News
THA NK YOU !
for
December 2017 Issue 12, Volume 68
Believing
Because YOU Believe... ONE WINTERY NIGHT in the small town of Bethlehem, a Child was born. This was the Child of a teenage, Jewish girl who had been visited by an angel earlier that year. She was told that she would give birth to the Christ – the promised Messiah. This teenage girl had to make a choice; either to believe God’s angel, or not. Her response was, “Yes, I see it all now; I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” Luke 1:38 (The Message) TOGETHER, YOU AND I CAN SURELY MARVEL at Mary’s faith and courage. Because of her ability to BELIEVE God’s promises, BELIEVE His call, and BELIEVE His messenger, Mary became an instrument for His use. I feel the same pride when I consider you. Because you believe that the people we serve are priceless in God’s eyes, the result is that we work together, ensuring steps are taken to help our community thrive. Each month the Mission welcomes over 200 individuals - - men, women, and children - - into our Community Care facility, alone. They come to us weary and bewildered. You know, in following the stories shared, we not only attempt to meet any immediate DON ESKES needs people have, we always share with each person the love of Jesus. It is His Chief Executive Officer voice (if they are open to hear it) that will make all the difference. We see a variety of responses, ranging from outright rejection, to wanting to learn more; some even accepting and receiving Christ’s redemptive power. Those who accept begin to realize they no longer have to face life’s challenges alone. They have hope in what they cannot see, yet they choose to believe. This is the hope and message of Christmas. Each and every day, all of us face decisions and challenges. We can either trust in Christ’s power to go before us, or we can face these challenges alone. Scripture says it far better; “…these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 (NKJV) So as we reflect and celebrate this Christmas Season, my hope is that we all experience God’s unfailing love in a new way, and that our decisions about the future truly reflect that we believe and trust in Him.
Memories... and YOU
Merry Christmas,
LET’S TAKE A BRIEF STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE...
and then several steps of faith into the future, TOGETHER.
Rev. John Weems, 1965 - FRM Street
Outreach
Dr. Don Calvin an d wife (nurse), Lo ure, at the FRM Medica l Clinic - 1970s.
In 2017, we’ve served 2380 individuals though
Community Care Services. The miracle: 1,012 people returned to their families, found housing or a more stable setting than had they remained on the street. We praise God!
Bus Ministry, May 1971 Before their was a Mobile Chapel Ministry, there was a bus ministry for the kids (32 children pictured, 7 accepted the Lord)
Then, Now, and Tomorrow ... A GIFT The Fresno Rescue Mission has been reaching out and helping people since 1949. The children have always been an important part of this effort. Whether through Mobile ministries in the 60’s and 70’s, Bible studies and family services throughout the 80’s and 90’s, Craycroft Youth Services until 2010, and now our Rescue the Children community, these little ones have continued to experience Jesus - His love, care, and His Word. YOU make this possible! Deanna Fernandez, RTC Children’s Coordinator, asked one of the children their thoughts: Who is Jesus to you? “He is like my Father. He is my provider and my happy maker. I appreciate Him for dying on the cross. When I was praying for my mom to come here, I asked him to help me, too. I asked him to come into my heart and take control of my life.” What has He done in your life? “He brought me to RTC to make my mom happy again. I have seen my mom change. I also have seen a change in me and my sisters and brother. I like living here even if it is hard sometimes. My plan is to never stop loving Jesus. To always follow Him, even though it gets hard sometimes.” ~ Nevaeh, age 10
“One of my favorite times-of-day occurs when the children return from school. They yell my name from across the courtyard as they run towards me for their daily hug and to share stories of their day. It’s pretty amazing.”~ Priscilla Robbins, Director of Rescue the Children www.fresnorm.org
Jay Carroll, Dedication Ceremony (middle) and chapel with the children.
“I was 8 or 9 years old when Jesus first touched my heart. Neighbors, where I lived, would take me and some friends to Vacation Bible School. One day they were showing a movie about the resurrection of Jesus. I saw the scene with the empty tomb and I wanted to know more, but no one ever told me how to receive Him. When I finally came to the Lord 25 years later, after all my battles with addiction and struggles that put me on the streets, I was angry. In 1978 I guess it just hit me. I went to school to learn how to reach kids and share Jesus with them so they could avoid the same pitfalls. Then I went on my crusade for kids! The impact we experienced was powerful!” ~ Chaplain Jay Carroll, Director of Community Care
Our 2017 Thanksgiving Luncheon for the Homeless; 228 homeless guests, not including disciples, were fed a wonderful holiday meal... Thanks to YOU!
“In the past, I would manipulate people to get my way. Now, because of the faith and trust I’m building by knowing Jesus, I P.U.S.H.: Pray Until Something Happens!” ~ Patrick B. “Before coming to Rescue the Children, I was emotionally distraught. I had no hope due to my wrong choices and 26 years of addiction. Now that I have turned my life over to God, I have a new outlook and hope for the future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) ~ Adriana
“I find that I’m able to trust again. Thank you, Jesus!” ~ Lorenzo Z.
“Before I came to the Mission, I thought I wasn’t good enough; that I wouldn’t amount to anything. God showed me that I have value. So, now I focus on and trust what God’s Word says I am.” ~ Samuel G.
“Before I met Jesus, I would ‘get even’ with people who hurt me. Now, I do the right thing. I talk to them. If that doesn’t work, I pray for them and walk away. I leave it to God.” ~ Raul R.
Construction of the Mission, 1964. 310 G Street, Main Building.
First Christmas Service, 1952. (Pictured right) Basement Cafeteria, when the Mission was in Chinatown, early 1960. Interesting note: The men ate while standing. It seems odd to us today, but “back in the day” if a food fight or riot broke out, it was easier to get in and break it up if chairs were not a hinderance. As one might guess, in the early years (especially in the heart of China Town) there were six bars located on every block, so at times things were “a bit raucous.” ~ Ted Morgan, Retired FRM Staff Member, Volunteer Biblical Instructor
... A GIFT Continued As we make preparations to move Mission operations across the street, we look back with fond memories. We likewise encourage our program participants to do the same. It’s important that they remember their struggles and triumphs so that they continue to be prayerfully thankful for all the Lord has done and is doing in their lives. Thank YOU for your support in this, too! “I’ve always relied on myself to make things happen very quickly, and not thinking twice about it or even considering the consequences. Today, I rely on and trust in God, solely. He has given me the strength to continue forward in this marathon called ‘Recovery,’ never fainting or growing weary.” (Isaiah 40:31) ~ Kenyotta
Rev. A P Koop; pastor, evangelist, board member, and one of the mission’s favorite Bible teachers. ~ Ted Morgan
“I thought I would only have chaos, heartache and grief in my life. My thoughts were very clouded and negative. Today, I’m able to think clearly and make rational decisions that will affect my future. God is making this possible.” ~ Tristan H. “John 6:29 says, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’ Believing in Jesus changed my attitude to gratitude.” ~ Rodney
For many years, the Mission had a “Koffee Korner” (located at both 911 G. St and 310 G. St) where anybody could come in at any time for a cup of coffee and a doughnut. There, they would find someone waiting to open the Word of God to them. In fact, this concept was the basis for board member Al Larson, a talented musician, to write the song, “Only A Cup of Coffee,” that was, for many years, the Mission’s theme song. Lyrics provided on page 8. Rev. Eric Johnson, holding the Bible, was an ordained Evangelical Free pastor who was the Mission’s Assistant Director. As a widower he ended up marrying the Mission’s secretary, Gladys Smith. After several years as our Assistant, he was Director (for many years) of the Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls, SD. He was a wonderful preacher and an excellent Bible teacher. ~ Ted Morgan
... A GIFT Continued “I was losing all hope when I almost lost my son to CPS, due to my alcohol addiction. Since turning my life over to the Lord, and trusting in Him, He has changed my life and showed me I am loved and have a purpose.” (Proverbs 3:5) ~ Emily “Because of my addiction, I had to give up my first and only child for adoption. It was painful. Having Jesus in my life helps. I’m no longer just a broken man. I’m grateful He’s with me. I’m grateful He’s my Savior. ~ Matthew M. “For too long I allowed my ways, past failures, and lies of the enemy to rule over me. Thankfully, now in Christ, I am a new creation who is breaking the chains of bondage and walking in victory. ” (2 Corinthians 5:17) ~Reshieda “I was homeless, a victim of sexual child abuse from my own father; lost in shame, guilt, and selfdestruction. I am now 8 months sober, seeking God every day, being the mother He has called me to be, and a daughter my mother can be proud of; no longer afraid, knowing God walks before me.” (Isaiah 43:2-3) ~ Elizabeth H.
In the 1960’s, a homeless couple sat beneath our sign of promise; “If you haven’t a friend in the world, you’ll find one here.” The words will remain true no matter which building or wall they grace in the near future. Jesus is always ready to welcome us home.
www.fresnorm.org
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Prepare My Heart, Oh Lord...
“Christmas this year feels like a ‘Time-Out’ ... a chance to reflect. It isn’t about the gifts, but about Jesus coming into the world --into my life-Because I believe in His mercy and grace, I now get to share time with my five children; enjoying them rather than being on the streets focused on me. That’s the real gift.”
Every year, program participants ‘shop’ for their children in a toy store created using the gifts we receive from donors like YOU, and from organizations like Toys 4 Tots. They prep the gifts they choose and take pride in presenting them to their families during their special holiday parties.
~ Dean
This year we asked the men to share their thoughts about Christmas with Jesus...
“I know that coming to know Jesus has changed my life. My family sees a difference, which is important to me. I want my 4 children to see something good in me so that they make good choices in their lives. I want them to have a hope and a future, too.” ~ Charles
“It’s been four months since I had contact with anyone. I didn’t think I was going to like being here, but it’s giving me a chance to really understand who Jesus is and what my life was meant for.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
This Christmas I will get to see my mom. I know she’ll be excited to see me, too.” ~ Troy
“The program is great. I’m just about to enter my 4th quarter classes. I was baptized a few weeks ago and have become an active part of my church and a children’s outreach through Valley Dream Center. Having my life back is a great gift, but the best gift of all is that I’ve been granted visitations with my twin children. I won’t see them during the Academy Christmas party, but I am prepping gifts for my other 3 kids and my fiance’s 3 kids who’ll be here. I can’t wait!” ~ David
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION, INC. 310 G Street, Fresno CA 93706 P. O. Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422 Phone: (559) 268-0839 – Fax: (559) 268-1317 FRESNO RESCUE MISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Ocheltree, Chairman Jim Mosqueda, Vice-Chairman Robert Abrams, Treasurer Matthew Dildine, Secretary Leonel Alvarado Pastor David Carothers Jeffrey Bergman Please remember the Daral Kennedy Fresno Rescue Mission Steve Pearson in your will or trust Lonnie Petty Emil “Butch” Rusconi Janet Steinhauer ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Don Eskes, Chief Executive Officer Pastor Rob Cravy, Chief Operating Officer Randy Bresee, Chief Financial Officer Deborah Torres, Chief Development Officer COMMUNITY CARE – Pastor Jay Carroll, Director 315 G Street, Fresno CA 93706 24-Hour Emergency Services (559) 444-0451
FOOD SERVICES – Phillip Roberts, Director THE ACADEMY – Rev. Bud Searcy, Director
FRM THRIFT STORE AND CARS – Sandra Patel, Director 181 E. Sierra, Fresno CA 93710 (559) 440-0870
ADDRESS CHANGES – Linda Culver (559) 268-0839, Ext. 209; lculver@fresnorm.org
RESCUE THE CHILDREN – Priscilla Robbins, Director 2320 W. Weldon, Fresno CA 93705
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF:
Al Kawasaki – YourRacePhotos.net al@yourracephotos.net Ted Morgan – FRM Volunteer Ken Scheid – ScheidImages.smugmug.com scheidimages@att.net Scott Streble – Scott Streble Photography scott@scottstreble.com Mariano Friginal – MARIANOFRIGINAL.com
Mission at the Mission
335 G Street, Fresno CA 93706 MMission@fresnorm.org
Tours/Volunteer Opportunities http://fresnorm.org/get-involved/ FRM Speakers Bureau http://fresnorm.org/programs/
Only A Cup of Coffee Joseph Baldwin Haston & Allen R. Larson
YOU ARE SO IMPORTANT
to us ... in all we do!
Help us end the year strong. Your gift of LOVE changes lives.
STAY TUNED Coming in 2018 - Tours of the new “temporary” FRM campus and modular buildings.
It was only a cup of coffee And some slices of day-old bread, But they started a chain reaction That raised a man from the dead. For along with the bread and coffee, He was given the Living Word, Which reached the goal of his inmost soul As he gave his heart to the Lord. And the angels rejoiced in heaven For this soul that was born anew. Oh we never know, as we onward go, What little things can do. www.fresnorm.org