AH HA! Moments

Since I arrived at the Lydia Center 2 ½ years ago I have always thought of the Learning & Career Center as a place where I would have an opportunity to see the real person as they worked through some frustrations but also it would be a place where I could encourage the ladies to see God in the practical everyday things in life – reading, writing and arithmetic.

Every day we begin our classes with prayer and we ask God to give us “AH HA” moments. We need Him desperately to show His power to overcome some very painful (and for some what feels like hopeless) barriers in learning. We have had ladies with a wide range of academic skills come through our doors. Many come with not only low academic levels but with little or no belief that they could even learn anything because of either poor experience in school, years of drug / alcohol use or a combination of these.

One particular young woman tested with a 3rd grade math level. Almost her entire school experience was filled with being told that she was stupid, she would never be able to learn and other degrading things. She had a huge fear of not only me (being an instructor) but of the academic work. There were many times I had to do a lot of coaxing to just get her into class. It took a lot of encouragement for her to even allow God to do with her academic work what He was already doing in her emotionally and spiritually.

I will never forget the day that in the middle of class she yelled out, “I GOT IT! I FINALLY GOT IT! I never thought I would EVER get this”. What a breakthrough for her (and those who were around) to experience God in an area that had once brought much frustration and pain. She got to experience God in a very practical way. God is SO big and has a heart and desire to be known in His fullest.

- Carrie Libonati, Lydia Center

Mentors matter

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

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

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

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

Days full of joys and sorrows...

Working at Water Street, friends often comment about "how rewarding our job must be." Sometimes I feel like responding, "It depends on the day." Honestly, if our job satisfaction depended on heartwarming outcomes, we'd all be a bit manic-depressive. Thankfully, there is a greater hand at work. Our receptionist, Eunice Kolb, shares below about the ups and downs and her source of hope:

Last week, I happened to meet a former client as I left at the end of the day. He had been a “featured testimony” some years back. He had gone through the program, he developed a hunger for the Word and was eager for fellowship with brothers in Christ. He even got a job, got married, had a lovely child and an apartment.

...Then somehow he was back in jail! What a disappointment! But here he was, now, out of jail, working on getting back what he had lost.

Another day I got a phone call from a former client who became an employee of the Mission for a time. He was going on with the Lord, happily married, established in a church, and rejoicing in the Lord.

...Yet on the same day there were some violent altercations on our campus.

The days are full of joys and sorrows. I am glad that, "my Help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

Sharing life over lunch

As I sat discussing the day’s event with a co-worker during lunch a man placed his tray on the table and sat down next to me. We exchanged greetings at which time I found out his name was Geoff. Then he commented on the meal, saying “great food we have up here”. The phrase with the words up here made me question where this man may be from. Geoff said he was originally from Pennsylvania, but had been living in Alabama most recently.

The conversation continued with Geoff sharing how he was led to come to Pennsylvania in search of a job. In fact he had an interview that very afternoon. He spoke with such confidence about finding employment. It was somewhat surprising. Here was a man who had nothing. He was living in the emergency shelter at the mission after hitching a ride from Alabama. It was obvious he had not shaved, nor was he neatly groomed, but he knew he was going to impress the socks off of the person he would be speaking with about a job.

For the next 20 minutes I sat and listened to this man tell his story. A story of how he once lived the high life with a top level job, great house, nice cars and a family. How an addiction had caused him to throw all that away. How after seven years of drifting and doing whatever he could to survive he was ready to change. He had been broken and now he was looking to make amends.

He also revealed the true reason he had come to Pennsylvania. He was indeed looking to land a job, but before he could start a new life he needed to make restitution for his past. There were outstanding fines and other unpaid debt Geoff needed to tend to. This resulted in Geoff spending some time in jail. A price he was willing to pay for the Bible told him he could not be set free until he repaid his debt. Not unlike the price which was paid for our sins.

After serving his time Geoff tried to reconnect with his family and explained his new outlook on life. With nowhere to go Geoff came to Water Street and while staying in the emergency shelter he answered an ad for a job. Despite his disheveled look Geoff must have made a positive impression at his interview that day. Four days later Geoff was offered the job. A very long journey was about to end in peace for a man who had trusted his heart to the lord.

- Keith Shetter, Development Department

After 50 years... a new start

After 50 years of living for drugs and men, Christine* now has a changed life! She’s living drug-free, setting healthy boundaries in relationships and getting involved in a local church. She will soon move into an apartment all her own, a real change for a woman who has only ever lived with friends, family or even strangers. Knowing that the presence of money is a trigger for her returning to drugs, Christine has a payee to help her manage her income and bills.

Christine says she wants to live her next 50 years differently. “I’m filled with gratitude for this place,” she says of Water Street Rescue Mission.

*Name has been changed.

Nap-Time?

Being in school for a full-day can be exhausting for a 4 year old. Because of that, we incorporate a short "nap time" into our full-day pre-K classes at Wonder Club. Sometimes the kids have other ideas...





"The other day at nap time there were about five children that just did not want to nap. You know, feet up in the air, going to the bathroom 1-2 times. They simply would not rest. Nap time was almost over, when I was doing some work. I started to softly sing "White As Snow, my sins are forgiven." Half way through, I forgot the rest of the words so I stopped singing. To my delight I continued to hear the song being sung by five soft voices. When they were finished I started to sing more songs which they joined in. The other children woke up and joined into the song. We had our own little hymn sing, how precious!"

- Karen Smith, Wonder Club, Assistant Pre-K Teacher

Program Staff bonding

This is a little late hitting the blog (my apologies)...

To celebrate this Christmas season our Program Staff braved a rainy day in Lancaster City for a scavenger hunt. Teams bonded while creatively photographing their team in a random fashion at sights around the city.

How can we speak to the dead in such a way that they will hear?

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins … “(Ephesians 2:1)

Pastor Doug spoke from Ephesians 2 a while back and highlighted verse 1 where Paul reminds the Christians at Ephesus of their past:

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins …”

And his challenge to us was this:

“We need to learn how to speak to the dead in such a way that they will understand.”

How easy it is to disregard the audience when our only consideration is whether we are ‘preaching the truth!’ Have you ever asked a ministry worker: ‘How did the lesson (or sermon) go?’ And have you received a reply similar to this: ‘Well there were three good points with a nice illustration and I ended with a tear-jerker of a story so it seemed like things went well.’ But the real question is this: “Have the people heard?”

Think of it. When a missionary immerses himself in an unfamiliar society, he will spend time learning the cultural intricacies, the language, and the value system and world view of the host culture. And why does the missionary do this? He does so in order to effectively communicate the truth of the gospel in a way that can be understood and received by those who don’t yet know Jesus. He wants to know the audience with whom he is speaking. And he wants to know how to connect with them in a way that develops trust and merits being heard.

How different things would be as I interact with the men and the women at the mission if I understood what they value, how they communicate, what their priorities are, and how they view the world! What would a ‘dead man’ want to hear and how could I communicate with him in a way so that he could receive the gospel for real?

“Lord, help me to listen well.”

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

A message of hope

At the Lydia Center, Water Street Rescue Mission’s long-term recovery program for women, God Box Moments describe the little miracles that happen every day. Here’s one from a client named Nicole:

As a recovering heroin addict, I had been told that the veins in my arm were shot from using intravenously. So whenever I have needed blood work, the nurse would take it from my hand instead of my arm. When I went in most recently to have blood taken, the phlebotomist pricked my hand twice and couldn’t get anything.

She sent for another nurse who came in and immediately grabbed for my arm. I resisted and told her that my veins were shot. She asked why, and I explained about my addiction. She asked if she could check anyway, saying that sometimes the veins come back. Doubting her, I said yes... and then she said something that blew my mind.

She proceeded to tell me that she had also been a heroin addict, but she got sober when she was 21 and has been sober ever since. I’m guessing she was in her late forties or early fifties.

There are many lessons God showed me through this interaction. First, when He says you are a new creation in Christ, he means it! My veins are healed! He also sent me a message of hope through this vessel of a woman. He said, “How much more than sobriety can you have if you follow me!”

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Each year during the month of November, the staff and students at the Lancaster Wonder Club School focus on Thanksgiving and having an attitude of gratitude. We spend time talking about the many good things we have to thank God for. We also learn about the Pilgrims and Indians and their celebration of what we know of as “The First Thanksgiving.”

One of the things we enjoy is the celebration of our own Thanksgiving Feast. The dining room staff willingly prepares a Thanksgiving lunch for the children, delivers it to the Covenant site in time for lunch, and even comes back for the leftovers! It is a special treat from the normal everyday packed lunches and both staff and students alike look forward to the turkey dinner with all its trimmings. For some children it is their first taste of cranberry sauce and, believe it or not, pumpkin pie!

KidWriting exercise “I Am Thankful for ____.” On this day the one kindergarten class had an opportunity to draw pictures of what they were thankful for on extra large sheets of paper and then complete the sentence. In the picture Alissa is thankful for turkey!

The children enjoy making costumes and dressing as Pilgrims and Indians for the feast.Special activities are high energy. Sometimes we just need to get the wiggles out. In the picture the children are marching around the room while singing “Marching in the Light of God’s Love.”

- Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club (photos by Carrie Keagy)

January 20th, 2009

Inauguration Day 2009 with the men in morning chapel

What does this inauguration mean to you personally?

• ‘A lot of change is coming’


• 'This is the fruit of a movement that began a long time ago.’


• ‘I’d never thought I’d live to see the day when an African-American could be elected President!’


• ‘Today, in a way, stands for equality.’


• ‘If the door doesn’t stay open – this will mean nothing!’


• ‘People woke up.’


• ‘I don’t want to see him as a black man who became President, but a President for all who leads us all.’ (Spoken by an African-American gentleman)


• “Jesus said, ‘watch and pray.’’

-Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

Now showing at the Prince St Cafe

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

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

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

Football and Turkey

Things have been very busy at WSRM the last few weeks: The Great Thanksgiving Banquet, our Thanksgiving food box distribution (over 1000 families served in our community), the cold weather overflow shelter opening, and all our regular programs continuing to operate at or near capacity.


Thankfully, the staff and clients found time for a great Thanksgiving tradition... flag football in the snow. Perfect snowy weather, tons of fun, and no injuries... who could ask for anything more?

(Take note of Joel Henry stretching high for a touchdown grab and David P. Miller trying to impress a certain executive assistant with a dramatic leaping touchdown catch of his own.)

Special Thanks to Carrie Keagy for the excellent photos!

New Wonder Club classroom opens!

Earlier this fall we opened a brand new Wonder Club classroom right here on South Prince Street. The classroom is located in the same building as the Women's Shelter and the new Family Shelter. It is specifically designed to serve children living in the Mission. Please pray for our new teacher, Carmen Garber, as she leads this important new classroom.

Blue Ridge Cable channel 11 was here recently to visit the site... watch the video...

"Working" in Youth Ministry or "Living" Youth Ministry?

In this world work is a daily routine. Get up, brush teen, get dressed, go to work, do the work, and come home. Except, for a youth worker, work doesn’t work that way. Sometimes that sounds good. Sometimes I want a regular 9 to 5 shift and sometimes I would rather talk to my dog than talk on my cell phone.

So why do I come to work every day?

Sheena came to Teen Haven Camp on August 4th confessing to believe in the devil because all she’s been exposed to was evil, but not in God. She’d been physically, mentally and sexually abused. Though, at first sight, she appeared to be sweet on the outside, inside she was a time bomb on its last tick full of anger and rage. Her belief system was a challenge for all of us. The big question in our minds was, “What would Jesus do?” As counselors, we talked about what the best ways to minister to her would be, we prayed for her, but the best thing was to let God be God and trust that He would reveal Himself.

After a week full of tears, frustration, and doubt Sheena came knocking at my cabin on Thursday night. She came in and asked if I was busy. The following conversation was one of the most amazing ones I’ve ever had. She began by saying, “I think I know what my purpose is. I think God wants to use me to bring my family back together.” My jaw wanted to drop to the floor! Not long after, she made her official confession of faith and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior!!!

This youth worker business isn’t really an option for me. Jesus doesn’t clock in at 9 and clock out at 5 so He is the reason that I come to work. The fruit of my labor is Sheena. So how does being a youth worker work? It works when it isn’t called work. It works when it’s called life.

-Nina Maldonado, Teen Haven

Feeling exposed

Sometimes a student’s time in the Learning Center does more than just address academic needs. It affects the heart as well. Here is a letter from one of our Learning Center Students.

“While working on my Phase Petition (an application to move to the next level of the program), I was inspired when I discovered some information about the Learning Center.

Up until this point in my time here, I didn’t believe that there was a time I was caught so naked until then. The Learning Center format is set so that you can't just cruise through under the radar. The Learning Center format is designed to strip away all our masks and hiding places. My own resistance to the Learning Center was not because I was afraid of learning. It was because I was afraid of admitting that I didn’t know or was having trouble grasping the simple basics of education.

The Learning Center is designed to expose people like myself. In there, I wasn’t the coolest or the smartest or toughest. I was forced to expose these discoveries to volunteers half my age. Not being the smartest guy in the world is something I already knew. But showing everybody else that I wasn’t was one of the most difficult things I’ve done.

I am a man who wears many hats, several masks and, at times, both. But I couldn’t fool the Learning Center system. And, I found out that despite my flaws, the Learning Center loved me…warts and all!"

What God is teaching our staff...

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

-Jon Shacklett, Men's Ministry

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

-Bill Lewis, Operations

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

-Steve Gentino, Business Office

Learning from one another

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

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

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

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

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

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

-David P. Miller, Learning and Career Center

Sharing some hope...

We had a neat volunteer group from Hope International this morning that blessed us and our neighborhood in a major way. They cleaned up the local streets and brought back 250 lbs of litter.

It is really uplifting to see another ministry come to serve us, clean up trash, thank us for the opportunity to serve and then pray a blessing on our ministry as they leave.

Just wanted to share that as a highlight for the day.

-Dean Wenger, RDC

Mmmm... Steak

Last winter Molly Breitenfeld came to visit the Lydia Center. She spoke to us about Spark Ministry and how she planned to bring a group of ladies from the Texas based ministry to lead a retreat for everyone here at the Lydia Center.

Molly toured our beautiful facility and got more excited by the minute. She is a creative personality and she wove together all manner of dreams for our April time together. We spoke a great deal about food, of course. What is a women’s retreat without food? Molly promised a Texas style BBQ with steak for everyone, and an outdoor picnic with burgers cooked on our very used but still operational grills.

Months of planning and preparation brought the much anticipated event closer. Then in mid March we had a wind storm that blew heavy across Grace Plateau. Shingles blew off the cottage roofs and siding was pulled off several buildings. Our grills were blown off the loading dock and fell in ruin to the gravel (three feet) below.

It didn’t take our faithful maintenance crew long to repair the buildings but they could do nothing to repair our grills. I called the redistribution department and asked for a grill or two, but there were none available. Staff and residents together began to pray for the grills to be replaced in time for the Spark retreat which was fast approaching. The future looked bleak for our steak BBQ.

On April 3rd, just 8 days before the arrival of our Texas Gals, I was earnestly praying at my desk. When I opened my eyes I caught sight of a note taped to my desk reminding me to call a friend of the LYC. The note was months old but I heard God saying “Make the call.” I dialed the number intending to check in with this dear one and her husband. The automated message asked me to leave a message. I greeted the couple and then asked them if they could please keep their eyes open for a couple of used grills. I know that they have many contacts and I proposed that someone might be purchasing a new one for themselves and would want to donate their used one to the center. I ended the call with a hope that they would visit us here sometime soon.

We played ‘phone tag’ for the next 2 days. On Saturday morning I happened to drop by the center to get something from my office. My phone rang and although I wanted to ignore it I wondered who could be calling me at work on a Saturday morning. When I answered the call I was surprised to hear my friend saying that they were at Lowes picking up a grill and would like to deliver it that morning. We made the necessary arrangements for delivery.

Monday morning I was surprised to find not one but two very nice new grills waiting for me. It didn’t take long to spread the word of how tremendously God had answered our prayers, and He did so just 4 days before our retreat. An added blessing was a delivery of fresh meats organized by Spark Ministry, which we have enjoyed cooking on our new grills. With every juicy bite we are reminded of how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And we are thankful for those who respond when God calls them into service.

-Paula Sentgeorge, Lydia Center

Making an impact

When his phone rang, York Teen Haven Field Director Alex Mikusow answered and was surprised to hear form a young man who had formerly been involved in Teen Haven but had since moved out of town. As the two spoke, Alex’s doorbell rang…but wanting to give his full attention to the young man on the phone, he ignored it. When the doorbell continued ringing, he excused himself from the call to answer it. Astonished, he saw the same young man from the phone call, along with his three brothers, at the door!

Over fruit snacks and Gatorade, the four spent time catching up. Each testified to how important Teen Haven had been in their lives, even though they hadn’t admitted it when they were younger! Just as the visit became more lively with indoor basketball, foosball, and the like, two more former Teen Haven young men arrived at the door. The first guests had invited them!

It was such a blessing to hear that the boys had become responsible, upright, young men – one a welder, another finishing high school, one in the field of education, two taking college classes, and one considering marriage in the near future. Most are still active in church-related activities.

When we sow seeds of faith, we never know what they are going to produce. We simply need to remain faithful, continuing to cultivate, water and nourish this crop of young people. Thank you for your dedicated role in that process!

Overheard on campus...

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

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

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

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

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

More staff thoughts...

Why I like working here:

It's a joy to work here at WSRM because everyone appreciates each other and to know that I am a part of God's mission here, even though a small part. I see God's kingdom here. Praise be Jesus!
-Bill Killian, IT

Seeing women reach their goals - school/work/their own place - and stay sober. And to see their excitement.
- Elaine Hostetter, Women's Ministry

Every new day the Lord continues to reveal Himself, His provisions and His ways. When there is a need for the camp it is great to see how and through what means the Lord will provide. He is always faithful! For example: we needed hamburger and so we prayed that the Lord would provide. The day we got it our freezer broke down as well, but within an hour He met that need as well and we had a new freezer full of fresh hamburger!
-Gina Frey, Teen Haven Camp

What has God taught me recently:

Matt 8:28 - the value of one person is worth more than the economy of a town.
- Jason Breckbill, IT

Staff thoughts...

More thoughts from staff on why they love to work here...

It's a chance to serve God and people. There is so much to do, you never finish doing God's work.
-Stan Peoples, Operations

I'm honored to be part of a ministry that shares the Love of God in a practical way.
- Ann Deschler, Teen Haven

It's rewarding to know I'm in God's will. Whether or not I may see the rewards isn't important. It's exciting to see the improvemnet in our residents and humbling to be involved.
-Lori Shirkey, Residential Ministries

And what God is teaching them...

In serving, you have to be open to change. We never know what God has for you to do next.
-Stan

God has taught me to be encouraging and helpful to my co-workers. God has reminded me that our contributors are being blessed by God for their gifts to our ministry and that gifts/mail are blessings, not extra work.
-Ann

Couple of quotes...

Thought I'd post a couple of quotes and see if I could provoke some thoughtful responses or at least get you thinking.

The first is one I only recently encountered and it has made me think a lot about our relationship with clients, kids, our community, donors... and also my own motives for service:

“If you are coming to help me, you are wasting your time. If you are coming because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us struggle together.”
- Aboriginal Activist Group, Queensland, 1970's

The second one is a long-time favorite of mine that I first heard from John Perkins, a favorite author, speaker, CCDA guru, and one-time houseguest of mine on South Christian Street.

"Go to the people
Live among them
Learn from them
Love them
Start with what they know
Build on what they have:
But of the best leaders
When their task is done
The people will remark 'We have done it ourselves.'"
-Lao Tsu (various attributions, sometimes simply referred to as a Chinese proverb)

Pondering these quotes, I wonder... does my role and work here at Teen Haven and WSRM reflect what is expressed in these quotes? Should they?

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

Leaving the outcome to God...

Not every client story has a happy ending. But I've come to watch and wonder about the ways in which God uses the Mission to prepare the ground in those clients who aren't yet ready to receive the life change Christ offers.

I think about one client who was with us for a month in the shelter. Some of her life goals - education, a career - were good goals, God-given. But the way she went about trying to acheive those goals involved manipulation and avoidance. For one whole month I watched staff continually work to help this client recognize that her life was unmanageable and that her way of relating to people involved using them.

Eventually, she left... and honestly we can't say that we saw much "progress." But at the same time, we cannot say that she left without hearing truth spoken in love. We have to leave the long-term outcome to God.

-Daral Boles, Women's Ministry

Filling the emptiness

When I got here to Water Street Rescue Mission August 1, 2007, I was physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. I was looking for a way out of the hell that my life was in because of alcohol and drugs.

Most of my life I was searching for something to fill the emptiness that I’ve always felt inside. It appeared that drugs filled that hole for a while, and then I began to experience the ugly side of addiction that robbed me of everything, including my self-respect and self-worth. It was through being here at Water Street Rescue Mission that I had the opportunity to seek a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

With the help and encouragement of the counselors here, especially Carissa who I have grown to love, I began to reach out and ask God for help. I wanted to change my life for the better, and I knew from past experience that I couldn’t do it by myself. Each day I began to spend time with God through prayer, meditation and reading the Word of God. Participating in devotions [in the shelter] every morning helped me to learn how to set aside some time each day to spend with God. It was in God’s word that I learned no matter what I’ve done or how messed up my life is, Jesus loves me. With His blood, He paid “the full price” for my sins – past, present and future. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Jesus is my peace in the midst of any storm.

I met with my counselor [at Water Street Rescue Mission] once a week. She helped me set goals for myself according to my needs. With the 8 months that I spent at the Water Street Rescue Mission, I successfully completed 6 months of intensive out-patient drug and alcohol treatment, I became an active member of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), I joined a Bible-teaching church – Brightside, I’m working with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to pursue an Associate’s degree at HACC in Allied Human Services, and on April 1, 2008, God blessed me with a beautiful one bedroom apartment.

Although the time came for me to move on [from Water Street Rescue Mission], I stay connected to the Mission by volunteering at the food distribution center and participating in the Women’s Alumni Group every other Tuesday of the month.

I know that God is not finished with me yet. I’m looking forward to Him using me in a mighty way.

-Marlo, former resident

A Father's Journey

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

By Wendy Capoferri, volunteer

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Wonder Club thoughts...

I'm excited to get up and come to work because of... smiling children's faces, hugs...

A unique story:

Recently a parent came in to drop off her child and said that she was thankful for Wonder Club. She remarked that she sees the impact we are having on her child, and especially notices the good manners her child is learning and how much that stands out compared with other children.

- Nicole Imhof, Wonder Club Teacher

Why I'm excited to come to work in the morning:

Watching the smiles and enthusiasm of the 4 and 5 year olds as they bounce in each morning with lots of energy and enthusiasm for learning.

- Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club Director

Wonder Club school-year ends...

As the school year comes to a close, a few notes from Wonder Club staff...

What I look forward to every morning is worship time with my students. No matter how bad I feel, when it comes to worship I feel refreshed. I love hearing the children sing to the Lord... I love to see God touch their hearts as they sing.

-Nikki Norton, Wonder Club Teacher

What excites me about coming to work in the morning? Change... or should I say watching God work in my life and the children and their parents. In Wonder Club I am excited to say about 4 or 5 childrenhave asked Jesus into their lives. Watching them change as they say and do many things they would not have said or done before. Hearing comments from parents saying that they too see a change in their son or daughter.

-Karen Smith, Wonder Club Assistant Teacher

Keeping my word to a father in Heaven...

It was three years ago. Daniel Rhodan (a teen intern) visited the hospital with a minor injury and I was able to chat with his dad. As we ended our conversation he commented, “Thank you for taking care of and loving my kids. Keep an eye on them for me.”

Three months later Daniel's dad died of a heart attack. He left behind a wife, three boys and two girls (ages 6-15). Daniel (15) took on the responsibility of being the head of the household. The adjustment was extremely difficult and painful, and in the midst of that a minor conflict over Daniel's role in our programs become a significant breakdown. Although we maintained some contact with the family, we did not really see them for about three years.

Two months ago we reconnected. The family expressed a desire to reconnect with Teen Haven, and Daniel (19) and James (17) returned to serve (initially as volunteers and eventually as interns) and brought their brother Joel (11) as a camper. Last month Jasmine (15) returned also to serve as volunteer junior counselor.

A couple of Sundays ago, just as the bus was to leave, a young lady (9 yrs old) came seeking my help. She wanted me to retrieve her pink sweater, lying in the middle of the baseball field. I told her to get in the golf cart and we went for a ride she would not forget. As we bounced and made our way, she laughed and giggled. She scooped up her sweater and we headed back to the bus. As we scurried. I asked her name; she smiled and said, “Diamond”. I kidded her about her name and she smiled and boldly said, "My name is Diamond Rhodan." and from that moment on our conversation centered on the wonderful memories of her daddy and what he meant to both of us.

As the bus left, I sensed heaven open a window and a smile on a daddy’s face.

Keeping my word to a father in heaven.
And a special reminder from our heavenly Father.

Thank you Lord.

-Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp

More reasons to get up with a smile...

I am excited about getting up in the morning and coming to work so that I can see what God has for me to do with and for the clients, and to hear what He has done in their life. I'm excited because I know that God is working in this place.

I know that God will transform lives and every day is a blessing.

- Mardester Thomas, Women's Ministries

I love the women... I want them to know they are loved. It is fun to get to know them, what their struggles are, and see them find hope for their future. It's rewarding to celebrate with them and to listen when they are upset. To be someone who cares when sometimes they have no one.

- Carissa Impink, Women's Ministries

Getting up early (with a smile?)

Why am I excited to get up and come to work at WSRM in the morning?

I enjoy getting up and seeing my co-workers and "the guys." I also like being on the road and seeing the donors who support Water Street.

- Dave Miller, Truck Driver

As much as I dislike getting up early in the morning, I am always eager to come to work here. God is actively using our staff to reach women and children in many ways, and it's exciting to be engaged in His work.

-Vicki Bollman, Women's Ministries

Common ground...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Cheryl Wahlberg, Volunteer Coordinator

What is that?

Our Camp Director just sent me this note from our boys weekend at camp. My first thought was how dramatic and extreme a change (from no knowledge of the bible to child of God in one weekend), but then again aren't all salvations just as dramatic and "extreme." You and I were both once lost and now found.

Thanks for sharing this Vinny.

Marcus (14) - First timer to camp from Philadelphia.

Friday night during cabin devotions, Marcus stopped the supervisor and asked, "What is that?"

He was referring to the bible that the counselor was reading and talking about. After some discussion, Marcus shared that he never saw, touched or read one.

Saturday morning during chapel, the Bible he never read was the Lord's instrument in saving his soul.

Marcus's entire demeanor changed. He would not separate himself from the Bible he discovered.
As he was presented the Christ-like camper award for the weekend, his cabin supervisor was lost for words as he joyfully expressed and described the transformation of Marcus.

We all rejoice together!

-Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp

Some Anonymous staff thoughts...

A few of the staff who wrote down some thoughts for this forum at our last staff meeting forgot to sign their names. Their thoughts are still worth sharing...

• God has taught me: Not to get too high or too low... to remain humble

• God has taught me: How to see people. My eyes see the outside of people, their physical condition. When I see through God's eyes, I can see their spiritual condition, their soul condition and ask the Lord how to meet that need. See the inner condition, that's what God has taught me and is still teaching me.

• Thoughts: I have been amazed at how many deaths have been close to home recently...

• Why I'm excited to wake up for work: I don't know if I am exactly excited to get up in the morning, but what I like about working here is the relationships with my co-workers, the mutual love and support, the laughter and yes, even the tears.

Waiting for Pop

What follows is a comment about my relationship with Pop, a gentleman I knew for over twenty years and one who frequented the meal and community services program here at Water Street. Pop came to mind recently as I thought about the tremendous task the homeless men and women here at the mission face as they try to find a church home. They very desperately need to be embraced and engaged to become part of the fabric of the local church. Often this transition for them and the local church is difficult.

Pop’s abuse of alcohol was lifelong beginning sometime in the Army during the Korean War and continuing for over 30 years. His yellowish skin was creased and weather-worn, the result of too many days and nights spent on the street and in makeshift lodging. One winter Pop had constructed a Styrofoam dwelling in the middle of a local junkyard; the next he lived in an abandoned school bus modified with pieces of cardboard and scrap metal. He was a man of great independence and resourcefulness yet I was very concerned about his health as his liver continued to deteriorate. So it was truly a grand and unexpected event when Pop finally agreed to allow me to transport him to the local veterans’ hospital.

And at the end of the twenty-eight day rehab he looked great the benefit of a regular diet, sleep and medication. His skin glowed again and the prognosis for his future was brighter than ever. And as I thought about his transition back into the neighborhood, I asked him a question. ‘Pop how about you and me going to church when you are done here? I’ll be with you and you’ll be able to make some new, non-drinking friends. It will be a great way of continuing the life you started here - one without alcohol.’ Pop hesitated then looked at me a bit quizzically before saying this, ‘That sounds really good, Stevie but I couldn’t do that, I couldn’t go to church, I don’t have a suit!’

It’s been several years since Pop passed away of liver disease. He never did make it to church. I miss him and he is on my mind a lot. I keep wondering what it would have been like if Pop had come to church. Would he feel welcomed in his frayed and holey jeans and shoes? Would anyone look past the disheveled beard, the unkempt hair, the clothing that reeked of sweat and alcohol? Would anyone intentionally sit by his side, look him in the eyes, listen intently to his story, and invite him home for Sunday dinner? Would Pop understand the protocol of church, the language, when to sit or stand, from which book to read or sing? Would the words of the preacher make sense to him? Would the demons that drove him to drink be addressed? Would anyone strive to engage with Pop in a way that conveyed that God loved him as he was and help him see that he could be free from the control of sin and bad choices?

Sadly, I’m not sure there is a seat for Pop in most of our nice, Bible-believing churches as it so often seems that a lot of our activity is pretty self-absorbed. Are we really expecting a guy like Pop to stop by? And realistically, why would Pop want to visit with us on a Sunday anyway – with or without a suit?

I’m not sure how to answer these questions but I do know this: I’m waiting for Pop. I’m going to be ready when he shows up. I’ll be the one next to the empty seat in jeans and sneakers.

- Steve Brubaker, Residential Ministries

Caught or taught?

What makes me excited to come to work at WSRM?

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

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

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

-Jim Stanton, Men's Ministry

All about Christ's Love

I have tons of paperwork to complete, phone calls to make, grants to write, evaluations to do, never enough time in a day and then to top it off I have patients and other agency staff complaining. About what you may ask, about everything! Not only complaining, but being down right rude and disrespectful. Lord, why am I here and where has the passion gone for the work that we do in the Water Street Clinic? He clearly asks me the question, “Do you love them?”

Instead of blaming others for their rude, legalistic or complaining behavior, the Lord asks me to look at my heart. He has been reminding me that no matter how others may behave, I must love them as He loves them, and not respond to them as they do to me. Wow, very hard! I realize that the only way I can respond to others unkindness with love is through Christ. When I get an email or verbal response which is rude and or legalistic I stop and say Lord, how do You want me to respond? I have found that I don’t get my emotions all tangled up if I give the problems to Him immediately, and I have much more loving responses than I ever thought that I could.

As the Lord has been teaching me how to love like He does He has shown me a few things that I’d like to share with you:

1. Life and ministry is NOT about rules, but about giving to show the other person that they are special in His eyes. Yes, we still must have the paperwork and limits on services so we can serve the many uninsured and in need, but there are many acts of kindness that we can add that will show the individual they are cared about. Unless they plan to commit physical harm to someone we never turn anyone away from the clinic without some guidance or words of encouragement.


2. Listen to others without working on my answer to what they are saying. Really listen and when I speak affirm what they are saying. If I am trying to come up with a response from my perspective, I’m not really hearing them.


3. I must forgive others as Christ has forgiven me. Not just a feeling, but a conscious act to treat them with respect. Jesus was never a door mat but He loved those who hated Him. I will have to forgive others often over and over again.


4. Don’t judge others, that is God’s job. I am to compare myself only to Jesus as my model. As I judge others He will judge me.


5. #1 Love the Lord, #2 Love others – this wraps up how He wants me to live!


6. I cannot do the above; I must BE the above, by letting Jesus live in me! It is never about an act of will, but a change of heart.


7. Let God be God and work His plan in only the miraculous way that He does. I often limit His work by not expecting a miracle. Yes, God still heals today whether the person’s illness is physical, mental or an addiction. The world offers cover ups with medications, procedures and lies, but Jesus offers true freedom.


8. Trust Him when all appears to be going wrong! His ways are not my ways and He sees things differently. Death is true & perfect healing. I trust that He loves me and others more than I can know.


9. Every day I am to devour His word and put it in my heart and let Him teach me His ways.


10. I can live a full life filled with His Joy as my strength here and now!

Lord, may I never live like the Pharisees by only spouting out the rules, but with a heart filled with your love for others that you have placed in my life. Thank you Lord for my family, friends, staff and patients of the clinic!

I love & trust you Lord!

- Gale Thomason, Water Street Clinics

Praises from the Family Shelter

Just before Christmas we opened the door to the Family Shelter. The Family Shelter was developed during our most recent major renovations of the Prince Street campus in response to the changing face of homelessness that we encounter every day. In recent years the population of homeless families has been growing... and by "families" we mean single mothers with children, single fathers with children, and intact families (with both mom and dad).

Prior to the opening of the Family Shelter we were pretty much unable to serve intact families, fathers with young children, and mothers with older boys (above 12 yrs). We would do our best to find ways to accomodate or help, but we were not set up to serve these families.

Daral Boles our Director of Women's and Family Ministries recently passed along some exciting news:

Just wanted to let everyone know we have our first SINGLE FATHER in the family shelter. He has two children with him—a 16-year-old son and 1 ½ year old daughter. Please pray with and for us as we learn how to address the unique problems of this type of family group. We now have all three types present—husband and wife with children, single mom with teenage boys, and single dad with children—for whom this shelter was designed.

Also wanted to let you know that our “first” family, Barbara Gonzalez and her 6 children, will be leaving us on Thursday for a home of their own. Praise God with us!

Daral and Gentine

Fear not...

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

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

-Craig Hickey, Men's ministry

A gift

My friend Angela and I attended a LCBC women’s retreat in Strasburg this past weekend.

After the conference ended on Sunday, we decided to go someplace to eat lunch since neither of us had eaten breakfast that morning and we were fairly hungry. It was 12:20 and knew that any place we chose along Route 30 would be packed with tourists and those eating out after attending church services. On our drive back to Neffsville, I suggested that we go to Olde Hickory Grill; it has the best Angus burgers! Since Angela had never eaten there, we decided that was the place to eat.

When we got to the restaurant, it was packed and moving from the doorway to the cash register was difficult. After waiting for about a minute, still at the doorway, an elderly woman who was waiting for a table told me to put my name in at the cashier. When our table was available, we sat in a corner booth. I noticed that the woman who previous talked with me was sitting (alone) at the table beside us. I whispered to Angela that maybe we should invite her to join us for lunch, because typically, no one likes to eat alone.

Angela did invite her to join us and the woman said, “You made my day.” She sat beside Angela and she introduced herself. Her name is “Ms. Finny” and she is 85 years old. She had just come from church (Highland Presbyterian) and owns a cottage at one of the local retirement homes. She told us all about her three daughters, their families and that she recently returned from California to attend her grandson’s wedding.

When she saw my sweatshirt had Eastern University on it, she said that she went on a tour to Israel, which was lead by one of the Eastern University professors and told us all about her adventures.

When we were finished with our meals, the waitress came over to our table and said that someone had paid for all of our meals! We were all stunned! We asked her who it was and the waitress said that it was someone who had eaten at the restaurant and saw Angela and I invite Ms. Finny to join us. This anonymous gift was the result of us asking a stranger to eat with us. We had no idea who anonymously paid for our meal, since they had left the restaurant before we had finished our meals.

Ms. Finny said that she was blessed by spending time with us and we assured her that she had also blessed us. Angela and I gave her a hug before we left the restaurant and went our separate ways.

Angela and I had never expected such a gift in Ms. Finny. She is a beautiful woman of God. In addition, knowing that someone noticed our gift of kindness and acted upon it compels me to pass this kindness on to others.

- Jane Keller, HR Director