athletic field that is convenient. Once a week maybe 6 to 12 residents from the men’s program convene. We warm up, divide up teams, put on the flag belts, and go at it for about an hour of good-natured play. I serve as the ref. Occasionally a chaplain or other staff member will join in.

One day a fellow who appeared in his 40’s came to play. It was obvious he had played football in his day, but was now a bit rusty and creaky after a number of years off. On the receiving end of pass routes, he caught everything that came his way. He pulled a hamstring near the end of the game that set him down. After the game I told him, “It looks like you’ve played before.” He cracked an embarrassed smile and let on, “Yes, I’ve played.” His girlfriend chimed in, “He played in the NFL.” In fact, we learned that he played for a couple years for two teams.

It got me thinking… We see folks from all walks of life come through the Mission… and backgrounds that do not fit neatly into the stereotyped category of “homeless”: former successful careers, advanced degrees, loving/caring families, church-going upbringing. I am tempted to think about such fortunate folks that “if they can’t stay on the straight and narrow, then who can”. And, the answer I am reminded is that in fact no one can, not even the most blessed of backgrounds. It is God’s work to keep us in his care and draw us to himself.

The one common denominator of guests at our Mission is a need that only God can fill. We are trusting God to give us wisdom concerning the communication of His love, and the way if His Kingdom in the lives of the men, women and children who come through.

-Steve Gentino, CFO

Between a rock and a hard place

We had a tough meeting today. We were caught between the tension of having to do more with less and the program staff was feeling it. They were weary of trying to fill a schedule while short staffed, weary of the pressure to make a program happen, weary of the unrelenting demands of trying to love broken people. Just very weary.

And I, the facilitator of the meeting, didn’t have a clue of what to say nor did I know how to encourage the tired folks around me. So we sat and looked at each other for a bit. And then we sat for a bit more. Finally I said, “I have nothing to say but let’s remember what we are to be about.”

“God has called us here to come alongside homeless and broken down people. As far as we know He hasn’t changed His desire for us. So now – even though we are weary and tired and short staffed and not sure we can contribute anything of value – let’s seek Him by continuing to walk in the calling He has on our lives.”

And you know what happened? Nothing really! We had neither new perspective nor any profound wisdom following the meeting! But we did leave grateful for this reminder: the God of the universe uses tired and weary and messed up people – such as us – to minister! It truly is all about Him and His agenda!

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

- Steve Brubaker, Director of Residential Ministries

Things I have learned...

Two things have became clear to me.

• Many seek God’s blessing, but I was surprised to learn that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
• I also learned that legalism is obeying God so that He will bless; under grace we obey God because He has blessed us. I had discovered that I am to bless others with the blessing God blessed me.

Thinking of blessing in a general way does not seem to work for me; thinking specifically does.

• Since God loved me, I am to love others (1 John 4:10-11).
• Since God forgave me, I am to forgive others (Eph. 4:32).
• Since God has comforted me, I am to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
• Since God has met my needs, I am to be generous (2 Cor. 9:8-11).

What a change in operation, to do based on what has been done, rather than to gain from God. Having learned these two things, my desire is to share them with others.

-Michael Haines, Chaplain

Brian

A few weeks ago, a young man named Brian Woolfolk, was killed on the streets of Philadelphia. Brian used to be a counselor for Teen Haven, and although he had his share of struggles, he recently recommitted his life to Christ, and had been getting together with Curtis Wayns, one of our counselors in Philly.

Curtis wrote the following tribute to his friend Brian:

Brian Dupree Davis-Woolfolk
Sunrise: October 23rd, 1986
Sunset: April 23rd, 2006

Brian, 19, was a true blessing to me, and I had the privilege of knowing and growing in Christ with him for 11 years. Brian accepted Christ as his personal savior at a young age, and was involved with Teen Haven in various ways, learning how to serve the Lord. He was an assistant supervisor, helping lead other youth to Christ, and trying his best to be a proper godly example in his life. He served in the kitchen at camp rubbing elbows with others while preparing food. He was one of my right hand men helping in the city ministry with clubs and activities, among other things.

Brian and I had a Paul and Timothy relationship, and his love for the Lord helped me in a lot of ways. We would go at it at times arguing, yelling, etc. Even when we had disagreements though, the Lord of course stepped in to mend and bond us closer to each other and to Him.

We always went at it in basketball, and after 10 years of trying, he finally beat me a couple of months ago. Score: Brian 32 Curt 18.

Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, gently closed the eyes of our beloved Brian, and I will always still feel his presence. I feel him saying, “Don’t be sad, I’m home now.”

Brian had a favorite spiritual he would hum at time, “If it had not been for the Lord, where would I be?” I echo that big time!

Through his many struggles, Brian persevered, and his favorite verse he stood on was I Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” He did his best to make this verse alive in his young life.

I will miss his laugh, miss him making me laugh, miss our long talks on the steps and on the phone, and I am motivated even more to live my life in honor of Brian and the many more youth like him that I have grown with who are now home.

Rodney, Chris, Terrill, Gina, James, Hakeem, Daniel, Mike, Marvin, E.C., Yasin, Marc, Aaron, etc., echo everything written, and we all look forward to seeing you again eternally, in His time. We shall meet again, love you forever brother, son, buddy!!!

Blest by the Best – Curtis Wayns – I Cor. 15:57 – Teen Haven

His work done in His way

Because our shelter is open to homeless women and children, we meet ladies from every background and situation. The circumstances that bring women here are as many and varied as the women themselves. Life has not been kind to many of our residents, and many wounds go deep.

Coming to the mission as a women’s counselor after nearly 30 years in hospital administration, was much more than a breath of fresh air. Sharing Jesus with hurting women, lending a listening ear, seeking solutions to life’s problems within the pages of God’s Word, and praying with them for restoration and healing brings blessing beyond description.

And for this, I receive a paycheck! How I thank God for the privilege of sharing in His work. I thank Him, too, for my family – not perfect, but so much more than I deserve.

The phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I,” took on new meaning for me. Had I not had the blessing of believing parents, I too could be homeless, sharing my story with one of our counselors today.

- Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministry Director

Thoughts from the new girl

So what brought me here?

I previously worked for Keystone Custom Homes in Willow Street. My main job was to assist my clients with $$ information as well as perform their final settlement, in which I got to place shiny new keys into their eager hands.

This was all GREAT, except for that feeling deep down inside that told me I wanted something more. I ignored it…for a long time, not really caring if I was supposed to be somewhere else… I was comfortable there OK?!

Ha-ha, funny how our comfort doesn’t always matter to God. It just so happened that every day on my way to Willow Street I would drive past Water Street- I believe my foot let off the gas each time I passed- I wanted to look at the people. Not because I wanted to mock or because I had a staring problem, but because something in my stomach gave me a funny feeling…it told me- even though I don’t know those people, I love them, and I want to help them.

Fast forward a few months.

*Amy gets suckered into buying three months of the Sunday Newspaper*

One Sunday after church I randomly flipped open the classifieds and saw in big letters “Water Street Rescue Mission”. Of course this caught my attention so I read on…

Several weeks later, I found myself in and out of an interview, and faced with a decision to make. (I did not major in decision making, there for this was a very difficult task.)

Do you ever find yourself faced with these thoughts and questions? :
“But God, I’m comfortable here!”
“My friends are here…”
“Why did I even have to see that ad in the paper? Life was so easy before this…”
“God, could you please speak a little louder? Because I’m not sure I’m hearing you right…you want me to go where?!”

Well, after lots of thought, prayer, WSRM blog reading etc. (Which by the way is one tool God used to bring me to a decision, I loved reading everyone’s thoughts and stories- it made me want to experience first hand God’s work at the mission). I finally came to a decision, which you are now all aware of.

Working here has been great so far. I do not regret the decision at all. Of course there are moments that seem overwhelming, but God’s peace reminds me how He brought me here. Plus, instead of just driving past the people I love every day, I get to see them, say hi to them, and hopefully soon build relationships with them.

Handing keys over to new homeowner’s was a joyful experience, but somehow it doesn’t quite compare to being a part of handing over eternal keys to a place we can all call home.

-Amy Wright, Development Assistant

Lessons from a minnow

I sit on a fallen log beside the creek allowing the sound of the water falling gently over the rocks to soothe and quiet my soul. The warmth of the sun warms me to the place where I need to shed my sweatshirt, but the cooling breeze keeps me from becoming too comfortable in my solitude. As I gaze contemplatively at the flowing water and listen to the chirping of the birds and insects in the woods, my eyes are drawn to a pool of water formed by the rocks in the creek bed. And there in that tiny pool, a little minnow swims. I watch as the minnow constantly moves with the water, struggling to swim against the current to stay in that little pool.

I can’t help but think to myself, “Why does he struggle so hard to stay in that pool? What is it about that particular spot that keeps him there? Why doesn’t he just let go and let the water carry him where it will – over that rock and into the next larger pool where there are more minnows swimming about against the current trying to stay in ‘their’ pool?”

And then I pause to wonder, “How many times am I like that little minnow? Do I swim against the flow of God’s ‘living water’ so that I can stay in my little pool of comfort? Do I resist the Spirit of God nudging me to move out of my comfort pool for unknown waters? If I let go, will God take me into a larger, unfamiliar pool with people who may or may not be my friends? Am I holding back on the blessings of newer, deeper pools because I am afraid to let go?”

I may not know what’s just over the rocks or further downstream, but this I do know – the One who created me, who placed me in the streams of my life, knows what is ahead. And not only does He know what is ahead, He’s been there before and prepared my way. All I need to do is stop fighting and let go!

-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club Director

When rescuing is not rescuing

Nobody likes to see loved ones hurting. Invariably, we consider that our part in the matter is to help stop the hurting. That is a normal and good instinct. However, what if the hurt is being caused by the loved one’s own choices? What then?

If we focus on the hurt instead of the behaviors that cause the hurt, we actually increase the long-term pain. Here’s what I mean: a person loses his job and family due to his drug use and ends up homeless. He decides to move back in with his mom & dad, who let him because they can’t stand to see him homeless. However, he doesn’t deal with the cause of his homelessness and continues to use drugs. Did the parents help? No. In fact they have actually interfered with the natural consequences that could have motivated him to quit his drug use. Their actions are likely to lead to further, more serious pain –and even death.

To be effective at helping addicted men (& women) move from bondage to freedom requires that we are strong enough, ourselves, to handle the pain of seeing those, whom we care about deeply, go through the natural consequences of their choices. We must help them with the problem not just the pain the problem causes.

Mostly, what helps addicted men to face their problems is to coach and cheer-lead them through what ever pain their choices have caused and urge them to get help, but don’t try to remove their pain directly.

In my own addiction, my recovery might have begun five years earlier than it did if the well meaning, misguided people around me would have let me experience the pain my decisions caused. Instead they rescued me from the pain, which enabled me to continue in my addiction even longer.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

The Great Physician

Even those who provide health care get ill and struggle with what is wrong... why can’t the doctors figure it out and why is God allowing this to happen to me. I had been struggling with fatigue, swelling in my legs, difficulty breathing, chronic infections and increased general body aches for months! My family Dr had sent me to multiple specialists, some of the best in Lancaster, but alas no cardiologist or nephrologists could figure out what was wrong. They all agreed, yes, you are swelling and yes you need to stay on these medicines to keep the swelling down and your heart rate under control…but we don’t know why.

I trust that God knows all and loves me for He has seen me through life threatening illness and I’ve seen miracles by Him of miraculous cures in my 3 decades of caring for others. Of course I prayed, and prayed, and prayed…what is it Lord? I know you know! You are the great physician; you created us and know every detail about us and every hair on our head. You knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb.

But the months went by with no answer & I tried to accept that He is enough for me. I was also reminded of the persistent widow & how much more our heavenly Father loves me & listens to my requests. I walked daily in trust & in His strength! Asking & accepting what He had for me.

One cool evening my husband & I were sitting on our deck and I was again discouraged about not feeling well. I cried out in prayer to God & my husband, “Lord, I know you know what is wrong with me. Please tell me or the doctors treating me.” There are 2 things I want Lord, it’s not much. I want to be able to sing to you again (I had to quit ensemble at my church for I couldn’t both sing and breathe) and get off the pills that I was taking for they had side effects of their own. We sat & rocked for a little while longer on our deck swing, I felt better & once again knew that God is faithful and He hears my prayers.

The next day I was drawing blood on a woman living at the Mission who came to the Clinic to seek health care. I always love to hear their story while I am providing care and she was sharing some of her health concerns, which included problems with chronic infections due to drinking diet drinks. As soon as she said that I got this nudge of “Here is your answer!” I got excited inside for I knew as I ask her more details she was describing similar symptoms as mine and she admonished me to look up this as a health issue for some people and I assured her I would. As I found information on the effects some diet drink addictives have on people I found myself reading the story of my health for the previous months. I knew God had given me the answer through the “least of these”. All the educated health care providers, including myself, were dumbfounded, but God used a homeless woman to teach me what was wrong and how to solve the problem!

So how am I today? I cut the diet products out of my diet and slowly (with doctor approval) weaned myself off the medicines. I am singing to the Lord again (and breathing) and I’m off the medicines. I have energy and much less pain. Praise the Lord! I have learned God’s ways are not my ways and to be open to His teaching no matter in what form it may come!

-Gale Thomason, WSRM Clinic Director

Sometimes the ministry isn't where you expect it

Vinny is our Teen Haven Camp director, and there are hundreds of inner-city kids who would testify to his impact on their lives, many who would call him their spiritual father. But Vinny’s ministry stretches far beyond the kids who attend camp. And although he is viewed by most of the kids (and many staff) as a spiritual giant, there are times when he gets discouraged.

Last week was one of those times. A broken garage door, a temperamental well pump, leaking pipes in the Barnabas house, and fear of a major water line leak combined to weigh heavily on Vinny’s mind and heart.

In the midst of all this, God had a plan. When Monte, the plumber, arrived at camp to begin assessing our various problems, Vinny quickly recognized a hurting brother. Over the course of his two days working on the issues at camp (which he resolved quicker and more affordably than we could have hoped), the pain and fear that was eating away at the plumber’s heart and marriage bubbled to the surface… and Vinny was there to minister to him.

A compassionate ear, a shepherd’s heart, some sound advice born from experience, and a significant amount of prayer together and Monte left feeling that he had received much more than he had given. The discouragement in Vinny’s own heart was lifted as well when he saw that God used our camps physical problems for two greater purposes: to bring Monte to a place of healing and hope, and to remind us that He has a solution for every problem we face.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

Suffering... but not really

I took a day off Friday in order to travel to DC with my daughter Gabrielle on her school trip. Today I still feel the effect of a full day of walking all over downtown Washington with four very nice, but active 6th grade girls. I survived – barely – and we had a great time together! And the girls controlled the day. Not only did they choose their chaperone - me - but also the sites they wanted to see. Interestingly, all had a common desire to visit the Holocaust museum!

And the museum visit was moving. For two hours we observed the intricacies of the Holocaust from the rise of Nazi power through the implementation of the Final Solution. And the presentation was descriptive and well thought through. Yet after a time I began to sense a lack of feeling from what I was seeing. By the end of the museum walk most of my initial horror from seeing piles of corpses and the inner workings of the crematorium was gone. And I was amazed at how quickly I could become numb after so vividly being reminded of the gross inhumanity of the Holocaust.

How can I make sense of suffering in this world and how should I respond to it? I am not sure but can offer several thoughts:

• Personally, I have not experienced suffering to any great degree.
• We can become numb to the suffering around us – maybe as a way of ‘dealing’ with its presence by minimizing our consciousness of its reality.
• We can try to avoid the pain that suffering brings. Through the use of just about anything – substances, obsessions, relationships - we can blunt the immediate distress suffering brings. As a resident told me, ‘Steve, sometimes the quick relief (from pain) seems better than the long term consequences of my choices.’

It’s hard to argue with that logic when suffering. And suffering from minor pain or on the scale of the Holocaust doesn’t always make sense even to those of us who claim to follow Christ, the Suffering Servant. Consider what Eugene Peterson writes in the forward to the book, Embracing Brokenness:

"We have somehow ended up with a country full of Christians who consider suffering, whether it comes from a broken body or a broken heart, a violation of their spiritual rights. The only cross they seem to have any acquaintance with is a piece of cheap jewelry. Can anyone get their attention long enough to convince them that suffering must not be avoided, but embraced; that brokenness does not diminish a life of faith but deepens it?"

He asks a good question then proceeds with his comment on suffering:

" … suffering is not evidence of God’s absence, but of God’s presence and that it is in our experience of being broken that God does His surest and most characteristic salvation work. I think that (all) … can be persuaded that there is a way to accept, embrace, and deal with suffering that results in a better life, not a worse one, and more of the experience of God, not less."

"Lord, help me to seek to hear you when I suffer in any way."

-Steve Brubaker, Director of Residential Ministries

Why I came to work today...

God has a great sense of timing when it comes to reminding me why I come to work at the Water Street Rescue Mission, where we are engaged in the Ministry of rescue – yet we are totally incapable of rescuing anyone.

Take Luis, who I met at Turkey Hill this morning. I have known Luis for 13 years – a regular at WSRM – and usually when I see him, he is either working on getting drunk or working on sobering up. As I watched Luis stumble around the Turkey Hill, the raw odor of urine and beer filled the store. Customers went out of their way to avoid him did not hide their disgust as they moved to avoid any contact with him or his space.

I Love Luis – because he reminds me of myself, and because Jesus loves me in spite of how smelly I have become. Paul writes in 1Cor. 6:9-11:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (Emphasis mine).

Or as Eugene Peterson writes in “The Message”;
Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in His kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom ...

How often do we stop here in our judgment of others... If I stop here I am running from Luis and avoiding him.... missing out on his smile and kind words... offered with a handshake and a joke....

A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.

Lord, as I meet people today, no matter how smelly they might seem, help me to remember just how bad I look and smell – and the awesome Love and Grace you poured out in me. May I be a vessel of your grace and mercy, that others might experience a fresh start.

Thanks for the smile Luis, and the timing God... and that’s why I came to work today....

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries Director

Lessons from the workplace...the Lydia Center

A few stray tears spilled over and ran down my cheeks as I processed the news I’d just been given. I was sitting in the business office at the Lydia Center where I work, and the director, Lori, had just told me of another lady who was going to be leaving our program. She was the third of four during that week in February.

Sadly and with a heavy heart I asked Lori, “When will they get it?” She gently reminded me how the Lord must ask the same question as he looks at the choices we make. Later as we as staff processed the leaving of so many women in such a short time, Lori shared Matthew 23:37, “o Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”

At the Lydia Center I feel I am experiencing a bit of the heart of God as I walk alongside women and observe some of the poor choices some make as they choose to return to old lifestyles or refuse to allow the Lord to penetrate their hearts. Sometimes I feel as Jesus, weeping over Jerusalem. My disappointment and grief of the hardness of their hearts can only be a fraction of what the Lord Himself experiences.

Simultaneously, I am humbled over and over by what Lori pointed out that day to me. How many times does the Lord shed those same tears that I shed in the office as He observes my pride and refusal to allow Him lordship over every area of my life? May I be found continually surrendering all of my life and choices to the Lord.

-Lorene Brubaker, Lydia Center counselor

The Uninsured - Giving them a voice

Never mix politics & religion? But what about health insurance and a faith based health clinic? They do intersect. Do I get involved Lord? As a Christian faith based clinic we are providing medical & dental care to the homeless uninsured. How frustrating each day as we care for people with serious health issues but they don’t have access to the testing, specialists and medicines that are available to those who are insured. “Cover The Uninsured” is America’s national initiative to get health coverage for all Americans as Congress’s top priority www.covertheuninsured.org .

Don’t make too many quick judgments now on who are the uninsured. There are 46 million uninsured in America of which 11 million are children. In Lancaster County, with our population of 450,000, we have a 12% uninsured rate which equals about 54,000 of which 11,000 are children. 30% of the uninsured are working! The census of the Water Street Clinic grows 15-20% each year (6,000+ visits in 2005) with an increasing portion (current about 30%) not living at WSRM. They are the former homeless who now have jobs and a place to live, but still no insurance. As we see this ever growing portion of our friends & neighbors without health insurance, we are opening the new Water Street Clinic to qualified uninsured in the community in 2007.

You probably know someone that doesn’t have health insurance (and they aren’t living at the Mission). I know I do…my daughter and her husband are without insurance. They are in their early 20’s, both working, and their employers can’t afford to offer them health care. Do I worry some over this, yes! I also pray that the Lord will keep them safe & healthy.

So who can solve this growing and seemingly insurmountable & unsolvable problem? Is it clinics like ours from the faith community that should fill the gap? Is it the government’s sole responsibility? Is it business that must provide health care for all of their employees? Is it the individual’s responsibility to acquire health coverage for himself? Let the insurance industry solve the problem? As I work daily in the systems and read about the issues and problems on both a national and local level I see that it is EVERYONE’S issue. We must work together, with Congress (for the insurance issues are heavily government regulated) to find the answers. Do not expect them to come up with a solution without your help & input. The answers are not easy & money is often the barrier in all solutions.

Jesus says the poor will always be among us which helps me not to be discouraged about the needs. The world’s issues are His to bear, but we/I am to be the voice for one person at a time. Jesus also tells us when we serve the “least of these” we are ministering to Him. I ask that you become involved, contact your congressman (both federal & state - their contacts are easily accessible on line) tell them how important this issue is to you, get involved in events that keep the issues of the uninsured in the limelight…be their voice! Come and help care for those in need at the Water Street Clinics, or others providing care to the uninsured. I challenge you to help put Water Street Clinic out of business! Don’t worry, the poor will always be among us and we will have plenty of other work to do.

- Gale Thomason, WS Clinic Administrator

Do I really believe in eternity?

I was heading out to a meeting this afternoon and picked up a book that I wanted to share with the person I was meeting with. Out of the book fell an index card with some thoughts I wrote down about 13 years ago, shortly after starting work at the mission. Having recently moved into a new house to accommodate my growing family, I find myself being challenged by my younger self.

My desires for comfort (and luxury, stability, and the material) betray the fact that I don’t have the attitude of a “stranger and foreigner in this world.” If I really knew that my true home was in heaven, why would I spend so much (time, money, and effort) to make myself at home here?

My attitude should be more like that of a man visiting an underdeveloped foreign country looking to help the people there. As far as his own accommodations, he only provides himself with the bare minimum of what he needs so his efforts can be focused outwards.

When I spent a week working in Appalachia during High School, I slept on a concrete floor in a room with 20 other smelly guys, showered in a basement room called “the pit of despair,” and ate low-grade mass-produced casseroles reheated multiple times… and I never complained once. I was even quite grateful for what I had because I had come as an outsider seeking to help the hurting people of that region – my comfort was not a priority (or even much of a thought). Plus, I was only going to be there for a week or so.

One week compared to the rest of my life is actually much greater than my lifetime compared to eternity. Shouldn’t I be just as willing to live “comfortless” while a “stranger in this world” waiting to be called to my eternal home.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

Blessed to serve

I often said that when I could retire I would do volunteer work. Well! I haven’t quite yet, but decided I have a few hours to spare! My husband attended a meeting for volunteers at WSRM and came home with a long list of areas in need of help. I noticed the clinic was in need of extra hands, so I asked the Lord if this is where he could use me. After a couple of weeks of praying and thinking it over, His answer was yes.

I called the clinic and spoke to Gale Thomason and made an appointment. When I arrived I was a bit nervous about the new experience. But to my surprise Millie, the staff nurse, put me right to work. Wow! What a fulfilling experience. It’s also been two-fold: I am learning so much as a new nurse and am also helping others in need.

My son asked me if I felt safe, a misconception many people have. I replied that the people who come to the clinic treat me with such respect and kindness that I never thought about being unsafe. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity and look forward to returning each week. If it is just to pat a hand, lend an ear or help someone feel a bit better before seeing the doctor, this is true nursing!

- Claudette L. Murphy, LPN

And if you spend yourself on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10

Becoming Oaks

Today I’ve been working on the plans for a leadership retreat for our Teen Haven youth and some of our partnering churches. I’m really struggling coming up with a “catchy”, or “hip”, or “urban” sounding title for it. And I’ve finally decided (with help from Lisette –one of our staff) that it doesn’t really matter.

The point is the content, the fellowship, and the investment we will be making in our youth that weekend, not whether we have a great title or fancy brochure that gets the kids hyped up for it. On that weekend, we will be talking about the potential that resides in each of these youth to become an “oak of righteousness” (check out Isaiah 61:1-4) and the impact they can have on their cities. (Maybe some other time I’ll share how God has been challenging me through these verses)

Each of the teens that are involved in Teen Haven is like an acorn, full of the incredible potential to become a towering oak. But just like an acorn, certain things need to be present in their lives to bring that potential to its fruition.

An acorn needs 1- the right kind of soil, 2- sufficient water and sun, 3- fertilizer, and 4- timely pruning and care to reach its ultimate potential.

Each of our youth needs 1- to be planted in a nurturing environment (home or church family), 2- to be fed by the Word of God and times of communion with the Lord, 3- the presence of trials that mold and build us up in our faith, 4- timely refining and pruning in our lives to help us remove the things that hold us back from being what God wants us to be.

I may never come up with just the “right” title for our retreat, but as long as each teen who attends that weekend leaves knowing the incredible potential that God has created in them and desiring to see that potential realized, I’ll be happy.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

A "routine" taxi run

I came into work one morning knowing I had to take one of the shelter guys to MH/MR for an appointment. Before I knew it, two other gentlemen were joining us – one needing a ride to the bus station, and one just needing to talk.

As we started on the road it wasn't long before Brad (the one catching a bus) started sharing. He started out by saying how thankful he was for the mission. Brad works delivering trucks all over the country, and he was catching a bus back to Wichita, Kansas where he lives. He delivered a truck in the Lancaster area and then because of a mix-up and argument with his dispatcher, he missed his bus and needed a place to stay. Someone told him about the mission. He said he had a good meal, great musical chapel service and then a good sleep - mentioning how helpful everyone was. He actually said he was glad that he got stranded. He was reminded he needs to let the Lord have control of his life again. He could do nothing but give thanks and ended by giving thanks to God for a very inconvenient but wonderful change in his plans.

As Brad was talking, he started rubbing off on Mike, a blind man who is also very glad he came to the mission and is so thankful for the help he is receiving and is excited about the possibility of getting some part time work – he had an interview the next Monday.

Then as I began to talk with the 3rd passenger it was rather dreary - he also is stranded - from Ohio. Ron is at least temporarily disabled - from a September fall off a roof where he broke both ankles. He has pain as he walks. He had a chance at a temporary job, but a “friend” left him hanging. So here Ron is with no money, no way to make money and no friends who can send him money. I encouraged him to join the program and let God change the direction of his hopeless life. He is considering.

Finally, I got back to the mission and met a man who was born in Vietnam and had just gotten out of jail. He is also happy for the help he is getting here and was excited when he found out I knew his pastor here in Lancaster!

In the course of making a routine trip one morning, I ended up fellowshipping with:
a rejoicing man from Kansas who had his life pleasantly interrupted;
a rejoicing blind man who is glad to be off drugs in his right mind and with a plan;
a man from Ohio who suddenly found himself in a strange place and state and now has to consider which direction his life will take;
and a Vietnamese man whom I’ve never met before, but I know his pastor!

What an exciting place to work! I never know who I'll meet! God is on the move!!! Granted it isn't always so rewarding, although then I probably wouldn’t appreciate the unusual times.

-Chuck Albrecht, Chaplain

God's plan, not mine

The Lord has a wonderful sense of humor and puts up with a lot of foolishness in us, His children. I can't count how many times I have heard people say that they held back from yielding to Jesus because they were afraid He would ask them to give up all they loved and do something they hated.

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a nurse, serving the Lord. But in my teens I found that I loved to help the younger girls understand their homework, and my goal changed to becoming a teacher, serving the Lord. In college I saw those who sat behind a desk typing and answering the phone, and thought how boring that must be. I would never want to do that!

I started out as a teacher of French in the elementary grades. (Don't ask me to speak French now! That was over forty years ago!) Then babies came along and I was nurse, teacher and scrub woman at home for several years.

When I returned to the work force I asked the Lord to open the right door… and where should I land but in a front office, behind a desk, typing and answering the phone!

In a secular company, I found my assignment and my challenge were to live the love and integrity of Jesus in such a way as to make people hungry for a Lord they had no time for. It is still my challenge, and it is anything but boring!

- Eunice Kolb, WSRM Receptionist

What can we do for you?

The great poet, Bob Dylan, asks this question, 'You have given everything to me, what can I do for you?' This line reflects an utter humility and dependency on the God of the universe. It also portrays the vast gulf between God's demands - even His love - and our ability to save ourselves.

To me, Dylan hits the proverbial nail on the head. And this thought speaks to both staff and residents here. Staff needs to rely on God and operate within God's grace - and live as though we really need God - because we do! And our residents need to get the idea that though we occupy different roles this side of heaven, all - staff and residents alike - have been given everything and can do nothing but respond to God with graciousness and humility.

And Dylan concludes,

'Pulled me out of bondage,
You made me renewed inside,
Filled up a hunger that had always been denied.
You opened up a door no man can shut and You opened it up so wide...
And You've chosen me to be among the few,
What can I do for you?'

Good question for all of us Bobby!

-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries Director

Meditation

What is one of the most exciting experiences in my life?

• Joshua 1 and Psalm 1 tie this activity to success.
• I have had the joy of sharing this with clients and have personally experienced the benefits from this activity while at Liberty University.
• A day I had been deeply troubled, the sorrow turned to joy when involved with this.
  

The activity is meditation on Scripture.

My father told me that all forms of meditation are passive except for meditation on Scripture. It starts with memorizing a passage of Scripture and studying it to understand. From there meditation can begin. This involves personalizing the passage in prayer, then repeating the section, emphasizing a different word, and finally defining each word as far as possible in its context.

This activity redirects the mind, will and emotions.

The goal is not to feel good (that is a benefit), but glorifying God in communion with Him.

-Michael Haines, chaplain

Recycled

(inspiration: saw an empty bucket in the trash while gazing out the window of the Men’s Emergency Shelter while on “desk duty” at 3:00am):

An empty bucket has a story to tell
That’s much the same as yours and mine;
Where as we were once full of promise
Now we have reached the end of the line.

Contents are empty, with nothing left to give
Tossed aside, discarded, thrown away on a whim;
Viewed by most as being totally worthless
No longer useful, the future dark and grim.

When suddenly, from the darkness, a hand reaches in
Pulling us from the trash heap with a warm tender smile,
“I can make something beautiful from this vessel”
Something all else would consider vile.

With a thorough cleansing, inside and out;
After a careful inspection and a period of rest
The vessel is granted new life and refilled
To be used as the “Rescuer” deems best.

With an attitude of gratitude, a sense of purpose renewed
We the vessels have a new lease on life
Recycled, replenished and now fit for His use
Blessed to be freed from Satan’s web of turmoil and strife.

-Don, WSRM resident

Fear

It was a Friday evening and my weekend to work in the shelter. I was feeling fearful because I had been out sick the day before and wasn’t really sure what I may be walking into (each day/evening is different). Plus, it was my wedding anniversary and I really wanted to be out having a nice dinner with my husband.

As the evening started my stomach churned in fear and in my mind was racing of fearful thoughts like “what’s going to happen” or “what may happen?”

I then remembered a verse from I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear….” As I repeated this verse over and over in my mind throughout the evening going about my various tasks, my fears disappeared.

Later in the weekend, I had a couple of opportunities to comfort some children who were ill or who needed some help to get to bed. As I sang to them “Jesus loves me…” the song reminded me again of how God’s love is bigger than circumstances or me.

God’s perfect love drives out fear and since we are God’s children we can rest in his loving arms.

-Mary Minnich, Women’s counselor

Fellowship and fun in the mail room

My name is Shirley Dabler. I have been a volunteer with the Mission for about 12 ½ years. I had decided early on to offer my time and talents with the Mission upon my retirement from my profession. My reason for doing so was to be able to give back to the community. I was so blessed to have worked for my company for 40 years—I wanted to take the talents God gave me, and use them for the good of others.

My main duty at Water Street is helping to get the monthly mailings processed and out the door. For about six years I have been the Team Leader of the mail crew. I must say the experience has been both challenging and very rewarding. One of the greatest gifts I have received is the fellowship and friendship among the group. It sort of became like a family. Although we work very hard, the times of laughter and fun outweigh the task at hand.

Don’t miss your opportunity to use your gifts that can affect the lives of others. To see the life of someone change because of something you do is the most rewarding gift in life.

-Shirley Dabler, volunteer

No shoes allowed?

You are walking into work and you notice a sign on the front door. As you get closer, you read “NO SHOES OR SOCKS ALLOWED”. In order to be obedient you take off your shoes and socks, putting your socks into your shoes so that you don’t lose them. You keep on your way, but then feel something mushy on your foot. Looking down you are a little startled to see dirt and bugs all over the floor. You think, “This will be an interesting day…..

The Wonder Club children (Kindergarten and Pre-K) experienced this one morning during chapel time, except for the dirt. We did have bugs on the floor, but they were plastic. In order for the story to come alive for the children, we had the children imagine being back in Jesus’ day and walking bare feet through anything… bugs, dirt, mud and so forth. Then we retold the story of Jesus washing his friends’ feet. The children were reminded how Jesus would have been gentle and loving while washing their feet.

Now, it was their turn. The children were partnered up and used baby wipes to wipe their friend’s feet. To get everyone involved, the teachers also participated. As the music played, the children and teachers wiped. They got to experience loving others as Jesus did and being loved by Jesus.

-Nicole Imhof, Wonder Club Teacher

It's about real change

When I first met Norm he was bitter, full of rage and ready to ‘go off’ over just about any issue. He was scary. One morning I saw Norm standing across the street from the Portland Rescue Mission yelling obscenities as if the building was a person. I don’t know why, but I walked across the street and asked if I he wanted to talk. Norm seemed to calm when I talked with him. I enjoyed talking with him, even though I was afraid of him.

Norm came and went from the shelter for a few months. Then one day the Director came to me and said that Norm would be joining the mission’s “NewLife” program. I sarcastically said, “Who’s going to have to work with him?” He replied, “You are.” I was terror struck. Sharing occasional brief conversations with Norm was scary enough, but being closed into a counseling room alone with him seemed downright foolish.

Over the next three years of working with Norm my fears gave way to a deep abiding love. We chased every rabbit down every trail and he finally softened and began to listen. The changes were profound. Norm soon began to disciple the new men coming into the program.

When I left Norm in Portland he had become a staff member at the mission. During the 1 ½ years that Norm and I were apart he continued to grow in his walk with the Lord. The Lord eventually convinced Norm that he was headed for the ministry. Norm contacted me and asked if I would help him work through some more issues while equipping him for ministry.

Norm is now here with me at Water Street. He is an Intern, training hard in all aspects of our ministry. Already he is proving himself to be an effective channel of God’s grace to our men. Norm is a genuine success story, a living testimony to the power God’s love to change lives.

-Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Prayer to the Master Gardener

Father,

I want to thank you for replanting my life (bulb) into your garden. You have removed me from the thorny and weedy garden plot were I could not live or survive.

You Father, The Gardener, gently lifted my bulb and transplanted me among all your other beautiful, full-bloom, fragrant and always in season, flowers and plants in your vibrant garden. You prune my weakened leaves and transform me to health. You strengthen my Love and Honor to you, Father. Your Love for me puts the nutrients in my roots as you strengthen my faith in you, Father.

I am blessed to have you as my Master Gardener (Father).

You have blessed me with such a Father loving family, such a variety of Brothers and Sisters; you have placed me among your best bouquet. I have always sensed your presence in my daily life.

I know that storms, hail and wind will from time to time damage us or even kill us. We know that you will always tend to us and if we don’t survive you will move our bulbs and roots into your Heavenly Garden.

Thank You, Father for adopting me, loving me and treating me as your own. Thank You for teaching and sharing with me, your ways.

-First Bloom, Pauljay, Learning Center Graduate

License to drive

I grew up in a pretty typical suburban family. It still amazes me how many of the things that were “normal” to my experience growing up (things that I take for granted) can be extraordinary in the life of a kid growing up in the city. I could share many, many examples.

Today, I’m thinking about driving a car… when I turned 16, I took my permit exam, and about a week later passed the test to get my license, and I’ve been driving ever since. No big deal, just like riding a bike.

Not quite the same experience for most of the kids we work with. A license is a rarity, access to a car - a luxury, motivation and support from parents to pass your test – often non-existent. So many of the teens we work with never get a license, or else struggle through the process. 8 years ago, when I ran a “driving club” at our Lancaster youth center to help kids learn to drive, only 2 of the 10 who started actually got their license (although maybe that’s more a reflection on their teacher…naah).

With this in mind, I was ecstatic when I received this understated email from John (our Philadelphia Field Director) about Aaron, a Teen Haven alumni and camp counselor:

Aaron is in his early twenties. Like many city kids, he did not get his drivers license while a teenager. He told me that he wanted me to teach him to drive. So I used my personal car on the Philadelphia zoo parking lot and had several sessions with him. Last Thursday I met him at the Island Avenue Penndot center at 8:30 in the morning. He used my car to take his test and passed. He is very happy about this.

Sometimes it’s about the “little” things that aren’t so little.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

We need each other

Last week we had a meeting with male and female program staff. Now that doesn’t sound like a big deal until you realize that everyone is incredibly busy and our census (the number of residents) is high so it’s difficult meshing staff calendars. And it is extremely easy to unthinkingly operate more as a Martha than a Mary when so often the latest crisis and our ever-present "day-timer" govern our agenda!

Adding to the mix was the intention of the meeting – to develop a philosophy of ministry that could be embraced by all program staff! Talk about a difficult task!

And I can say this – the meeting went very well! Now quite honestly, the philosophy of ministry statement is yet unformed. But I am gently reminded of this: that we are more effective and reflect Christ more clearly when we work together and value the contributions of all. Stay tuned.

-Steve Brubaker, Director of Residential Ministries

In plain sight

Have you ever driven the same streets, oblivious to the changes that are taking place, until one day you notice a building seemingly appear out of thin air? It happened to me yesterday as I was driving home from softball practice. I was following the same route I drive every day when picking my daughter up from Pre-K, and I saw two churches I knew existed, however, I never saw – really saw – their houses of worship until yesterday afternoon.

My Wednesday mornings can be like that too. I gather with pastors from the city for prayer and then we eat together at McDonalds and share ideas and thoughts for how we can be united in ministry in Lancaster City. On my way, I often walk in past people I know from WSRM, but sometimes I struggle to SEE them – really SEE them – because of how my SEEING them would interfere with my morning agenda. If I SEE them, I might have to be obedient and actually do what I am going there to talk about doing (OUCH).

The part that hurts the most is that I remember when I was invisible too.

Anyway, I reread the following essay that was posted on ‘The Purpose Driven Life website on March 30th, 2oo6. It was written by John Fischer and I originally read it on Larry James’ Urban Daily weblog. I pray that the Lord would open the eyes of my heart to see Him and His ... every time I go by.

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries Director

The following essay was posted on The Purpose Driven Life website on March 30, 2006. Written by John Fischer, I found it on Larry James Urban daily Weblog. Who are you missing on your daily trek’s through town?
_________________________________________________
“In plain sight, yet invisible at the same time.” This statement struck me from a newsletter I received on behalf of an inner city worker. It was how one person described a time when she was at a low point of homelessness in her life. “Out of sight, out of mind” was one thing, she said, but to be “in plain sight, yet invisible at the same time” was the worst.

This has to strike a cord in all of us. Our societies are so fragmented now that there can exist a great divide separating us from the people we encounter every day. Here in southern California, just to drive from one place to another you can pass through districts of enormous racial, social, and economic disparity. I can’t imagine it is much different in any other city. In such an environment, I can feel the temptation to make whole people groups invisible to me so I don’t have to deal with what scares me or what I don’t understand about them. But if my purpose is to serve, I don’t get to write anyone off. Part of serving is seeing. And part of seeing is becoming sensitive to the invisible people who are in plain sight.

It appears that Jesus was always drawing a crowd made up primarily of invisible folks. It was a lame, blind, leprous, and insane group of left-behinds that seemed to gather around him wherever he went – people who if society had some place to put them so they would be out of the way it would. But since they can’t be put away anywhere, they become invisible. But not to Jesus.

Making people invisible is also a way we can avoid being called into service. “If I make eye contact with that guy, he might ask something of me.” Well of course he will! (I know what I’m talking about here, because I’m always trying to get off the hook.) And if I don’t have money to give him, I have something. Perhaps it starts with seeing him, and then I might discover what to do. Peter once healed a lame man begging by the road, because he didn’t have any money to give him. Imagine that! Well I don’t have any money, but I can heal you and completely turn your life around from here on out!

No one is invisible to Jesus. And if you and I have Jesus, we have something to give. For starters, we have the gift of seeing someone, and for someone who has been invisible in plain sight for a long time, that is an incredible gift in and of itself.

A place of grace

Last night I was at the annual banquet of the York Rescue Mission – a fellow member of our 300 member Rescue Mission association. It was a nice banquet with singing, testimonies, and special presentations. However, I was particularly struck by the stories of the former guests of the Mission. They had the same stories as many of the men and women guests I have gotten to know at Water Street Rescue Mission:

A life of pain and difficulty
…numerous attempts to escape by self effort
…descent to emptiness
…surrender of self to God
…transformation of the heart that infuses hope, joy and power into life
…then pain and difficulty, again
…but this time, with a power to live above it.

I was convicted by the reality of this pattern in my own life. There are things in my life that are painful and difficult and my first reaction is too often to deal with it by self effort. A process which seldom produces peace that is sustainable.

As I listened to the testimonies last night, I had to wonder: Since I know that surrender of self to God provides a grace to live above the pain and difficulties, why I am so slow or reluctant to surrender? At times I suspect it could be my stubbornness, or perhaps I am often not sure how or what to surrender. Regardless, I am grateful for God’s perseverance with me and for friends who walk with me thru the pain to find that place of grace.

It was a blessing to be reminded of the power and grace of God to deliver us from our own humanity.

-Jere Shertzer, WSRM President

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Where I am in life...

My name is Bill. I was born in Philadelphia and raised in the Richard Allen Project. In 1959, we moved to Germantown where I grew up in a poor environment within a dysfunctional family. I experienced the negative effects of poverty, mental illness within family members, mental abuse and physical beatings. As a result, I suffered from depression and low self-esteem which led me into drug and alcohol use.

When I grew older, I began to live with my girlfriend and we had a son together. However, I did not treat her well, and we finally broke up and she left taking my son with her. I continued my downward path which included having to deal with my mother and elder brothers’ mental illness. As well as that, I was also responsible for taking care of my two younger brothers. All this time, I was trying to deal with my own depression.

I finally ended up in a rehab program in 1998. It was there that I was first introduced to God and His love for me. I welcomed these new ideas because they brought me comfort. When I left the program, I once more became immersed in my old problems with my family. I found that my new awareness of God was not enough to keep me from falling back into my old ways. I groveled around in Philadelphia for a while falling into and out of meaningless little jobs.

I finally hit rock bottom and turned in desperation to my younger brother, Warren who had moved to Lancaster to attend Millersville University. I followed him to Lancaster and found a place to stay… Water Street rescue Mission. This is where I finally met God in a life changing way.

What happened next? Well that will be in the next installment…. WATCH THIS SPACE.

-Bill, WSRM resident

A phone call

Today, I received another call from someone mistaking Teen Haven for a detox center or drug and alcohol rehab facility (we get these calls occasionally, sometimes because people mix up Teen Haven with Teen Challenge – an excellent Christ-centered rehab program).

Honestly the way I handle these calls can depend on how my day is going and how busy I am. Sometimes, I will fumble through my files and provide phone numbers to the person in need (usually a parent or friend of the person with the substance abuse issue), other times when I’m really busy, I may only provide the name of a program or just politely let them know that Teen Haven isn’t a rehab program.

For some reason, today I lingered for a while and talked with the mother of Michael, a 20-year-old who is using cocaine and slowly destroying his life and his relationships with those who love him most. While directing her to some ministries that hopefully can provide her and her son some help, I realized that God had a small role for me to play at this moment in this woman’s life whom I had never met.

As she shared her brokenness and fear and tears and lack of faith, I was able to reassure her that the God she knows and who loves her and her son more than she ever could, is still present even when things are dark. And that He is more than able to deliver her son, if Michael is willing. It may happen instantly (the way she was delivered from her alcohol addiction) or it may be a long, exhausting struggle. But either way, God will be with both her and her son as they walk through this. (Isaiah 43:1-3)

As we prayed together before saying good-bye, I thanked God for causing me to pause and listen rather than rushing off the phone and back to the task I had been working on when she called. Occasionally, I get so busy doing “ministry” work that I miss the ministry opportunities that God puts before me, today He allowed me to recognize and respond to one. “Thanks God.”

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

The best job in the world

I have the best job. Day after day, phone call after phone call, email after email, people contact me to give. They offer their skills, their talents, their time, their love for Jesus. It truly is rewarding to see Christians putting their faith into action by volunteering to serve at the Water Street Rescue Mission.

Sometimes, though, despite having the best job in the world, it is easy for me to get frustrated. Thoughts like “No! Not another volunteer application to process!” and “I’m not going to answer the phone one more time today, no matter what they want to give!” sneak in and try to steal the blessings that God is trying to give.

I was having one of those days the other week. You know, the kind of day that adheres to Murphy’s Law that everything that can go wrong, will. I was feeling overwhelmed and had definitely forgotten that I had the best job in the world. I flew in to the mail room to get my mail on the way to accomplishing another task, but Lorraine, the Director of the Wonder Club, stopped me.

“Carissa, I was thinking that it would be really great to have a volunteer who was willing to teach music to our children. Could you start trying to recruit someone for that position? Maybe we could try to have someone in place for next fall.”

I responded that I would work on that for her, all the while thinking that here was just another thing to try to squeeze into my already packed schedule. I smiled, but I wasn’t overly excited about the new task I had just been given.

I picked up my mail, and went back to my desk. I opened the first piece of mail to find a volunteer application that needed to be processed. Oh great, like I need more of these, was my overwhelmed response.

Then I flipped the application over to the part where the applicants list the positions they are applying for. There, written in the margin was a comment to the effect of, “I didn’t see a position listed anywhere, but would love to teach music if there is an opening. I especially have a passion for preschool-age children.”

Of course, I jumped out of my seat and ran wildly to the mail room to where Lorraine was still working and told her how God had provided in record time. What does that verse say? I think it’s something about God knowing our needs before we even ask…

Yes, I have the best job. And even when I forget that, God has a way of blessing until I remember.

-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator

God's heart for the poor

I have always counted it a privilege to work with the poor and homeless but I never thought of it as work specifically blessed by God. However when you look at what the Scriptures say, it is true. (Proverbs 19:17, 21:13, 22:9, Isaiah 22:16 to name a few)

God has a specific concern for the poor; I always knew this and it motivated me to work in this population. But, I had never thought about the personal benefits of serving the poor. God assures us this work is blessed and we can be involved with a people of great concern to God and close to his heart.

Working at the medical clinic has given me a wonderful opportunity to observe firsthand lives changed by the grace of God and a chance to serve the poor with my nursing skills. However the greatest benefit I now realize: I can be involved with a work God considers vital and is completely blessed.

I have selected several quotes from Bono’s (yes, the lead singer of U2) speech at the National Day of Prayer Breakfast which apply to the poor in general and may help explain some of what I wrote.

"Look, whatever thoughts you have about God, who He is or if He exists, most will agree that if there is a God, He has a special place for the poor. In fact, the poor are where God lives. Check Judaism. Check Islam. Check pretty much anyone.

I mean, God may well be with us in our mansions on the hill… I hope so. He may well be with us as in all manner of controversial stuff… maybe, maybe not… But the one thing we can all agree, all faiths and ideologies, is that God is with the vulnerable and poor.

God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house… God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives… God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war… God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them.

'If you remove the yolk from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom with become like midday and the Lord will continually guide you and satisfy your desire in scorched places'

It’s not a coincidence that in the Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It’s not an accident. That’s a lot of air time, 2,100 mentions. [You know, the only time Christ is judgmental is on the subject of the poor.] ‘As you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.’ (Matthew 25:40). As I say, good news to the poor.

.... A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…

And this wise man said: ‘Stop.’

He said, ‘Stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.’

Well, God, as I said, is with the poor. That, I believe, is what God is doing. And that is what He’s calling us to do."

02.02.06 BONO'S REMARKS TO THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST Entire speech if you are interested: http://www.data.org/archives/000774.php

-Kim Herr, RN staff, Water Street Medical Clinic