The Next Chapter of Hope: A Message from Mark

“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” Psalms 43:3

When I read this scripture, I can’t help but envision in my head the “Jesus Saves” cross that so deliberately hangs on the outside wall of the City Rescue Mission. In my mind, this sign is glorious because it represents God’s mercy and it brings people to salvation by hearing the truth of God’s plan of salvation. God’s holy hill is separate from the things of this world that corrupts our lives and divides us from Him. Part of God’s mercy is that His light brings us into faith and fellowship with Him.

Over 25 years ago, I happened to be driving by the City Rescue Mission with my pastor. We were attending a church event at the Lansing Lugnuts stadium. I ignorantly asked him about the building with the “Jesus Saves” cross on it.

“What’s up with that sign? Is it a church?” I asked. Pastor Doug Phillips then told me about the City Rescue Mission and suggested that I visit Dan Hicks, the executive director, with the idea of possibly volunteering in the future. If I recall correctly, the very next day I stopped by to introduce myself to Dan. Dan gave me a tour of the facility, and I quickly started volunteering. After a few years, I began sharing the Gospel in the chapel. I knew right away that I found my joy in serving and helping others. What I didn’t know was that God was preparing my heart to serve full time in the ministry of rescue.

I often tell people that the Mission saved my life because I know that faith comes from hearing and hearing comes from the Word of God. I was truly impacted by the futility of my works as I started to better understand and see the Glory of God in this small and faithful chapel. I began to see God quietly and persistently change lives as precious souls were impacted by the Truth of God. Just as a light in darkness, we are able to see our sin in light of God’s holiness. We see our need for salvation and then we rejoice in Christ! Let it be so, “bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” This “Jesus Saves” cross is more than an icon in downtown Lansing. Its message is truly significant as God shows mercy to all those who enter. Thank you for enabling this ministry of rescue to stay true and shine its light in midst of darkness. Thank you for being a rescuer.

Please consider attending our “Cross Walk” as we move the “Jesus Saves” cross to our new location at 415 West Kalamazoo Street. Let’s celebrate and be fervent in prayer that God will shine His divine light on the precious souls that come to the City Rescue Mission. A new location but the same faithful “light and truth.”

In Christian Service,
Mark Criss
Executive Director

Mission Expansion Project: Cross Walk

On Saturday, August 9, we will have a special march to decommission “the old lighthouse,” as Michigan Avenue was once called, and commemorate our historic move to our West Kalamazoo location. Prior to the march, participants can tour through the Michigan Avenue location. Then we will meet in the chapel to begin the Cross Walk at 10 a.m. The march will follow our “Jesus Saves” cross as it is moved from the 600 block of Michigan Avenue to the capitol. Attendees will be able to sing with Mission staff, being led by David Froman, worship coordinator at Holt Baptist. There will then be a brief ceremony at the capitol steps before participants continue on to West Kalamazoo. Participants are encouraged to park at West Kalamazoo, and transportation will be provided to Michigan Avenue, with a bus leaving at approximate times of 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. There will not be transportation back to Michigan Avenue or from Michigan Avenue to West Kalamazoo. We are limited in space, and you can register for the event using this link or by calling 517.485.0145. Event registration will remain open until the available spaces are filled. Event t-shirt orders must be made by June 30. Please call with any questions.

For those unable to participate in the walk, we plan to host a community-wide open house at the new location in the fall, in lieu of our Annual Appreciation Banquet.

City Rescue Mission Uplift Thrift on the Move

After twelve years, our thrift store is moving to a bigger store...just around the corner. As of May 3, we have closed our doors on our old location at 3700 West Saginaw and moved to 3800 West Saginaw, Suite 2, in the plaza behind our current store. We do hope to open our doors near the end of May with a special Grand Opening Celebration in early June! For more information on the timeline, visit the store’s page on facebook. We are so grateful for the support of our community and our fellows rescuers, as your donations and proceeds from your purchases not only enable us to offer vouchers for our guests to shop for free but also to put funds into the ministry to help provide food, shelter, and hope. For those wanting to donate to the store, there is a donation door accessible off Edgemont Boulevard, the road that runs behind the store. Anyone on the west side or in the area is also welcome to drop off other items needed by the Mission, such as hygiene items (please, no food items). We look forward to seeing you at the store!

Ambrosia Salad

Family Size:
1 15oz can Mandarin Oranges
1 15oz can Pineapple Tidbits
5 cups Cool Whip (thawed)
2 cups Shredded Coconut
2 cups Mini Marshmallows
1 cup Maraschino Cherries
1/4 cup 2% or Whole Milk

Mission Size:
6 15oz cans Mandarin Oranges
8 15oz cans Pineapple Tidbits
28 cups Cool Whip (thawed)
10 cups Shredded Coconut
12 cups Mini Marshmallows
8 cups Maraschino Cherries
2 cups 2% or Whole Milk

Directions: Mix all ingredients together and chill before serving. (Recipe featured in February 2017.)

Ministry Opportunity: A Food Service staff member recently commented on how often we show love through food. This is especially true at the City Rescue Mission, where quality meals mean so much to someone who might otherwise go hungry. If you are looking for a way to add ministry to your life, consider this opportunity to provide a quality meal where guests can learn about the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Visit BEaRECUER.org or see page four for more opportunities.