Coming Together

Thank you to all those who were able to attend our recent appreciation banquet. It was a blessing to be able to express our gratitude to our fellow rescuers and to be able to fellowship together. The food, provided by Colleen's Cuisine, was wonderful, and those guests who were able to give their testimonies did a great job. One of my personal highlights of the banquet was the Mission Choir. For the first time, we asked our program men to sing at the banquet. They were, understandably, very nervous at the prospect, but our staff was more than willing to stand up with them and sing praise to the Lord. The song itself, In Christ Alone (Townend and Getty), is very meaningful, but the choir represented more than just a singing group. Staff were able to come alongside our guests and give them support and encouragement; that's not what we do just on the night of the banquet but rather our opportunity in ministry every day of the week. The Mission is here to provide rescue, and that rescue would not be possible without staff giving support and encouragement to those we serve.

And staff would not be able to provide support and encouragement without our "fellow Rescuers" standing beside us, through prayer and donations, as we minister to our guests. It is your support that "helps us help others."

If you were unable to attend the banquet this year (we were filled to capacity this year), save the date of Thursday, October 10, 2013! We'll send out a reminder in the form of the newsletter and e-Outlook, as the date approaches! Visit the "follow" page of our website (www.BEaRESCUER.com), if you haven't signed up for those yet.

Rescue = Investing in People

Wednesday, October 10, our monthly newsletter will mail. The cover story features one of our former guests who was enthralled with the goodness of God. Looking back over her life, she admitted to making many mistakes. Many of the difficulties she faced were a result of her own bad choices. However, God had brought her to Him, and she rejoiced that God had "invested" in her.

Those words accurately reflect the purpose of this ministry of "Rescue." We invest in people. Providing for their physical needs allows them to trust us with their spiritual needs. There are times when people disappoint us. They are not grateful or they squander our help and their opportunities. However, we know that no one is a "bad investment." That's the thing about "Rescue," it's not about what we deserve. Just like Grace, it is not earned. But it must be accepted. (Ephesians 2:8)

Our guest had come to accept her own responsibility and her own opportunity to look at life from another side. To overcome despair with hope. Thank you for caring for not only her physical condition but also her spiritual one. Thank you for being a Rescuer by helping us help others!

To sign up for the Mission Outlook, a monthly newsletter of the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, click here. To receive an email version, click here.