Mission Musings

One Hundred Thousand Welcomes!

2010-07-29T07:53:00.003-06:00

The official welcome of Nova Scotia is "Ciad Mile Failte," Gaelic for "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes!"

We feel welcomed in this beautiful, coastal city! And to commemorate this new beginning, I have changed up my blog for the first time since I started it in 2005!

I combed the internet for the perfect description of our new city, and decided on this one from NovaScotia.com:

For more than 250 years visitors to this city have been falling in love with Halifax. The province’s capital, Halifax combines the international essence of a major port city and naval base, with the youthful vibe of a university town, and the culture and heritage of one of Canada’s most historic communities.

After 3 weeks on the road, it's good to be home.

What does the word, "home," conjure up for you?

Binge and Purge Part 2

2010-06-26T19:10:00.000-06:00

Well, that's not a happy thought, is it? Still, it pretty much describes our life this past decade. When we sold our home, new leather and oak furnishings, and cashed in our RRSP's to start SHRM in Regina, we supported ourselves for two years without a salary. We were so determined to pare down, that we pulled the smallest U-Haul for rent from Winnipeg, to Regina.

Then, we lived in a mission for a few years. What was ours and what was the missions soon began to blend. After that, we began to take a salary and save up for a down payment. Another year or so of frugal living, and we had a home of our own again. It was great! SO MUCH ROOM!! And of course, working at a mission, you have your choice of people`s garage sale leftovers...

One man`s junk is another woman`s treasure!

And the story of the binge begins...

Our book collection exploded to half a dozen six-shelved bookcases in our study. It was wall to wall books, and we really love the look. It reminded me of this cozy coffee shop in Halifax that I intend to frequent. I

Now, if that were all we owned, it would be easy! But of course, we have collected so many possessions and memorabilia over the years, that we needed a GIANT purge! You would be amazed at what can fit in a 710 square foot house!

On the work front, we also had to sort, organize, delegate and purge. We wanted to leave a proper archive of the history of the Mission, as well as make sure we weren't taking things that weren't ours, or vice versa! Although, I must say, this extreme downsizing has pretty much made the latter a moot point!

So, as I said in my last blog post,

There are two things that we have been doing these past two months, both on a personal and professional level: 1) Sorting & purging, and 2) saying good-bye.

Our days have literally been filled with 12 or more hours of sorting, organizing, purging, cleaning, and saying good-bye. We are going to easily be able to fit everything we want to bring in the back of our car. Right now, our stash looks like this:

Imagine your life's possessions in 6 boxes?!

If you could only keep one prized possession, what would you keep?

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye Part 1

2010-06-23T06:51:00.030-06:00

TOP TEN Good-Bye's

Some have asked, "What's it like to get ready for a trip of such magnitude? Beyond bittersweet platitudes, in a more practical sense, how do you prepare for the journey to a mission that only exists on paper?!"

There are two things that we have been doing these past two months, both on a personal and professional level: 1) Sorting & purging, and 2) saying good-bye.

Two months of good-byes is difficult. At one point, Ken said, "Just how many good-bye parties are we going to be invited to? It's not like we're the King and Queen!" Poor, introverted Kenny. We've gone out more in 2 months than we have in 2 years--or maybe even 8!

But we have invested our lives in so many relationships here, so saying good-bye, although tough, is really important and something we want to do! Having worked for a mission that has over 20,000 people on the mailing list, and having spoken in most of the churches and community groups in the area over this past decade, we realize we have made a lot of friends!

To that end, we have been provided with ample opportunity to give final farewell greetings. Here they are, in order of occurrence.

1. Annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet

This was our 20th birthday party bash! Although we've only been around a decade, Souls Harbour soup kitchen was in Regina 20 years ago, so after we merged, we wanted to carry on that legacy. To that end, we presented Donovan Carroll with the 2010 Rescuer Award, for the work of his mom, Gerri, in founding the soup kitchen, and also for his carrying on of her work, through the building of the Gerri Carroll Hope Centre, Harbour House, and St. Andrews Little Souls Daycare and Youth Centre.

We invited a ton of alumni, outfitting the men in tuxedos to offset the LifeChange grad gowns. This years class was very large, which was also a wonderful send off. Ken and I were the keynote speakers, and we took people on a ten-year journey of the founding of the Mission, as well as our vision for Halifax. Afterwards, our vice chair and his wife, Dave & Dianne Pahl, lead a standing ovation for us. It was truly a humbling, meaningful night. Nearly 800 people came out, and many of them personally approached us to give us a blessing, or a memory of the early days, or a hug. Yes, there have been lots of hugs!

2. Bon Voyage Party

The board wanted to throw us a fund raiser for the new expansion in Nova Scotia, so they held the third in a series of Music with a Mission concerts. Ken and I combined this with a book, art and antique sale. 300 people came to enjoy a relaxed evening of music, some coming from well outside Regina, as they did for the banquet celebration.

It was such a wonderful night! First of all, it's one of my favourite music styles, so that was really a treat. We visited the musicians late into the night, after everyone had left. They were such an inspiration to me! Secondly, I got to tag team with Heather Prosak, our MC. She is the host of the morning show on Big Dog, a board member, and good friend of mine. Thirdly, we had refreshments downstairs so we got to personally see and thank a lot of people.

We raised $10,000 that night, which will go to SHRM Halifax! Ken and I raised $1500 by selling off more than half of our book collection (1000 books total, stretched from end to end!) some antique dishes, and Ken's paintings. It was hard to give those things up, but once they were purged, the rest was easy! The feedback on Ken's artwork has been very positive, an

d most are using it as a reminder to pray for us in Halifax! We were thankful we had just enough left to bless each board member and member of the worship team. It was fun to pick out special paintings that seemed to suit them.

3. Government Good-Bye

Joe and I accompanied Mission friends to the final house session, where everyone was in a great mood! I was caught off guard and stunned when my friend, Warren McCall, MLA for Regina Elphinstone-Centre, gave a special introduction and thanks to Ken and I, for our work in the inner city of Regina over the past ten years. At that point, from up in the gallery, I observed each MLA from both parties rise to give me a standing ovation. I have to tell you that I will never forget that experience. I work with the homeless and hungry and, although I knew many in that room by name and face, and am happy to call them friends, their world is foreign to me. How grateful I am that we have folks running this government that truly care about the plight of the needy. And how humbling to see that I have impacted their world in some small way. Usually all the thanks and memorials and naming ceremonies happen after you die. How nice to be alive for this one!

4. Rotary

This wasn't technically a good-bye, but we were invited to an amazing evening with special friends, and were presented with a donation for Halifax and a Community Service Award. For me, this represented a good-bye from the Regina community at large. It was pretty special.

5. WARM Garden Party

The Women's Auxiliary of June is traditionally the wrap-up of the season where they have dainties and also plant flowers around the campus to beautify the place. I go for the dainties as my thumb is more of a burnt orange colour, not so much green. I am often travelling during WARM, but I was in town and decided to go to my final WARM meeting. And, am I ever glad I

did! Here they had a surprise farewell for me, presenting me with a lovely mug and a Tim's gift certificate for our travels!

I said to Barb, "How did you know I'd come?"

She replied, "Of course you would come!"

Marg Gold, wife of board member Doug Gold, even made my favourite: butterhorns! They are labour intensive but oh so delicious.

The LifeChange Program women were also there, which, of course, made my time extra-special with this group of ladies.

The Bible verse on the mug is fitting:

There is a time for everything, A SEASON for every activity UNDER HEAVEN. GOD HAS MADE everything beautiful.

-Ecclesiastes 3:1&11

6. Good News Chapel Leadership Potluck BBQ

This was hosted by Murray and Melanie Hack. Mel wanted to do something to honour Ken's service as church planter and pastor, and also welcome Bob Buck as the new Senior Chaplain. Apparently I've been hogging the limelight. WHAT? Who? Me? Nah! It was a really fun "hello and good-bye" evening where we played with the baby, visited, ate, listened to tunes and laughed a lot. It was nice to see this group of men and women all together, and we have full confidence that they will continue to provide a place for North Central to come together on Sunday mornings for worship and a family meal.

7. Staff Party

This one is still to come. Ken and I have been digging through archives to make sure the Mission is left with an in tact history. One of the things he unearthed are our early staff meeting minutes.

"Present: Ken, Michelle, Jesus."

Up to 45 staff will be at Rebecca's at the end of the month to wish us a fond farewell. This will be the most difficult group good-bye of all as we have come to love and cherish our fellow missionaries.

8. Board Party

Alan and Sally Jacobson, our friends and the board chair, will be hosting this on our last day of the month. In Alan's usual caring and gentle way, he wanted to bless us and meet a need at the same time, so he came up with a quiet send off on our last night. We didn't want to be alone on our last night in the city! This will be for board members and their families, and will be another "good-bye and hello" night as the board gets to know their new Executive Director, Joe Miller, on a personal level.

9. Personal Auf Wiedersehens

We are meeting and greeting many of our closest friends for dinners, coffees and chit chats. With this electronic age, no one is too far away. But some of my closest friends and mentors are retired missionaries: Esther Lutzer, Ruby Quiring and Shirley Bodie and aren't on facebook, and some not even email!

Ken's parents also are not electronic, although we speak to them several times a week on the phone. Actually, we spoke weekly, up until they found out we were moving. Now they call three times a week! Still, that good-bye will be the most difficult--particularly for Ken. I'm used to being distant from family and seeing them only once a year or so. Our best friends and other family members are younger and have indicated a future visit, whereas Ken's parents have said they will be unable to travel that far for health reasons.

10. Last Day

Following our quiet board send off, we head to Ken's brother and sister in Weyburn, where we will spend a night with them. This was how we first trekked to Regina, so Rhonda thought it was a good tradition to follow! The next day, we will be at the Oungre Jamboree. This is a Canada Day celebration where we can meet with our musical friends again! For those that want to see us one last time, you can find us enjoying the Gospel music and Christian comedian! Come on out!! It runs from 1;00 - 9:00 rain or shine (indoor venue option); you can click the link to find out more details.

So Long, Farewell

There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall
And the bells in the steeple too
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird
Is popping out to say "cuckoo"
Cuckoo, cuckoo

Regretfully they tell us Cuckoo, cuckoo
But firmly they compel us Cuckoo, cuckoo
To say goodbye . . .
Cuckoo!
. . . to you

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu

So long, farewell, au revoir, auf wiedersehen
I'd like to stay and taste my first champagne

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye -- Goodbye!
I'm glad to go, I cannot tell a lie
I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly
The sun has gone to bed and so must I

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye!

Regina's first new Rotary club in 25 years set up in North Central

2010-06-22T16:33:00.000-06:00

Regina's first new Rotary club in 25 years set up in North Central

TOP TEN Reasons to Sell All You Have to Give to the Poor (Part 2)

2010-06-21T09:40:00.017-06:00

So, why do it? Why sell all you have and give it to the poor?

1. To inspire others. Not everyone can sell all to give to the poor, but they can see our example and think, "What can I do?" If Ken and Michelle can do THAT, there must be a difference I can make in my city, to help the poor.

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -Matthew 19:21

2. To be unencumberred, freeing up our resources to help the poor. Heading to Halifax by faith, to live and work in skid row, is a daunting goal! To ease this journey, we have chosen to arrive, basically, with the shirts off our backs, providing us with flexibility we need to start something, from nothing.

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. -Acts 2:45

3. To increase our faith. When you have nothing, it's all of God and none of me. When we first came to Regina, we said, "Lord, we're here, but you're going to have to do all the miracles!"

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. -2 Corinthians 8:9

4. To prove God's faithfulness. My personal mantra, when I go through the process of releasing someething I love, is, "The more I let go of here, the more God will bless me there." Already, I have seen this happening, as we have not even left yet, but have raised $15,000 for the Mission start-up, and have $3000 monthly pledged.

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales. -Acts 4:34

5. To provide a home for the poor. If need be, we will use the profits for the sale of our home to buy a shelter for the homeless in Halifax.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. -1 Timothy 6:17-19

6. To provide an income for ourselves and Stephanie. The first two years in Regina, we were able to live without a salary, because we used our own savings. We plan to live with Stephanie and the three of us will have all things in common.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. -Acts 4:32

7. For Heavenly reward.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. -Mastthew 6: 19&20

8. To become closer to God's heart and will.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21

9. To shed anxiety, and gain contentment and confidence. Ridding oneself of their possessions frees the mind for creativity and the soul for fellowship and conversation with God and man.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" -Hebrews 13:5&6

10. Hope and Joy!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13

On Selling All You Have to Give to the Poor (Part 1)

2010-06-20T07:30:00.000-06:00

We're only taking what fits in the back of our Matrix to Halifax. That means MAJOR DOWNSIzing! I am often asked the question, "What is it like to leave everything?"

And it's true. We are leaving everything: home, job, friends, family, furnishings, a large book collection, Ken's artwork, and most of our personal possessions.

What fits in the back of a crossover utility vehicle?

A keepsake trunk filled with:
-Digital files.
-Paper journals & photos.
-Ken's baby quilt from Grandma.
-My lambie from when I was born.
-Special Christmas ornaments.
-Willowtree angel from Jaime, soup kitchen volunteer and friend.
-Decorative wooden box from Lennice, our Winnipeg mission friend that was murdered.

2 duffle bags with everyday travel clothes.
2 small suitcases with other clothes.
4 file boxes.

That's it. We have pretty much whittled down our lives to these few things. For me, that means, -- years, 10 cities, and 20 years of marriage, all boiled down to 20 square feet. TWENTY!!

Don't be fooled: the purging process is very difficult.

Some will say to me, "It must feel so good, eh?!"

It's not the same as "clearing your clutter" or doing a deep cleaning. It's a complete surrender to being willing to give up even your most prized possessions.

For us, that meant a book and art sale. We had about 1000 books, and 20 years of paintings that Ken painted. We made $1500 on the sale, selling each book for a buck or two. People that bought paintings are folks that want to support us, and use it as a reminder to pray for Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, Halifax.

We gave a lot away, too. There were just enough paintings left to bless each board member, as well as member of the leadership team at Good News Chapel, the chapel-church we started, where Ken has been pastoring for the past three years.

And the house is being sold furnished. It includes the indoor and outdoor furniture, the appliances, bedding, linens, lawn mower, and universal weight machine.

Again, folks say, "It must be so much easier that way!"

I dare say it is one of the most difficult thing a person would have to do in their lifetime. At least, it certainly has been in mine.

Imagine reducing all you own to your trunk. What would you take?

Heal Our Land

2010-06-15T14:21:00.002-06:00

Heal Our Land,
by Michael Card

Forgive o, Lord
And heal our land
And give us eyes to seek Your face
And hearts to understand
That You alone
Make all things new
That the blessings of the land we love
Are really gifts from You

If my people
Will humbly pray
And seek my face
And turn away
From all their wicked ways
Then I will hear them
And move my hand
And freely then will I forgive
And I will heal their land

Unite our hearts
In one accord
And make us hungry for Your peace
And burdened for the poor
And grant us hope
That we might see
A future for the land we love
Our life, our liberty

I am a street person

2010-06-14T13:04:00.005-06:00

I am a street person. I may be a man or a woman. I could be a teenager or even a small child. I am 12; I am 20; I am 60 years old. My skin colour is black or white or brown. It makes no difference. You do not know me. You do not hear me.

Oh, you once felt sorry for me and came over to me with your Bible and your Jesus. Maybe you went home to your clean sheets and chicken dinners feeling better about yourself, but I felt only hate and bitterness. You see, I have heard your singing, but you have not heard my silence. You speak of love, but I am mothered by hate.

I live on concrete fields--I make my bed in the parkades and alleyways of the city. My blanket is woven of unrealized dreams and broken promises. I shiver in aloneness. I dress myself with what others cast off. I am ashamed. My daily bread comes from a needle and alcohol stunts the pain within me. I never cry, though. I steal without guilt. Violence and vandalism nurse my deformity.

I have seen your Bibles clutched in your minds but your hearts will not let them go. My appearance turns you away. You are disgusted and afraid. I am alone.

My mind, though dull, seeks recognition. Each day I look for you, but you do not come. As a child I awoke, afraid, hungry, and lonely, but you were not there. The darkness of the street engulfed me and I was nurtured by my mother, who gave me drugs so I would sleep without trembling.

Today I am still lonely, but it is a disguised and resentful loneliness. I do not feel pain like I used to. I walk the streets as though in a dream, wishing for death, longing for life. In my search for existence I hear the voice of compassion and I recognize the face of genuine love. Perhaps you have given of yourself to me and I have not responded. Don't be surprised. There is a lot about me that you don't know and could never understand.

Michelle Porter
(A reading done in the early 90's that I wrote for oral presentation.)

Ken & Michelle Porter presented with Rotary "Outstanding Community Service Award" for a decade of faithful service!

2010-06-11T12:02:00.014-06:00

Ken and I had a very special honour, complete with standing ovation last night, as the Regina's original Rotary Club presented us with the "Outstanding Community Service Award!" This is quite possibly the first time it was presented to a non-Rotarian!

Fittingly, it was also Lobsterfest, and our first time trying lobster. It was quite a fright to see those beady little crustacean eyes staring me in the face! But the taste was surprisingly sweet!

The entire night was a fund raiser for homelessness in Regina, and additionally, a $500 cheque for Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission was also given! This particular Rotary Club, meeting at the Regina Inn, has been of great significance and partnership to the Mission, as they have contributed many hours of service at the Soup Kitchen. As well, they have outfitted the kitchen with things like a commercial dishwasher and a stainless steel kitchen hand wash sink!

I'd like to thank this amazing group of men and women for a fantastic night! We even got to listen to the smooth jazz of my favourite local group: True Jive Pluckers!

The citation speech was written and presented by Brian Hardy, our board treasurer and one of my corporate mentors:

As a Rotarian and Board Member of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, I am truly honoured to be asked by the Honours and Awards Committee of our Club to present this citation.

This evening you have already witnessed the presentation of an award to each of two Rotarians that recognized exemplary service within our Club. Our mandate is broad enough to recognize worthwhile activity performed by those other than Rotarians. It is some time since we have done so. But tonight it is my pleasure on behalf of the Rotary Club of Regina to present an "Outstanding Community Service" award to Ken and Michelle Porter for their untiring efforts in meeting the needs of the hungry and homeless in our city.

Ken and Michelle came to Regina from Winnipeg in 1999 and set up the Regina RESCUE Mission, an institution that not only met the food and shelter needs of many, but provided a forum that allowed their clients to recognize what circumstances were causing their problem, how to cope with them, and training to allow them to develop self-sufficiency. There have been 75 graduates from the one year LifeChange Program, along with countless others who completed some stages of the program before leaving, and are now contributing to our society.

Three years ago, Regina RESCUE Mission and Souls Harbour Mission House combined to form Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. To further meet the needs of the disadvantaged, new facilities have been added so that the ability to feed, shelter, clothe and train has been dramatically enhanced.

We are grateful to the Porter's for choosing to make Regina their centre of activity for the past 11 years; we are a better community because of their compassion and energy.

Ken and Michelle leave at the end of this month for Halifax where they will start a new Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Our thanks for all you have done here, and our wish is that with God's grace and help you will reach your goals for Halifax.

Please accept this certificate of our appreciation for your achievements. Our Rotary motto is "Service Above Self." You have exemplified this many times over.

Plaques are nice, but they don't buy food, so please also accept this cheque for $500.00 made out to Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission.

(Photos of the evening.)

Peace Be Still

2010-06-09T14:08:00.015-06:00

This is Ken on our Halifax skid row scouting trip. We took a personal day at the beautiful Point Pleasant Park, on the Eastern end of the Halifax peninsula.

Today I posted this on a friend's facebook wall. I thought it appropriate to share here, too.

When you and Debbie came to Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission so that we could receive a day of staff training and caring, she also gave us a series of articles you had written. I just discovered them and read them for the first time, and was particularly struck by how fitting they were to my life, and what I am currently experiencing.

The first I read, was about solitude, and making sure we make space in our lives to hear God speaking. One of the things we plan to do in Halifax, is to ensure that we keep space open for quietness, for it is in "quietness and confidence" that we find strength.

The second article I read was about not being possessed by our possessions. To truly own something, we must dispossess it, as though it were not ours, and as we hold things lightly, with an attitude of giving, we find ourselves complete, and not continually searching and desiring to fill the void with ownership. As Ken and I wrestle with selling and giving away all we have to help the poor, we are awed at the reality of this truth: that dispossession is freedom and contentment.

Keep writing, Steve. Your gift is a blessing to many. Thank you.

And in true humilty, in keeping with the amazing person Steve is, his reply touched me:

Michelle, I'm truly humbled by your words. You and Ken are gospel-models -- modern-day Desert Fathers/Mothers. Me, I try to catch up to what I write. Thank you again for such a gracious note.

What steps do you take in your own life to affect a spirit of quiet?

The Heart of Worship

2010-06-03T19:04:00.002-06:00

I alluded to a song yesterday and wanted to post the video here.

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is yours
Every single breath

I'll bring you more than a song
I'll bring you more than a song
I'll bring you more than a song

What will you bring Him?

Transitions

2010-06-02T20:01:00.018-06:00

God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply.
-Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, founder of OMF International
Hudson Taylor is just one of many missionaries who spent their entire lives on the mission field. He gave up everything he had to reach the lost.

Tonight as I was cleaning out my kitchen cupboards, I was listening to a modern day Chinese missionary speak of his life in China, working among Muslims. He came to challenge students at my alma mater, Millar College of the Bible. His challenge was the same Hudson Taylor inspired others to take: to give their lives away to the Gospel. This missionary and his wife, at one point in their missionary career, were the ONLY missionaries for ONE MILLION PEOPLE! As missionaries are banned from China, I won't post his name.

As I make this transition from founding and executive director, to mission-planter in Halifax, it would seem the biggest issue on my heart is the Gospel. It's the primary reason we would consider selling all we have to give to the poor. Turning over the leadership and management is easy, now that the right people are in place. But this month of transition finds me praying for the staff to have unity and love for one another. The Bible teaches us that humility must come before honour. We've all heard it said another way: pride goes before a fall!

Priorities tend to become aligned as we close up chapters of our lives and begin new ones. This new season finds me shedding not only of most of my worldy possessions, but my status and even friends and family. Which leaves very little to compete with what truly matters. We had a book sale last week. We sold about hundreds of books. Ken and I had an extensive personal collection. As we packed up the remainders today to donate to start a library at the Good News Chapel, I couldn't help but notice the books that DIDN'T get taken: missionary biographies.

Ken grew up on these. I always wonder why the only person quoted nowadays in Christian inspirational sermons seems to be Mother Theresa. Now I know why! People are more interested in self-help than God-help. When you read a missionary biography, it's a movie in your mind! You feel what they felt. you see what they saw. And you are inspired to go live all out for the Gospel.

Because, in truth, when the music fades, and all is stripped away, we realize how insignificant we are, and how great He truly is.

Who is setting an example for you these days?

Gospel Concert

2010-05-28T06:02:00.008-06:00

Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission presents "Music With a Mission," part of the Gospel Music Concert Series and also a bon voyage party for former mission staffers Ken and Michelle Porter. The event takes place at 7 p.m. today at Good News Chapel, 1380 Elphinstone St. Refreshments and an art and book sale follow with proceeds going to the Porters' moving expenses.

-The Regina Leader-Post

All Hail The Underwear King!

2010-05-19T19:08:00.007-06:00

Brent King has arrived in Regina! Tomorrow he will be donating 3000 pair of men's underwear to Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission! Watch and listen for media coverage on Big Dog 92.7 at 8:50 a.m. and the local news.

Got Ginch will also be at the Saskatchewan legislature tomorrow. We have been invited to park the Ginch Mobile at the front doors tomorrow for closing day of the legislature. I can't wait to ride to the Leg in the Ginch Mobile!

If you want to get in on the fun, join us tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. at the campus, on the corner of Elphinstone & 8th Avenue in North Central!

Watch this one minute trailer and you will even see a clip of me last year, pointing to our Missionopoly--our creative version of the Mission's strategic plan.

One Problem Trailer from Ramin Eshraghi Yazdi on Vimeo.

foster and feed

2010-05-15T07:08:00.005-06:00

I felt like a Walmart greeter with my 2010 convention badge, riddled with odds and ends: a red executive stripe, "EL" (executive leadership) stamp, a blue ribbon emblazoned with the words, "Board Member," a gold ribbon that said "Faculty" hanging under the blue one, my name, the name of my Mission, and a Canada flag clipped on for good measure.

It was my 11th conference with the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. This year was busy, morning, noon and night, as I juggled a 7:00 a.m. board meeting, moderating a day-long seminar on boards, speaking on an 8:00 a.m. panel about leadership transitions, folding letters, stuffing envelopes, greeting and saying good-bye to friends.

Amidst the busy-ness, one thing continues to amaze me at these conventions: the power of fellowship. Not the kind you get from the world--boozing buddies, movie-watching pals, or water-cooler work companions--but the kind that are akin to sports teams that work together, travel together, play hard together, and rest together. There is a sweetness about being amidst hundreds of men and women (and some of their families) who devote their lives to the cause of providing hope and hospitality to the homeless.

Over the years, I've seen a changing of the guards and the ups and downs that come with running an association, but the one thing that remains is the thing that keeps me coming back for more. It's the kindred spirit of a life lived all-out for Jesus. It's that missionary call acknowledging that we are imperfect, redeemed people who have dedicated our whole lives to full-time Christian service. It is our life-blood, and it seems that no matter who you sit down with for a chat, whether you are meeting for the first time, or catching up, there is a relational kinship that occurs. One in which we are able to spur one another on in love and good deeds.

This sense of community and fellowship is the number one reason I go to convention every year. It gives me the "oomph" I need to serve with joy for the next 12 months. Some of these friends I consider closer than family.

AGRM's vision statement: AGRM will foster and feed a movement of diverse, energetic disciples who will see the practice of hospitality to the destitute as both a catalyst for life transformation in Jesus and a fundamental expression of their Christian faith, thus propelling the church into the lead role in society’s quest to alleviate homelessness.

How do you relate to those in your church family? Is going to church a drudgery and a burden, or can you relate to this same sense of acceptance and joy that was expressed in the post?

2010-05-08T12:54:00.002-06:00

The morning after our 7th Annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banqet, I flew off to Chicago, Illinois, to the 97th Annual Convention of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions.

On my first night five hard working women from our host Rescue Mission, MorningStar Mission, from Joliet, Illinois, invited me along for dinner and then took me for an hour long drive to downtown Chicago. What a beautiful city, particularly at night!

I was excited to see Navy Pier, reminding me of my upcoming move to another Harbour town, Halifax, Nova Scotia. I also enjoyed seeing the infamous Moody Bible Church, pastored by reknowned author & speaker, Irwin Lutzer. His brother, Harold Lutzer, is our first Regina friend and serves as our founding board member at Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission!

We saw the birthday cake building, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, Moody Bible Institute, the HUGE fountain donated by France, Pacific Garden Mission, amazing architechture, the largest Trump Tower in the world, Willis (Sears) Tower, the John Hancock building, the Chicago and Ford Theatres, and so much more!

Where I'll Be Catching Up on My Sleep Tomorrow!

2010-04-01T20:56:00.002-06:00

WAIKIKI BEACH

Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-27T20:30:00.001-06:00

Childcare advocacy group hoped for more in Saskatchewan budget

2010-03-25T11:51:00.008-06:00

A group shot of some of the Little Souls Daycare staff and children.

Leader-Post
By Barb Pacholik

While the new provincial budget has money to boost the number of child care spaces and pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, one advocacy group was hoping for more.

“Overall we’re looking more for a universal system,” said Ann McCrorie of the Early Learning Childcare Coalition of Saskatchewan. She said there’s still not enough spaces to meet demand, but she’d like the province to think even bigger.

“What we envision is a public system of early learning and child care that’s funded and provided by government, essentially. And that it’s an integrated program that combines early learning and child care,” she said.

Wednesday’s budget provides for 235 additional child care spaces and 18 new pre-kindergarten programs. Added to the 1,500 child care spaces created last fiscal year, the total number of licensed child care spaces will grow to 11,650 by the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year. Pre-kindergarten programs will number 230.

Little Souls Daycare in Regina is one of the centres that has benefitted from the influx of provincial money for child care. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM) received $201,600 from the province in July to fund the daycare.

Now the 60-space Little Souls Daycare, which opened its doors at 1475 Athol St. in February, is still looking for a few more little souls.

“It’s like the best kept secret in Regina,” said SHRM’s executive director Michelle Porter, noting they are still trying to fill 20 spaces. She believes it’s not a lack of demand that has kept the licensed spaces from being filled, but rather a lack of awareness. She spoke recently to one man whose child had been on a waiting list for 18 months, but he had no idea that Little Souls had opened. Because of privacy laws, daycare centres can’t share the names of those waiting for spots.

McCrorie often gets calls from parents struggling to find child care, with proximity to home often high on their list of requirements. Porter said about 60 per cent of the kids at Little Souls come from the area although it is open to children from anywhere.

The extra spaces in this budget do come at a price. The $2-million cost of the additional child care and pre-K programs will be found through reductions in other areas: The Education Supports for Employees of Child Care Centres (which helped with training and education for child care workers) will see a drop in funding; 10 Community Solutions projects (local programs which assist which such needs as family support connected to a daycare or seasonal child care needs) will lose their provincial funding within 90 days; and the use of a school-readiness test for kindergarten students will be reduced.

Porter said one of the other challenges SHRM has encountered in opening its daycare is a scarcity of trained staff, despite having one of the higher pay rates in the city for its workers. “It’s very, very difficult. We’re now looking at bringing in people from other provinces.”

The childcare coalition has also been pushing for a 20 to 25 per cent increase in the wages paid to early educators.

“Without significant improvements to funding, the province will have little or no chance to improve new training and recruitment initiatives,” it said in a news release.

Shawna's Story: Grateful for City Vision's Real-Life Experiences

2010-03-24T09:13:00.004-06:00

Recent City Vision College grad and intern at Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission shares her story at UrbanMinistry.org.

Shawna Fitz received a Certificate in Missions from City Vision College and graduated in 2009. Originally in the Addiction Studies program, she switched to Missions because it conveyed what she wanted to do—charitable work with Christ at the center. What she loves most about City Vision is the internship requirement. Not only do they provide the knowledge students need to be effective in urban ministry, but they give you the chance to serve people in various organizations and ministries in the US and Canada.

Fitz says, “What I learned at City Vision was right on point with what I did at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.” Souls Harbour is located in Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada) and provides struggling men, women, and families with shelter, food, and clothing. In addition, they have support programs and provide opportunities to introduce the Gospel to the residents.

She recently completed her internship at Souls Harbour this past January where she was the Shelter Shepherd/Caretaker of Harbour House, which provides low-income housing, an emergency homeless shelter, and a recovery program for women. Approximately 85% of the women who come here are running from domestic abuse, and 80%have drug issues. Fitz says, “We get a lot of prostitutes, addicts, and women without homes, so we give them a room to stay in. They become part of your family. I don’t see anybody who goes through what they go through the same anymore. It’s taught me to drop my barriers and to just see them as real people.”

At Souls Harbour she saw real transformation take place in the lives of those she served. She witnessed Mission’s residents come to Christ and their addictions and bondages broken—for Fitz to see former addicts genuinely experience God and his power to heal was “humbling and amazing.” Through it all she drew closer to God, becoming more aware of what he can do for people despite the depth of sin or struggle.

Fitz, now in Kansas, works at the Department of Commerce where she finds resources for people looking for housing or jobs, and conducts adult workshops to improve their skills. A City Vision course that prepared her for this is Life Skills Training, a class that teaches students how to equip disadvantaged adults in areas of “literacy, employment, readiness, and financial management.”

At night, she is involved in street ministry where she talks to local residents about Jesus, listens to their stories, prays for them, and counsels them. To expand her work in urban ministry, she says, “I’d like to provide a place for people to know Christ more—such as a home church—so they would have somewhere to go.” And with the help of City Vision’s Ministry Management course, Fitz is in the process of establishing her own nonprofit that places missionaries in orphanages in Uganda.

It’s clear she has a servant’s heart, driven to serve and provide care for others at her own expense. She’s grateful for the opportunities and resources City Vision has given her—it gave her direction in what steps to take in following God in urban ministry.

What would it take for you to give up a year of your life to live amongst the poorest in our nation?

Why I Gave up Poker

2010-03-22T11:09:00.000-06:00

I've been playing poker since I was in elementary school. I had a crush on Doug someone or other, and our families would get together, and he, being older, wiser and cuter, taught me to play.

When poker became popular again, I learned the new rules and tried my hand at it. In fact, I was pretty good! I found a sale and bought all our staff these beautiful poker sets, complete with wooden turntable base and nickle plated handle.

We got together and played poker nearly every week, with different staff coming and going, and a die-hard few regulars. I asked a few ex-gambler staffers if they thought it was alright, and they said they didn't care, but they never came to the tournaments. And of course, we never played for money; just chips.

We all went camping and played at the campground, played during the Rolling Stones concert, played and played and played. I, as reigning champ, felt pretty good about myself! Until one day, a staff member decided she couldn't play anymore. She wouldn't divulge the reason, but just kind of shrugged, and said she was tired of it. At the same time, another staff member said he could no longer play anymore. He said it was wrong, but didn't extrapolate as to why. Well, with our host having backed out, it just kind of dwindled.

Then one day, someone close to me, who, like me, enjoyed the game and thought she was pretty good at it, stumbled onto internet gambling. No longer was it good enough to just play for fun, and the thrill of the win, but pride got the better of her and she began to think she could win big!

But, as all gambling addicts find out, they soon are trapped into a cycle of no returns, where small gains are lost along the way to higher stakes.

It was that moment that turned me around. I got disgusted at the wiles of the enemy. How dare he take something innocent and fun, and suck people into the vortex where money becomes master.

I got angry. I gave up my MSN poker account. I deleted my iPhone Zynga account. I gave up my swanky poker set. And I swore to never play the game again, even in fun.

I didn't know the pull of a gambler. Just like alcohol, you never know if you will be one who succumbs to its grip. Years ago I made the decision to refrain from drinking. Not because it's is a sin, but for the sake of my Christian brothers and sisters who were not able to partake without abusing it.

There is Biblical example for this decision. Paul said, "Looking at it one way, you could say, 'Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.' But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well." (1 Corinthians 10:23&24 The Message.)

The Amplified translation ends it this way, and so will I: "Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but rather, let him seek the welfare of his neighbour."

How does this post make you feel when it comes to giving up something you enjoy, in order to love your neighbour?

Souls Harbour Heading To Halifax

2010-03-21T12:20:00.002-06:00

Rescue Mission will help the less fortunate

Newstalk 650 CKOM
By Justin Blackwell

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission will be setting up shop in Halifax.

The charitable organization in Regina has been helping the less fortunate in the city for a number of years.

Executive Director Michelle Porter will be heading up the mission and while sad to leave, is looking forward to the opportunity.

"If we can get even half the support and success from here down to Halifax, it will be well worth the trip."

Porter says the idea came after they were approached by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions which asked them to consider a mission plant in the Maritimes. Porter believes Halifax can sustain a small startup work.

Porter and her husband head down July 1st to begin their new mission.

Joe Miller named new executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

2010-03-17T19:08:00.002-06:00

Michelle Porter (left), founder and executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, says farewell at a news conference at the mission on Wednesday. Joe Miller (right), director of business development, will take over as the mission’s executive director. Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post

by, Kerry Benjoe
Regina Leader Post

REGINA — The new executive director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission wants to assure Regina residents that the mission will continue to provide those in need with the help they require.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Joe Miller, director of business development, will take on a new role as the mission's new executive director.

"I'm very excited," said Miller. "I think I have some big shoes to fill."

Miller said the mission will focus on prevention. He said there have already been some exciting changes at the mission like the opening of Little Souls Daycare in February. The centre provides subsidized daycare for up to 60 children.

In a couple of months the mission is to open a youth centre located at 1475 Athol St.

"We're going to continue to do what Souls Harbour does best," said Miller. "We will be there to give people the food, the shelter, the clothing and go through the whole continuum of care that we provide."

Michelle and Ken Porter, who have operated the mission since 2000, plan to celebrate Canada Day a little different this year.

That's when the couple plans to pack a few personal belongings with them and travel 4,000 kilometres to Halifax, where they plan to set up a sister mission.

"What brought us to this decision is the heart and passion that we have for homeless people in Canada and for people who need a leg up," said Michelle Porter. "We went to Halifax and found a hidden group of homeless people."

She said the city draws in many tourists because it's on the East Coast.

"The homeless are hidden behind houses that are done up really quaint," said Porter. "There is a lot of drug abuse and alcoholism as you would expect for a city of that size."

Although she's very proud of what the mission has accomplished in the past decade she's looking forward to doing it all over again in a new city. The Porters established the Regina Rescue Mission in 2000 and merged with Souls Harbour Mission House in 2007 to become the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

Porter said she knows what a city can do when it bands together to help the homeless.

Stephanie Mitchell, 18, a City Vision College intern at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is also answering Halifax's call for help.

She plans on making the trek with the Porters this summer because she believes in the mission.

"I felt like this was what I needed to do," said Mitchell.

She said working at Souls Harbour has opened her eyes to the needs of the world.

"I just want to be used to help others in this next journey," said Mitchell.

Big News!

2010-03-17T05:17:00.010-06:00

Have you seen the morning paper? There is big news and seasons of change at The Mission. Please join us for a light breakfast and media conference this morning at 10:00 - 10:15 and be part of this exciting new venture! Come to the Soup Kitchen at 1836 Halifax Street and learn about... well... did I say this was BIG?!

My San Diego Itinerary

2010-03-06T22:02:00.020-06:00

It's been so nice to come a bit early to enjoy San Diego at the Crowne Plaza. This hotel used to be the Red Lion Hanalei, complete with Hawai'ian theme. Some of that history remains. Let me fill you in on my wonderfully non-eventful time here so far:

Friday:
-Arrival to sunny San Diego
-Shuttle to Hotel & check-in
-Watch a Harrison Ford movie. It was really good, but had to google 'Jack Ryan' (main character) to find out it was called 'Patriot Games'
-Nap
-Order room service: bacon, pepperoni & mushroom pizza
-Watch Food Network's Food Network Challenge & Chopped
-Soak in outdoor hot tub
-Sleep at 9:00

This is what my room looks like, except on the ground floor with a sliding door to patio facing a grassy area & the pool. The hot tub is just around the corner!

Saturday:
-Sleep in until 9:00
-Watch The History Channel. Topic today is the history of the hot dog!
-Back to the hot tub!
-Read a magazine & drink coffee on my patio, overlooking palm trees & pool area
-Free shuttle to Fashion Valley Mall (outdoor) where I procede to buy cute little outfits for Amos, Jude, Judah & Katie.

I also bought an iPhone case at the Apple Store, to keep a little crack in check. This is my Kate Spade case, except in turquoise. At another kiosk I asked if they had a anything to prop my iPhone up on my desk. "Oh, you mean like this?" She showed me a little plastic dodad. "Yes! How much is it?" She placed it in my hand and said, "Free!"

-Back to hotel. Pay for internet to see if Mel and Rae had their babies... YES!
-Call my mom & chat with her and Phil. (She lives in Torrance, California.)
-Order room service: New England Clam Chowder & Hanalei Platter (wings, spring roll, coconut shrimp
-Chat with Ken
-Hot tub in the rain!
-Post blog
-Bedtime!

It's pretty much been a nothing trip so far. And, well, really, that's the point! Tomorrow, if it's not raining, I may take a short run to Old Town before the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions board meeting begins.

Where will your next trip take you?