I was asked by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, along with some other expansion mission directors, to do an interview for our upcoming trade magazine called Rescue. They won't use the whole thing, so thought I'd share it here:
1. How do you know that God is calling you to start a mission?
Well, for us, it meant trying every other option available because quite frankly, Ken was never going to work at a RESCUE mission again! God kept closing doors in unusual ways. No one wanted us?! How can this be??!! We were too young. Not enough education. Not enough money backing us with our small church. It was a lot of the same excuses that people used when the Lord blocked our path to the foreign mission field, so it became obvious… particularly when our house and all it’s contents sold for a nice profit in only a few days of having it up in a private sale.
2. What are the critical elements in getting a mission started?
Faith… seems obvious, but there are times of extreme discouragement and “what-the- heck-are-we-doing-here moments.” The enemy will try and stop you at every turn and when you aren’t secure in your calling, you will shift with the Saskatchewan winds.
Our entire story is how God did one thing after another. Over and over and over again He proved that He was the one starting Regina RESCUE Mission. We were just along for the ride.
3. How did you select the city in which you started your mission?
The AGRM had asked us to do a needs assessment in another large Canadian city and upon investigation, we knew we could not afford to live there and start a work. Plus, we would have been duplicating service with another well-established Christian mission. We had driven through Regina many times on the TransCanada Highway on the way to visit Ken’s parents. We wondered if this small city of 200,000 could possibly be in need of a mission, so we came and did a needs assessment. The word from other agencies and Christians we met was, “Come! We need a long term Christian recovery program!”
4. How do you get the community to support your ministry while it is still "a vision?"
Actually, we weren’t sure we could do that! We figured having any building was better than none, since not all are visionaries like Ken! So, we prayed for a building to begin the work by January 1st, 2000, and God gave us a great Christmas present: a “crack shack” complete with the live-in clients!
Ken put up a poster that announced the new management of the building. Some of the occupants asked him, “What’s a RESCUE mission?” Ken said, “No booze, no women, and you have to go to Bible study!”
And so, with this castle in hand, we approached churches and Christians in Regina and we all got busy with work bee after work bee, cleaning, painting, removing needles and bug infested mattresses, serving soup, and, of course, starting Bible studies. People were excited, word spread quickly, and churches began coming to US.
5. How do you build a strong financial base for your work?
At first we mailed every human being on the planet that we had known or met once. If I got the business card of my dry cleaner, he went on the mailing list. I think we actually sent our first couple of letter to 700 people! We were fortunate to know a lot of people from our previous ministry, and also from Ken growing up in a small Bible college town. We did not nag anyone. I think we sent out to them twice, and only kept on the list those who responded. Many people whom we had not been in touch with for years actually sent in a faith gift for beginning this work.
We partnered with Canadian Revival Fellowship, and they were also very excited to be part of an inner city ministry. They held a fund raising banquet and donated all of the proceeds to Regina RESCUE Mission. We received some quality donors from that first event.
Our board of directors were nervous about allowing a mail out to the entire city, so we paid for it out of our own pocket. It made money, found us nearly 1000 new donors, and then we were reimbursed for the costs. Each year since our inception we have gained 1000 or more new donors with this annual Christmas mailing.
We supported ourselves the first year through the sale of our home and cashing in our RRSP’s. I think the majority of start-up missions spend their money on salaries. We were fortunate enough to have savings and we quickly moved into the Mission when we took it over. (Of course, this was AFTER we got rid of the bed bugs.) Eventually Ken received a small wage of $500, then it went up from there.
Other forms of media were also taken advantage of. We were nominated for Hero of the Week by CTV, so that was some great TV time. The local paper also interviewed us and we pretty much got our name out in every venue we could. Things were much smaller in the scale of programming back then, so we were able to do this with just the two of us.
6. How important were volunteers to your initial efforts? How did you initially attract volunteers? How were volunteers used in your ministry?
Eventually we desired to start more ministries and partnered with the local Christian college. We set up two groups, “Compassion Teams,” who did door to door and downtown outreach, and “Prison Ministry Team.” We then partnered with another college, and set up a team for a Friday night Coffee House. We had an Intern from Seminary who, with his wife, moved his inner city Care Group to the Mission on Saturday nights. This gave us a bit of a break, and allowed us to run programs without much supervision.
Our goal was to have volunteers whom we could just turn over the keys and say, “You’re in charge.” I think the Lord handpicked the most quality Bible college students and the RESCUE bug bit them. They graduated from RESCUE College and are still with us today. We have a very high staff retention rate and I know it is because God has actually CALLED these young people. I don’t care what your position, you are a missionary if you work at Regina RESCUE Mission!
A few local pastors and Godly men also joined forces with us to lead and teach various groups, classes and studies. They are still with us today and very loved by our LifeChange residents.
7. When do you know that you have "turned the corner" and your mission is going to be successful?
We always gauged success on the 5-year mark. As in business, most businesses that stick around 5 years will be successful. Still, we know of several missions that have not made it and how discouraging for the founders it must be. However, I look at the churches the apostle Paul founded and where are they today? God will rise up a ministry in HIS time and for HIS purposes.
8. What are the personal sacrifices involved in starting a new ministry?
Everything. You sacrifice everything. Not to scare you away, but you better be ready to give every single thing you have to God. Time. Money. Health. Don’t do it if you have a rocky marriage. Don’t do it if you think your children will turn wayward. Don’t do it if you’re afraid of losing anything at all. It’s not a Cruise Ship, people, it’s a Battle Ship!
God desires that we give everything we have to Him. People who aren’t called do not understand that sacrifice, and if you don’t understand it, you will be unwilling to make it. It’s about giving all that you have to Jesus. Not because you have to, but because you want to pay Him back. You want to give Him the honour and debt that is due. Although we can never repay it, we spend our lives for Him because it is He who gives us life.
“I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:15a
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
"PLEASE PLAY AGAIN"
Well, after a week away, a 6:00 shift sure seems early. It's 'RRRoll Up the Rim to Lose' time at Tim Horton's. That helps.
Also, Mesfin our Night Watchman made French toast, so it's a special breakfast (not just continental!) Actually, what is particularly special about it is that I don't have to get it ready. And now we've added syrup to the regularly purchased items so that pancakes and French toast get eaten with glee. I don't understand how we can go through ONE GALLON of syrup in a week?! Ick.
Well, a week at Hope Mission in Edmonton has come and gone. Ken and I went on a "working holiday" and had a fabulous time, meeting old and new friends, touring facilities and operations, attending MissionsFest, picking staffer's brains, and, of course, one day at WEST EDMONTON MALL. Ug. 6 hours of mall walking and all I got was some Purdy's chocolates.
What CEO Bruce Reith has done is 20 years is fantastic. Growing Hope Mission from 4 staff to over 100... imagine, a whole DEPARTMENT for laundry!! Their key staff players, many of them there for more than 10 years, are quality men and women who love the Lord. We got to be a part of their monthly staff luncheon, where everyone comes together from the various departments and buildings. It was there that several awards for long term service (10 years plus!) were handed out.
Ken was able to share with them that people who stick with Mission work for that long either truly love the Lord or no one told them they could quit! He also encouraged them to press on, "enduring hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3) As further encouragement, I briefly told them our story of faith, how Ken and Michelle left everything they owned and everyone they knew to found Regina RESCUE Mission. Okay, so I told that story in the TWO MINUTES that Bruce alloted me. I may have glazed over some key points, there!
The longer we're in the Lord's service, the more difficult it becomes. That honeymoon phase has passed, and the enemy tempts us with discouragement and depression, urging us to give up. We need Missions that are 75 years old, and we need to celebrate men and women who commit their lives to being missionaries! Ten years is a long time!! When I see what God has done at Hope Mission I get excited and my vision becomes renewed.
What are you struggling with today? What is making you want to give up? Do you need a ride on someone's coattails of Hope?
Also, Mesfin our Night Watchman made French toast, so it's a special breakfast (not just continental!) Actually, what is particularly special about it is that I don't have to get it ready. And now we've added syrup to the regularly purchased items so that pancakes and French toast get eaten with glee. I don't understand how we can go through ONE GALLON of syrup in a week?! Ick.
Well, a week at Hope Mission in Edmonton has come and gone. Ken and I went on a "working holiday" and had a fabulous time, meeting old and new friends, touring facilities and operations, attending MissionsFest, picking staffer's brains, and, of course, one day at WEST EDMONTON MALL. Ug. 6 hours of mall walking and all I got was some Purdy's chocolates.
What CEO Bruce Reith has done is 20 years is fantastic. Growing Hope Mission from 4 staff to over 100... imagine, a whole DEPARTMENT for laundry!! Their key staff players, many of them there for more than 10 years, are quality men and women who love the Lord. We got to be a part of their monthly staff luncheon, where everyone comes together from the various departments and buildings. It was there that several awards for long term service (10 years plus!) were handed out.
Ken was able to share with them that people who stick with Mission work for that long either truly love the Lord or no one told them they could quit! He also encouraged them to press on, "enduring hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3) As further encouragement, I briefly told them our story of faith, how Ken and Michelle left everything they owned and everyone they knew to found Regina RESCUE Mission. Okay, so I told that story in the TWO MINUTES that Bruce alloted me. I may have glazed over some key points, there!
The longer we're in the Lord's service, the more difficult it becomes. That honeymoon phase has passed, and the enemy tempts us with discouragement and depression, urging us to give up. We need Missions that are 75 years old, and we need to celebrate men and women who commit their lives to being missionaries! Ten years is a long time!! When I see what God has done at Hope Mission I get excited and my vision becomes renewed.
What are you struggling with today? What is making you want to give up? Do you need a ride on someone's coattails of Hope?
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Those Lazy Aliens
Well, the big hub bub yesterday was new staff mailboxes. We work with the John Howard Society in their "Fine Options" program. That means, when someone gets a ticket for... say, jay walking, instead of paying the government the big bucks, they work off the value of the fine, based on minimum wage, at the Regina RESCUE Mission.
Well, as with everything else in life, with the Fine Options program, you win some, and you lose some. That means, some people come around, sign in to the log book, get assigned their task, and then, as soon as you turn your back to leave the room, they get frozen in time. You come back, and there is no progression of work whatsoever. Personally, I attribute it to aliens. I'm pretty sure they're conducting random experiments with our Fine Options workers.
But, there are those who are immune to the aliens super-powers. In fact, they seem to have a reverse effect. It is for those people we are truly connected with the John Howard Society. One of them... we call her "Parking Ticket Lady" is AMAZING! She built us new mailboxes. Imagine, every single staff member having their own box AND we have room to hire more staff! It's the mailbox of faith, because there are 25 slots instead of 15!
So, I'd like to thank those Fine Ops Workers who have alien immunity:
Victor - Joe - Blaine - Cindy
Thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty!
Well, as with everything else in life, with the Fine Options program, you win some, and you lose some. That means, some people come around, sign in to the log book, get assigned their task, and then, as soon as you turn your back to leave the room, they get frozen in time. You come back, and there is no progression of work whatsoever. Personally, I attribute it to aliens. I'm pretty sure they're conducting random experiments with our Fine Options workers.
But, there are those who are immune to the aliens super-powers. In fact, they seem to have a reverse effect. It is for those people we are truly connected with the John Howard Society. One of them... we call her "Parking Ticket Lady" is AMAZING! She built us new mailboxes. Imagine, every single staff member having their own box AND we have room to hire more staff! It's the mailbox of faith, because there are 25 slots instead of 15!
So, I'd like to thank those Fine Ops Workers who have alien immunity:
Victor - Joe - Blaine - Cindy
Thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty!
Monday, February 20, 2006
This Woman is Karen
This morning just as we were about to begin our daily staff prayer time the doorbell rang.
I looked out the window and saw that it was this woman, full of snow, having just slipped. Norma, our Volunteer Receptionist Extraordinaire, went to open the door and was rather taken aback.
This woman came in screaming, and swearing, completely intoxicated and incoherant. We couldn't help but hear the commotion. I peeked out the curtain and quickly sent Ken to help Norma.
Then we got down to the business of prayer.
How do you pray for someone like this? Completely out of her mind and not in control of her own faculties. I began to pray... then each person followed, praying for this woman that Ken and Norma were trying to calm down.
Jack prayed that this woman would see Jesus in Ken and Norma. Vicki prayed that this woman would remember stumbling into our LifeChange Campus and that she would come back and change her life.
And while we were praying, and Norma was calling and the police, Ken was trying to calm her down. This woman, whom most of us could not lay our eyes on without revulsion. This woman, whom, filthy and vulgar from head to toe, would frighten most of us. I blinked back tears as we tried to concentrate on our prayers amidst the din of obscenity.
Ken has a knack for enacting the Proverb, "A soft answer turns away wrath." He learned a lot about this woman's messy life. The day before, she had gone through DT's. She was so sick that she drank all morning to get rid of them. Then she went over to her ex-husband's house, stole a hundred dollars from him, got into a fight with him that you could hear blocks away, and then ran to the only refuge she knew--the Mission.
She remembered us because she had come once before and one of the female staffers took time to pray with her. Ken offered her a coffee while they waited for the police.
He told her about God's love for her, and exhorted her: "You know, you're going to have to stop drinking some day. Or you're going to die. And then you're going to meet God. What will you say to him then?"
"I don't know", replied this woman.
"You can talk to God now and tell Him you are sorry for your sins," Ken told her.
And then, this woman, who, moments ago, came in kicking and screaming, now sitting quietly in the chapel, bowed her head and prayed a simple prayer to Jesus, asking Him to forgive her.
And, as I type this here tonight in my home, I ask Ken if he knew her name. "Yes. It's Karen."
"Karen," Ken said, "I want you to remember that prayer when you get sober."
And then the police came and took her away.
I looked out the window and saw that it was this woman, full of snow, having just slipped. Norma, our Volunteer Receptionist Extraordinaire, went to open the door and was rather taken aback.
This woman came in screaming, and swearing, completely intoxicated and incoherant. We couldn't help but hear the commotion. I peeked out the curtain and quickly sent Ken to help Norma.
Then we got down to the business of prayer.
How do you pray for someone like this? Completely out of her mind and not in control of her own faculties. I began to pray... then each person followed, praying for this woman that Ken and Norma were trying to calm down.
Jack prayed that this woman would see Jesus in Ken and Norma. Vicki prayed that this woman would remember stumbling into our LifeChange Campus and that she would come back and change her life.
And while we were praying, and Norma was calling and the police, Ken was trying to calm her down. This woman, whom most of us could not lay our eyes on without revulsion. This woman, whom, filthy and vulgar from head to toe, would frighten most of us. I blinked back tears as we tried to concentrate on our prayers amidst the din of obscenity.
Ken has a knack for enacting the Proverb, "A soft answer turns away wrath." He learned a lot about this woman's messy life. The day before, she had gone through DT's. She was so sick that she drank all morning to get rid of them. Then she went over to her ex-husband's house, stole a hundred dollars from him, got into a fight with him that you could hear blocks away, and then ran to the only refuge she knew--the Mission.
She remembered us because she had come once before and one of the female staffers took time to pray with her. Ken offered her a coffee while they waited for the police.
He told her about God's love for her, and exhorted her: "You know, you're going to have to stop drinking some day. Or you're going to die. And then you're going to meet God. What will you say to him then?"
"I don't know", replied this woman.
"You can talk to God now and tell Him you are sorry for your sins," Ken told her.
And then, this woman, who, moments ago, came in kicking and screaming, now sitting quietly in the chapel, bowed her head and prayed a simple prayer to Jesus, asking Him to forgive her.
And, as I type this here tonight in my home, I ask Ken if he knew her name. "Yes. It's Karen."
"Karen," Ken said, "I want you to remember that prayer when you get sober."
And then the police came and took her away.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Sunday In the Trenches
This morning Pastor Ron preached on Hebrews 11. The great chapter of faith. What struck me, as I listened to the reading of the word, is how the early Christians were literally terrorized and tortured to their deaths. All they had to do was renounce Jesus, and they could have lived. Instead, they were martyred in ways so horrible we cannot fathom--flogged, death by sword, stoning, sawed in half, to name a few.
How it pales in comparison to the lives we desire to live. Men and women around the globe are being persecuted for their faith THIS VERY DAY. And we think we have it hard if someone laughs at us because we happen to mention we go to church on Sunday.
In Bible college, I will never forget the ratty old poster that was nailed at the top of the dining room stairs. It was a simple quote by CT Studd, but it impacted my life for the Lord and Missions:
"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him. "
I live my life by this today, and I am quite sure that CT did, too. Here's his take:
"The "romance" of a missionary is often made up of monotony and drudgery; there often is no glamour in it; it doesn't stir a man's spirit or blood. So don't be a missionary as an experiment, it is useless and dangerous. Only come if you feel you would rather die than not come. Lord Wolsey was right: "A missionary ought to be a fanatic or he encumbers the ground." There are many trials and hardships. Disappointments are numerous. Don't come if you want to make a great name or want to live long. Come if you feel there is no greater honour, after living for Christ, than to die for Him. "
And to this I say, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. " (Romans 8:35 & 36)
I concur with Studd when he said, "Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell."
How it pales in comparison to the lives we desire to live. Men and women around the globe are being persecuted for their faith THIS VERY DAY. And we think we have it hard if someone laughs at us because we happen to mention we go to church on Sunday.
In Bible college, I will never forget the ratty old poster that was nailed at the top of the dining room stairs. It was a simple quote by CT Studd, but it impacted my life for the Lord and Missions:
"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him. "
I live my life by this today, and I am quite sure that CT did, too. Here's his take:
"The "romance" of a missionary is often made up of monotony and drudgery; there often is no glamour in it; it doesn't stir a man's spirit or blood. So don't be a missionary as an experiment, it is useless and dangerous. Only come if you feel you would rather die than not come. Lord Wolsey was right: "A missionary ought to be a fanatic or he encumbers the ground." There are many trials and hardships. Disappointments are numerous. Don't come if you want to make a great name or want to live long. Come if you feel there is no greater honour, after living for Christ, than to die for Him. "
And to this I say, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. " (Romans 8:35 & 36)
I concur with Studd when he said, "Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell."
Saturday, February 18, 2006
A Tale of Two Sisters
I got a phone call this afternoon from one of our workers, informing me that if I thought I convince Allie & Emma not to leave, I had half an hour to do so.
I have been known to be able to convince men and women on the brink of quitting to stay. However, I knew these girls would not be swayed.
Two sisters. Both having moved in only two weeks ago. Both pregnant and due at the same time. Both having racked up over 20 demerits.
The demerits say it all. We usually evict after 6 or so, but with these girls, our Program Manager wanted to give them a chance. Since there is no waiting list right now, I had no problem with trying her experiment.
Meetings with their staff sponsors indicated they were going to start setting an alarm and getting up for breakfast and for class. They would have better attitudes. One of them was going to work alongside me for the day to wipe off a whackload of demerits.
And we were going to be generous with taking them off, IF they showed an effort. Just a bad start to a program. They're not used to structure or discipline. They didn't have an alarm clock. They're pregnant.
But when Larry called me, I knew the demerits told the real story. The story of bad attitudes and wanting a clean place to live, but not wanting to participate in the things which make for a healthy, family-style environment.
And so, now, they have left for another town, along with the common-law father of one of the babies. Mark was also enrolled in the LifeChange Program.
We can fill the beds easily enough. There are many other women who want a chance at changing their lives.
But those unborn babies we've been praying for each day. What of their chance to life?
I have been known to be able to convince men and women on the brink of quitting to stay. However, I knew these girls would not be swayed.
Two sisters. Both having moved in only two weeks ago. Both pregnant and due at the same time. Both having racked up over 20 demerits.
The demerits say it all. We usually evict after 6 or so, but with these girls, our Program Manager wanted to give them a chance. Since there is no waiting list right now, I had no problem with trying her experiment.
Meetings with their staff sponsors indicated they were going to start setting an alarm and getting up for breakfast and for class. They would have better attitudes. One of them was going to work alongside me for the day to wipe off a whackload of demerits.
And we were going to be generous with taking them off, IF they showed an effort. Just a bad start to a program. They're not used to structure or discipline. They didn't have an alarm clock. They're pregnant.
But when Larry called me, I knew the demerits told the real story. The story of bad attitudes and wanting a clean place to live, but not wanting to participate in the things which make for a healthy, family-style environment.
And so, now, they have left for another town, along with the common-law father of one of the babies. Mark was also enrolled in the LifeChange Program.
We can fill the beds easily enough. There are many other women who want a chance at changing their lives.
But those unborn babies we've been praying for each day. What of their chance to life?
Friday, February 17, 2006
Ode to Office Joe
There used to be a spoofy commercial about Canadians, "Oh, you're from Canada? Do you know Office Joe?" "Oh, sure. Office Joe," says the man with the beaver hat on his head.
Well, about that time, we had just acquired two volunteers working for us named Joe. One of them worked with me in the office. I was referring to "Joe" one day when Jarad said, "Office Joe?" And that was it! Joe Rieger is now "Office Joe." In fact, when he calls, he introduces himself to me as "Office Joe." "Hey, Michelle. It's Office Joe."
Office Joe's usual job each Thursday night is writing the pay cheques and paying the bills. But last night, Office Joe and his daughter, Brittney, came and helped me set up our brand new computer and printer!
It's very exciting not to have to wait 5 minutes just for one page to load up, or have to reboot several times a day just doing regular word processing!
Here's my old life: What should I do while I wait for my spreadsheet to open? Hm. I can refill my coffee cup. I can wash my hands. I can read that article George gave me on fetal alcohol syndrome. I can bug Vicki in her office. I can empty the garbage.
I am sure I wasted at least an hour a day due to the slowness of our old computer. Not to mention we no longer will have lines through everything we copy or fax!
Now, I am STILL using dial-up for my internet, mind you, but this morning, with this new computer, it's a real breeze.
Here's my new life: Clicking on something and having it RIGHT there. Instant. Presto.
So, thanks, Office Joe!
(By the way, the beaver hat suits you.)
Well, about that time, we had just acquired two volunteers working for us named Joe. One of them worked with me in the office. I was referring to "Joe" one day when Jarad said, "Office Joe?" And that was it! Joe Rieger is now "Office Joe." In fact, when he calls, he introduces himself to me as "Office Joe." "Hey, Michelle. It's Office Joe."
Office Joe's usual job each Thursday night is writing the pay cheques and paying the bills. But last night, Office Joe and his daughter, Brittney, came and helped me set up our brand new computer and printer!
It's very exciting not to have to wait 5 minutes just for one page to load up, or have to reboot several times a day just doing regular word processing!
Here's my old life: What should I do while I wait for my spreadsheet to open? Hm. I can refill my coffee cup. I can wash my hands. I can read that article George gave me on fetal alcohol syndrome. I can bug Vicki in her office. I can empty the garbage.
I am sure I wasted at least an hour a day due to the slowness of our old computer. Not to mention we no longer will have lines through everything we copy or fax!
Now, I am STILL using dial-up for my internet, mind you, but this morning, with this new computer, it's a real breeze.
Here's my new life: Clicking on something and having it RIGHT there. Instant. Presto.
So, thanks, Office Joe!
(By the way, the beaver hat suits you.)
Thursday, February 16, 2006
MelanieMelanieMelanieMelanie
Melanie loves it when she gets a mention in my blog. So, today, it's all about Mel! One thing I've learned about Mel is that she likes to tell stories. However, they're usually very long. I tell her they have chapters. So, here's a little story about Mel. Ahem.
All About Mel
by Michelle Porter
Chapter 1
Melanie and I were playing Scrabble the other night and Mel said, "Can you look at my rash?" Then, she proceded to show me her rashes in various parts of her body... Yes. Ahem.
"That looks like ringworm," I tell her.
"Are you sure?" she asks.
"Well, it's in a perfect circle, and it's a rash. I'm pretty sure," I reply.
"Yes, but look at this one! It's not in a circle. "
"Well, I don't know, but you should see a doctor just in case."
I did ask Korin, but she's psych nurse. Maybe you're more qualified to diagnose these things, being a Mission worker," Melanie adds.
I then procede to beat her in Scrabble. (I had to throw that in although it makes no difference to the story.)
Chapter 2.
The next day Mel and I were out for breakfast, having our weekly meeting, when she informs me that her rash is indeed not ringworm, but an allergy to laundry soap. And in great detail she reminds me of the rash behindher neck due to a new shampoo she was using.
"I must be developing sensitive skin or something," she says, puzzled. "Now I'll have to buy expensive allergy-free laundry soap. And I won't use powder. I hate the poweder. I will only use liquid!" (Also an unecessary fact in this story, but amusing, none-the-less.)
"Did you go to the doctor?" I ask.
"Well, no, but I'm pretty sure it's an allergy. And now I have to rewash all my clothes."
Chapter 3.
The next day, over lunch break, I overhear the most hilarious conversation in the staff lounge. It is Melanie, telling Quinn, (a U or R intern doing her mini practicum with us) and Jarad about her rashes.
"Well, Michelle thought I had ringworm but I found out it's an allergy to laundry soap and now I've washed all my clothes again. Except that I have one more rash now. So, I have one here - here - and here."
Suddenly, somewhat embarassed, she looks at Jarad and says, "Um, is it okay if I talk about my rashes?"
Jarad replies, calm, cool, collected-like, "Ya. It's just mission stuff."
Chapter 4.
Jarad asks, "Can I see your rash?"
Mel shows him the only one of the three she can...
"Cool. Is a worm gonna pop out of it?"
"NO!"
"Oh. It does for cows, you know," Jarad says.
Chapter 5
In my weekly meeting with Vicki, who had just returned from a short vacation, I asked about a dark spot on her hand. "Oh, Jon and I had ringworm!"
I asked her why she didn't tell anyone.
"You know, I think I'm so used to stuff like this, and it's not like it was scabies or lice... I just forgot. We probably should've, eh?" Vicki asked, shrugging her shoulders.
I told her Melanie's story and then it was off to find Melanie.
Chapter 6
"Hey Mel.... Guess what?!" I ask.
"What?!"
"Jon and Vicki had ringworm!! Ha Ha! You have to go to the doctor today for your perscription cream." (Yes, we're evil.)
As it turns out, she had borrowed one of Vicki's shirts when the two of them went horseback riding.
Chapter 7
Present Day: Melanie, in Hawaii with her family, hoping her rashes aren't visable on the beach, and hoping her parents aren't reading this blog, lest they be paranoid THEY will get ringworm next.
The End.
All About Mel
by Michelle Porter
Chapter 1
Melanie and I were playing Scrabble the other night and Mel said, "Can you look at my rash?" Then, she proceded to show me her rashes in various parts of her body... Yes. Ahem.
"That looks like ringworm," I tell her.
"Are you sure?" she asks.
"Well, it's in a perfect circle, and it's a rash. I'm pretty sure," I reply.
"Yes, but look at this one! It's not in a circle. "
"Well, I don't know, but you should see a doctor just in case."
I did ask Korin, but she's psych nurse. Maybe you're more qualified to diagnose these things, being a Mission worker," Melanie adds.
I then procede to beat her in Scrabble. (I had to throw that in although it makes no difference to the story.)
Chapter 2.
The next day Mel and I were out for breakfast, having our weekly meeting, when she informs me that her rash is indeed not ringworm, but an allergy to laundry soap. And in great detail she reminds me of the rash behindher neck due to a new shampoo she was using.
"I must be developing sensitive skin or something," she says, puzzled. "Now I'll have to buy expensive allergy-free laundry soap. And I won't use powder. I hate the poweder. I will only use liquid!" (Also an unecessary fact in this story, but amusing, none-the-less.)
"Did you go to the doctor?" I ask.
"Well, no, but I'm pretty sure it's an allergy. And now I have to rewash all my clothes."
Chapter 3.
The next day, over lunch break, I overhear the most hilarious conversation in the staff lounge. It is Melanie, telling Quinn, (a U or R intern doing her mini practicum with us) and Jarad about her rashes.
"Well, Michelle thought I had ringworm but I found out it's an allergy to laundry soap and now I've washed all my clothes again. Except that I have one more rash now. So, I have one here - here - and here."
Suddenly, somewhat embarassed, she looks at Jarad and says, "Um, is it okay if I talk about my rashes?"
Jarad replies, calm, cool, collected-like, "Ya. It's just mission stuff."
Chapter 4.
Jarad asks, "Can I see your rash?"
Mel shows him the only one of the three she can...
"Cool. Is a worm gonna pop out of it?"
"NO!"
"Oh. It does for cows, you know," Jarad says.
Chapter 5
In my weekly meeting with Vicki, who had just returned from a short vacation, I asked about a dark spot on her hand. "Oh, Jon and I had ringworm!"
I asked her why she didn't tell anyone.
"You know, I think I'm so used to stuff like this, and it's not like it was scabies or lice... I just forgot. We probably should've, eh?" Vicki asked, shrugging her shoulders.
I told her Melanie's story and then it was off to find Melanie.
Chapter 6
"Hey Mel.... Guess what?!" I ask.
"What?!"
"Jon and Vicki had ringworm!! Ha Ha! You have to go to the doctor today for your perscription cream." (Yes, we're evil.)
As it turns out, she had borrowed one of Vicki's shirts when the two of them went horseback riding.
Chapter 7
Present Day: Melanie, in Hawaii with her family, hoping her rashes aren't visable on the beach, and hoping her parents aren't reading this blog, lest they be paranoid THEY will get ringworm next.
The End.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Desirable?
There's a short little verse in the Bible, that packs a powerful punch, and it is this:
"We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:10
I was meditating on that verse the other day... imagine a love so great that it would initiate love toward a creature that continually falters and fails.
I think we read that verse and we're so accustomed to hearing it that we don't consider it's ramifications.
So, I substitued the word "desire" for love. Hm.
"I desire Him, because He first desired me."
God desires me? How is this possible? Does He KNOW what I've been up to? Does He KNOW what I've done?
When I put a different, yet similar word in for love, suddenly, the verse becomes new again. And it is crystal clear.
I realize what a sacrifice God made when He expressed His love to the whole world by sending His own Son down to earth as this God-Man. Jesus. Saviour. Laying aside His deity, and choosing to live in this confining body of flesh, knowing full well that it will lead to heartache, pain, betrayal, and ultimately, a torturous death.
I'm not worthy. And that's the whole point of the gift.
Unworthy. Yes.
Desirable. Yes.
Think about it, and be thankful for this amazing love.
Happy Valentine's Day.
"We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:10
I was meditating on that verse the other day... imagine a love so great that it would initiate love toward a creature that continually falters and fails.
I think we read that verse and we're so accustomed to hearing it that we don't consider it's ramifications.
So, I substitued the word "desire" for love. Hm.
"I desire Him, because He first desired me."
God desires me? How is this possible? Does He KNOW what I've been up to? Does He KNOW what I've done?
When I put a different, yet similar word in for love, suddenly, the verse becomes new again. And it is crystal clear.
I realize what a sacrifice God made when He expressed His love to the whole world by sending His own Son down to earth as this God-Man. Jesus. Saviour. Laying aside His deity, and choosing to live in this confining body of flesh, knowing full well that it will lead to heartache, pain, betrayal, and ultimately, a torturous death.
I'm not worthy. And that's the whole point of the gift.
Unworthy. Yes.
Desirable. Yes.
Think about it, and be thankful for this amazing love.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Brokenhearted Becca
My friend blogged a poignant and beautiful post about RESCUE that made me cry. Please click on 'Brokenhearted Becca.'
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Mange!
As further compensation to our low wages, staff are allowed to take certain groceries home, particularly if there is a large supply of a similar item. It's not a bad deal, and it's absolutely necessary if you're going to live on minimum wage.
Jarad gave Melanie a page off his Jeff Foxworthy calendar that says:
"You know you're a redneck if nothing in your fridge was bought at a grocery store."
Hm... apparently he knows her quite well. Both Melanie and I can go weeks without a trip to the grocery store.
However, you do have to be willing to eat, um, shall we say, expired and non-traditional foods?
If I scour my fridge, I find cream for my coffee. Oh, this only expired January 26th. It's okay!
Eggs... January 21
Pilsbury Crescent Rolls... January 27
Lactaid Milk... February 1
Yogurt... February 6
Chip Dip... October 2, 2005
and... drumroll please... Cheese July 2005!! Not even moldy yet!
And the meat... what can I say? I've developed an affinity for wild meat in my freezer, most of it provided by my co-director's hunting hobby:
venison backstraps
buffalo burger
elk tenderloin
goose steak
...and, yes, I've even tried squirrel and pigeon
And now, I invite you... no, I dare you... to come to my house for dinner. Hungry?!
Jarad gave Melanie a page off his Jeff Foxworthy calendar that says:
"You know you're a redneck if nothing in your fridge was bought at a grocery store."
Hm... apparently he knows her quite well. Both Melanie and I can go weeks without a trip to the grocery store.
However, you do have to be willing to eat, um, shall we say, expired and non-traditional foods?
If I scour my fridge, I find cream for my coffee. Oh, this only expired January 26th. It's okay!
Eggs... January 21
Pilsbury Crescent Rolls... January 27
Lactaid Milk... February 1
Yogurt... February 6
Chip Dip... October 2, 2005
and... drumroll please... Cheese July 2005!! Not even moldy yet!
And the meat... what can I say? I've developed an affinity for wild meat in my freezer, most of it provided by my co-director's hunting hobby:
venison backstraps
buffalo burger
elk tenderloin
goose steak
...and, yes, I've even tried squirrel and pigeon
And now, I invite you... no, I dare you... to come to my house for dinner. Hungry?!
Friday, February 10, 2006
The Truth, The Whole Truth, & Nothing But The Truth
I've been thinking about "rigorous honesty" today. How truly difficult it is.
Exact. Precise. Arduous. Relentless. Severe.
Rigorous honesty implies a burdensome and somewhat brutal journey with oneself, God, and at least one other person.
Just as the law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, perhaps rigorous honesty is the schoolmaster to bring us to repentance.
Repentance is making a 180 degree turn - away from self and towards God.
We encourage addicts in this journey because it is this kind of truthfulness about oneself which breaks the chains of denial, and causes us to run into the arms of the Saviour.
I can tell if you're a "rigorously honest" person. You're humble. You are willing to admit your faults. You don't hide behind a mask. You understand that we were created for communion. With God. With each other.
Your expect the best of your fellow companions, yet don't push them away when imperfection is revealed,knowing that you, too, have been in the same place.
Exact. Precise. Arduous. Relentless. Severe.
Rigorous honesty implies a burdensome and somewhat brutal journey with oneself, God, and at least one other person.
Just as the law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, perhaps rigorous honesty is the schoolmaster to bring us to repentance.
Repentance is making a 180 degree turn - away from self and towards God.
We encourage addicts in this journey because it is this kind of truthfulness about oneself which breaks the chains of denial, and causes us to run into the arms of the Saviour.
I can tell if you're a "rigorously honest" person. You're humble. You are willing to admit your faults. You don't hide behind a mask. You understand that we were created for communion. With God. With each other.
Your expect the best of your fellow companions, yet don't push them away when imperfection is revealed,knowing that you, too, have been in the same place.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Good Night
I've worked over 40 hours in 3 days. In between those hours (two short nights) I crashed at the Mission. Beyond this, anything I attempt to blog tonight is definately going to lack coherency.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Mission Morning
Good Morning!
Last night I worked until 10:00, and since this morning was my first 6:00 a.m. shift, I decided to sleep over at the Mission. That was to avoid driving home in the cold darkness just to sleep a few hours and then driving back this morning in the cold darkness. Yes, it's true. I have a little office bedroom to crash in. It has come in handy on more than one occasion.
Anyway, while it was a good idea in theory, it didn't pan out as planned. Firstly, I couldn't turn my brain off at 10:00, having just worked for 11 hours, and so I lay there awake for a long long time. I finally drifted to sleep when around midnight one of our guys was blah blah blahing...
I called the Nightwatchman on my cell phone: "Grant, who's talking out there?"
"Hm.. I don't know. I'll go see. [brief pause] It's Dustin. [Addressing Dustin now] Dustin, you just woke Michelle up."
"Oh. I did?"
Anyway, all was quiet after that, but I couldn't seem to get back to sleep for what seemed like an eternity.
So, without an alarm or very much sleep, I ambled out in my robe to chat with Grant at 5:30. He had began a soup base of tomatoes and squash for me and I began to put in the meatburger and carrots so it could stew until lunch time. I haven't decided if it will end up being soup or sloppy Joes. Depends how much water cooks out of it by then. The meatburger hadn't thawed yet so I had to nuke it in order for it to crumble in the mystery lunch dish.
We joked about his various stories about Jarad, my co-director, having worked the 6:00 a.m. shift for the past month or so. =) Yes, although he claimed to enjoy the morning shift, Grant's wake up calls produced a wide variety of responses!
So, Grant and I chatted for 20 minutes, at which point he had to leave for the bus.
I got to work and before 7:00 a.m. I:
-put a huge roast in the electric oven for supper
-put out a continental breakfast for the men and women
-made coffee for the ladies
-check the office computers from the defragging the night before
(one worked, one didn't)
-got all the old soup bowls for Jon to take to the Shelter this morning
-organized the breakfast areas
-wondered why Grant put out so much soya milk and other beverage products
-threw out some really scary stuff from the fridge
And now it's 7:30 and I'm simultaneously brushing my teeth and blogging.
Does this not just sound like the start of an ideal day?!
When Melanie gets in we are boing for a breakfast meeting.
Last night I worked until 10:00, and since this morning was my first 6:00 a.m. shift, I decided to sleep over at the Mission. That was to avoid driving home in the cold darkness just to sleep a few hours and then driving back this morning in the cold darkness. Yes, it's true. I have a little office bedroom to crash in. It has come in handy on more than one occasion.
Anyway, while it was a good idea in theory, it didn't pan out as planned. Firstly, I couldn't turn my brain off at 10:00, having just worked for 11 hours, and so I lay there awake for a long long time. I finally drifted to sleep when around midnight one of our guys was blah blah blahing...
I called the Nightwatchman on my cell phone: "Grant, who's talking out there?"
"Hm.. I don't know. I'll go see. [brief pause] It's Dustin. [Addressing Dustin now] Dustin, you just woke Michelle up."
"Oh. I did?"
Anyway, all was quiet after that, but I couldn't seem to get back to sleep for what seemed like an eternity.
So, without an alarm or very much sleep, I ambled out in my robe to chat with Grant at 5:30. He had began a soup base of tomatoes and squash for me and I began to put in the meatburger and carrots so it could stew until lunch time. I haven't decided if it will end up being soup or sloppy Joes. Depends how much water cooks out of it by then. The meatburger hadn't thawed yet so I had to nuke it in order for it to crumble in the mystery lunch dish.
We joked about his various stories about Jarad, my co-director, having worked the 6:00 a.m. shift for the past month or so. =) Yes, although he claimed to enjoy the morning shift, Grant's wake up calls produced a wide variety of responses!
So, Grant and I chatted for 20 minutes, at which point he had to leave for the bus.
I got to work and before 7:00 a.m. I:
-put a huge roast in the electric oven for supper
-put out a continental breakfast for the men and women
-made coffee for the ladies
-check the office computers from the defragging the night before
(one worked, one didn't)
-got all the old soup bowls for Jon to take to the Shelter this morning
-organized the breakfast areas
-wondered why Grant put out so much soya milk and other beverage products
-threw out some really scary stuff from the fridge
And now it's 7:30 and I'm simultaneously brushing my teeth and blogging.
Does this not just sound like the start of an ideal day?!
When Melanie gets in we are boing for a breakfast meeting.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Rule Reminder: Caffiene
Occasionally I email my staff something I see that isn't being done as well as the ideal. Here's today's 'Rule Reminder.'
Just a reminder that we do not serve or allow caffienated beverages after supper.
For snack you will have to put out juice, milk, decaf tea or coffee as we have it, apple cider, etc. Exceptions are Grad and Friday Family Nights. (I don't know about Saturday--ask Melanie. lol.)
Residents are offended and shocked that I have announced this, which makes me realize this rule is not being followed.
Melanie, please pass this rule reminder on to your Evening Supervisors.
BTW, this is also why I do not keep the caffienated teas and coffee out in the "breakfast" storage areas. These need to be locked up in the pantry and taken out as needed.
Thank you.
Michelle
Just a reminder that we do not serve or allow caffienated beverages after supper.
For snack you will have to put out juice, milk, decaf tea or coffee as we have it, apple cider, etc. Exceptions are Grad and Friday Family Nights. (I don't know about Saturday--ask Melanie. lol.)
Residents are offended and shocked that I have announced this, which makes me realize this rule is not being followed.
Melanie, please pass this rule reminder on to your Evening Supervisors.
BTW, this is also why I do not keep the caffienated teas and coffee out in the "breakfast" storage areas. These need to be locked up in the pantry and taken out as needed.
Thank you.
Michelle
Monday, February 06, 2006
Winnipeg Winter
My 16 year old Neice wants to spend her summer holidays working for me as a missionary at Regina Rescue Mission. Recently she joined her youth group in Winnipeg to distibute hot chocolate to the homeless on the streets.
Her peers and youth leaders were surprised at how uninhibited this normally shy pastor's daughter was in offering a cup of hot chocolate in Jesus' name.
As she stooped down to put the steaming cup into one old woman's hands, she noticed them chilled to the bone and gloveless. Without a second thought, she removed her mittens, and placed them into the hands of this homeless woman.
Her group leaders told Mom, who informed them that these mitts were pretty special to her, having just received them as a Christmas gift with a matching touque from her boy friend, Wade.
I think she's gonna fit in just fine here.
I'm proud of you, Andy!
Her peers and youth leaders were surprised at how uninhibited this normally shy pastor's daughter was in offering a cup of hot chocolate in Jesus' name.
As she stooped down to put the steaming cup into one old woman's hands, she noticed them chilled to the bone and gloveless. Without a second thought, she removed her mittens, and placed them into the hands of this homeless woman.
Her group leaders told Mom, who informed them that these mitts were pretty special to her, having just received them as a Christmas gift with a matching touque from her boy friend, Wade.
I think she's gonna fit in just fine here.
I'm proud of you, Andy!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Day 6 - Home, James
Travel Day -
Shuttle to John Wayne Airport: 10:00 a.m.
Weather 25 (77) & Sunny
Home : Midnight
Weather -2 (28) & Freezing Rain
One very very long day. I read an entire book by a Keynote speaker at the Russ Reid Conference, Dr. John Townsend, called, "Who's Pushing Your Buttons, Handling the Difficult People in Your Life."
"If someone is making your life difficult, take control and stop the stress."
Yes, it was reading day and a day long seminar. I learned a lot while I was "in transit," but I fear an actual book review lest my difficult people are part of my burgeoning blog followers.
(If you are reading this, wondering, "Could it be me?" The answer is, "Yes. Yes it could.")
So, one very long long day is done.
Shuttle to John Wayne Airport: 10:00 a.m.
Weather 25 (77) & Sunny
Home : Midnight
Weather -2 (28) & Freezing Rain
One very very long day. I read an entire book by a Keynote speaker at the Russ Reid Conference, Dr. John Townsend, called, "Who's Pushing Your Buttons, Handling the Difficult People in Your Life."
"If someone is making your life difficult, take control and stop the stress."
Yes, it was reading day and a day long seminar. I learned a lot while I was "in transit," but I fear an actual book review lest my difficult people are part of my burgeoning blog followers.
(If you are reading this, wondering, "Could it be me?" The answer is, "Yes. Yes it could.")
So, one very long long day is done.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Day 5 - Rest for the Weary
Well, last day at the conference, and for some reason I did not sign up for the FREE TRIP TO...
THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!
No matter how much my Canadian friends tried to coerce me, I did not want to go to a theme park. I'd already done my stint with Mickey three times!
Ken says this is definately the biggest surprise of the entire trip. It's true. I'm an extrovert. I'd call myself, "The Fun Girl," but my mother was dubbed with that title, so I've become, "The Fun Girl's Daughter."
In my defense, I'd like to say that there were at least 8 of us who did not go visit Disney. Okay, so four were California residents who could go anytime, one was pregnant and couldn't do the rides... Yeah. What of it?
At any rate, I and 7 others, lead by Letty and Joan, (two extreme sports shoppers!) decided to go to Fashion Island. What a beautiful mall! It's an upscale fashion mall with no walls! And yet, not a strip mall. I got lost many times, wandering around the little outdoor mall village. It took me 45 minutes to find Starbucks, and I'm sure I passed the one fountain four times!! Yes, I'm directionally challenged at the best of times. I kept finding myself at a mall map, with a big STAR saying, "YOU ARE HERE." It all seemed so logical but then I'd be wandering in oblivion until the next mall map. Or was it the same one?
I opted not to take the shuttle to Disney for dinner, either. I felt I needed rest. It's been a roller coaster ride these past months and I wanted to make sure I deliberately S-L-O-W-E-D down.
I found this beautiful poem called "Rest" on the following blog at Front Porch Chats: http://frontporchchats.blogspot.com/2006/01/rest.html
Tomorrow is Travel Day.
THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!
No matter how much my Canadian friends tried to coerce me, I did not want to go to a theme park. I'd already done my stint with Mickey three times!
Ken says this is definately the biggest surprise of the entire trip. It's true. I'm an extrovert. I'd call myself, "The Fun Girl," but my mother was dubbed with that title, so I've become, "The Fun Girl's Daughter."
In my defense, I'd like to say that there were at least 8 of us who did not go visit Disney. Okay, so four were California residents who could go anytime, one was pregnant and couldn't do the rides... Yeah. What of it?
At any rate, I and 7 others, lead by Letty and Joan, (two extreme sports shoppers!) decided to go to Fashion Island. What a beautiful mall! It's an upscale fashion mall with no walls! And yet, not a strip mall. I got lost many times, wandering around the little outdoor mall village. It took me 45 minutes to find Starbucks, and I'm sure I passed the one fountain four times!! Yes, I'm directionally challenged at the best of times. I kept finding myself at a mall map, with a big STAR saying, "YOU ARE HERE." It all seemed so logical but then I'd be wandering in oblivion until the next mall map. Or was it the same one?
I opted not to take the shuttle to Disney for dinner, either. I felt I needed rest. It's been a roller coaster ride these past months and I wanted to make sure I deliberately S-L-O-W-E-D down.
I found this beautiful poem called "Rest" on the following blog at Front Porch Chats: http://frontporchchats.blogspot.com/2006/01/rest.html
Tomorrow is Travel Day.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Day 4 - Bloggers of the World, Unite
Good Morning!
It's 6:30ish here in Southern California.
A typical conference day for me starts with getting up without an alarm! at 5:30, making coffee with the cool one-cup coffee maker, tidying my room, (yes, Ken it IS shocking!!) time with God, and then "having some hygiene," as Jarad would say! At 7:30, it's off to breakfast, worship, and devotions.
This morning I have Letty's laptop so I've switched it up in case I don't get a chance to write you all a blog letter today. There's a speaker tonight so I don't want to miss out.
Today we are going to hear the author of our second book, Hugh Hewitt, talk about, what else? His book called "BLOG" Yes, it's "Why you must know how the blogosphere is smashing the old media monopoly and giving individuals power in the marketplace of ideas." That's right. It's "understanding the information reformation that's chaning your world."
So, not a lot of missions have blogs... I don't know of any that do, but there must be some. Jon, I'm grateful you set up a blog for me. I don't know if I'm "doing it right" or even if we have many visitors outside our family yet, but I think it's good to be on the cutting edge.
Vicki, I got your letters but apparently have no time to answer them. Hopefully you're keeping my chaos at bay for me! I definately should have a "whale done" whale for leaving my desk so clean, eh?! Don't disappoint me.
AND, even though Ken is making me take vacation days for this California adventure, and even though in protest I am TRYING not to learn anything work related... it's not happening for me. I can't help picking people's brains and taking notes at the workshops and reading during my free time. So, Larry, I may have told a fib when I said I wasn't learning anything.
I'll pay my dollar out of U.S. funds!
See ya'll soon!
Michelle
xoxo
PS. I have 9 pounds to spare in my suitcase so I hope I can fit in your souveniers! They'll probably be made of feathers or popcorn.
It's 6:30ish here in Southern California.
A typical conference day for me starts with getting up without an alarm! at 5:30, making coffee with the cool one-cup coffee maker, tidying my room, (yes, Ken it IS shocking!!) time with God, and then "having some hygiene," as Jarad would say! At 7:30, it's off to breakfast, worship, and devotions.
This morning I have Letty's laptop so I've switched it up in case I don't get a chance to write you all a blog letter today. There's a speaker tonight so I don't want to miss out.
Today we are going to hear the author of our second book, Hugh Hewitt, talk about, what else? His book called "BLOG" Yes, it's "Why you must know how the blogosphere is smashing the old media monopoly and giving individuals power in the marketplace of ideas." That's right. It's "understanding the information reformation that's chaning your world."
So, not a lot of missions have blogs... I don't know of any that do, but there must be some. Jon, I'm grateful you set up a blog for me. I don't know if I'm "doing it right" or even if we have many visitors outside our family yet, but I think it's good to be on the cutting edge.
Vicki, I got your letters but apparently have no time to answer them. Hopefully you're keeping my chaos at bay for me! I definately should have a "whale done" whale for leaving my desk so clean, eh?! Don't disappoint me.
AND, even though Ken is making me take vacation days for this California adventure, and even though in protest I am TRYING not to learn anything work related... it's not happening for me. I can't help picking people's brains and taking notes at the workshops and reading during my free time. So, Larry, I may have told a fib when I said I wasn't learning anything.
I'll pay my dollar out of U.S. funds!
See ya'll soon!
Michelle
xoxo
PS. I have 9 pounds to spare in my suitcase so I hope I can fit in your souveniers! They'll probably be made of feathers or popcorn.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Day 3 - on leadership & sunshine
Sunny & Warm Greetings!
I don't mean to make ya'll jealous but here's a picture of where I'm staying... soooo, as Rebecca wipes the melts the icicles off her nose, I consider transplanting Regina Rescue Mission to Irvine, California...
http://irvine.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/
(I don't know how to make a picture appear in this blog so a link will have to do!)
This morning's keynote speaker was one of my favourite authors, John Townsend. Then I spent 3 sessions with the Chief People Officer of the Russ Reid Company, learning about coaching as a leader. It was very excellent.
I believe each one of us is a leader, no matter what our role. That's because, in some capacity, we are always being watched, and looked to by someone who is not quite as far down the road as we are.
So, you may be leading your children, or your staff, or clients, or perhaps people who you don't even realize are observing you and seeing what you're made of! Hopefully it isn't bluecheese or something.
Letty and I went for a nice little walk around the grounds today. It was chilly; I had to do up my buttons. lol. I had a good talk with Bruce over dinner and we are planning when to go up to Hope Gospel Mission in Edmonton this month. I filled him in on Ken's elusive search for our Shelter.
After dinner we had a local group do a "Whose Line Is It Anyway" performance and it was very hilarious! And clean, which was refreshing. I guess it's geared to family, so if someone says something appropriate for the swear jar, they have to wear a bag over their head for the whole competition. AND, if the audience suggests something bad, THEY have to wear a bag! LOL. He said, "Somehow, I don't think I'm going to have to worry to much with this crowd."
And, while I am blogging, the infamous ice cream social is going on. I'm going to wander downstairs and return Letty's laptop now.
Ya'll (I CAN'T STOP THE AMERI-SPEAK!) have a good night, now, ya hear!?
Love,
Michelle
xoxo
I don't mean to make ya'll jealous but here's a picture of where I'm staying... soooo, as Rebecca wipes the melts the icicles off her nose, I consider transplanting Regina Rescue Mission to Irvine, California...
http://irvine.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/
(I don't know how to make a picture appear in this blog so a link will have to do!)
This morning's keynote speaker was one of my favourite authors, John Townsend. Then I spent 3 sessions with the Chief People Officer of the Russ Reid Company, learning about coaching as a leader. It was very excellent.
I believe each one of us is a leader, no matter what our role. That's because, in some capacity, we are always being watched, and looked to by someone who is not quite as far down the road as we are.
So, you may be leading your children, or your staff, or clients, or perhaps people who you don't even realize are observing you and seeing what you're made of! Hopefully it isn't bluecheese or something.
Letty and I went for a nice little walk around the grounds today. It was chilly; I had to do up my buttons. lol. I had a good talk with Bruce over dinner and we are planning when to go up to Hope Gospel Mission in Edmonton this month. I filled him in on Ken's elusive search for our Shelter.
After dinner we had a local group do a "Whose Line Is It Anyway" performance and it was very hilarious! And clean, which was refreshing. I guess it's geared to family, so if someone says something appropriate for the swear jar, they have to wear a bag over their head for the whole competition. AND, if the audience suggests something bad, THEY have to wear a bag! LOL. He said, "Somehow, I don't think I'm going to have to worry to much with this crowd."
And, while I am blogging, the infamous ice cream social is going on. I'm going to wander downstairs and return Letty's laptop now.
Ya'll (I CAN'T STOP THE AMERI-SPEAK!) have a good night, now, ya hear!?
Love,
Michelle
xoxo
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Day 2 - Happy Canada Day!
Hello again from Orange County!
What a blessing to be able to share a day of my life with my Canadian counterparts. From the West Coast all the way to Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal, we are a unique group of Missioners who love what we do very much!
Today we all had a chance to share our Mission's best practise. I talked about our Annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet and Graduation Ceremony. It's definately a highlight of my year and one of my favourite events to plan! It signifies the reason we exist, and it's the best example of what I love to do: organize, ask for money to continue the work, and see amazing success stories.
Melanie talks about how a Greek salad is all the things she hates mixed together: peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Well, I guess this is my Greek salad in reverse!
One of the things I love the most about this annual conference is learning and gleaning from missions that have been around a hundred years. It might as well be a billion! Imagine, none of us having to do two jobs at once?! Vicki, you wouldn't have to make lunch and then rush back to process donations. Jarad, you wouldn't be sponsoring one of the men, only to be interrupted by a pipe exploding! Melanie, imagine the day when you wouldn't be developing curriculum one minute, and planning a dinner f0r 400 people the next?!
Imagine Vancouver's volunteer base of 2500 men and women?! Imagine Calgary's December donations coming in at over TWO MILLION DOLLARS?! Imagine. Imagine. Imagine.
And although we will never be as large as most missions, simply due to our city size, I believe if we continue on doing things right, God will continue on blessing and growing our work to the size HE wants it to be.
Keep pressing on!
Michelle
PS. I slept with the window open!!
What a blessing to be able to share a day of my life with my Canadian counterparts. From the West Coast all the way to Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal, we are a unique group of Missioners who love what we do very much!
Today we all had a chance to share our Mission's best practise. I talked about our Annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet and Graduation Ceremony. It's definately a highlight of my year and one of my favourite events to plan! It signifies the reason we exist, and it's the best example of what I love to do: organize, ask for money to continue the work, and see amazing success stories.
Melanie talks about how a Greek salad is all the things she hates mixed together: peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Well, I guess this is my Greek salad in reverse!
One of the things I love the most about this annual conference is learning and gleaning from missions that have been around a hundred years. It might as well be a billion! Imagine, none of us having to do two jobs at once?! Vicki, you wouldn't have to make lunch and then rush back to process donations. Jarad, you wouldn't be sponsoring one of the men, only to be interrupted by a pipe exploding! Melanie, imagine the day when you wouldn't be developing curriculum one minute, and planning a dinner f0r 400 people the next?!
Imagine Vancouver's volunteer base of 2500 men and women?! Imagine Calgary's December donations coming in at over TWO MILLION DOLLARS?! Imagine. Imagine. Imagine.
And although we will never be as large as most missions, simply due to our city size, I believe if we continue on doing things right, God will continue on blessing and growing our work to the size HE wants it to be.
Keep pressing on!
Michelle
PS. I slept with the window open!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)