Mission News & Developments

How To Respond To Grace

2011-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

I've heard it said, "never ask for what you deserve or you just might get what you ask for". In our relationship with God, the Bible is clear that there's nothing we can do to "deserve" His love. His love must be received as a gift...something that cannot be earned. Since we are all sinners, what we deserve is condemnation. Fortunately, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins receive His mercy and grace! We don't get what we deserve, but we receive what we desperately need!

So how should we respond to the gift of God's grace? I believe it honors God if we turn to our neighbors and give them our compassion and love. As a recipient of God's grace, who is in a better position to give it to others?

I received the following note from Janie, our Nurse Practitioner, that exemplifies the attitude of loving service that I believe honors God for the grace He has given us.

We went out to the local Domestic Violence Center last night. We never know what will await us. Some faces are familiar, with the families staying up to a year in some cases. Some faces are new and unfamiliar to us, etched in anxiety, worry, fear. Many still bearing "the battle scars" of what brought them there....fractures, bruises...abrasions. The little ones are precious. A thundering herd of children is usually found frolicking up and down the halls. Gaile (one of our RN's) and I were greeted at the front door by a little one who excitedly cried out, "The nurse is here!" The line started to form early, restless kids, moms trying to quiet and calm them, staff checking in often for any needs that we might have. Opportunities to share the mission and work of the Lexington Rescue Mission. We always hand the mothers one of our information sheets and let her know where we are coming from in service.

Last night we saw about 7 mothers and children. The last mom was a woman, French speaking. I speak enough Spanish to be passable (dolar?), and French left over from a couple of years in high school and college. I got that she thought she had the flu, but thanks to the translator who jumped in to help! We offer to pray with the moms who would like that.

We are always greeted warmly by the staff, so appreciated on these cold winter days.

We walked out of there (I think Gaile would agree) humbled, grateful and realizing that these women truly have a safe refuge in the midst of such a stormy time in their life. We went on home to a late supper (about 10 pm for me), warm bed, heat and all the comforts we could want.

So many don't have the same.

Lord help me today to serve with a humble heart, spread the Good News of the Gospel, and reach out to others who are less fortunate....not forgetting the days that I was the one who was less fortunate.

In Christ,

Janie

It's a little easier being an instrument of God's grace when we remember all that God has done for us. He could have just left us in our sin and His just condemnation. But, instead, He chose to give us His only Son to pay the price for our sin. Let's praise Him by both our lips and by what we do for others!

Your plan or God's plan for you?

2011-01-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Happy new year!

As I turn the calendar from 2010 to 2011, it's hard not to wonder what the new year will bring. The one thing I'm sure of is that God is faithful and He is the source of every good thing that comes into my life. He will also give me the strength to endure the inevitable troubles and battles ahead.

Today I received an email from Brenda, a sister in Christ from my Bible study group. The message was so encouraging to me I wanted to share it with you in full.

The last two days I have been thinking on the many prayer requests that have come to me over the last several months. They have been varied in need, but still extremely important to those requesting the prayer. In the natural, this has been very overwhelming because I want to “fix” things and make it all work for everyone, but in the spirit, I know that God has a plan for each of our lives, and I know that He can be trusted.

Even as I write today, I’m thinking on the goodness and faithfulness of God. It is two years today that I was able to donate a kidney to one of my brothers. I am still amazed that he used me in this process, and both my brother, his wife, my family, friends and I could see His hand all the way through to the end. God is faithful. I share this to encourage all of you, as well as myself, to persevere and continue to draw close to Him because it’s in the relationship not the religion that we will find the strength to keep going when it seems like our prayers are hitting the ceiling and falling back to the ground.

There are times in my own life I have found myself praying the way I want things to work out in a given situation; but as I draw closer to Him, I know in my spirit that He has the perfect plan; a plan far beyond what any of us can think, dream or imagine, and He has a way and path that we would not necessarily choose to take or have our loved ones take to move into this plan. He can be trusted.

Just this past week in a conversation with my daughter-in-law, Christina, she made a statement that really touched my heart. When we are in situations and don’t know what to do, how to pray, how to respond, etc., what do we do. She said, “I always ask myself, but what do I know to be truth.” I ask you, what do you “know” to be truth about Him? I believe we could all look back over our lives and say that he pulled me from the miry clay and set my feet upon “the Solid Rock”; that all of our righteousness is as filthy rags but for the blood of Jesus….we’ve all been there. Were it not for His grace, where would any of us be.

As we each lift up our hearts to God on behalf of loved ones, situations in our own lives and the lives of others, what do we know to be truth about Him? I challenge each of us to meditate on the truth about Him and what he has already done in each of our lives; He is our hope. It’s time to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Walk in the truth that you know. Be encouraged and allow Him to work His plan.

Love and blessings,

Brenda

Are you Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm?

2010-12-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

The Bible warns us in the Book of Revelations that the churches, as represented by the church in Laodicea, can become lukewarm, and because of that Jesus is about to spit them out of his mouth. Although they consider themselves to be rich and not needing anything, Jesus characterizes them as wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. He commands those in this condition to be earnest and repent.

As I reflect on this warning, I wonder if this would be Jesus’ verdict on the way we live today. Have we watered down our beliefs and doctrines so we can no longer distinguish the truth from lies? Here’s a couple of questions worth asking ourselves:

Are we convinced that we have utterly failed to live up to God’s required standard for our lives, and therefore we deserve eternal punishment?

Do we believe we cannot save ourselves. We have nothing good to offer God for our own salvation. In other words, we must come to God empty-handed as sinners in desperate need of God’s mercy and grace. Our salvation is solely a free gift that must be personally received by faith.
Our faith must solely be in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, who took upon himself the punishment we deserved for our sins by suffering and dying on the cross. The Father demonstrated his approval of Jesus’ saving work by raising him from the dead and proving the ressurection through many eye-witness testimonies.
Do we know that our faith and baptism identifies us with Jesus Christ, who we acknowledge as our Lord and that God raised him from the dead? This means that we have given Jesus the “title deed” of our lives. We no longer live for ourselves, but for him who died for us.

If we are convinced of the above truths, won’t our love and concern for others prevent us from approving the contradictory claims of others for the sake of tolerance and unity? Can we share unity and fellowship with those who reject Jesus by claiming there is another way to Jesus other than by faith alone or that there is another way to God other than by Jesus Christ alone? Can we really stand in agreement with those who come to Jesus as their Savior but refuse to follow him as their Lord? Is there really a mediator between the sinner and God other than Jesus Christ? Is there really a second chance for sinners once they die? Isn’t Christ’s work on the cross complete and sufficient for our salvation?

Although it may be politically correct to be inclusive of anyone who sincerely or zealously holds to contrary beliefs, if we do so we risk watering down our faith to the point of being lukewarm.

Standing firm for our faith requires courage and the risk of being labeled narrow-minded or even worse. I don’t know about you, but I’m much more concerned how Christ judges me than how the unsaved world judges me.

At this Christmas time of year, I hope you will show the highest form of love by gently and lovingly pointing people to the Christ of the Bible. Allow the truth and power of the Word of God to show the truth to those in error. It just might eternally save their lives.

In Everything Give Thanks!

2010-11-25T17:05:00.000-08:00

After serving Thanksgiving dinner to more than 450 people, it's time to reflect and give thanks. So many people in our community gave generously to make this special dinner possible! Our dinner guests, many of whom were homeless, were very thankful for the delicious meal they were served.

Nearly 100 volunteers helped prepare and serve the meals. We heard many comments from the volunteers about how meaningful it was for them to serve. Some volunteers had given financial support for years but had not volunteered until now. One couple I spoke to expects to become regular volunteers next year.

About 45 minutes before meals were served, we had a full group seated in the dining room for a short praise and worship service. We read Psalm 100, a portion of Psalm 107, Romans 8:28, Phillipians 2:13, and Phillipians 4:6-7. We sang How Great Thou Art and To God Be The Glory. I shared the need for God's people to rejoice always, pray continually, and thank God in every situation. Several guests gave their testimony, and the Gospel was shared. I'm thankful that the crowd was engaged in this time of worship, and I believe God was glorified.

I was also blessed to see a former employee, Lindsey, who left the mission to pursue her Masters degree at the University of Chicago. Also, Jonathan blessed us by answering a last minute request to come and play the guitar to help entertain our guests.

Although my wife, Becky, who coordinates this wonderful event, and I were quite tired after the dinner was over, it was definitely a good kind of being tired.

During this season of thanks, I hope you too will recount all the ways God has blessed you and your family. I have found that when you practice being thankful to God, you will be filled with joy. This is my prayer for you as well. God bless you!!!

Living Problem Free?

2010-07-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a trip to Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis to see how they operate their men's recovery program. Wheeler Mission is over 100 years old and their program budget is greater than our total organization budget. Having recently spent some time talking with some of their program staff at our national AGRM conference, I knew they had some insights that could benefit us as we strive to improve our services.

We had a long discussion with Al, who is the Hebron program manager. Al is one of those men you could listen to for hours because of the insights he has gained over the many years of training, hands-on experience and background.

One insight that Al shared with us was the common attitude, particularly among people addicted to opiates, that they shouldn't have to experience any physical pain in life. Thus, if they feel any discomfort it's natural for them to automatically reach for theTylenol or other stronger pain medicine. Al stressed the importance of teaching that life has it's fair share of aches and pains. We need to accept that fact and face it, without always trying to medicate the pain away.

As I consider the broader issue of pain and suffering, I find there is also a common notion that either life should be substantially problem-free, or that if a Christian is living as he or she ought to live, then there should be no reason to suffer. The Bible, however, paints a different picture!

Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he said "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:13.

And in his letter to the Philippians, Paul states "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him," Philippians 1:29.

Yes, it is clear problems and suffering will not be strangers to Christians. But the NT writers also state there is good reason for it. For example, James tells us "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4. There is no gain without pain!

Just like a recovering addict should realize that life has its aches and pains that must be endured, so too the Christian must be equipped to stand up under the pressures and adversity of this world. For the world is watching how we, God's people, are responding. Are you bearing up well? If so, you are declaring the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. To God be the glory!

Our time is short!

2010-06-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Time has always been a motivating factor for me. I have usually thought that time is short and I shouldn't waste my life by pursuing things that don't truly matter in the end. The older I get, the more convinced I've become of this.

I don't know how long I'll live. Of course, I could live to a ripe old age, God willing. In that case, I hope to become a more devoted and loving follower of Jesus Christ as the years go by until my dying breath. In this case, my hope is that I can live the way the Apostle Paul stated:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

On the other hand, I know the Lord could take me at anytime--either through death or rapture. Therefore, I must not only be reconciled to God and be at peace with Him through faith in Jesus Christ, but I must strive to live in fellowship with Him through loving obedience. If I'm going to hear those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant", I will need to live a life "worthy of the calling" and keep "in step with the Spirit". Integrity and a clear conscience must mark each of my days.

I know that one day I'll stand before the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ, and my works along with the works of all the saints will be judged, not for the purpose of determining salvation since that's already been settled, but for the purpose of rewards or losses in God's kingdom. Yes, according to Scripture, the Lord will give His children rewards according to their faithfulness to Him during their life here on earth.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

So, what compels me? The love of Jesus Christ! Love can be the only good and true motivation.

To keep my mind on the prize, I decided to personally adopt a life theme that will help keep my life on track and focused. I would like to "make Jesus more famous and more followed" to the best of my ability. If I can strive to do that, my life which the Bible says is like a vapor, will not be lived in vain.

How about you?

We live in interesting times

2010-05-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " (Mark 13:32-37)

The command of Scripture is clear. We are to "Be on guard!", "Be alert!", "Keep watch!". Jesus spoke at some length about the sign of His coming and the end of the age (See Matthew 24). As I look around today, it seems that the birth pangs have begun. Earthquakes around the world are happening at greater frequency and intensity, we are hearing of wars and rumors of wars, Israel is becoming isolated internationally, and her enemies are surrounding her and preparing for war like no other. God has promised to intervene and rescue Israel from her demise, which will ultimately bring glory to Himself.

So what are the implications of all this to you and to me? Not only are we to long for our Lord's appearing (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) but we need to remain faithful in our service to God! In other words, we need to live our lives as if we expect Jesus to come for us today.

If you want good insight into world events and how they relate to the signs spoken about in the Bible, I would recommend you read two of Joel Rosenberg's books (Epicenter and Inside The Revolution). Also, a good blog to read on prophecy is www.prophecyupdate.blogspot.com

The Invisible Hand of God

2010-05-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Each day at the mission, I begin the day with fellowship and prayer with other staff members who gather in the dining room of our Outreach Center. We take time to list both prayer requests and praises in our mission prayer journal as we humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father in corporate prayer.

Over the years, it's been clear that God is concerned with the big things and the little things that concern us. It's been so good to see how God has been faithful and answered our prayers. We've become dependent on God to provide for the mission and for His power to make us effective in our ministry.

But even though we see God regularly at work in our ministry, we are also blessed to know that God still does the unimaginable as He works out His will.

I was reminded about this recently at our Association of Gospel Rescue Mission (AGRM) conference that Chip, Steve, and I attended this week in St. Charles, Illinois. At a lunch round table in the exhibition hall, a director from another rescue mission recounted his experience in funding a very large capital project. Although it was a lengthy story (and I've already forgotten some of the details), this director found himself lacking a certain sum of money that the mission had to have to contribute towards the funding of this project. So he decided to send out a letter to some of their donors simply asking for prayer about this. One of his donors who had received a letter, called the director and told him that God had called him to be the "check writer" for the project and he knew that he was to give a specific size gift, which as it turned out was the exact amount the mission needed to complete the funding of the project. PRAISE BE TO GOD!

God is actively pursuing His agenda in our world today. Ask God to reveal to you what He wants to do through you. His invisible hand will guide you!

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Thanks for Walking!

2010-03-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, it was great to see more than 200 people gathered downtown at Phoenix Park to join in our Walk for Warmth event. Some walked a mile and others walked two miles, but everyone joined in the fun to raise money to help prevent homelessness.

Proceeds from the event exceeded $12,000, and every dollar will be used to help families stay in their home with their utilities turned on. If you didn't get the chance to give yet, you can still send your check made payable to Lexington Rescue Mission with a notation about Walk for Warmth on the memo line.

Please pray for those in our community who are experiencing a hard time financially. Perhaps they have lost their job, had their hours reduced, or had to take a lower-paying job. These families may be under a great deal of stress just trying to make ends meet. Pray that they would place their hope in the Lord who is the giver of life and of all good things.

If you know someone personally who is going through a tough time, just take an opportunity to ask them if you can pray specifically for and with them. By doing so, you will reflect God's love through your life into theirs.

Walk for Warmth

2010-02-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

In the midst of a cold winter, I'm glad I spend most of my time indoors where the heat is turned on. In fact the older I get, the warmer I like to set the thermostat.

It's hard to imagine what life would be like if I had to spend much of my time outdoors in the cold or the heat. For many people, however, they face this uncertainty because they are just one rent check away from being evicted from their home. Others are one utility payment away from having their gas, electric, or water from being turned off.

At the mission, we help keep people in their homes and keep their utilities turned on through our Homeless Prevention Program, which pays past due rent and utilities for eligible families. Each month, we receive many calls from families needing our help--families who have fallen behind on their rent or utility payments. We assess the family's situation by looking at their household income and expenses and discussing their circumstances with them. We counsel them on how to make wise financial decisions, and we pray with them.

If we can help keep a family, who is experiencing a temporary financial crisis, in their home with the utilities turned on, then we know we're doing our part to prevent homelessness. Last year, the mission spent nearly $30,000 assisting 187 households with their rent and utilities.

The mission can do this work because of the generosity of people like you. We use money given to us specifically for our Homeless Prevention Program to fund these requests for assistance. Our fund raising focus this month is to raise money so we can continue and increase the number of families we can help this year.

The mission hopes to raise up to half of the needed dollars through our annual Walk For Warmth event. Walk for Warmth is a 2-mile walk starting and ending at Phoenix Park. Walkers are asked to raise sponsorship support from friends, neighbors, and family. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, February 27th. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. All proceeds will be used to help families in crisis.

For more information or to register to be a walker, go online at www.lexingtonrescue.org/walk.html Please join me in doing our part to prevent homelessness!

How to get involved at the mission.

2010-01-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

It's easy to get involved at Lexington Rescue Mission. Most people begin by coming to one of several one-hour tours we hold at our Outreach Center each month. You can find our upcoming tour schedule by visiting our website www.lexingtonrescue.org/volunteer or by calling our Volunteer Coordinator, Natalie Cunningham at 381-9600.

While we always have a need for food service volunteers and thrift store volunteers, we also have an immediate need in the following areas:

Volunteers are needed to serve as our mission advocates to their local churches. Advocates take responsibility to communicate various opportunities for service at the mission to their congregational members.
A "handy man" is needed to make small improvements or repairs throughout the mission's four locations.
A data entry volunteer is needed either on a regular weekly basis or on an as-needed.
Individuals and teams are needed to volunteer as walkers at our annual Walk For Warmth event to be held on Saturday, February 27. Last year, the event helped prevent homelessness by raising nearly $11,000 for emergency rent and utility assistance for families facing possible eviction.
This spring, volunteers are needed to help tend to our community garden. Produce raised from the garden is used to help prepare free meals to the hungry and may also be given directly to people with little access to fresh produce.

Do you have a desire to serve in a way not listed above? If so, we want to hear from you. We have used volunteers for nearly every aspect of the mission. So don't delay. Call us for a tour today!

God is speaking, but are we listening?

2009-12-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

God spoke to me this week. No, I didn't hear audible words from heaven, but I heard from Him nonetheless. Through our circumstances, through the hearts of others, through the unusual message from my wife, through the unnatural actions of others, and through the peace of my own heart, God clearly spoke a message to me.

You see, I'm putting a budget together for next year, and it looked like we would have to make some painful cuts in order to make things work out. However, when we looked at these changes from a practical standpoint, most of our management team was not "at peace" with the decisions that would have to be made.

However my wife, who is normally very practical and supports me in making the tough decisions, was on board with the proposed cuts until Sunday. At church on Sunday, she was singing a hymn when, out of nowhere, a thought unexpectedly came to her that God would provide all that was needed and the dreaded cuts would not be necessary, and this would soon become apparent. The next day at lunch, she shared this unusual thought with me.

Then on Wednesday, I was meeting with my Associate Director, Vince, when Becky came by to show me a single envelope we received with multiple gifts totaling $7,000. That was amazing! By faith, I understood this to be the confirmation Becky said she believed would be coming.

Although, the $7,000 won't cover the entire savings that would be realized if these cuts were made, I believe it was a "down payment" of what God will do, and I believe He wants us to continue to "live by faith and not by sight." I praise Him today for His amazing faithfulness.

Welcome to my new blog site!

2009-12-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog for Lexington Rescue Mission. The blog will provide an opportunity for me to update you periodically on any news, needs, and prayer requests that we have at the mission. Your support of money, time, and prayers are crucial for carrying out our mission.

Lexington Rescue Mission exists to glorify God through a Christ-centered ministry that helps meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hurting people in the greater Lexington area. (Mission statement)

New Developments:

James "Chip" Monck has accepted the position as our Life Renewal Program Director. Chip has been with the mission for a couple of months as a full-time supervisor for the program. (Our former program director, Charles Patane, recently resigned to complete his doctoral dissertation.) Chip graduated with a Masters in Divinity degree from Asbury Seminary and has pastored a local church before coming to the mission. He also teaches part-time at Indiana Wesleyan.

Prayer Requests:

Please keep Chip Monck along with the residents and staff at the Life Renewal Program in your prayers through this leadership transition.
JT needs your prayers about the judge making a wise decision on whether to release him to the Life Renewal Program at the Potter's House.
Pray that our newest resident, Addam, will adjust well to the mission and grow in his relationship with the Lord.

Special Volunteer Needs:

Regular Saturday lunch cook to work approximately from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on most Saturdays.
Handyman needed to fix small projects around our 4 properties.
Drivers to volunteer taking a Life Renewal Program resident to an appointment as needed. Volunteers have a great deal of flexibility in notifying us when they are available to drive.

Special Funding Needs:

Funds to help pay for a major roof repair at the Potter's House. The total project cost is about $20,000. We have raised $8,250 so far. To give, please send your check payable to Lexington Rescue Mission and state "roof project" on the memo line of your check. Mail your gift to Lexington Rescue Mission, PO Box 1050, Lexington, KY 40588.
It costs about $35 per day for each man in our Life Renewal Program. Gifts to support our programs this month may be made online at www.lexingtonrescue.org/donatenow.html
A year-end gift of securities or other assets may be given to the Lexington Rescue Mission Fund at Kentucky Christian Foundation - www.kentuckychristianfoundation.org