Moving at the speed of "Rescue"...

When I was a teenager, there were two phrases I disliked hearing from my parents or any older person: "That's life in America," (usually following the typical teenage complaint, "That's not fair!") and "The older you get the faster time flies." Looking back, it's amazing how time seemed to crawl. Now, I have to admit that phrase is particularly accurate. To my horror, I've even caught myself using it on more than one occasion.

The phrase seems especially accurate at the City Rescue Mission, as the Mission has continued to grow to keep pace with the increasing needs for food, shelter, and hope in Michigan's capital area. It is a blessing to be able to meet the physical and spiritual needs of women, children, and men. However, the increase of services and resulting expansion has caused a great deal of changes to how the Mission operates.

Our shelter services have continued  a path of growth and change that really began in the early 90s (with the creation of our women and children's shelter), continued with renovations to the Michigan Avenue men's shelter in 2006, expanded by moving the women and children's shelter to our current facility in 2010, and onto our most recent men's shelter expansion this year. In 2000, we were providing shelter to 33 people a night. In 2014, we sheltered 151 people a night.

Food services also increased with each of these shelter expansions, until the need for major kitchen renovation led to the purchase of a former restaurant. The building is currently being transformed into our future off-site kitchen. This location will have updated, commercial equipment. Staff will prepare meals to be transported to our public dining room, which also serves guests at our men's shelter, and our women and children's shelter. In 2000, we served nearly 45,000 meals for the year. In 2014, we served nearly 110,000 meals.

As I'm sure you can imagine, with all this growth and change, the Mission, operating 24/7, does not usually experience much "downtime." Whenever people ask me how "work" is going, I always respond, "Busy." It's a simple but true response for the multitude of people and myriad opportunities we have to help.

In spite of the external changes, one thing does remain constant: the Mission's dedication to sharing the hope found in Christ's love to our guests. Our "mission" is the foundation for our determination to provide not only quantity but quality. The cleanliness, safety, and quality are all reflections of the fact that we are a ministry not a business.

None of this, growth or quality, would be possible without the continued support of our fellow rescuers. Together, we make up a community of compassion, devoted to making a difference to those who are hungry, homeless, and hurting. Thank you for enabling us to continue meeting so many needs and keeping "busy" doing the work of rescue in the heart of Michigan's capital city. Thank you for being a rescuer by helping us help others.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength!"

During my continued study of the book of Nehemiah, I came across another gem in this little book. Previously, I wrote about the building of the wall and the overwhelming opportunity to play a role in that task. After completion of the wall, Nehemiah called the people together, and Ezra read to them from the law. We read that they were attentive; they shouted "Amen," which means "so be it"; and they worshipped the Lord.

Then Ezra and Nehemiah helped them understand the full measure of the law, and the tone changes, "all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law." Confronted by the full measure of what they had done and what God had done for them, they were stunned and heartbroken.

We see this reaction at the Mission, when someone comes, heart-sore and spirit-broken, and looks back on their life. To see and fully understand the impact of their choices, on themselves and others, can be devastating. But the Mission is a place of hope and healing.

As the people wept, Nehemiah didn't point a finger and focus on their flaws. Instead, he says to them, "'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.' So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, 'Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.'  And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them."

We, all of us, make mistakes. We regret, if we are honest with ourselves, choices we made that caused separation in relationships, how quick we are to wound with words, how selfish we can be... But when we recognize our own failures and see our need for God's law and guidance in our life, that can be a holy day for us. We can take action and step into a new life, full of opportunities to serve Him as we should. And He says to us, with forgiveness and grace, "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Acappella - Be Ye Glad (YouTube)

"See what the Lord has done"

Reading through the book of Nehemiah, chapter 3 is a list of those who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There is a lot of history behind this little book, but what is important to remember is that this is the story of a people returned from exile to find their ancestral capital city a desolation. To the returning Israelites, Jerusalem represented more than a city. It represented a promise between them and God. To repair the walls and rebuild the temple was to make a declaration about a renewed relationship, the revitalization of a community.

 

As I skimmed the list of names, there were feelings of excitement and awe for these people; I imagined the excitement they must have felt, the camaraderie, as they worked together throughout the city. Then, I came across an interesting note in verse 5, "The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors." What a tragedy! For decades, the men and women (yes, there were women who helped with the repairs) could walk through Jerusalem, look at the bricks, and say, "That was done by my own hands." The memories and the legacy for their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren would be amazing. These nobles cheated only themselves. The walls were rebuilt, because this was God's will for His people, but these men had no memories. They had no fellowship. They had no claim to the mighty work that was done.

 

The work of the City Rescue Mission is similar to that undertaken by Nehemiah so many years ago. Instead of rebuilding walls, we work to rebuild lives, to help renew relationships, and to revitalize members of our community. By your gifts and donations, you labor together with us. You are an integral part in the work of the Lord, in drawing people to Himself.

 

We are so appreciative of your gifts and your compassion, and I would encourage you to come, stroll through the Mission. Look at the walls and realize that your gifts helped build a sanctuary, a shelter for those in need. Read the newsletter and experience the stories of lives rebuilt because of your generosity. The first Thursday of the month, we have a director's luncheon for those who've never come to the Mission. Consider reserving a place or scheduling a tour at another time. Come and see what the Lord has done, what mighty work is taking place every day, with you as an important part of that work.

Director's Luncheon: http://www.bearescuer.com/lunch.htm

Newsletter Sign-up: http://www.bearescuer.com/Newsletter.cfm

Peace and Good Tidings to Men

I learn so much from speaking with our guests. People are fascinating. The individual differences that make us unique personalities help define who we are. Once you know a person, and by that I mean know those individual differences, see that unique personality, you can no longer place them in a box or categorize them by a single circumstance.

 

As we look at recent "current events," the news and social media seem full of people using those current events to define their own position and outlook. However, what is missing is the individual or individuals involved. If we could look beyond a single "category," and start to see people as people, with their own mannerisms, quirks, dreams, and experiences, how much harder would it be to pass judgment? To feel anger and frustration and take out that anger and frustration on innocent, uninvolved people. People with lives and dreams and hopes, the same as us.

 

Visitors who tour the Mission occasionally ask what brings people to the Mission. The answer to that question would be too involved for a tweet or facebook post. I wouldn't even begin to tackle it in this blog. The truth is that there are many paths and roads that lead anyone to the Mission--guests, staff, volunteers, or even the visitor on the tour.

 

A "homeless" person is first of all a person. They like their coffee a certain way. Or they don't like coffee at all. They're a morning person. Or a night person. They laugh at silly cat videos even though they prefer dogs. They love babies or they feel nervous that they'll drop the tiny things. They were top in their class in college. Or they never finished high school and are working on their G.E.D. They have family that help as they can. Or they are all alone in the world. They are the same as us. They are very different. People from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, families, and circumstances, with a single commonality: they are homeless. That commonality does not define them, any more than you can write the story of their life based on whether or not they believed in Santa as a child.

 

As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us look with the eyes of the Savior, born to set us free. What did Jesus see when He looked out over the faces of humanity, the many in need, crowding around Him. "Heal my son!" "Feed those who are hungry!" "Teach us how to pray." "Bless my child." We find in Matthew 9, that Jesus looked on them with compassion. He looked at a pushing mass of people and saw, just that, people. Individuals. Lives in need of compassion. In need of a Savior. And isn't that the exact reason He came? Isn't that the entire point of Christmas?

 

My hope for you this Christmas is the same as for me. I hope, and pray, that before I write that nasty comment on a facebook post, or become harassed with that shopping clerk, before I scold the person on the phone telling me what I don't want to hear, or become angry at a (let's admit it) infuriating family member, that I take a moment to see a person. A person who is dealing with his or her own frustrations, sadness, fear, anger, issues... And give that person the gift of kindness this Christmas. A moment of peace and joy and compassion. All those amazing things that Christmas should be about.

 

Merry Christmas! And may God bless you!

The "Sweet" Spirit of Christmas

The below was an email from the coordinator for the Life Transformation Program for Women:

 

Good morning, fellow rescuers!

 

I thought I would share an encouraging story with all of you. I was talking about decorating for Christmas on Friday with the program students and they expressed they weren’t too excited about decorating (or, for some of them, the upcoming season at all). As we were talking, I got a call and was told someone had dropped off the makings for gingerbread houses specifically for the program students. We don't know who it was (and the individual didn’t leave a name), but it was full sets of prepared icing, graham crackers cut to the right dimensions, candy and typed instructions for how to assemble them with large bags of candy to decorate.

 

I still don’t know who prepared this kit, but the students had an enjoyable time putting them together and it certainly put them in a different frame of mind for Christmas. In fact, one of them did a nativity scene! It was fun, relaxing, and I think it helped each of them look at the upcoming holiday differently. They were touched that someone put in the time and effort to show love to them in this way and had no desire to be recognized or thanked.

 

I was thinking a lot this past weekend about Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” Although the context of this verse is a warning, I was reflecting on the reality that as believers, we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken, even when everything around us seems like a mess (as many of us are dealing with daily, whether it’s with those we work with or in our own lives). It was fun for me to realize that assembling gingerbread houses could be an act of worship, praising God for His faithfulness, provision, perfect timing, and love for us as we go into the holiday season.

 

Praying this story blesses you as watching it unfold blessed me and that you are able to see signs of God’s “sweet” provision in your own life as you go into the Christmas season!

 

Gratitude Comes from the Heart

I think we've all felt some frustration with the Christmas season creeping over other holidays. Holiday decorations begin to show up in stores as early as September. Overall, as a holiday, Thanksgiving has always seemed overshadowed by Christmas, a time of giving gifts and celebrating with family. However, the truth is that the "spirit of Christmas" would be lacking without the prior presence of Thanksgiving. Peace, true peace, comes from a recognition of our many blessings, an acknowledgment that those wonderful things owe their existence to a Source greater than ourselves.

 

This Thanksgiving, try setting down the "Black Friday" sales flyers, turning off the game (at least for a few minutes), and taking time to count your blessings. There's no need to take turns around a table or scrounge up something that makes you sound deeply spiritual. Find a quiet place, away from the noise and the rush and the "busyness" to really examine your heart and life for the good things you'll find there.

Finding the Balance with Compassion

In a recent article, Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was quoted as saying "let your heart break." She was addressing that awkward feeling of paralyzing guilt when you look at the troubles of others and compare it with your own life.

It is very easy to find bad news. There is no difficulty in finding people who need help. Often times, we can become overwhelmed by the heart breaks and tragedy that are a part of the fallen world in which we live. The way many people deal with this is to compartmentalize. We find this often as a non-profit. There are communication opportunities available for businesses that are not available for us. People are hesitant to "mix" happy, fun events with awareness of real problems. "That just brings everybody down...right?" We feel guilty enjoying the blessings of our life when faced with the reality that there are people who don't have those blessings. However, we can't just ignore very real needs in our community.

So, what is the answer?

The answer is to let your heart break. Feel compassion. This is healthy! It's okay to want to do something. Just as it is okay not to take on the weight of doing everything. No one can do everything, not even Melinda and Bill Gates. But we can all do something.

Choose a passion. Don't let guilt be the motivating factor in any decision making process. Let me repeat that: don't let guilt be the motivating factor in any decision making process. Be wise in how and where and why you offer help. Sometimes, our impulsive gestures, based on fleeting feelings of guilt, actually cause more harm than help. It's okay to think about things.

My hope is that when you support a non-profit, like the City Rescue Mission, you truly feel you are part of a team, working toward something you believe in. We encourage you, if you'd like to know more about the Mission and how we're meeting needs in our community, come for a visit! On the first Thursday of every month, we have a director's luncheon. You'll have the opportunity to talk with Mission staff, visit our facility, and hear from guests how supporters of the Mission have made a difference in their lives.

http://www.bearescuer.com/lunch.htm