October 2016 Issue 10, Volume 67

Transcription

1 Lighthouse News WE BELIEVE... Building on Faith, Hope and Excellence! Since 1949 October 2016 Issue 10, Volume from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 Sam s Club hosted Saturday, Kids Day Story on page 5

2 Facing Our Fears In January 2005, I traveled to Southern Thailand on a mission trip to help victims of the December 26, 2004 tsunami. Those who survived were left to face the unimaginable horrors that followed; homes gone, bodies of loved ones amassed in the debris, others missing, and everything they owned, gone, except for the clothes on their backs. They had no time to process their grief and loss. Life for them was hopeless. As a team, we started reconstruction on a home for a woman who had lost her husband, her two sons, and all she owned. Day after day she would crouch, rocking back and forth for hours on end. When we left three weeks later, she was still rocking - - in shock, trying to cope with her tremendous loss. The following July, five months later, I was there again and had the opportunity to visit her. She was living in her new home and had built new connections. Through the help of an interpreter, she told me that she was ready to remarry and start over. She had gone from confusion, fear and despair, to having a renewed vision of the future. The people who come to the Fresno Rescue Mission come from all walks of life. Many are impoverished, broken by various circumstances, and fearful of what they imagine awaits them. They have incredible needs. As a culture, we can define poverty as a shortage of economic resources, but on a deeper level it is also an inability for an individual to generate their own value in living. They are poor in hope poor in spirit they feel hopeless. Supplying food or meeting physical needs is fine for some, but our work becomes much harder when human beings have lost all hope, thinking that their situation will never change. That s why we introduce them to the best Friend they will ever have: Jesus. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted Matthew 5:3-4 In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus comforted those who were listening, assuring them that their pain and their experiences were not what defined their future. Instead, by leaning on Him - - the Way, the Truth and the Life - - they could find hope and assurance of God s love for them. They needed only to trust Him to discover this truth. THE FRESNO RESCUE MISSION OFFERS THIS TRUTH to everyone who comes to us in need: hope and assurance that, with His love, there is a way out of their current situation. They can make better choices and choose to have new perspectives, never having to live the way they have lived or fear the things they have feared in the past. In 1 Kings 17 the widow of Zarephath had lost all hope. She was preparing what she thought was the last meal for herself and her son. At the same time, God was directing Continued...

3 Elijah to go to her. Through simple acts of obedience, kindness and faith, by both Elijah and the widow, the Lord was able to use the fear-filled experience so that the widow could recognize His love for her. He also opened her eyes to the hope of her future. The Lord literally saved her life. We are called by God to offer compassion and truth to all who have lost the hope to truly live as God planned for them to live. This often starts with the comfort of a nourishing meal, but our prayer is that as we extend our hand to build a relationship with each person, they too might come to a right relationship with God; making positive life choices, reuniting with their families and friends, and choosing to be a witness for Him. The Fresno Rescue Mission is able to be this beacon-of-light and dispenser-of-hope because of our many partnerships throughout our community and region. Whether we partner with individuals, companies, other ministries, churches, or groups, we rely on the generosity of all our partners - - God s gracious blessings - - to reach out to all who come to us in need. As we enter the last three months of the year, we invite you to consider the impact you would like to make in the life of someone who is hurting. Somewhere in our community, someone is rocking back and forth, needing to feel the love of the Lord. With God s love, we can cradle them through their fear and confusion. Together, we can help them find rest in their circumstance and discover the hope they are missing. Thanking God for you, Don Eskes Chief Executive Officer Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Just a few of our 2016 graduates who will be walking across the stage during our Fall Celebration Banquet (October 18th), celebrating their victories in Christ with their family members Pictured: Dancing, great food, fun and games... All taking place during the Mission s Be Our Guest gathering, held on September 28th. Sometimes, it s just fun to throw a party.

4 Celebrating Three Years... with Confidence! Mary Coulter-Bianchi walked across the stage as part of the graduating class of 2013, Rescue the Children. Like many new believers, she is still learning and growing in Christ -- on fire for Jesus, enjoying restored relationships with family and cultivating new relationships through her employment and through activities at her church. Mary shared, I learned that I need to stay connected to ministry. The role I play as House Manager for Breaking the Chains, a ministry that helps victims of human trafficking, makes it possible for me to keep learning more and more about my own struggles and victories. Mary s first victories were centered around addiction and codependency. Now she is working on the issues that led her to those vices - - fear and pain. Everyone deals with fear. It s a normal emotion we experience when presented with an unknown factor, requiring a decision or step we are uncertain we are ready to make. Mary s fear requires more attention. She is diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder. I developed my AD dealing with issues of abandonment -- adding to that, I struggled with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following an assault that took place in my home when I was in my early fifties. Anxiety disorders can cause distress, where feelings can cause physical symptoms so debilitating, they lead to an inability to lead a normal life. This type of disorder is characterized as a mental illness, where worry and fear are constant and overwhelming. With treatment, many people can manage these feelings and get back to a fulfilling life. Mary is managing her AD through a licensed counselor and daily practices that keep her grounded and confident. God never gives me more than I can handle. I m still learning this. When I experience moments that overwhelm me, He helps me recite verses from Scripture in my head, over and over. The words comfort me, even if the experiences and my responses to them are not yet perfected. I know I can keep moving forward...here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Pictured: Upper right - Mary and little Zaria, daughter of a human trafficking survivor. She is like having another great granddaughter, to me. Above: Mary and Vikki Luna, Director of The Light- House. Mary worked for The Light-House when she initially graduated from Rescue the Children. It was her second of three ministry positions. Bottom, back: Mary and several members of her family, including her son-in-law, Tony Apodaca, who graduated the Academy over 5 years ago. They are a legacy family! Bottom, front: Four generations of Coulter women.

5 Kids Saturday Fun Day The Wal-Mart Corp., which includes Sam s Clubs, emphasizes its Volunteerism Always Pays, or VAP Program. The program encourages associates to get involved on a volunteer basis with charitable organizations that matter to them, their families, and the communities where they live and work. The VAP program allows associates to volunteer, either on their own or with groups of associates interested in the same cause. On Saturday, September 3rd, Sam s Club volunteers pooled their efforts to coordinate a FUN DAY for the kiddos of RTC. Everyone had a great time. THANK YOU, VAP Volunteers!

6 Schedule an Urban Plunge for 2017! Mission at the Mission was created to gather together church and school groups in the Downtown area where they could confidently reach out and help people in need. An Urban Plunge event provides training and tailor-made activities for each team, providing a clear vision of loving our neighbor and creative opportunities to help reach people in dire need. Just like Kaylee and her family experienced through a churchsponsored Urban Plunge, we want you to come see what s happening at the Fresno Rescue Mission. Spend a day or a weekend with us and serve our community, loving others as God has called each of us to do. We promise an experience that is one of a kind and life changing! Kaylee came to an Urban Plunge with NorthPointe Church. She loved it so much she decided to have her birthday party at Mission at the Mission! Happy Birthday, Kaylee! Help Us Prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas CHILDREN Unwrapped toys for infants and toddlers Unwrapped toys for 3-7 year old children Unwrapped toys for 8-12 year old children Children s Scarves, hats and socks Children s Christmas pajamas WOMEN Women s slippers Make up for all skin types and colors Journals for the women Women s hygiene products (shower gel, lotions, quality shampoo and conditioner) MEN Sling backpacks Beanies Gloves Spiral Notebooks and pens JUST A FEW FIXIN S INSTANT MASHED POTATOES CANNED YAMS/CRANBERRY SAUCE CANNED VEGETABLES PREBAKED PUMPKIN AND APPLE PIES WHIPPED TOPPING STOVETOP STUFFING MARSHMALLOWS GRAVY MIX COFFEE/COCOA/TEA For a complete list of needs, go to our website and click on GET INVOLVED

7 Peace in Christ In the book of Matthew, I m instructed to not worry about what I will eat, drink or wear, nor worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own. Paraphrasing; I m to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and I m assured all these things shall be added to me. There have been many times in my life and in my walk with the Lord where I have come face-to-face with the what if fear. What if I don t have enough of this or that? What if there s an emergency? What if I come up short what if, what if, what if? As a result, I have been reluctant to commit wholeheartedly to being a good steward of the resources with which God blessed me. When it comes to being generous with your time, talents and treasure, how do you face the fear of what if? As a follower of Jesus, are you afraid or hesitant to give, like I was? Hebrews 13:16 tells us, Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased, and 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. When I claimed these promises of God and began to plan my giving, I not only experienced a paradigm shift spiritually, but my perspective on generosity changed as well. Do you find that you worry and react to fear more than you faithfully steward your resources with God s peace and guidance? Do you wish for a more systematic and intentional plan, one that is effective and efficient while allowing for peace-ofmind? Proverbs 16:2-4 says, All a man s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved. This truth helped me to conquer the fear of what if and it can help you too. Let s face the fear of what if together. To learn more about effective stewardship and planned giving strategies, I can be reached at (559) , Ext. 134 or me at lhodges@fresnorm.org. Larry Hodges, Donor Relations SAVE THE DATE! IN The Fresno Rescue Mission THRIFT STORE and CARS GRAND RE-OPENING ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES Don Eskes, Chief Executive Officer Phone: (559) , Ext deskes@fresnorm.org Pastor Rob Cravy, Chief Operating Officer Phone: (559) , Ext rcravy@fresnorm.org Randy Bresee, Chief Financial Officer Phone: (559) , Ext rbresee@fresnorm.org Deborah Torres, Chief Development Officer Phone: (559) , Ext dtorres@fresnorm.org 310 G Street, Fresno CA P. O. Box 1422, Fresno CA Phone: (559) Fax: (559) COMMUNITY CARE - Pastor Jay Carroll, Director 315 G Street, Fresno CA Phone: (559) , Ext jcarroll@fresnorm.org FOOD SERVICES - Phillip Roberts, Director 315 G Street, Fresno CA Phone: (559) , Ext proberts@fresnorm.org THE ACADEMY Rev. Bud Searcy, Director 310 G Street, Fresno CA Phone: (559) , Ext bsearcy@fresnorm.org RESCUE THE CHILDREN - Priscilla Robbins, Director 2141 North Parkway Drive, Fresno CA Phone: (559) , Ext probbins@fresnorm.org COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Karen Gutilla, Director Phone: (559) Ext kgutilla@fresnorm.org Mission at the Mission 335 G Street, Fresno CA MissionatMission@fresnorm.org Tours/Volunteer Opportunities Tina Searcy - Volunteer and Events Coordinator (559) , Ext tsearcy@fresnorm.org DEVELOPMENT Larry Hodges, Donor Relations (559) , Ext. 134 lhodges@fresnorm.org FRESNO RESCUE MISSION THRIFT STORE AND CARS Sandra Patel, Director 181 E. Sierra, Fresno CA Phone (559) spatel@fresnorm.org ADDRESS CHANGES Pah-Foua Yang (559) , Ext pyang@fresnorm.org 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 FRESNO RESCUE MISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Ocheltree, Chairman Jim Mosqueda, Vice-Chairman Robert Abrams, Treasurer Matthew Dildine, Secretary Leonel Alvarado Vito Brugetti Ken Jorgensen Daral Kennedy Steve Pearson Lonnie Petty Emil Butch Rusconi James Sullivan AUDIT COMMITTEE Vicki Crow, CPA Ben Krikorian, CPA Please remember the Fresno Rescue Mission in your will or trust

8 Title Sponsor Healing Hearts Relief Golf Tournament SUNNYSIDE COUNTRY CLUB The 11th Annual Der Manouel Healing Hearts Relief Golf Tournament, held on September 19, was a special day filled with fellowship and fun. There were 127 players participating, even with temperatures above 100 degrees! The event made a net profit of more than $58,000. Profit will be split between the Fresno Rescue Mission and the Fresno Police Chaplaincy. A special THANK YOU to all our faithful sponsors! Founding & Executive Platinum Sponsor 1st Place - Low Gross: 58 Team: Don Eskes (Pictured) Don Eskes, Danny Herwaldt, Larry Powell, Mike Falge Executive Course Sponsor 2nd Place - Low Gross: 59 Team: Zenith Insurance Company #2 Scott Schoenborn, Steve Parson, Chad Seiler, Randy Eggers Pin Flag Sponsor Local 246 Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Council of Central California Fairway Sponsors Administrative Solutions, Inc. Alaska National Insurance Co. Zenith Agribusiness Solutions Dennis Lee Insurance Services Tee Box Sponsors Norman S Wright Duckworth Mechanical Equipment Company LLC Wawona Frozen Foods Green Sponsors Citizens Bank Law Office of William C. Hahesy Nationwide Insurance Strategic Mechanical Swett & Crawford Toyota of Clovis Clubhouse Sponsor Grizzard Media Sponsors AND THANKS TO THE OTHER IN-KIND DONORS, TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST! Mike Der Manouel Jr. Tee Sponsors Central Valley Community Bank Chubb & Son Darden Architects Employers Gerald Bishop Wall Coverings Hands to Shoulder Rehab Hanover Insurance Group Hedrick s Chevrolet Lake & Associates Me-N-Ed s Pizzerias Murphy Bank Non-Profits United Pacific Compensation Philadelphia Insurance Producers Dairy Foods Rand Machine Works Safeco Insurance Tangram Insurance Services TriStar Risk Management United Fire Group Zenith Insurance Company Hole-in-One Sponsor Fresno Lexus Putting Contest Sponsor Enterprise Big Hitter Sponsors Burns & Wilcox Insurance Di Buduo & De Fendis Robb Ross Foods Sanitary Stainless Welding, Inc. 1st Place - Low Net: 43.8 Team: State Fund (Pictured) Michael Osmer, Kevin Frost, Steve Taylor, Bob Grossman 2nd Place - Low Net: 46.8 Team: Performance Contracting Patrick Sharkey, Miro Telesmatic, Mike Furturo, Jimmy Fields 3rd Place - Low Net: 48.4 Team: Sprung Patrick Mount, Randy Bresee, Larry Hodges, Ed Sweitzer 4th Place - Low Net: 48.6 Team: Zenith Agribusiness #2 Marcia Shafer, Steve Lindstrom, Greg Merrill, Stacey Beggs Longest Drive: Men: Kevin Frost / Women: Katie Zenovich Closest to the Pin: Brian Cooper: 3 3 Join us next year - September 18, 2017!