Yesterday, Betty Kellogg and two of her daughters came to the Maplewood Center for a video interview. We're trying to capture memories in preparation for the 100 year anniversary of the Mission. It was a very informative interview and also a blessing. Betty's husband, Leon, who has passed away, was a grandson of Mission founders Thomas and Emily Dolton. His paternal grandparents, Oren and Huldah Kellogg, had actually been in charge of a previous faith Mission. Thomas Dolton, before he was saved, used to listen to the music from this Mission's gospel wagon. By the time he was saved, the faith Mission had closed. So he and his wife Emily started the City Rescue Mission. Oren Kellogg gave them the former Mission's benches, organ, and hymnals.
It was interesting to hear, not just about this, but also similar stories, because it helps show the continuing "thread" of the ministry down through the years. In those early years, Thomas and Emily sometimes went without food themselves, so they could provide a meal for someone in need and present them with the gospel. Today, their determination to "meet physical needs to bring those with spiritual needs to Jesus Christ" continues as the main purpose of the City Rescue Mission, and we are only another link in a chain forged long before any of us were born.
What a blessing to be able to serve, for even a small time, as a part of this legacy of service to Michigan's capital area. To be able to make a difference in the lives of men, women, and children, today and into the future.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
"the hope that is in you"
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;" 1 Peter 3:15
This past summer has been full of blessings. So many people have give generously to support the ministry of rescue, and we are currently blessed to have not one but two businesses working to help provide meals for those in need: L&L with "Pack the Pantry" and Gordon Food Services with "Change for Change." We also have many businesses, churches, and organizations collecting backpacks and school supplies for our "Backpacks of Hope" giveaway on August 28. We are so grateful for everything done on behalf of those we serve and recognize that each gift is evidence of providence.
However, there are always trials to endure and obstacles to overcome. On one hand, the Mission has been greatly blessed this summer, on the other, we've seen many new challenges, not just to the ministry but to staff and guests. For this reason, we ask supporters to support us in their prayers as well. Pray for Mission leadership and staff members, we all need to make wise decision in the days ahead. Pray for our guests, the numbers continue to increase but decisions regarding the wisest use of resources lie ahead. Finally, pray for supporters, like you. We all have challenges to face and only together can we truly make a difference not just for today but for eternity.
This past summer has been full of blessings. So many people have give generously to support the ministry of rescue, and we are currently blessed to have not one but two businesses working to help provide meals for those in need: L&L with "Pack the Pantry" and Gordon Food Services with "Change for Change." We also have many businesses, churches, and organizations collecting backpacks and school supplies for our "Backpacks of Hope" giveaway on August 28. We are so grateful for everything done on behalf of those we serve and recognize that each gift is evidence of providence.
However, there are always trials to endure and obstacles to overcome. On one hand, the Mission has been greatly blessed this summer, on the other, we've seen many new challenges, not just to the ministry but to staff and guests. For this reason, we ask supporters to support us in their prayers as well. Pray for Mission leadership and staff members, we all need to make wise decision in the days ahead. Pray for our guests, the numbers continue to increase but decisions regarding the wisest use of resources lie ahead. Finally, pray for supporters, like you. We all have challenges to face and only together can we truly make a difference not just for today but for eternity.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August: a month of opportunities
This month we debut our "Pack the Pantry" food drive. We hope to make it an annual event (see www.PackThePantry.org to get a peek). This year, L&L Food Centers is hosting the drive in all seven of their Lansing area stores. We are so grateful to L&L, not just for this event but for their many long years of faithful support to the City Rescue Mission.
This week, Gordon Food Services' area stores are asking customers if they'd like to "give for a cause." This week, shoppers can round up to the nearest dollar, and those proceeds go to support the City Rescue Mission. This is to lead up to the Grand Opening of their new Okemos Store. Mark Criss, our executive director, will attend the ribbon cutting next week.
Saturday, August 28, 2010, is the 10th annual "Backpacks of Hope" giveaway. The Mission will be distributing backpacks and school supplies to children in need (as supplies last). From now until Friday the 20th, you can drop-off school supplies at 607 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing. If you know a family struggling financially, tell them to visit the "Get Help Now" page of our website (www.lcrm.org) to see how they can benefit from the giveaway. If you'd like to help with this project (daytime hours), please call our director of volunteers, Russ Kinyon, at 517.485.0145 or email him at volunteers@lcrm.org.
Gift and Bible, in the Delta Center, has started selling used books and CD's, the proceeds of which go to support the City Rescue Mission. They also accept donations of books and music for this project.
You can also register, this month, to participate in the Lady Classic, a golf outing hosted by Capital Area Women's Lifestyle Magazine (visit www.cawlm.com or call 517.203.0123). CAWLM has once again chosen the Mission as their charity beneficiary for the golf outing on Thursday, September 16.
A very busy month lies ahead, and we are grateful to all of these businesses and organizations who desire to help us help others.
This week, Gordon Food Services' area stores are asking customers if they'd like to "give for a cause." This week, shoppers can round up to the nearest dollar, and those proceeds go to support the City Rescue Mission. This is to lead up to the Grand Opening of their new Okemos Store. Mark Criss, our executive director, will attend the ribbon cutting next week.
Saturday, August 28, 2010, is the 10th annual "Backpacks of Hope" giveaway. The Mission will be distributing backpacks and school supplies to children in need (as supplies last). From now until Friday the 20th, you can drop-off school supplies at 607 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing. If you know a family struggling financially, tell them to visit the "Get Help Now" page of our website (www.lcrm.org) to see how they can benefit from the giveaway. If you'd like to help with this project (daytime hours), please call our director of volunteers, Russ Kinyon, at 517.485.0145 or email him at volunteers@lcrm.org.
Gift and Bible, in the Delta Center, has started selling used books and CD's, the proceeds of which go to support the City Rescue Mission. They also accept donations of books and music for this project.
You can also register, this month, to participate in the Lady Classic, a golf outing hosted by Capital Area Women's Lifestyle Magazine (visit www.cawlm.com or call 517.203.0123). CAWLM has once again chosen the Mission as their charity beneficiary for the golf outing on Thursday, September 16.
A very busy month lies ahead, and we are grateful to all of these businesses and organizations who desire to help us help others.
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