A Letter of Thanks

Numbers throughout the Mission have been high, with the women and children’s shelter averaging more than 100 guests every night for a month. Below is a note of thanks from one of the moms who have been helped during challenging times, through your compassion.

I was going through a lot in my personal life. I was nervous coming here. ...this place was filled with helpful people and was very Godly. I honestly became closer to God. This place has helped me with my spiritual walk with God, but also helped me get my life back together with all the time and deep helpful conversations. Thank you! - "Giada"

On behalf of “Giada,” her little one, and the thousands of women, children, and men whom you have impacted with your compassion, thank you! May God richly bless you and your family this Christmas.

Foundations

“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11

As we make progress on the Expansion Project on West Kalamazoo Street, we get the opportunity to observe how construction is progressing in-person and through images and an activity report updated daily by Laux Construction. Every day, we can see progress towards our goal of eventually sheltering 300 adults at this new location. A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of witnessing the concrete footings being established for the addition that will connect the original office buildings. This new building is a critical piece for the success of this location and will hold our main entrance, shelter staff offices, locker rooms, and bathrooms. Now, when I mention bathrooms, I am actually referring to a collective 20 sinks, 15 toilets, 7 urinals, and more than 30 shower units. All this is needed to serve 300 adults. As you can imagine, all this infrastructure first required proper architectural and engineering design work.

However, even with the great work of the Mayotte Groups’ engineering and architecture, none of the plans will be successful if the footings in the foundation are not laid properly. If the footings are faulty, the entire structure will be faulty and will lose integrity. The apostle Paul had written to the Corinthians about division in the church as some declared allegiance “to Apollos” and some proclaimed, “I follow Paul.” Paul made it very clear that there is only one foundation that is Jesus Christ. “…like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it” (3:10). Any other foundation will fail and be revealed on the day of judgment. Our one foundation is Jesus Christ. I love the analogy of a “master builder” and the foundation that is Jesus Christ. Thomas and Emily Dolton began this ministry with the same foundation that will never fail. We simply have the privilege of "building on it."

Hopefully, as you are reading this newsletter, Laux's team will be in the process of installing our steel support beams that are established in conjunction with these footings in the new structure. These beams will provide the support for the concrete floors and walls for a complete physical structure. The remainder of the winter will be spent completing the inside of the new building and renovating the adjacent buildings. If God wills, we will move into the new facility by July of next year. Thank you for helping us help others. Thank you for walking with us through this next chapter of hope.

To God Be the Glory,
Mark Criss
Executive Director

Mission Expansion Project: Addition Takes Shape

We have encountered a few unexpected issues during construction that required, cutting through the concrete floor in 415, installing a sump pump, and breaking through Kalamazoo Street to increase the sewer and water main size to the facility. However, as Mark mentioned in his message, we continue to see progress on our expansion project, and we hope to have the new addition completely enclosed before weather becomes challenging. Below are just a few pictures taken during the writing of this newsletter, and we hope to update you in more detail in our January newsletter.

Opportunities for Growth

The Mission is growing with this new expansion project. Our thrift store is also moving into a larger location. Both of these projects mean that we have increased opportunities for staffing throughout the Mission, including some full time positions. Currently, we need a thrift store manager (full time position), thrift store customer service manager (full or part time position), shelter evening supervisors (full time and part time positions), thrift store cashiers and production coordinators (weekend, part time positions), and shelter weekend daytime supervisors (part time position). If you have ever wanted to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community, visit BEaRESCUER.org/employment.html for more information or call 517.485.0145.

Jackson®

We are so grateful for the many volunteers who serve in so many ways at the Mission. In this month's newsletter, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to a team of hardworking volunteers who have been consistently showing up and giving their time. For the past several years, Jackson has dedicated time to send groups of volunteers, making an impact by serving dinners at both the men’s and women’s shelter and helping at City Rescue Mission Uplift Thrift. Jackson’s staff never fail to serve with a smile and cheerful attitudes, and we are so blessed by their joy to give back to the community. Jackson also recently provided a generous grant for our Mission Expansion Project, further demonstrating their generosity and support for those in need. We are incredibly grateful for their time, compassion, and awareness. Their contributions have made an impact on our guests and have helped us with providing the next step in much needed services to our community. To all of our faithful volunteers, your contributions do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for everything you do. If you are not currently volunteering and would like to apply or find out more, visit BEaRESCUER.org/volunteer.html.