Mission recognized for excellence in staff development
The Rescue Mission of Syracuse recently received a CNY Best Award from the central New York Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development. The Rescue Mission was one of 15 businesses and organizations from central New York’s eight-county area competing for the inaugural award, and the only nonprofit human services agency nominated. The award recognizes best practices in workplace learning and development. Congratulations to Chasz Parker and staff!

Bill Barton home with the Lord
Rev. Bill Barton, a pioneer in biblical treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, passed away earlier this month at his home in Mississippi. Even though he was hampered by a severe speech impediment, Bill was used of God to preach and share the message of freedom in Christ with thousands of men and women struggling with addictions. He founded Homes of Grace (Vancleave, Miss.) in 1965, and was involved in ministry for more than 50 years. Many will remember when Bill shared his life story as our Bible teacher at the 1999 AGRM convention in Spokane.

AGRM members among Acton finalists
The Acton Institute has announced its top 10 finalists for the 2008 Samaritan Award. The finalists are competing for a $10,000 prize that will be announced in August. Each of the finalist organizations will be profiled in a special August 15 issue of World Magazine. Half of the finalists are AGRM member ministries, including Fresno Rescue Mission (Fresno, Calif.), Lighthouse Ministries (Lakeland, Fla.), Panama City Rescue Mission (Panama City, Fla.), Redwood Gospel Mission (Santa Rosa, Calif.), and Union Mission Ministries (Norfolk, Va.).

California member’s warehouse a loss
An overnight blaze on July 8 destroyed most of a major storage facility owned by the San Diego Rescue Mission (San Diego, Calif.). The building, worth approximately $1 million and located about a dozen miles from the main facility, was used to house gifts-in-kind, including beds and furniture the mission refinished and sold. It appears the fire was caused by an electrical problem. Mission President Herb Johnson called in a disaster intermediary team that flew into action even before the fire engines left. They closed down accesses, added support to the part of the structure still standing, and tried to salvage what wasn’t burned. Despite the loss, Herb said God’s hand of protection was evident: About 30 feet from the major burn area were about 20 propane and gasoline tanks. The heat melted some of the metal in that area, but nothing exploded. Your prayers are appreciated as Herb and his team decide what steps to take.

Looking down the street...
The wife, daughter and grandchildren of Don Worrell, CEO of Nashville Rescue Mission (Nashville, Tenn.), were involved in a serious auto accident last Friday evening. The mission and family are requesting your prayers. Steve Perry has resigned as executive director at the Evansville Rescue Mission (Evansville, Ind.) to pursue other ministry opportunities. Peck Axton is the interim director of the mission. Prior to the summer, the staff of Marie Sandvik Center (Minneapolis, Minn.) went to Child Evangelism Fellowship training about leading children to Christ. To date, more than 25 children have made decisions for Christ. Carl Resener, retired executive director of the Nashville Rescue Mission, is in very poor health. Doctors have suggested hospice care. The family would appreciate your prayers.

Candidates speak out on faith-based initiatives
We told you in the last issue of Street Smart that no matter who is elected president, the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives will most likely continue to function. Now, more details of the candidates’ positions are coming to light. If Senator Barack Obama wins the election, a fundamental change in philosophy is possible. Government grants to religious groups will likely bar groups accepting the grants from making hiring decisions based on religious beliefs. Senator John McCain disagrees with Obama on this critical point. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/5kspu6.

Homeless spoofs go live on YouTube
The growth of Internet video outlets has provided an opportunity for anyone to communicate with the masses. Some people think this is an excellent way to make fun of the misfortune of others and have posted fictitious videos about helping the homeless. (View a sample spoof video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=3LKDNcwZCmI.) Videos like this might be incorporated into your mission’s public presentations to show how far people will go to misrepresent the facts about folks on the street.

Researcher questions origin of serenity prayer
Generations of recovering addicts and others have found solace in the simple prayer that begins, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” For nearly 70 years, Reinhold Niebuhr has been credited as the author. A Yale law librarian is now disputing that claim. Read the full report at http://tinyurl.com/5ckl3l. At least this time people are not arguing over whether there is a God worthy of such simple, glorious supplication!

Renting the best option in many areas
In the current struggling economy, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that for many people, paying a landlord is a better financial choice than purchasing a home. A study by the group found that in 34 of the top 100 metro markets across the United States, conditions are better for renting than buying; homebuyers would generally lose money if they sold in four years. The research was based on the accepted formula that affordable homes cost no more than 15 times their annual market rent. Find out more about your city’s real estate status at http://tinyurl.com/5m99gl. This information will be helpful when you are counseling former clients who are wondering whether the time is right to become homeowners.

Millionaires getting richer
The number of people around the globe with at least $1 million in assets exceeds 10 million, according to the 12th annual World Wealth Report published by Merrill Lynch & Company and consulting firm Capgemini Group. There were about 600,000 more millionaires last year than in 2006. In addition, the combined wealth of the millionaires’ club grew by 9.4 percent to $40.7 trillion. To speak with one of the new millionaires about donating to your mission, all you need is a friendly “gatekeeper.” Read the Associated Press report at http://tinyurl.com/5wzfwc.

Mental health problems a widespread issue
Nearly three in ten (29 percent) U.S. adults report they have received treatment from a mental health professional, according to a Harris Interactive poll. The most common reasons why people sought this care were depression and anxiety (59 percent), post-traumatic stress (42 percent), family or other relationship issues (37 percent), or grief related to the loss of a loved one (35 percent). These statistics might help you as you identify the issues facing people coming to rescue missions. Read the report at http://tinyurl.com/5w9c2m.

Graduates rewarded with memorable trip
In recognition of their perseverance through the mission’s programs, graduates of the Los Angeles Mission (Los Angeles, Calif.) receive the gift of an outing. Recent grads spent a fun-filled day enjoying the thrills, rides, and food at Knott’s Berry Farm. The trip teaches social skills and helps build healthy relationships—with no drugs or alcohol involved. One graduate shared that he originally did not want to go. “[I told myself,] Stop being so antisocial! Go and let others get to know you a little better,” he says. “I had such a great time! I didn’t get on any rides; I was just enjoying watching others have fun. There was true joy on their faces and that blessed my soul.”

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AGRM's Online Want Ads

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Albuquerque, NM: Resident Services Manager - Seeking manager for mission with over 300 residents. Must have group, individual, recovery program, program management experience. Starting wage up to $17.50 per hour depending on experience. Minimum BSW, prefer LADAC and bible-trained. Benefits begin month following first 90 days. Reply with cover letter and resume in confidence to jennifer@joyjunction.org or contact Jennifer Munsey, Chief Operating Officer, Albuquerque, NM Gospel Rescue Mission. Phone: 505-250-6251 Date Added: 07/07/2008

Eugene, OR: Administrative Assistant to Director - Assist with operations, program oversight, staff supervision. Requires organizational, multi-tasking, problem solving abilities, verbal/written communication, presentation skills. BA in business/related field or equivalent experience. Supervisory experience in rescue ministry a plus. Email resume to hope@eugenemission.org. Contact Ernie Unger, Eugene Mission, PO Box 1149, Eugene, OR 97440. Phone: 541-344-3251 Fax: 541-344-7533 Date Added: 07/03/2008

New York, NY: Executive Director - Application for position is open to all qualified candidates who provide a cover letter, current resume and references. Correspondence accepted only by mail addressed to New York City Rescue Mission, Succession Committee, PO Box 296, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013. Review process will begin in September. Date Added: 07/07/2008

Salem, OR: Associate Director - Responsible for planning, developing, implementing comprehensive strategy for Outreach and Support Ministries. Excellent organizational, problem solving, interpersonal, written, verbal communication skills required. BA in business/ministry or equivalent exp. Five years supervisory exp. Send cover letter/resume to Jim Lienemann, Union Gospel Mission of Salem, PO Box 341, Salem, OR 97308. Phone: 503-362-3983 To contact via email: jiml@ugmsalem.org Date Added: 07/03/2008

Seattle WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Dental Assistant, Truck Driver/Warehouse Worker, Women & Children’s Activity Center Case Manager & Office Manager & Recovery Counselor, Director of Recovery Ministries, Children’s Ministry Outreach Staff, Youth Services Community Center Assistant/Athletic Coordinator & Summer Academy Teacher & Summer Outreach Staff. Contact Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 202, Seattle WA. Phone: 206-723-0767 Fax: 206-723-1076 To contact via email: rosalake@ugm.org Web site: http://www.ugm.org Date Added: 07/03/2008

West Memphis, AR: Executive Director - Administer fast growing men’s ministry, including fundraising, public relations, spiritual counseling. Salary/benefits negotiable. Requires BA degree, 5 years of experience in a rescue ministry or related experience. Contact Fred Parker, 8th Street Mission for Jesus Christ, PO Box 7, West Memphis, AR 72303. Phone: 870-735-6010 Fax: 870-735-0244 To contact via email: esmfjc@aol.com Date Added: 07/01/2008

To advertise in future Market Street Classifieds:
Individual or organizational members of the AGRM may place a 30-word classified ad listing one available position in one issue of Street Smart at no charge, and may renew that ad one additional time at no cost. Ads are due the 10th of the month before the ad is to be listed. Ads exceeding 30 words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Non-member ministries, businesses, and individuals may place an ad for $25.00 per issue for a 30-word ad. Additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Ads are also placed on the AGRM website. Member ministries may renew ads after the second placement at $15 per issue for a 30-word ad. E-mail desired ad placement to editor@agrm.org (subject line: Market Street Classifieds).

Healing the hurting
“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” (John 5:6)

When a friend of mine finished reading Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski, he said, “My first instinct is to scold the church for clearly not being Christ in the world. Our desire to love people in the name of Jesus should override our desire to be comfortable and in control...My prayer is that we won’t scold, but that we boldly will step out of our country club church mentality and dare each other to love the way Christ loves.”

At the AGRM annual convention in Dallas, I had the chance to meet and spend time with Mike. The most telling thing about the experiences that he shared was the way that God’s people treated him. It wasn’t so much that they treated him badly—just that they treated him as a non-person, walking right past him. People were careful not to make eye contact with or talk to him.

This is nothing new. The beggar sat by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, looking for someone to help him. Finally, Jesus confronted him and asked if he wanted to be healed.

May rescue missions be the catalyst to help the church in the twenty-first century become more of a trauma center for those suffering from the bumps and bruises of life and less of a trophy case attempting to show the world all we have and who we are.

Contributed by Tom Meradith, Open Door Mission (Omaha, Neb.)

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Would you like to write an encouraging devotional thought for a future issue of Street Smart? If so, send your submission of 200 words or less (including a related Bible verse) to editor@agrm.org.