Here are some ministry updates from the December edition of our Mission Messenger newsletter. To view our complete newsletter, download the PDF here: Mission Messenger December 2024.
December ministry update
This year has brought many challenges as well as blessings, and God has graciously provided what is needed at the right time.
Projects
We were able to complete two major projects this year—replacement of exterior stairs behind our building and the rebuilding of our garage which was damaged in a storm. Both projects were completed with specially designated funding. We are thankful for the volunteers who completed work on the garage, which saved thousands of dollars.
Men's Ministry
Our overnight shelter has been at capacity for most of the year, but there has been some fluctuation recently. We have also seen unpredictable changes in the number of men coming in for meals, which can be a challenge for planning day-by-day. We are blessed by volunteers who continue to provide and serve meals.
Recently, we have had more men move into our transitional housing. This provides an opportunity for those with a source of income to have more private living arrangements while saving for their own apartment.
Camp Roberts
Over the past few years, we were unable to find enough staff to be able to hold our Camp Roberts summer day camp. It was our desire to resume camp this year, even if it meant having a much smaller program. Thankfully, the Lord provided a camp director, four counselors, and a cook, and we had a wonderful time of ministry this summer.
It has been our desire to resume after school classes, because we don't want to lose contact with children after the summer. We assumed this would take place further down the road, but the Lord provided again, and we were able to transition from our summer camp to an after school program in September. Activities are currently held every Tuesday, with a special family time scheduled for one Saturday every month. We are thankful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of these children. Please pray for this ministry and that the Lord will provide as it continues to grow.
Finances
At the end of July, we had a shortfall of over $115,000. Because of giving from a variety of sources, we are now on track to end the year with all expenses being covered. We are thankful for this blessing, and we appreciate your continued support which will provide stability for our ministry into the next year.
Looking ahead
We know that this ministry belongs to the Lord and we trust Him in our daily work. We look forward to the many opportunities we have been given to reach others as we provide care for those who are hurting while sharing the message of the gospel. Thank you for joining us—you make it possible to reach others in need in our community every day.
Celebrating 118 years of ministry
On Friday, October 25, we gathered to celebrate 118 years of ministry. Thank you to everyone who attended this year's anniversary banquet! We enjoyed the music of The Kingsmen, and were blessed by our time of fellowship. We heard from Amber, our camp director, and learned more about the impact this ministry had this summer and continues to have during the school year.
We appreciate the generous sponsors who made this year's banquet possible. In addition to a time of fellowship, the banquet is a fundraiser for our daily ministry, and we are thankful for everyone who gave generously! We are thankful for all supporters—those who started giving recently and others who are carrying on a family tradition of support. Your generosity ensures that the ministry will be equipped to care for those in need for generations to come.
Pictures from the event are available on our banquet page.
Current needs
Donating items from our needs list is a great way to make a difference in the lives of the poor and homeless, and anyone can get involved by collecting these items. The best time to bring donations to the Mission is on weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. or Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. A list of current needs can be found on this page.
Donate online
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