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More About the Mission

Message from Mark: Building Hope

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“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9

A safe and clean place. Hot food. A kind word. A warm smile. A nod. You would be amazed at how many "little things" God uses to make an eternal difference. Recently, I received a message from a person who struggled with homelessness and addiction for over a decade. "Danny" had been crushed under the impact of alcohol and surrendered his life to the demands of an unrelenting master. He spent his days and nights looking for his next drink, and he eventually walked away from his family and friends. In his oppression, Danny found refuge at the City Rescue Mission. Danny had spent many nights at the men’s shelter and the drop-in center over the years, where he experienced God’s message of forgiveness and His provision through rescuers like you. Danny’s surprise message to me was a celebration, to let me know that he’s been “sober for 26 months” and he resides with his family, including 6 grandchildren! He mentioned our last discussion that God used to encourage him to seek treatment and to focus on things that are eternal. In times of trouble, a kind word to the oppressed can have an infinite impact when applied within God’s stronghold. God changes lives according to His will and purpose.

He will continue to work through the Mission, as we grow to meet more needs. We are still raising funds, as we make progress towards our estimated Phase One completion date in the end of July. See the inside of this newsletter for information on the project, including a current financial update. We hope to celebrate the completion of the project with a special ceremony and march toward the capitol. We look forward to helping more people, like Danny, who need a safe place to stay and to hear the Good News of salvation. Thank you for caring for all those who come to the City Rescue Mission. Thank you for being a rescuer!

Mark Criss
Executive Director

Project Progress

message from mark

In early December, heavy steel beams were lifted into place to support the 7,000 square foot addition, which will not only connect two former office buildings into a new 37,000 square foot shelter for single adults, but also hold shower and bathroom facilities for the 300 people the building will be able to accommodate once both phases have been completed. Currently, we are raising funds to complete Phase One, the most expensive part of the project. A few of the necessary projects are listed below. Fundraising for Phase Two will begin once Phase One funding is completed.

PHASE ONE: New Addition & 415 Building

  • Transfer services from Michigan Avenue: men’s shelter for 100 and dining room
  • Create a day shelter for single adults
  • Integrate the drop-in center to this new location
  • Build an addition to connect two buildings
  • Replace and increase electrical, water, and sewer services
  • Place new roof HVAC, air-handling units (and ductwork)
  • Install sprinkler systems in new addition and 415 building
  • Create required storm water retention area

PHASE TWO: 421 Building

  • Complete second men’s dorm for 100
  • Renovate for women’s dorm and finish shower area for 100
  • Create new chapel space with capacity for 300
  • HVAC, Sprinkler Systems, and other needed upgrades

Financial Update

As with all construction projects, there were some unexpected challenges and resulting costs with the project. Because of the scope of the work, these were costly issues: need for a large sump pump when previously undiscovered water was found after the heavy summer rains, a water main in a wrong location, costs and fees to BWL to relocate the water main under a main street, storm water never properly connected as part of the sewer separation project, major parking lot repairs necessitated by the use of heavy construction equipment, etc. Still, the gifts of our community have been overwhelming. With over 5 million dollars raised toward the project so far, we are more than halfway toward the goal of completing Phase One! Please continue to pray for God’s provision. FUNDS RAISED = $5,423,056.52 / 56% of Phase One

The Next Chapter of Hope

rescue news

In 1948, Mission Superintendent John Beck led a special ceremony to celebrate the first permanent home of the City Rescue Mission of Lansing at 611 East Michigan Avenue. In the thirty-seven years prior to that, the Mission had existed in rented rooms mainly on Michigan Avenue. For the next 76 years, the Mission continued to expand, first at this location, then branching out to provide services across the city. God used the heart of Thomas and Emily Dolton, and the faithfulness of John Beck, Leon Kellogg, and others, to help the Mission weather many challenging years. Through it all, this goal has remained: as God provides, the Mission will use those provisions to show and share the love of Christ to those in our community needing food, shelter, and hope. With this new expansion project, we will be able to grow as we are currently unable to do at our flagship location on Michigan Avenue. It is very difficult to close the doors on the 600 block, which has been a beacon of hope to thousands through the years. God has greatly used these humble buildings, but we believe that, with your prayers and support, the light of the cross will shine as brightly at this larger facility on West Kalamazoo Street.

In honor of all that this location has meant to our community and our supporters, we are planning a decommissioning service for “the old lighthouse” on Michigan Avenue, once Phase One is completed. Please plan to join us. Currently construction estimates are for late summer 2025. We will have more information in upcoming newsletters.

Opportunities for Growth

team rescue

The Mission is growing to meet the need in our community, but we need help. If you have ever wanted to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community, we have opportunities in a number of departments: shelter, food services, and thrift store. Full time opportunities include management positions at our thrift store. We also have part time, evening and weekend positions in shelter and food services that work well for a second job or as a ministry opportunity. To find out more, visit BEaRESCUER.org/employment.html for more information or call 517.485.0145.

Cincinnati Chili

volunteer spotlight

Family Size: 8 servings 2 1/2 lbs lean Ground Beef
1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
1 1/3 (6 oz) cans Tomato Paste
5 Tbsp Chili Powder
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp Ground Allspice
1 1/4 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Distilled White Vinegar
1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Salt
2 tsp Steak Sauce
3 cups Water

Mission Size: 160 servings 50 lbs lean Ground Beef
20 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
26 2/3 (6 oz) cans Tomato Paste
6 1/4 cups Chili Powder
1/4 cup and 4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
6 Tbsp and 2 tsp Ground Allspice
1/2 cup and 1 tsp Salt
1 1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar
6 TB and 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
5 tsp Garlic Powder
6 TB and 2 tsp Onion Salt
1/4 cup and 4 tsps Steak Sauce
3 gallons and 3 quarts Water

Directions (for home slow cooker): Cook Ground Beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Allspice, Salt, Vinegar, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Salt, Steak Sauce, and Water to the slow cooker; mix well. Cook on Low for 12 hours. Serve over Spaghetti Noodles or Corn Chips.