Sometimes you just have to sit there...

When the call came in I wasn't sure what he was asking. The man on the other end of the line began his story about how he was traveling to Lansing for a funeral. Without my saying a word, my mind immediately jumped to wondering if he was calling because he needed funeral clothes and would like to access our clothing distribution center. His story continued that he was traveling by bus, so I next wondered if he was calling because he needed bus fare to return home (not one of our regular services) or overnight shelter tonight (which we could accommodate in our men's shelter).

"I saw your sign," he finally said, "on the front of your building, as I was sitting on the bus, and I wanted to know what the verse was so I could use it in my eulogy. I didn't have anything to write with," he said with apology in his voice, "you're not really expecting to see something to write down while you're riding on a bus."

I admit, I did have to leave my chair long enough to open the door and peer up at the reference (just to be sure), but he thanked me for my help and that was all. No request for food, shelter, clothing, money, or anything. Just a reference for a Bible verse.

And I was struck again by the importance of being completely honest about our mission. We, as a Mission and as a united staff, are a Christian organization. We are not, as our executive director likes to reiterate, to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is not always popular or well received to have a Bible verse on a sign. Or for that matter to have "Jesus Saves" spelled out in big red letters. But just having them there makes a difference. And as long as our actions "match" the words, we make a difference. Sometimes just by being there.

Goodbye...until Tomorrow

Saturday, October 25, 2008, Leon Kellogg shrugged off the mortal and put on immortality. For most of his life, Leon was a staunch supporter of the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. It could be said the Mission was in his blood, as both sets of grandparents were instrumental in creating the Mission and keeping it alive. Leon himself gave over 40 years of his life in service to the Mission: editing the newsletter, volunteering to speak in chapel, presiding over the board of directors, and more. While he and his family suffered greatly from his illness over the past several years, his legacy continues to be reflected in the grateful smiles of every man, woman, and child who is helped, has been helped, and will be helped by the City Rescue Mission. A great example of a servant's heart, Leon is one more of the "unsung" heroes of the faith who have laid a trail for us to humbly follow. Our prayers are with the Kellogg family during this time of separation.

1 Corinthians 15:54: So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”