Behind the Scenes: February 2014 "Mission Outlook"

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the interview. I knew about Rev. Robert Jones III; he's something of a legend at the men's shelter, having served as night security for more than twenty years. My feelings going into any interview are usually the same: a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. That kind of hesitant waiting where your brain prepares to pay attention and know how to direct the questions to create a solid foundation of accuracy and detail for your resulting story.

The end result was unusual in that I asked maybe one question and Mark asked only a few more. The remaining hour and a half was Robert describing his thoughts and fleshing out what he's experienced in two decades of Rescue Mission work. Robert has an amazing aptitude to remember people and dates and times, and it became almost eerie as he drew word pictures of those people he had known.

"It's like I can still see [them] sitting there," and I could see them too. For Robert, the Mission is filled with the memories of those who have worked there, volunteered there, been sheltered and fed there. An overwhelming and very real mix of tragedy and triumph. There were terrible stories of men and women who never left their addictions or destructive lifestyles. Men and women who died long ago. There were victorious stories of those who used the Mission as a "stepping stone," "a bridge," to a better life and better life choices. And there were wonderful stories of men and woman who came faithfully to preach the word or serve a meal, who ministered to guests out of love and compassion. Men and women who had an impact on our guests and on Robert, as well.

When you are a part of a ministry like the Mission, that has served our community for over 100 years, you discover it is rich in history. The Mission, in a sense, is connected to the very heart of Michigan's capital area, because for over 100 years it has served as a physical embodiment of that heart, of the compassion of the people who live here, reaching out toward those in need. The Mission has legacy of service that spans generations.

Robert is a part of that legacy. As are those he remembers. As am I. As are you. Those who support the Mission do more than provide food and shelter for today. They lay a foundation of hope that will impact our community into the future.

Thank you for helping us help others. Thank you for being a rescuer!

To read the February newsletter, including Mark's reflections on the interview, click this link: http://www.bearescuer.com/e-outlook.htm. To sign up for the monthly newsletter: http://www.bearescuer.com/Newsletter.cfm.

"And the Light Shines in the Darkness..."

The ice storm of 2013 has a different memory for me than for many in mid-Michigan. With Christmas quickly approaching, Mission staff had collected funds and, due to the diligence of Icon Signs, managed to procure the perfect gift for Mark Criss, our executive director: a Jesus Saves cross.

I was contemplating just this morning on the many roads that lead us to the Mission, whether guest or volunteer or staff. For Mark, that avenue began with that Jesus Saves cross that hangs over the Mission chapel building on Michigan Avenue. He was heading to a Lugnuts game when he saw it. The resulting curiosity led to him become a volunteer, serving meals then serving on the board, and finally to his current position as the executive director. So when we had the ability to give him a smaller version for his home, the idea seemed inspired.

Then the lights went out over Lansing.

 

The blackout hit right before Christmas, and while the Mission was blessedly immune to the power outage, our executive director found his house to be one of the many without power. In fact, his entire neighborhood was blanketed in darkness.

 

Until he received his Christmas present.

 

 

When I see this photo, which Mark posted to his facebook page after plugging his gift into a generator, I think of Christmas. The real Christmas. The message of Christmas that gets lost in the lights, and the tinsel, and the glitter, and the gifts. That message, that Christ came to earth to die for us, isn't just meant for Christmas. It's meant for every day. In that hushed, dark stillness caused by the blackout, the message shone with a brightness unequalled in the whole of its surroundings.

 

Then the lights came on.

 

This little cross got lost in the glare of porch lights and television sets, and, if we let it, the message gets lost too. In Romans 12:9 we read, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." Hold fast. It's so easy to be distracted by the glitter of things that, if we truly think about it, are unimportant.

 

Thank you, Fellow Rescuers, without you that light of Truth would have stopped shining long ago. Instead, we can proclaim a message of Hope to all those in need.

 

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2

Resolve to Rescue in 2014!

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

 

Lately, I've noticed a recurring theme in the words of my pastor and daily devotionals, the theme of choice. Joshua asked the nation of Israel to "choose," and that idea of choice included more than just a determination. More than just good intentions. While he asked his fellow Israelites to make a choice, his final words indicated that, for him, that choice had already been made and put into action. Choose and Do. No hesitation. No pause. No "I'll start tomorrow."

 

A friend once gave me a great piece of advice: make your resolutions (goals) measurable. Don't be vague and say, "This year, I'll be a nicer person." Or "In 2014, I'm going to make a difference." Put specific goals in place; look at your schedule; check out your budget. Do the homework and the research. Create a specific plan and follow through.

 

Recently, we received a call from one of our fellow Rescuers. Like many others after the ice storm, she was without power for several days. She was calling to ask direction to deliver a donation of new, heavy duty gloves, hats, and flannel shirts. While being without power, she'd come to better understand the needs of those out in the cold weather. So, she put a plan into place and made it happen. Today, there will be several grateful people because she put action to her compassion.

 

Another year has arrived. Its blank pages lie open, waiting for the actions that will shape our lives and the lives of those around us. You have a choice. Your options for 2014 are open. What will you choose?

A Lesson in Faith

One of the joys of being a part of the Mission is the opportunity to pray with and for our guests. The Mission has existed for 102 years on the premise of faith. God has always provided to meet needs, and guests recognize that everything, from the meal they eat to the warm bed at night, is a gift from the "Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17). We encourage prayer, as an avenue to express gratitude and to ask for God's continued provision.

Recently, a staff member shared about a young girl who always asked prayer for one of the little boys also staying in the shelter. This little boy was autistic and his condition made him non-verbal. Many children could have been afraid of him because he was different and his loud expressions, that passed for speech, seemed intimidating. Her prayer was that this little boy would one day talk.

 

It was a humbling reminder of the need for faith as evidenced by this young girl. We, in our "knowledge" of his condition and obstacles, might consider this an impossibility. We might not even presume to ask for something that would require a miracle. But she had faith that God is able to do, as He said, "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).

 

Our prayer for you, this Christmas, is that you experience faith like this young girl. That in the midst of the busyness and the "obligations," you get a sense of the wondrous miracle that is Christmas. God, in His love, sent His only begotten Son, as the great Redeemer and Rescuer of mankind. A gift born to set people free. And you can go to Him with your troubles and your fears. Your needs and your failures.

 

The little boy in this story has since left the shelter, with his mother. The staff were excited to see the improvement made during his time at the Mission. God alone knows the future of this little child, as He knows the future of all the children, and men and women, who come to the Mission. We can have faith in His love and care for them.

 

Thank you for your gifts to the Mission. You enable us to provide food, shelter, and hope in our community. Thank you for being a Rescuer by helping us help others.

All in a Day of Rescue!

One of our staff members once compared working at the Mission to experiencing Christmas every day. The truth is that we never know, when the doorbell rings, what blessings await us. Either gifts coming in to help us help others, or people in need whom we can help. The following list was made by one of the men who work at our men's shelter. Below is his description of a few highlights from his day.

 

How God Uses His People to Provide for His Children

Saturday, December 7, 2013

• Panera provided 30 sandwiches, 3 specialty salads, pickles, and bread. It was an order that wasn't picked up. This was eaten that day for lunch.
• A man gave 2 turkeys, flour, sugar, and some canned goods. His father was an alcoholic, came to the Mission program. The family was grateful for the City Rescue Mission.
• A husband and wife gave blankets and bests in remembrance of their son who died.
• A man brought 10 new hooded sweatshirts.When he purchased these, he told them what he was going to do with them. They gave him "No Charge" for 5 of the shirts. He also gave a gift of $100 and said he would be back on Monday with more shirts.
• A mother dropped off 4 bags of coats and gloves, a lot of them new. Her daughter put out signs at Central Michigan University about collecting coats to be given to the Mission.
• A lady gave a large bag of new stuffed animals, plus 2 bags with food and toiletries.

Every one of these people gave with joy and very large smiles.

God is Good!

 

In addition to these gifts coming in, we were able to provide food, shelter, and hope to about 150 women, children, and men that night. Indeed, God is good, and we are truly blessed by our great community of fellow Rescuers!

Don't Forget Those Who Have No "Home for the Holidays."

Recently, we received a call from one of our Fellow Rescuers. Karen had participated with a church drive last year to provide Christmas gifts for the men who stay in our shelter. Although the church had chosen another focus for 2013, Karen still wanted to provide some gifts for those in need. We were excited by her request because the men at the Mission are usually overlooked at Christmas. Although Karen cannot provide gifts for all 70 men who will call the Mission "home" this holiday season, she wondered if others would be willing to join her efforts to make a difference in the lives of those who are truly needy. We hope you will consider helping her help others. While the Mission meets immediate needs for food and shelter, your gift would help remind them of the "hope" we also offer. At Christmas time, we celebrate the greatest gift ever given to mankind, God himself wrapped in a small baby, in a humble stable, in a small town. The men who come to us have learned humility the hard way. Your compassion can provide a bright memory this Christmas.

 

Below is a list of items to place in each Christmas bag. Our goal is to make every bag standard, as these are all items the men can use. Feel free to fill the bags and bring them right to the Mission (607 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing). You can include a Christmas card or note of encouragement, but we ask that you do not include any personal information.

 

If you have questions, feel free to contact Karen directly at karenesweet@aol.com or call the Mission at 517.485.0145. (Click here for pdf flyer.)

Men's Christmas Bag Items:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Soap (in a ziploc bag)
Shampoo
Shaving Cream
Twin Blade Razors
Cough Drops
Kleenex (small packs)
Hand Warmers
Gloves (ski type)
Knit Hat
Warm Scarf (if possible)
Card/Note of Encouragement (no personal information please!)

Junior League Luncheon at the U-Club!

Mark "serves" Board President Bill Rinck and his wife
Sandy at a previous Junior League of Lansing luncheon.

On the 14th of November, Mark Criss, our executive director, will be participating in the Junior League of Lansing’s Lunch with League at the University Club in Lansing.  This is a fundraising event which helps to support volunteer efforts for things such as:
           
• Special Olympics
• Haven House Dinner & Youth Activity Project
• Allen Neighborhood Project
• Ronald McDonald House Dinner
• And much, much more!

 

The Junior League of Lansing provided funds for the classroom kitchen at our women and children's shelter and continue to support the Mission in many other ways.  Please help us support their efforts by letting Mark wait on you!  He’ll refill your drinks and run back and forth for your every need.  Tickets cost $25 and will be for a specific seating time ranging from 11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please consider leaving him a generous tip instead…all proceeds will benefit Junior League of Lansing.

To purchase tickets and guarantee a spot in Mark's section, you must go to:  www.LWL2013.eventbrite.com (Click on the number of seats for Mark Criss at 11:45am or 1:00pm seating times).