The Need increases!!

The harsh summer months are behind us, but old man winter begins to move in. The homeless continue to struggle in their search for adequate housing and shelter. Fort Wayne Rescue Mission Ministries is committed to being the advocate and support to many. The challenge however lay in the fact that the number of homeless men, women and children is increasing at an alarming rate.

The increase may be attributed to;

1. Tough economic times.

2. Lack of affordable housing.

3. The ongoing dissolution of the traditional family.

4. The shrinking number of supportive social service providers, example; clinics.

5. The increase in drug and alcohol abuse.

6. Disconnection and apathy regarding authentic ministry to the poor.

7. An increase in young adults aging out of the Foster care system.

As the need increases, many ministries and non-profits are struggling to keep up. Rescue Ministries is no exception. We are wrestling with this reality and by God's grace will seek to remain faithful stewards. With that in mind, we have resolved to;

1. Maintain our vision and sharpen our focus so as to "rescue" the men, women and children entrusted to us.

2. March forward in the execution of our mission; "To provide through the power of Jesus Christ, home for the homeless, food for the hungry and hope for their future."

3. Manage the resources God has entrusted to us.

Firstly, would you consider joining us as the need increases? Please consider giving us a gift via our new and improved website. www.rescueministries.us? Secondly, would you consider attending our October 22, stewardship banquet? This will be held at Hall's Guesthouse, at 1313 W. Washington Center Road in Fort Wayne. The banquet begins at 6:30 pm. You will hear heartwarming testimonies of transformed lives from the women and men. The cost is $50.00 per ticket which includes a meal. Thirdly, I would love to meet with you and provide a tour of both the Charis House and the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. Please feel free to call me at; 260 426 7357 Ext. 13. My Email address is; pastordonovan@rescueministries.us

Thanks for your prayerful and sacrificial support.

Pastor Donovan A. Coley Sr. CEO/Senior Pastor.

Serving the Homeless, Serving Jesus.

The call to christian service, is a call to all true believers. The moment a person declares Jesus to be their Lord, Jesus invites and initiates them into a life of sacrificial service. Such service is not obligatory, but flows from a heart of love and great appreciation for what God has done for the believer. The purpose of this "Blog" is to remind us of the incredible expectation of God in calling us to serve the homeless.

Reminder # 1.

Serving the homeless demands an "incarnational" approach to ministry. The word incarnation literally means the "en-fleshment" or the taking on of the need or needs represented by the individual entrusted to you by God for service. The believer, should then accept the person as an equal who deserves to be treated in a way as if he were Jesus Himself. After all, such a person also possesses the image of God; the imprint of God. The believer's example is none other than Jesus who became human and temporarily laid aside His Divine attributes. The believer must therefore ascend his man built superimposed throne and accept the role of servant and healer and become the heart and hands of Jesus.

Reminder # 2.

Serving the homeless depends on the invitation of the homeless persons themselves. Ministry effectiveness calls us to being discerning and wise in the use of our limited resources. At Rescue Ministries, we are constantly assessing the best use of God's resources. Not everyone who comes to us has a desire to deal with the deep rooted issues that have led to their homelessness. We are committed to meeting without question the basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter. We are just as passionate in partnering with the individual in digging deeper, but only when there is a willingness on the individuals part to address their issues personally, spiritually, emotionally and otherwise. To attempt to serve an individual against their will is to dehumanize and add insult to an already difficult situation. It is our prayer that in time the Holy Spirit will allow us the privilege of serving such a person.

Reminder # 3.

Serving the homeless demands the integration of biblical truth and best practices geared specifically to the needs of the individual. As we serve the homeless population, me must improve and increase in our ability to apply scriptural principles to the human condition. This however should not lessen our need to be good practitioners in using the social sciences for the good of humanity. The needs of the homeless are often complex and demand more than the simplistic approach of providing shelter, long term housing and community referrals. The theological component must be explored and administered to the person's context.

Conclusion:

My world at Rescue Ministries demand the best that I have in meeting the needs of men, women and children. My team takes it very seriously. Should you desire to serve the homeless. Please do not hesitate to call us at 260 426 7357. You will be challenged, changed and blessed.