Joy in the flood

Urban ministry is not always fine dining and caviar (oops, is it ever) or even a bed of roses - sometimes it smells a bit different. The story below is from Alex Mikusow, our York Teen Haven Field Director who lives in our TH Center in the city of York:

Last summer my basement flooded due too a raw sewage backup of the city sewer. Because I'm the lowest point on the block I had about 20 inches of water in my basement. It wasn't pleasant or joyous.

But then the Lord sent his saints to my rescue and encouragement.

Daniel, my next door neighbor who attends my Bible study and is a cabin supervisor at our camp, came over to help. My brother Vinny, our camp director, also arrived with bleach, brooms and brushes to help me out. By the end of the evening the city came and helped pump out what they could as well. They were also able to unclog the blockage.

But the real joy was remembering what James said, "Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the trying of your faith produces patience". My brothers in Christ helped me to remember what I already knew.

-Alex

The $75 Adventure

Here's our first attempt to include a video clip on our blog... hope you like it (you may have to click the "play" arrow twice to get it to run). This comes from a friend of the Mission who created a unique opportunity to teach his daughters about sharing with others:

The last time I worked for my Uncle I picked up lunch for his workers, but forgot to give him the change back—it was a $75 mishap. The next day, realizing my mistake, I called him up. He joked with me a little bit at first, but then told me to keep the money and spend it on my children. My uncle and aunt, although very generous and kind do not know the Lord. We pray for them continually and seek out opportunities to “show” them how a follower of Christ lives.

My 3 daughters, ages 6, 4, and 1 have plenty of toys and clothes. We have a tight budget but we make it work every month.They were in need of nothing, so we decided to give them an opportunity to give the money away.

After some family discussion, I took the $75, added $25 of our own, grabbed my two eldest daughters and jumped in our van. On the way to Amelia’s Grocery Outlet, I called Maurice and asked him what he needed. He told me the kitchen needed juice, so the 3 of us filled up 2 carts with 100 containers of juice. We nearly cleaned out Amelia’s juice aisle. The best part was we videoed the entire experience from start to finish. It was an incredible opportunity to model for my children the value of giving to those in need. We talked about why the Rescue Mission exists and how they love people It was a $100 lesson that was worth 10 times that amount. The next day I edited the video, which we entitled “the $75 Adventure,” burned it to a DVD and sent it to their house. My Aunt and Uncle loved the video and were thrilled to see their money at work.

- Jason, friend of the Mission

Allowing Christ to use you as He sees fit

This past fall, the pastors at my church gave a series of sermons related to Stepping Out in Faith: being willing to allow God to use us in ways that we have not permitted Him to use us before. The following account is a great example of stepping out in faith!

One day recently I sat down for lunch with "Robert". He mentioned that the past sixteen months have been the longest he has remained in one location for a long, long time. I asked him where he had lived before he came to Water Street and how he came to be living here. He told me that he had been picking watermelons in North Carolina and decided that he would move on to Florida to visit some of his relatives there. As he walked along the highway heading south, a trucker pulled off the road and called out to him, “Are you broken down?” "Robert" was confused about what the trucker was asking him, until the trucker pointed to a rig parked along the road. The trucker thought that "Robert" was the driver of that rig, and that he was walking to get help. "Robert" explained that he just happened to be walking in that area, on his way to Florida. The trucker invited "Robert" to ride with him, as he was delivering his load to Jacksonville.

As the two men headed south, the trucker evidently realized that "Robert" needed an important change in his life, one that only the Lord could provide. He offered to take "Robert" to a place where he could get his life straightened out, and told "Robert" that he didn’t need to make an immediate decision, but to think about it as they traveled together for several hours. The trucker was from Lancaster County and explained that he himself had gone to the Water Street Rescue Mission about five years earlier and had become a new person in Christ.

As "Robert" thought about this offer, he imagined that this trucker was an angel of the Lord, holding open the door of Heaven for him. How could he refuse such an opportunity? He decided that, “Yes! I will accept this offer.” After visiting his relatives in Florida, "Robert" was picked up by the trucker, and together they headed to Lancaster. The rest is history. "Robert" is now walking with the Lord in newness of life. He is engaged in the Christian Life Development program and recently started a new job.

The Lancaster trucker, although out on the road all week long, occasionally checks in with "Robert" to see how things are going. He has invited "Robert" to visit in his home and has taken him along to his church. "Robert"’s life is definitely headed in a different direction than it was the day that he met the trucker along that North Carolina highway! And that’s because of the Christ that he met at the foot of the cross!

Praise the Lord for the trucker’s willingness to step out in faith and allow the Lord to use him in an unexpected way!

-Ron Pawling, Business Office

We're back!

Here's hoping 2008 will be a little more consistent here on our little blog...

Look below for a brand new glimpse at life on Grace Plateau.

Wise me up, too...

I love how God knows what I need and doesn’t think inside my box.

Several months ago, “Maria” became my client here at the Lydia Center. Because of her simplicity, short attention span, and difficulty comprehending, I was not sure how I could help her. I whined and got upset at people who had sent her my way. Several months ago, I made a referral for her for housing and to my shame, was getting excited that I wouldn’t have to deal with her anymore.

Well, God is using “Maria” to teach me how to love well. I have seen her blossom so much from when she first entered here b/c she knows that she is loved and belongs. She recently stole the show at our Lydia Center talent show. She has such a kind heart and simple faith. Her mannerisms and the things she says are so endearing. I have come to enjoy my time with “Maria” so much, and now I will probably cry when her housing comes through and she spreads her wings to fly.

I am still not always sure how I can help "Maria", but I’m beginning to think that God may have sent her this way to teach me a few things:
1) to love others as He loves
2) to enjoy life and not take it so seriously
3) to laugh at myself
4) not to judge others on appearance or ability
5) to teach me patience and to enjoy the moment
6) and just to bless me.

The other day in counseling, “Maria” prayed this sweet prayer, “Keep an eye on all of us up here on this mountain…Give Lorene wisdom, and wise me up, too, to be kinda like You. Amen.”

Lord, I’m sorry for my selfish, judgmental ways. May I be more like You and love as You love. I thank you for teaching me through this precious woman. Bless her, as she continues to know You more and goes her way in life. May her life be as sweet to You as it is to me.

-Lorene, counselor at Lydia Center

My Resignation

For so many years,

I kept running from fears.

I kept living my way,

In search of fun everyday.

I took for granted all my responsibility,

All stemming from denial of my ability.

When the landlord knocked at my door,

The words I heard, I heard times before.

Thinking again I've been down this road before,

I turned to leave and shut the door.

I kept living a life, Oh, what a mess,

If only I had God would I surely be blessed.

I must have walked 10 miles or so, and

What came to mind was "Footprints in the Sand."

Oh what a blessing, walking that night,

Jesus was watching, I was in his sight.

I had blisters on my feet at my destination,

But my thanks to God, Satan received my resignation.

Written Testimony by Jeff - Men's CLD program

Check us out this Sunday...

Hey - This Sunday is our Fall Open House!

This is second Open House since our big renovations were completed this Spring. Try to stop by between 1-4pm to see what things look like today. Above are some pictures from the beginning of the Renovation Process - the change is amazing... come and see!

If you can't make it on Sunday, give us a call to set up a tour at your convenience.

Thank You God...

I used to drive past the Water Street Rescue Mission and think to myself, “Boy, I’m sure glad I’ll never end up there”. Well, here I am! The worst thing I thought could never happen…turns out to be the best thing that ever happened in my life. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t like being here but without the help of all the good people here, I would never have had the courage to surrender and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Thank God; He gave me this chance.

I have learned a lot since coming here…so much that I didn’t think my brain could accept anymore information. Well, I kept stuffing it in there and some things started making sense…like doing things the easy way, just to find that it usually makes everything else difficult. It’s hard being a Christian but in the long run, with the help of the Lord everything seems so much more bearable.

There are two good teachings that really stick with me: #1. There is nothing I can do to make God love me less. And there is nothing I can do to make God love me more (Thanks, Scooter); and #2. Real growth comes when I learn to trust God at the hardest possible time (Biblical Life Management).

Thanks to everyone here for opening my eyes and letting me know I am worth it. Thank You, God!

--Mark, resident - Christian Life Development program, Transition phase

Serving Water Street... and Haiti

A group of volunteers recently replaced the ceiling tiles in our men's emergency shelter. Needless to say, we were quite grateful. As they emailed Chuck, one of our chaplains, with the rest of the story, we were amazed by God's goodness and timing in blessing not only us, but a ministry in Haiti as well.

Hi Chuck-

... Here is what God has done.

My husband, Ken, and I planned a spaghetti dinner to raise money for Good Samaritan Mission School in Beaufort, Haiti. It took place on Saturday, May 5. We had spaghetti, salad, and bread left over and took it to WSRM on Sunday, May 6 after church. Our friends, Claudette and Michael Austin were with us. We did not know that on that day there was an Open House. We decided to stay and take a tour. The medical and dental facilities and the women's shelter were beautiful. Then we arrived at the Men's Emergency Shelter. It had not been renovated. Ken stated that he thought that we should do a fundraiser and raise the money to replace the ceiling tiles in the Men's Emergency shelter. It was decided that we would.

On Saturday, July 7 a yard sale and aluminum can drive was held. We raised $850.00. We approached building supply stores to ask for a discount to purchase the supplies we needed. The Home Depot responded with a 20 percent discount. Our bill for the ceiling tiles, light defusers, and a bathroom fan came to $721.00 exactly.

During the time we were preparing to do the work at the mission, we went to the PA Haiti Benefit Auction. Ken and I have gone to this event for many years and have developed a friendship with Leon, a missionary that drills wells in Haiti. Since I am a school nurse, he asked if I could find some uniforms for a soccer team that he was forming in Haiti. I said that I would. After searching for a good price, Ken and I decided that we would order the shirts and shorts from a local apparel printing shop. The sales person offered a discount. When we recieved the bill we found that the amount due was exactly $129.00. The exact amount left over from the fundraising.

God reminds me always that we have nothing to worry about. He has ALL things taken care of.

Thank you, Chuck. I hope to see you soon when we hang the new curtains and the shower curtains.

With Love, Ken and Kathy Wall

Everyone deserves a second chance...

Solomon aptly said, “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away…” Song of Songs 8: 7

Like most of our serious clients, Russell could barely stumble through the doors of the Water Street Rescue Mission. He had sold his life off for a steady handful of pills; a price that could no longer purchase relief. Dark shadows haunted Russell, reminding him of his life’s most painful memories; memories of a wife who now belonged to another and of a daughter and granddaughter who had grown up, without him; memories of countless broken promises.

On Russell’s first day with us, he met Chuck (men’s counselor) who simply began loving him to our precious Jesus. Imagine my joy, when Chuck called to share the news that Russell had accepted Jesus, flushed the pills, and was going to join our Christian Life Recovery Program (to change his life). For nearly 1 ½ years now, Russell has been following Jesus, “by faith”. He has surely relished the tender moments, when God would touch him in a deeply personal way, but mostly Russell has trusted Jesus, as he takes “one more” painful step of Recovery.

In September, I was blessed to attend a wedding with Russell. His daughter had invited her changing dad (and me) to share in her day. Imagine the immense Joy on Russell’s face, as a long line of relatives and friends from his past (relationships he thought were utterly destroyed) came up to shake his hand and to hug him, welcoming him back into their lives. And imagine a beaming Russell, as his daughter came with a welcoming hug saying, “Daddy, I have always wondered if you would be at my wedding but you came and you’re doing so well. I’m so proud of you”. Now imagine a happy man being hugged by a lovely little granddaughter (who he only held as a baby).

It was interesting to note that the scripture Russell’s daughter chose for her table gifts was the very first scripture Russell memorized, “Love is patient; love is kind…” How apt are the words of his former in-laws, “Everyone deserves a second chance, Russell”.

--Norm Lowry (Learning Center Coordinator)

It's not fair that...

I was asked to assist my Pastor with a presentation at church relating to "justice and longing for God," so I decided to take a little poll of some staff and residents. Here are the results:

Please complete the following sentence:

"It's not fair that..."

…some people are homeless while others drive $80,000 cars past them
…some of us are allowed to work just one bad decision away from being homeless
…millions of children are undernourished and many of us throw away sinful quantities of food
…life is hard
…those who choose to live a healthy life free of smoking, alcohol & drug abuse, etc. still get cancer.
…young people die
…Some get over, others don’t
…Good things happen to bad people
…Bad things happen to good people
…Children suffer
…The rich get richer, the poor …
…I was born in America and … someone else was born in poverty
…my poverty disrupts my family
…people don’t know Jesus
…when we get wisdom it’s too late to stop what we shouldn’t have done
…when you commit to following Christ, you are not exempt from being emotionally & physically abused by Christians.
…Christians harshly judge others by their political choices
…I am the one who sinned, and Jesus is the sinless One who became sin for me, and gave me His righteousness instead.
…the Lord gave us the Love Commandment, and the Holy Spirit to enable us to do it, and yet we treat each other as if we were not even His children.
… I have parents that love God, each other, my siblings and me, while so many of my struggling brothers and sisters in Christ do not know what it is like to be in a nurturing environment like I was.
…we got off the hook at Jesus’ expense
…some couples try unsuccessfully for years to have children they would love, while other couples breed like rabbits to produce children they don't want
…there are millions of children without parents, and adoption costs tens of thousands of dollars and years of red tape
…the biggest disease on the planet is loneliness
…the burden (and often, cost) of raising children too often falls to the mother.
…grown children disrespect and disregard their parents and/or grandparents.
…I have been wrongly accused by another
…I was grounded this weekend
…I don’t have his office
…you have more money than I do
…so many people live in poverty and I live in abundance
…some of us had opportunities for education and advancement, while others were stuck in situations of merely striving for subsistence
…I sit here with a full stomach typing on the computer, while people have just died from starvation

- Debbie Miller, Administration

We are only a part of the journey

When I first started in the ministry of rescue I was a bit naïve and thought a bit too highly of my part in the life of the men. At that time, if a man would attempt to leave the program prematurely, I would (literally) stand in his way and plead with him not to go. I truly believed that for him to leave us would mean that he had stepped out of the Lord’s work in his life.

Today that thinking seems obviously misguided. I realize now that the Lord has been working in a man’s life well before he ever gets to us and that He will continue to work long after the man leaves us. We only get to participate with the Lord’s work in a man’s life and then only for a season (and seasons come and seasons go).

With this wiser, more accurate sense of our part in a man’s life we work hard to sense what the Lord is already doing in him when he arrives. As we interview him for potential intake into our program (we do not use this process for Emergency Services), we are looking for signs that we are the next step in the Lord’s plan for this man’s life.

We believe the Lord has led us in the development of the program services we offer. We also believe that if we are the best next step for a man then he will fit who we are. The essential criteria to help us make that decision are these:
Brokenness: has this man come to the end of his own efforts to make life work his way?
Openness: is this man ready to receive input from others?
Desperation: does this man see the severity of his life condition and the consequences if he does not get help?

The intake interview is a two-step, two-person process. The Emergency Shelter Chaplain begins the process and I complete it. Along the way we attempt to connect deeply enough with the man to see his true condition –often by offering him alternatives— to see if he is actually ready for who we are. If we believe he is ready, he is invited in. If we are not sure he is ready, he is placed on a one week trial period. If we do not believe he is ready, he is not invited in.

Once a man enters the program we evaluate him regularly as to his continued brokenness, openness and desperation. If it becomes clear that a man no longer has these key life-change prerequisites, it may be time for him to leave. To discern this, we convene a panel of his peers (3) and staff members (3 or more). And through a lengthy conversation with him, we determine whether or not he should continue to be in our program.

If we release a man, we are not at all “giving up on him.” We are instead stepping aside for the next step in the Lord’s journey for the man. We may, down the road, be used again in that journey and we may not; we are only part of the journey.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Apologies...

Sadly, my blog management has been pretty pathetic. Once again, I will pledge to try to do better. Hopefully you will see at least 2 new posts per week (I will try for more, but 2 is a realistic commitment at this time).

I hope the stories we share are an encouragement to any who read them and give you a glimpse into life at Water Street.

-Jack

God gives lemonade...

A story as told by Maurice Yarbrough, Food Service Director:

God (through his people and many local companies) keeps our kitchen stocked with enough food and drink to provide 3 meals a day to hundreds of residents and friends from the community. Sometimes though, both staff and clients can begin to take God's abundant provision for granted. Earlier this week, we ran out of flavored drinks (teas, juices, etc) and we had several meals in a row where the only option we had was water.

Some individuals, a little disappointed and frustrated, began to complain about the situation. God prompted me to help them check their spirits, so rather than listen to their complaining, I encouraged them to pray about it and ask God to provide something other than water.

How exciting to see God answer the prayer so quickly, when later that same day, a truck dropped off two cases of juice. Then, the next morning, we received a donation of two skids of Turkey Hill lemonade (if you never worked in a warehouse, that's a lot of lemonade).

Maybe someday, we'll all be more like Paul: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil 4:12b) Still, we will acknowledge and thank God for all he does (in spite of our attitudes, sometimes).

Jesus was a Homeless Stranger

At the end of an especially trying week, I pulled into the parking lot at 210 South Prince Street. The male residents were making their way to chapel. The mothers and their children were returning from the dining hall to their dormitory.

While in the car still, I finished up a phone call with a friend caught up in turmoil. His life was spiraling downward and he was fragile and angry. The conversation was turning accusatory and I was receiving the brunt of it. It was becoming harder and harder emotionally for me to maintain my composure. I began to sob in my car now parked in a space in front of the mission. I quietly said goodbye and hung up. I sensed our friendship coming to an end. I felt the sting of rejection. I was in pain.

But there was a job waiting for me in Administration. I had a supervisor depending on me. I wiped away tears and began to cross the parking lot. From the corner of my eye I saw Francisco, a newer resident, who I greeted every morning on the corner where he started his day.

I didn’t have any energy for Francisco this morning. I’ll pretend I don’t see him, I thought. He won’t notice. As I neared “his” corner it became obvious our paths would intersect. He extended his hand to me. I reached out mine... he grasped it and he held it up to his heart. “Buenos dios,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Hello,” he said, smiling a wide toothless grin.

There are times my problems can seem so small. And yet so big. Simply put, God sees them all. And in this instance He provided me comfort from a homeless stranger. Francisco showed me Jesus. May I be able to do the same.

- Debbi Miller, Administration

God says that He loves me...

I say I want help…but I spurn advice.
I say I want to change…but I refuse to learn how.
I say I want to love…but I continue to hate.
I say I want to know God…but I seek him not.
I say I’m tired of this life…but I hang on with a death grip.
I say I understand…but in reality I haven’t a clue.
I say that I’m listening…but I don’t really hear.
I say that I care…but yet it’s all about me.
I say that I’m grateful…but I complain everyday.
I say that “you’re right”…but I sneer at your stupidity.
I say that I’m afraid…but I never let anyone see it.
I say that I’m hurting…but I cover it with a laugh.
I say that I’m willing…but then I break all the rules.
I say I love my Dad…but I’m still waging war with him.
I say I love my Mom…but my feelings matter more than hers.
I say I want to go to church…but I seek out hypocrisy.
I say that you’re my friend…but that’s solely for my benefit.
I say I know I’m a sinner…but I’m not as bad as you.
I say that God has blessed me…but I take everything for granted.
I say “maybe tomorrow”…but I don’t even have it.
I say I desire humility…but I don’t bend my knees to pray.
I say that I practice forgiveness…but I cherish perceived ways.

God says that He loves me…but I say, “Why?”

—Don (Men’s CLD Program)

Waves happen

There seems to be a never ending series of waves that course through our lives. Many of them seem to arrive with a crash, knocking us down and pummeling us under their weight. Others sweep in to swamp us; they lift us from our footing and leave us feeling vulnerable and out of control. Still others provide a great opportunity to surf.

Recently I commented to my boss that I felt as though I had caught a wave. I was blissfully surfing through life feeling courageous, even invincible. I further commented to him that I knew it wouldn’t last, but boy was it a great ride!

Sure enough, that wave ran its course and while I was there basking on the shore in the memories… the next wave hit. Today I am pressed to the bottom as what feels like the full weight of the ocean sits on my back.

I have felt like quitting recently, yet not a very short time ago I felt like a champion, exercising heroic faith and conquering in the Name of the Lord all that came at me.

As I prayerfully analyze this fall from crest to crevasse, to see if I can learn something that might reduce the expanse between the two, I become aware of a few things:
-In both conditions I sense the Lord is very close.
-In both conditions I sense the Lord is Sovereign and in control.
-In both conditions I sense that time is running and change is coming

My conclusion in all this: waves happen, and then they are gone and then another one comes. Some will crash, some will swamp and some will provide a great opportunity to surf.

At the end of the day, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10)

-Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

Tears...

The women’s shelter can be very sobering. In one night I experienced three issues that nearly brought me to tears.

1. On Monday evenings while adults are in chapel, a volunteer provides a special activity for the children. On this particular night, the mother of a 7-year-old girl was called out of chapel because her daughter was practically screaming for her mom. I found out later that while out of the mission on an approved pass that weekend, the mother had run into her husband. The two got into a fight which landed her in the hospital with a concussion. Her oldest daughter, the one crying, must have seen it happen, and now didn’t want to leave her mom’s side.
2. After praying for months, one mother in the shelter recently received custody of her 5-year-old son. Since coming to the shelter, the boy’s disposition and attitude showed that his past years of life with his father had included little discipline or stability. When he was playing with some other children tonight, energy levels were high and the play soon turned a bit dangerous. Before his mother could step in and calm things down, the boy ran into the corner of a piano and cracked his head open. While by itself, it wasn't very serious, the injury would add to several other recent accidents that were incurred from the boy doing the opposite of what his mother said. As the two sat together waiting for a ride to the hospital, she mouthed to me with despair, “I can’t take much more of this.”
3. For evening check-in, adults over 18 report to the counselor’s office. A woman’s children have no responsibilities at this time. Tonight a woman checked in holding a newborn, saying it was her granddaughter. The baby’s mother didn’t check in, so I assumed the grandmother had custody of the baby, or some such situation. Later that night, I dropped off sanitary supplies in the same woman’s room. It was then that I finally saw the mother of the newborn – a 13-year-old girl. A girl who should have been doing her hair or studying for school but was instead pumping breast milk. I had to leave the room before tears spilled down, realizing that this baby would be 11 by the time her mother was my age.

I never realized the role that stability plays in a child’s life. I’m hurting inside tonight, and I’m wondering if I would be able to make it if I were homeless.

-Maria Ream, Development Dept

Encouragement...

Lately, we have been asked to take special notice of the "good" that is happening all around us... In our last staff meeting, we were asked to encourage our co-workers... The other day, Cheryl Wahlberg sent an email, requesting that we take time to encourage our volunteers...

Encouragement is big...our words can uplift or tear down.

What does God think of us?

God thinks that we are extraordinary people. He sees our interactions as being compassionate; full of grand knowledge & wisdom. He imagines the Joy that we will experience, when our feet first land in His eternal Heaven. He sees the many who will greet us, among whom will be those we didn’t even think could possibly be touched by our attempts. His only desire is that we step into the next level of life with Him; simply freeing our whole being into His capable hands—for greater, fuller ministry. Though we feel under qualified, we are eternal Royals, to whom He has given a very special & precious name that is way too wonderful for any other being to even hear. It is this precious name that we have heard in the quiet moments of our days. He has been calling & inviting us to Him; to deeply know His heart of Love.

God knows all that we do and yet sees us as walking in humility, simply allowing Him to shine His Glory through us. He perpetually invites us into deeper Joy & intimate relationship with Him & with those we serve. He invites us to “Watch what He does, and then do it", like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.

Mostly what He does is love us. He desires that we keep company with Him and learn a life of Love. He desires that we observe how Christ loved us. His Love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. God desires that we Love like that” Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message).

God thinks that we play a large part on His Team, here at the Water Street Rescue Mission.

- Norm Lowry, Men’s Ministry

Supplies

Philippians 4:19—But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

According to Strong’s Greek dictionary, the word “supply” here means: to make replete, that is to … satisfy… accomplish… (be) complete… fill (up)… perfect.

I am constantly amazed at the way God acts to “supply” the needs of Water Street Rescue Mission. In the few short months that I’ve been here, I’ve seen many examples of God providing according to His riches, including the following unsolicited contributions:

• Sarah, a woman who called me to verify the validity of a fundraising project she had read about and ended up donating to that project
• An offer from an individual to donate a washer/dryer pair, which was until then an unmet need at the Lydia Center.
• An offer from a local truck maintenance shop to provide maintenance and inspections for our large fleet vehicles.
• Several vehicles donated to the Mission by community members. These donations have allowed us to provide transportation for clients as well as staff job-related travel.
• Individuals and groups coming together to provide new roofs for several of our Teen Haven Camp buildings.
• A consistent supply of volunteers that provide much-appreciated and critical assistance with facility maintenance, food & clothes sorting, kitchen duties, and many other tasks.
• A camp called asking if we could donate mattresses to them. At the time, we did not have enough to fill the needs of the camp as well as our own, but we gave them as many as we could. Shortly thereafter, we received a donation of over 100 mattresses! (See Who do these mattresses belong to anyway? , posted on the blog on June 13).
• Groups from local churches that have pulled together to meet needs, such as the church group that is currently working on redoing our Men’s Emergency Shelter ceiling.

One of the great things about working here is seeing the hand of God daily in the way he sends “supplies” to us and helps us meet the needs of our clients.

-Scooter Haase, Director of Operations