Cross Post: Plea for Sober Sobriety

Today is board meeting day which means busy busy busy! I read an awesome client testimony from the residency program at Hope Mission in Edmonton. It doesn't take long to read but it has a great story and a lesson, too. Click here!

Placemats for the Poor

I was thinking about our upcoming holiday dinner for the poor and how we are expecting over 500 men, women and children. We sent out a mailer to some of our best donors asking them to sign a Christmas placemat to use for our guests. It makes the place look so festive!! I was preparing a ministry report for our board meeting tomorrow and would you believe, we already have 500 placemats that have been mailed in?! We are happily watching the stack grow in the office, adding to the number daily on a little piece of paper on top of the pile. It's going to be our best Christmas banquet ever!

Are you listening?

Heather, our new cook, was hurrying and scurrying over at the Shelter dropping off groceries for the shelter men and the Drop In Centre. She kept rushing by one man or another, smiling wide and saying, "hello."

All at once a man said, "Excuse me? How can I know I am a Christian?"

Stop everything. It was like the Holy Spirit knocked on Heather's door and said, "Hey. Stop. Listen. I want you here right now."

So, for half an hour, standing in the Shelter foyer, Heather spoke to Johnny, and assured him that he was, indeed, a Christian.

"Well, I have done very bad things. How can I be sure?"

If there's one thing that turns Heather's crank, it is sharing her faith. She was supposed to have gone to the Shelter that morning but wasn't able to go for one reason or another. As Paula and I love to say, "There are no coincidences." Heather was definately in the right place at the right time this afternoon.

And, even amidst the chaos, she was listening.

What will you give for Christmas?

We got a Christmas Meal Ticket back from a very special person! Natalie mailed in her ticket with enough change for one meal. No resonse device. No note. Just one meal ticket with the name "Natalie" printed on it. It was VERY cute and I was thankful for the heart of a child.



Another family called today and instead of buying gift for one another, they are buying groceries for the Mission and dropping them off together on Boxing Day.

After that phone call our staff commented on how sacrificial that upcoming donation is. We also prayed that God would bless that family for their generosity.



I truly believe that God puts it in all people to give. Sometimes, somewhere along the way, this desire gets squelched. But I love that Christmas brings out the good in people!

I am sure it because it is the season where we commemorate the birth of our Saviour! There is no greater gift than this!

Watch us on Global News tonight!

Seasonal Concerns

The Leader-Post
Memory McLeod

Saturday, November 25, 2006

With cold weather in the forecast, the city's charities are working hard to keep up with increasing demand for shelter, hot meals and warm clothing.

"People are looking for somewhere warm to go and hang out with friends," Aaron Cross, a cook at Souls Harbour Mission, said Friday.

"In the summer they can go to the parks or other outdoor spaces, but in winter they come here."

Cross added that while soup kitchens are busy year-round, things do pick up in the winter, because that's when people will come in to the Mission to get out of the cold and will stay for supper.

Beds at the Regina Rescue Mission which were mostly empty are now filling up fast since the temperature started dropping earlier in the week.

The Mission's Associate Director, Michelle Porter, said she didn't originally attribute the influx of boarders to the weather, but said it makes sense.

Food is not the only concern, but cold-weather care packages containing warm coats, mitts, hats and boots are also needed to fight off the chill.

The Souls Harbour Mission collects and disperses warm clothing as well; it can be picked up at its free store.


© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2006

Keep those Comments Coming!

Today I had to do something I have been trying to avoid for a long time: I had to enable the "anti-comment spam" feature. Blah. Yes, there is blog comment spam to contend with. I don't know why one particular post has precipitated so much spam, but now it is going everywhere. I get an email about the comment, but not the date it is posted. It's like playing blog-and-seek every day with the jerks who are posting about hemorrhoids, cold sores, race cars, and many other very bad things.

Apparently computers do this randomly and they can't read the spam blocker word, so this should stop most spam. One thing that is very annoying is that these long spam lists are FULL of spelling errors. Puhleeze, people. Do you think I am going to click on your "cold soar" medication if you can't even spell it right??!

So, forgive the new feature and if you run into any bad comment spam that I haven't deleted yet, please give me a head's up. Thanks!

I've heard it all!

Well, now I think I've heard it all. We get a lot of wonderful letters and donations this time of year. People just seem to open their hearts wide at Christmas.

However, the story of the Grinch who stole Christmas still rings true. Here's some of the comments I've read this past week:

"The government should look after the poor."
"Stop running this scam!"
"If the kids were taught to look after their toys better they wouldn't need need a free meal!"

Alright, let's just clarify a few things here...

We really are a charity. We really do feed the poor, not only at Christmas, but all year round. We also have a huge four course holiday dinner and invite every home in the impoverished neighbourhoods to come and join. Our staff forgo THEIR holiday to make this happen!!

And, let me tell you, the CHILDREN are the innocent victims here. I laugh at the people who think the government can solve the problems of the poor. The problems are far beyond their grasp; they are spiritual at their core. But the children...

They truly are the innocent victims here. Someone who can write them off does not know the pain of living with an abusive or alcholic parent. One of our board members recently went to a presentation and emailed me the following:

There are 300 child prostitutes in Regina. In many cases, it's their family that's sent them onto the street to feed their addictions.

Jesus said it best, "But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:14&15

"It's for you..."

A telemarketer called me today, reading a speech about the deal of a lifetime.

I replied, "Did you know you're calling a business?"

"Yes" he said, rather disenchanted.

"Well, you'll have to remove us from your calling list. We're a charity so we just aren't interested," I said, politely.

HE HUNG UP ON ME!!

I decided to *69 him. I asked to speak to the manager. Then I reported him!

He hung up on me??!! HE'S THE TELEMARKETER! I'm supposed to hang up on him!

Anyway, beware someone selling sunglasses from a 701 area code...

In an ironic twist of fate, Ken and I were busy signing 300 receipts this evening in his office and we heard Myrna yelling her head off in the the lounge.

"She is probably talking to someone who is hard of hearing," I told Ken.

As I walked by, she motioned wildly to me asked me to take the phone.

She handed me the receiver and there was this voice on the other end yelling, ranting and raving without a breath. Myrna had been trying to talk overtop of him. I hung up on him.

Myrna was horrified! I said, "Myrna, what else can we do? He won't listen and he is so angry. If he truly wants to talk he will call back. Unfortunately, some people don't have compassion for the poor and there is nothing we can do to change that."

I wonder if it was the sunglasses dude.

Mail Call!

Once a year we like to invest in the Mission's future by mailing every home in Regina. We get a great deal on printing and postage, or course. Imagine, though, how exciting it is for us to know that, at least once per year, the entire city of Regina gets to hear about the Regina Rescue Mission!

Not only does this mailing raise awareness, it brings in many new friends each year. About a thousand, in fact! One thousand new people give a gift to the Mission. That's incredible!

The other thing I like about it is that we also get the word out within our community that we are a place of hope and healing. It seems that most of our worlds are touched by someone who knows the pain and sting of addiction, mental illness, joblessness, and, for some of us, even homelessness.

And of course, that's what we are all about. Providing hope for those who have no hope. We have a sign at our front door that says:

"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
Plans to give you a hope. And a future."

Guest Blog: Esther Lutzer

Esther Lutzer is the Vice President of WARRM, the Women's Auxillery of the Regina RESCUE Mission. She was a missionary nurse in Africa for many years. She sent me this ditty:

This evening I listened to SCN for a while (and it was a nature program). Before it started it ran through a series of pictures and one quick shot was of two male animals cracking their heads...this made me think of Gabon.

I had pulled into a village to spend a few days and as custom has it anyone who was in the village came to greet me so there we were standing and talking, near the chapel where I would be sleeping, about 6 feet above the road. Several pre school children were also there.

We were talking and watching without comment as two male goats engaged in combat on the road below us. I had never seen the likes. They ran at each other leaping a few feet into the air.. their heads coliding with a terrible bang..they fell to the road with the impact only to do this again and again. In a lull of adult conversation one of the two little pre-schoolers was heard to say to the other, "Maybe he slept with the other one's wife!"

Needless to say we all convulsed with laughter.

Sheep to the Slaughter

Last night at staff Bible study our opening question was,

Think of a person who makes you want to know God better. Reflect on the qualities you see in that person and on why you are encouraged by them to want to know God better.

Len's reply spoke to my spirit: "King David and Ken Porter. Ken Porter was falsely accused and never once defended himself, even though he had every right to be. That taught me a lot."

We went on to study about Stephen, a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit and was stoned to death for his faith. He preached the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy to proclaim Christ. Challenging.

Phillip kept coming to mind. I finally looked up the Scripture this morning. In the same way, the Eunich was able to use the false accusations against Jesus to proclaim Christ as Messiah. Again a prophey from the Old Testament was fulfilled: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth." Acts 8:32

Imagine being beaten for your faith. Tortured. I have met these men. I have been humbled by their faithful service and dedication to proclaiming Christ as Lord in countries where you are apt to lose your life for loving Jesus.

As for the rest of us? "Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." Hebrews 12:3 & 4

A voided cheque for $16,881.48!!!

Today's mail contained an INCREDIBLE surprise! A voided cheque for $16,881.48!!!

Thank you for your letter of August 31, 2006 and forgive the delay in replying. I am so glad that you are finding our house such a help in your ministry. As you know, you are carrying on in the same direction in Regina as we had gone over the past years.

Therefore, we are happy to be able to forgive the final payment on your mortgage. Enclosed you will find the cheque for $16,881.48 (Sixteen Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty One Dollars and Forty Eight Cents) which you had sent us in advance. All we ask is that you contuinue the good work as long as you can.

This is an early Christmas gift! I am sure you will enjoy it and the money will be used for the people you serve so well and so gladly.

Please give my love to Ken and do continue to keep in touch. We are always happy to hear about your work and we continue to pray for you success.

Sincerely,

Alice O'Hanlon

Sister May O'Hanlon for the Ursuline Finance Office

Happy Belated Blog Birthday!

Can you believe I have been blogging for one year?!

Click on the title to read my virgin blog post. And I wonder how come the font is different? I checked, and all the settings look the same.

Hm. Hey, maybe it's time for a blog makeover. Once a year whether I like it or not?

Ladies and gentleman, it is now safe to remove your mask

This post from my friend, a Cook at Mystery Mission, really resonated with me: Complicity. It's talking about the what if scenario of all of us Christians removing our masks. And so it might look something like this: I feel sad. I'm lonely. I miss someone. I can't stop getting angry. I love you. I need a rest.

Imagine revealing your true feelings to the ones you love.

Perhaps that is why I love working as a RESCUE missionary. Doing this job gives people the excuse to be themselves.

Yesterday one man apologized to me. He said, "I want to apologize for my attitude toward you the other day. I wanted to say it yesterday, and I could have, but I wasn't ready and I was worried it wouldn't be genuine. Will you forgive me?"

Can you imagine? Do you do this? Most of the time if we mumble a quick, "I'm sorry," that's as good as it gets. What about becoming vulnerable. Why don't we?

We have an image to maintain. We might lose respect. They won't understand and they'll reject me. No one can know the badness I really have inside of me.

That's it, isn't it? I mean, if it isn't pride, (wanting to appear perfect, or at the very least, better than most) than it's fearing rejection.

Guess what? The worst thing you ever did? The most horrible thing you've ever said. The biggest lie you've ever told. I can beat that. Why do you think our Bible heroes are shown to be so fallible? These are REAL people.

Why do you put your pastor on a pedestal? He's a real man with real struggles. Enter his home and learn his secrets. And then let them go. What does that mean?

It means when someone confesses their weakness you:
1. Don't be surprised.
2. Don't tell anyone.
3. Love them the same.

It's a big challenge, and it's something I'm passionate about. Stop expecting perfection from one another. Be quick to forgive. That's it! Think about it.

Farewell - But Not Goodbye!

The end of a 12 hour day today. Another toughie. Had to ask a good friend of mine to leave the program. I have such great hopes and dreams for this person! I have known this person a long time and seen ups and downs, and had ups and downs with this person.

Grant and I escorted this person out and although we left on good terms, it is always sad to let go.

Will somebody forward this to Tim Horton's for me?

What do you do when you feel short-changed?

This morning on my way to work I stopped at Tim's for a coffee and a Fruit Explosion Muffin. Well, they forgot to put the explosion in it! That's the whole POINT of the Fruit Explosion Muffin. Hello.

Yesterday on the way home from work, I stopped at the McDonald's drive through. (I know, I know. Too much junk food!) Anyway, I ordered a burger "without ketchup, mustard, or relish." "Just pickles?" he asked. Yes, that's right. And orange pop, please. So, I got a plain burger NO PICKLES and an orange drink that had absolutely no fizz in it. I don't know what that was. Blech.

I was talking to Vicki the other day, telling her I gave up on complaining and crusading, because I would be doing it EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE. Even though I could likely get a free muffin out of the deal.

Yes, I was emoting just then.

Where has customer service gone? Why don't we go the extra mile anymore? Lazy. That's why. I'm just gonna sit here and file my nails and don't be bothering me at the drive through window cause I'm visiting my friend and well, I had a late night with my boyfriend. As for Muffin Man? Well, he has a headache and his stomach is a little queasy and he can't really help it:

"There is so much to do around this place and I am always expected to pick up the slack and do the jobs I wasn't even hired to do. Listen, my muffins would be perfect if I could just concentrate on them all day long."

Scripture has something to say about this:

"The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat." -Proverbs 13:4

Here's a funny one:

"As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed." -Proverbs 26:14

You are in one camp or the other. If you're in the lazy camp, you wish you were on the other side, enjoying the "fat," so to speak. You're jealous that you do all the work and your boss reaps all the reward. What you don't realize, is that it's not a free ticket to the top. It's sweat and toil and selflessness.

It's your choice:

"The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack will be put to forced labour."-Proverbs 12:24

To the Homeless Veterans of Canada

...and for Grandpa in Heaven.
In Flanders Fields, by Lt-Col John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

One Minute of Silence

Safe & Sober Stat

Long day today. The program staff were all off duty for the holiday. The admin staff and the cook were looking after the residents. Unfortunately, for us, this was the day residents chose to come forward with a couple of the guys who were using drugs on the program.

Of course, we had to deal with this right away. We have a Zero Tolerance Policy. Ken and I confirmed the story, and sure enough, I had to ask two of our men to leave immediately.

I'm happy for the rest of the resident men to be able to spend the weekend at the Mission knowing it is a safe and sober place. Enforcing Zero Tolerance is never easy. After all, I knew these men, worked alongside them as they were in recovery, and yet, I had to evict them from their home on a winter's afternoon. Tough love isn't easy, but in the end, it is what will turn them around.

And for those who are really trying to change their lives, having removed the temptation and bad example, well, it could literally mean the difference between life and death.

He who is steadfast in
righteousness will attain to life,
And he who pursues evil will
bring about his own death.
The perverse in heart are an
abomination to the LORD,
But the blameless in their
walk are His delight.

-Proverbs 11:19 & 20

A Psalm I wrote earlier this year.

Days like this, I'm at a loss.

What was formerly a challenge now feels like
a weight with no one to help bear the load.

And yet, there is One.

This One I cling to. In faith. Perseverance.
Trust. Hope. Loyalty.

A true friend I have in this One.

He doesn't condemn or run from my tears,
my anguish, my fears.

He is stronger than any strength I have.
More gracious that any compassion I could show.
He is more loving than my best attempt.

He IS love.

Truly, what a friend we have in Jesus.

You know it's a small town when...

George just called me.

"Michelle, you'll never believe the phone call I had on my answering machine after church!"

"What?"

"It was Mel. She said, "Don't let Clive back into the Shelter WaitList Program tonight. I just saw him walking down the street with a bunch of beer!"

George was rather amused at this phone call from the lady who works at the other building and was OFF duty, driving downtown, waving at Clive on his way to get drunk, and calling George at the same time to give him a head's up.

Clive WAS drunk that night, but he'll be back, ready to try again soon.

Saturday Phone Calls

Had a couple phone calls today. One was from David. He went to Montreal. There, he met Jesus and got baptized. He's been drug free for years, he met Jesus and got baptized in a church that has loved him for who he is.

He decided to move "home" to Saskatchewan. He wasn't ready for the pressure from his old drug dealing buddies. He said the love he felt at his church in Montreal scared him! No one ever cared for him like that before!

So, he made up his mind that he would make Montreal his new home. For good. He would not let the intensity of the caring church community scare him away, but would choose to embrace it.

He had a plane ticket back, (spent all his money on it, one would presume) but nowhere to sleep for the night. He had to walk to the airport at 3:00 in the morning... would he still be able to sleep at the Shelter? He didn't want to arrive from Moose Jaw and have to sleep on the street. I said that we would help him any way we could, and that he should just come. It felt good to help David.

Catherine called me, too. She used to be on the program. She found herself in Regina again, and was staying at The Plains Motel. She said her family wants her to go see a psychiatrist and she needed to move into the Mission to avoid this fate.

I told her we had a six month waiting list for women, so maybe she SHOULD consider taking medication. She agreed to call Melanie in the morning. A few minutes later she called me back and said, "Maybe I should just go to Vancouver?" She went on to explain this idea and I discouraged her from being transient. I suggested she take her medication and she insisted she was not mentally ill.

It was a sad conversation, and I wondered who would help Catherine.

And now to my Blogger Friends:

To: Staff, Board, and Volunteers
Fr: Porters & Katzbergs
What: Mortgage Burning Party
When: Our Annual Christmas party??
Why: God’s faithfulness!

To the Faithful ones,

Okay, so it’s a bit of a misnomer to be announcing a mortgage burning party so soon - but I feel compelled to tell you how close we are to owning the campus outright!!

For those of you who DON’T know, we have received two VERY large anonymous gifts this year to put towards the Ursuline mortgage. $200,001, to be exact! That means our Campus is almost paid for!!

It is the dream of Ken and I to celebrate Christmas with all of you and be able to rejoice with one another as we “burn the mortgage!”

Towards that end, Jack, Paula, and Ken and I have begun by giving gifts for this purpose. Please help us meet this goal by donating the best gift you can towards this!!

We only need $23,533,43! WOW!! Please make your gift and pop by the office to watch the thermometer grow!

As the Lord what He would have you give, and we’ll see you at the Campus Christmas Party!! And what a party it will be!!

Sincerely,



Michelle, for the four of us.



”Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

WARRM Meeting Tomorrow

Come find out about the Regina RESCUE Mission and help us out for an hour making a million meatballs! See you at 7:00 at our Campus location at 3535 - 8th Ave. For more info call 543-0011.