DIRECTIONS
MAY/JUNE 2015
THE PATH NEWS
Dear Friends, The first 50 trees for The Path’s Fruit Tree Grove have been planted! We have 1,000 more trees to go.
A Publication of The Path Rescue Mission • Serving the Homeless & Hungry in Citrus & Marion Counties • Issue 3 - Volume 9
Our local Rotary Clubs, notably the Crystal River Rotary are on top of helping to organize the whole project-- which is up for an international award. This organization has donated $5,000 towards the project. I look forward to hearing from any of you who want to be a part of this endeavor to sustain it for the future-God bless you for helping to feed our community!
In His Service,
Executive Director
LOOKING PAST THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE: SCOTT’S STORY Cars, appliances & furniture donations change lives.
I guess you could say I’m different from some of the stories that you hear. I worked as a store manager. I went to college. I used to go to church and sing in the choir. I did lawn care and some handyman work for the church. But I walked away from God when my dad had cancer. That was a tough time. I had gone 22 years without touching anything, then went downhill fast from there. Basically I became homeless and lived that way a little over a year on and off. I was staying outside in a trailer of somebody I knew for a while, and when that didn’t work out I was staying in the woods. I was taking pills and drinking a lot. I knew I needed to change and started praying for the first time in over 4 years. I didn’t want to live the life I was living anymore. A friend of mine told me about The Path. When I first heard “homeless shelter,” I was a little nervous about being labeled. But since “I walked away from God I’ve been here, so many good things have happened! I’ve learned to make furniture. I’ve learned how to do electrical work and a ton about when my dad had cancer… farming from Mr. DuWayne (Sipper). I had gone 22 years without I’ve learned to feel whole again and regained my self-worth. touching anything, then At first I was hesitant about the Parenting classes, but they helped me understand certain things about my life. The classes made me a went downhill fast.” better father. It’s tough for those of us who are fathers. I miss my kids. Even when I was homeless, I called my kids every night. I have three blessed children ages 18, 14, and 13. I thank God every day for the young adults that they’ve become because they’re so patient with me. They understand what I’m going through. ~continued on page 2
Call 352-746-9084
DuWayne Sipper
And our doors are always open. Our tables always have food on them.
Even during the summer when so many leave the area for several months. No matter what amount-- if given monthly over a period of time-- makes a huge impact on the lives of men, women and children who seek our help. Monthly Partners rescue the lost & hurting all year long. Visit www.PathOfCitrus.org or call 352-527-6500 ext.5 Path of Citrus County
Path of Marion County
PO Box 3024, Inverness, FL 34451
PO Box 77-1739, Ocala, FL 34477
Lecanto Bargain Store
Dunnellon Bargain Store
1729 W. Gulf to Lake Highway Lecanto, FL 34461 Mon - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM Sat 9 AM- 4 PM
20565 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Dunnellon, FL 34431 Wed - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM Sat 9 AM- 3 PM
RESERVE THE DATE! The Path’s Annual
HARVEST HOPE BANQUET
Friday Nov 6, 2015 at 1st Baptist Church-Crystal River. You won’t want to miss this special evening celebrating life-transformation! Call Kathryn Sipper at 352-527-6500 x5 to find out how you can become a banquet sponsor. Client Services Office 21 S Melbourne St. Beverly Hills, FL 34465 352-527-6500
Member ASSOCIATION OF GOSPEL RESCUE MISSIONS www.agrm.org
352-527-6500 • www.PathOfCitrus.org • www.PathOfMarion.org
NL design: New Eden Graphics 352.860.2146
We know you understand that there are hurting, hungry, homeless people in our community every single day.
“For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ~ I Samuel 16:7 NKJ
You gave me time to heal. Thank you for giving me my life back.
S cott ’ s
story continued ....
I feel closer to God and read more scripture here than any time in my entire life! The Recovery 12 Steps here helped me discover who I am for the first time in a long time. And most of all, I learned to trust in God. When you think of The Path, think of your brother, your mother, your son, your daughter or even a grandchild. They might end up traveling a “I wouldn’t be the man I am similar road I did. Helping The Path is helping someone with education, getting licenses back, getting their life back. Bringing people closer to today had it not been for God-- people who didn’t believe in God-- is the main thing. Instead of your help… Thanks to God looking at them as “they have a drug habit or this or that,” think about we can rise again.” what’s behind it all, the real story. They could be a pastor, a banker—hard times can happen to anyone. My life has really changed here at The Path. I saved my disability money and got a yellow 2001 Nissan XTerra everybody calls “The Bumblebee.” And I qualified for a Habitat house, so I’ll be working on my volunteer hours soon. I wouldn’t be the man I am today had it not been for your help. I want to encourage you. Thanks to God we can rise again. I believe that with all my heart!
Enjoy the Fruits of Your L abor During April, Rotary club members, led by Crystal River Rotary, planted the first 50 fruit trees at “The Grove”—the site of a 10 acre fruit orchard dedicated to helping feed the hungry of Citrus County. The Path will be contributing our expertise and manpower to run it. The goal is to plant many varieties of fruit trees so there will be a steady harvest of different fruit throughout the year, enough to feed people but not an overabundance of any one crop that would spoil. As the fruit is harvested, it will go to our Community Food Bank to be distributed by the local agencies that distribute food to county residents. Our farm— and now the fruit grove project— make an impact towards improving the quality of life for men and women at The Path. With your help, we will be able to extend the health benefits to the rest of the community, especially to the hungry and in need of fresh, healthy food.
You Can Get Involved ! Here’s how: • Purchase a fruit tree for The Grove. Go to www.pathofcitrus.org and donate online $50 per tree as a personal gift or in memory of a loved one. Note “fruit tree” in the Comments section.
• Enjoy healthy, pesticides-free vegetables & support our recovery work program for men & women at The Path’s rescue mission. Join The Path Farm Co-op! 352-527-6500 x8 Call for a tour or summer mission project at The Path’s Farm 352-527-6500 x9
2 – The Path News
Make this a Summer of Hope
Serving Hands - Servant’s Heart
Without you, The Path would not be where it is today. Make a difference as a volunteer Call 352-527-6500 x9
l-r: Sharon Treur- Vol. of the Year, DuWayne Sipper-ED, Kathryn Sipper-Dev. Dir, Karen-Timm-Dev. Coordinator & Event Chairperson
The Path celebrated with 80 volunteers and their guests at our first annual Volunteer Appreciation “Potluck” Dinner on April 10th at the Hernando Church of the Nazarene. Our 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award went to Sharon Treur. Sharon was recognized for consistently making a difference at The Path for many years. She has served The Path as a tutor, hoping to help men and women at The Path improve their education.
For about the cost of a cup of coffee, you could change someone’s life this summer by sponsoring a meal. Visit The Path Online at www.PathOfCitrus.org
Sharon has a great heart and personal connection with the men and women at The Path, often weeping with compassion over the tiniest of successes. She has great concern when a client leaves the program and has not finished learning what she knows to be valuable knowledge. Sharon was instrumental with GED preparation and launching a household budgeting class. Gloria Schultz, Women’s Bible Study Volunteer and Bonnie Rybak, volunteer tutor and lead for putting together our Literacy Education Program shared how rewarding volunteering is for them and how they have grown from the experiences as well. Not only are they changing lives, but their lives have been changed, too! ~ Karen Timm, Development Coordinator
Path Stars- Visit our online photo gallery for highlights from The Path’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Check out our Path Stars, too!
A BIG thank you to all of you who change lives through volunteering!
2015 Volunteer Award Recipients Bright Smile Award ~ Lawana Bynes Busy Bee Awards ~ Ellie Kennedy, Wilma France & Annie Beckwith “Can Do” Award ~ Tammi Merriman The Golden Hammer Award ~ Bonnie Rybak “Big Heart” Award ~ Jim & Judy Stevens “Servant Hands” Award ~ Ed & Sue Messer Discipleship Award ~ Pastor John Leaf Faithful Servant Award ~ Joann Lockhart for over 10 years of volunteering
Path Needs 3 Toilet paper 3 Canned goods 3 Bleach 3 Lysol spray 3 PineSol 3 Zip lock storage bagssandwich & gallon sz 3 Outdoor garbage bags 3 Deodorant- men’s or women’s Please pray for the men and women at The Path and their families! 3 – The Path News
S cott ’ s
story continued ....
I feel closer to God and read more scripture here than any time in my entire life! The Recovery 12 Steps here helped me discover who I am for the first time in a long time. And most of all, I learned to trust in God. When you think of The Path, think of your brother, your mother, your son, your daughter or even a grandchild. They might end up traveling a “I wouldn’t be the man I am similar road I did. Helping The Path is helping someone with education, getting licenses back, getting their life back. Bringing people closer to today had it not been for God-- people who didn’t believe in God-- is the main thing. Instead of your help… Thanks to God looking at them as “they have a drug habit or this or that,” think about we can rise again.” what’s behind it all, the real story. They could be a pastor, a banker—hard times can happen to anyone. My life has really changed here at The Path. I saved my disability money and got a yellow 2001 Nissan XTerra everybody calls “The Bumblebee.” And I qualified for a Habitat house, so I’ll be working on my volunteer hours soon. I wouldn’t be the man I am today had it not been for your help. I want to encourage you. Thanks to God we can rise again. I believe that with all my heart!
Enjoy the Fruits of Your L abor During April, Rotary club members, led by Crystal River Rotary, planted the first 50 fruit trees at “The Grove”—the site of a 10 acre fruit orchard dedicated to helping feed the hungry of Citrus County. The Path will be contributing our expertise and manpower to run it. The goal is to plant many varieties of fruit trees so there will be a steady harvest of different fruit throughout the year, enough to feed people but not an overabundance of any one crop that would spoil. As the fruit is harvested, it will go to our Community Food Bank to be distributed by the local agencies that distribute food to county residents. Our farm— and now the fruit grove project— make an impact towards improving the quality of life for men and women at The Path. With your help, we will be able to extend the health benefits to the rest of the community, especially to the hungry and in need of fresh, healthy food.
You Can Get Involved ! Here’s how: • Purchase a fruit tree for The Grove. Go to www.pathofcitrus.org and donate online $50 per tree as a personal gift or in memory of a loved one. Note “fruit tree” in the Comments section.
• Enjoy healthy, pesticides-free vegetables & support our recovery work program for men & women at The Path’s rescue mission. Join The Path Farm Co-op! 352-527-6500 x8 Call for a tour or summer mission project at The Path’s Farm 352-527-6500 x9
2 – The Path News
Make this a Summer of Hope
Serving Hands - Servant’s Heart
Without you, The Path would not be where it is today. Make a difference as a volunteer Call 352-527-6500 x9
l-r: Sharon Treur- Vol. of the Year, DuWayne Sipper-ED, Kathryn Sipper-Dev. Dir, Karen-Timm-Dev. Coordinator & Event Chairperson
The Path celebrated with 80 volunteers and their guests at our first annual Volunteer Appreciation “Potluck” Dinner on April 10th at the Hernando Church of the Nazarene. Our 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award went to Sharon Treur. Sharon was recognized for consistently making a difference at The Path for many years. She has served The Path as a tutor, hoping to help men and women at The Path improve their education.
For about the cost of a cup of coffee, you could change someone’s life this summer by sponsoring a meal. Visit The Path Online at www.PathOfCitrus.org
Sharon has a great heart and personal connection with the men and women at The Path, often weeping with compassion over the tiniest of successes. She has great concern when a client leaves the program and has not finished learning what she knows to be valuable knowledge. Sharon was instrumental with GED preparation and launching a household budgeting class. Gloria Schultz, Women’s Bible Study Volunteer and Bonnie Rybak, volunteer tutor and lead for putting together our Literacy Education Program shared how rewarding volunteering is for them and how they have grown from the experiences as well. Not only are they changing lives, but their lives have been changed, too! ~ Karen Timm, Development Coordinator
Path Stars- Visit our online photo gallery for highlights from The Path’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Check out our Path Stars, too!
A BIG thank you to all of you who change lives through volunteering!
2015 Volunteer Award Recipients Bright Smile Award ~ Lawana Bynes Busy Bee Awards ~ Ellie Kennedy, Wilma France & Annie Beckwith “Can Do” Award ~ Tammi Merriman The Golden Hammer Award ~ Bonnie Rybak “Big Heart” Award ~ Jim & Judy Stevens “Servant Hands” Award ~ Ed & Sue Messer Discipleship Award ~ Pastor John Leaf Faithful Servant Award ~ Joann Lockhart for over 10 years of volunteering
Path Needs 3 Toilet paper 3 Canned goods 3 Bleach 3 Lysol spray 3 PineSol 3 Zip lock storage bagssandwich & gallon sz 3 Outdoor garbage bags 3 Deodorant- men’s or women’s Please pray for the men and women at The Path and their families! 3 – The Path News
DIRECTIONS
MAY/JUNE 2015
THE PATH NEWS
Dear Friends, The first 50 trees for The Path’s Fruit Tree Grove have been planted! We have 1,000 more trees to go.
A Publication of The Path Rescue Mission • Serving the Homeless & Hungry in Citrus & Marion Counties • Issue 3 - Volume 9
Our local Rotary Clubs, notably the Crystal River Rotary are on top of helping to organize the whole project-- which is up for an international award. This organization has donated $5,000 towards the project. I look forward to hearing from any of you who want to be a part of this endeavor to sustain it for the future-God bless you for helping to feed our community!
In His Service,
Executive Director
LOOKING PAST THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE: SCOTT’S STORY Cars, appliances & furniture donations change lives.
I guess you could say I’m different from some of the stories that you hear. I worked as a store manager. I went to college. I used to go to church and sing in the choir. I did lawn care and some handyman work for the church. But I walked away from God when my dad had cancer. That was a tough time. I had gone 22 years without touching anything, then went downhill fast from there. Basically I became homeless and lived that way a little over a year on and off. I was staying outside in a trailer of somebody I knew for a while, and when that didn’t work out I was staying in the woods. I was taking pills and drinking a lot. I knew I needed to change and started praying for the first time in over 4 years. I didn’t want to live the life I was living anymore. A friend of mine told me about The Path. When I first heard “homeless shelter,” I was a little nervous about being labeled. But since “I walked away from God I’ve been here, so many good things have happened! I’ve learned to make furniture. I’ve learned how to do electrical work and a ton about when my dad had cancer… farming from Mr. DuWayne (Sipper). I had gone 22 years without I’ve learned to feel whole again and regained my self-worth. touching anything, then At first I was hesitant about the Parenting classes, but they helped me understand certain things about my life. The classes made me a went downhill fast.” better father. It’s tough for those of us who are fathers. I miss my kids. Even when I was homeless, I called my kids every night. I have three blessed children ages 18, 14, and 13. I thank God every day for the young adults that they’ve become because they’re so patient with me. They understand what I’m going through. ~continued on page 2
Call 352-746-9084
DuWayne Sipper
And our doors are always open. Our tables always have food on them.
Even during the summer when so many leave the area for several months. No matter what amount-- if given monthly over a period of time-- makes a huge impact on the lives of men, women and children who seek our help. Monthly Partners rescue the lost & hurting all year long. Visit www.PathOfCitrus.org or call 352-527-6500 ext.5 Path of Citrus County
Path of Marion County
PO Box 3024, Inverness, FL 34451
PO Box 77-1739, Ocala, FL 34477
Lecanto Bargain Store
Dunnellon Bargain Store
1729 W. Gulf to Lake Highway Lecanto, FL 34461 Mon - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM Sat 9 AM- 4 PM
20565 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Dunnellon, FL 34431 Wed - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM Sat 9 AM- 3 PM
RESERVE THE DATE! The Path’s Annual
HARVEST HOPE BANQUET
Friday Nov 6, 2015 at 1st Baptist Church-Crystal River. You won’t want to miss this special evening celebrating life-transformation! Call Kathryn Sipper at 352-527-6500 x5 to find out how you can become a banquet sponsor. Client Services Office 21 S Melbourne St. Beverly Hills, FL 34465 352-527-6500
Member ASSOCIATION OF GOSPEL RESCUE MISSIONS www.agrm.org
352-527-6500 • www.PathOfCitrus.org • www.PathOfMarion.org
NL design: New Eden Graphics 352.860.2146
We know you understand that there are hurting, hungry, homeless people in our community every single day.
“For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ~ I Samuel 16:7 NKJ
You gave me time to heal. Thank you for giving me my life back.