In Service of the Cross

If you ask “Lawrence” how it felt to come to the Mission, he would reply with one word: “embarrassing.” Recently on parole, he had a goal to get on his feet and find work and a place of his own. What he experienced when he came to the Mission was acceptance. “It’s okay to be here,” he says, “’cause I’m here for them to help me.”

Lawrence could not have expected the difference he found at the Mission: the focus on the value and importance of his soul. “They gave me the opportunity to work with a man of the cloth named Mr. Gary, who has uplifted me in my spiritual walk with the Lord without passing any judgment on me.”

The Mission is unique because our focus is showing and sharing the love of Jesus Christ to those whom we have the opportunity to serve. Gary is our driver, and though his tasks do involve physical labor, he is also able to minister to the spiritual needs of our guests. Everyone, from counselors to custodians, are asked to be ready to give an answer "for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). All our staff “suit up,” when they come to work. The Mission uniform includes our logo, which highlights the truth on our “Jesus Saves” cross sign. This message is our standard as we seek to share hope to so many who have experienced very little hope and compassion in their lives.

If you have ever wanted to minister in our community, we have a variety of opportunities. These involve differing levels of ministry, for those who enjoy direct interaction with guests and those who are more comfortable in a supportive capacity. Right now, we are growing, and available positions, mostly evenings and weekends, include full and part time employment.

For more information on joining team rescue as a staff member, visit BEaRESCUER.org or call 517.485.0145. We also appreciate the prayers of our supporters on behalf of those who serve as staff. Without the prayers and financial support of our fellow rescuers, Lawrence could not have said, “I thank you all for the time and dedication...to help other people’s need. Keep up God’s good work!”

Investing in Needs

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay Him for His deed.” Proverbs 19:17

Have you ever borrowed money from someone or lent money to someone? Did that change your relationship to some extent? For better or worse? Depending on the relationship before the exchange of a debt, it could easily slip into an unhealthy or a damaged relationship. The grantor can easily begin to question the debtor’s ability or willingness to be faithful to his obligations. Also, the debtor may feel the weight of the existing obligation and the judgmental position of the grantor. Either way, there is risk.

I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise then when we discover that the Hebrew word for “lends” is lāvâ, which means “to borrow, lend” or “to join, be joined.” Somehow, it seems, that there is an experiential “joining” of parties when it comes to borrowing or lending. For example, there are obligations and commitments when you borrow from a financial institution, including interest and principal payments. You enter into a different relationship and are joined by this debt. However, isn’t it marvelous that the proverb insists that your generosity to the poor is lent “to the Lord” and will be repaid? Certainly, the Lord is more than capable of returning the generosity of your deeds on behalf of the poor. I am confident that most rescuers give because God has already provided, and they often give out of their thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord. We certainly recognize that Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Our community is made up of so many rescuers, like you, who give generously of their time and talents. It is a testimony to our community that followers of Jesus believe in taking care of those in need. Thank you for helping us help others. Thank you for being a rescuer. Thank you for lending to the Lord and working on His behalf.

To God Be the Glory,
Mark Criss
Executive Director

Financial Update and Save the Date!

We have passed the halfway point for funding for the Mission Expansion Project! As of the writing of this newsletter, we have made enough progress to begin raising funds for Phase Two, with expected expenditures requiring a final 4.1 million dollars to be finished with construction on the entire project. There will be additional costs once construction is complete (beds and lockers, security installations for cameras and door access, etc.); however, we are six months ahead of where we expected to be at this stage of this two phase project. Please continue to pray for the progress of the project. Thank you, too, for your gifts to meet this remaining funding goal. As mentioned in the last newsletter, several unexpected challenges are not yet resolved. We do hope to move from Michigan Avenue in the summer, with a special celebratory event in August.

SAVE the DATE

What: Mission Cross Walk
Who: Supporters and Our Community
When: Saturday, August 9

On Saturday, August 9, we will honor our longtime flagship location at Michigan Avenue with a march from the 600 block to the capitol. For those wanting to tour the project, we are far enough ahead in construction that we plan to have a community-wide open house this Fall. Stay tuned for more information on both of these events!

Telling a Different Story

For the past few years, we have had a number of individuals ask the question, “If unemployment is so low, why are the numbers of those who are homeless increasing?” Lack of affordable housing and rising inflation can only partially account for the fact that HUD reported a staggering near 20% increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024. While we have also seen an increase in mental illness and substance use, a recent article in “Politico,” written by an economist, offers a different view as to why job numbers report as high but many of us know someone who has lost a job and is struggling to find good employment. We have a number of guests who are working, some of them multiple jobs, and as a result, they are no longer considered “unemployed.” The article reports that while there are jobs to be had and the pay rate is higher than ever, many of these are part time and temporary jobs. “If you filter the statistic to include as unemployed people who can’t find anything but part-time work or who make a poverty wage (roughly $25,000),...nearly one of every four workers is functionally unemployed in America today.” Take heart, fellow rescuers, while the reality of what our guests experience is very daunting, your compassion in action is providing essential, life-altering support. Thank you for doing more every day. Thank you for being a rescuer.

"Voters Were Right About the Economy. The Data Was Wrong." Eugene Ludwig, politico.com, 02/11/2025

From a Mother's Experience

One volunteer, inspired by her son's experience with homelessness and a desire to help women and children, has decided to give back to the City Rescue Mission. Volunteering at the Mission has been a gratifying experience for Robin. A mother of three with her third grandchild on the way, she gives her time to assist with the children staying with their mothers at the Mission. Robin mentions how this experience instills a deeper sense of gratitude for her own life and reinforces her desire to help those less fortunate. As she states, "Life has a way of throwing curve balls at each and every one of us, but with strength, determination, and assistance we can overcome obstacles and strive for better."

Her favorite aspects of volunteering are spending time with the children and offering respite to the mothers. As a mother and grandmother herself, she cherishes the opportunity to connect with children and provide a helping hand to moms in need of a break. She knows all too well the demands of motherhood and is happy to offer relief and support.

One of her favorite memories of serving involves reassuring a hesitant mother who was worried about leaving her child in the care of someone new. When the mother returned, relieved and sincerely grateful that everything had gone smoothly, Robin felt touched, calling the moment "priceless."

By offering food, shelter, hope, and a connection to something greater, the City Rescue Mission provides a lifeline for those navigating difficult circumstances. Together, we remind them that they are not alone and that they have a future through the grace of God.

To learn more about volunteering, visit BEaRESCUER.org.