Here are some ministry updates from the spring edition of our Mission Messenger newsletter. To view our complete newsletter, download the PDF here: Mission Messenger Spring 2022.
Annual ministry update
Thank you to everyone who joined us in prayer and giving last year—we know that we are not alone in this ministry; your partnership allows the Mission to provide care to the homeless regardless of what is going on in the world around us.
Here is an overview of statistics from 2021:
Meals provided: 8,978
Nights of shelter: 3,052
New guests: 118
Years in operation: 115
The number of meals and nights of shelter provided were both lower last year. For the first time in recent history, the number of meals served dropped below 10,000. There has been a slight increase in people turning to us for meals and shelter in the first part of 2022.
Your Support
Last year, we received many donated items that are used in our daily ministry—so many that storage areas are overflowing. Everything from personal care items, to food, to blankets and pillows were donated throughout the year. We are well-stocked and appreciate the generous giving.
Financial support also increased last year, and your giving completely covered expenses for the year. In December, we set a fundraising goal of $100,000, which was exceeded with a total of $125,250 given during the month. We are thankful for the trust you have placed in our ministry, and we appreciate your faithfulness in caring for others.
Ongoing Commitment
People come to the Mission when they have nowhere else to turn. We look forward to opportunities to provide physical care— and more importantly—a message of hope to those who are facing despair. With your support, we remain committed to upholding Biblical truth, proclaiming the gospel, and serving others in Jesus' name.
Around the Mission
A man recently stayed in our overnight shelter while working and saving money for an apartment. When he came back to collect his belongings, he said he was happy to have his own place. This is a great example of how temporary shelter can help people make a transition into more permanent housing.
We would like to welcome Jacob Fenters to our ministry staff. He is serving in the position of service coordinator and will help with many of the daily chores around the Mission. He will also coordinate services such as providing meals and shelter, and hold Bible studies and classes.
Although our food shelves are mostly full, there are some items that are still needed, including large cans of baked beans, peas, mixed vegetables, sauerkraut, and canned chicken. Thank you for supporting our meal ministry as we continue to feed others every day of the year.
Camp Roberts activities planned
We are looking forward to a summer of ministry at Camp Roberts, but we need your help! Last year, we were unable to hold camp because of a lack of applicants for open positions. We have created a brochure to highlight the ministry and opportunities to serve which we will be sharing with churches soon. We're also asking for your help to make others aware of opportunities to join our children's ministry team and have an impact at Camp Roberts this summer.
Paid Opportunities
Positions include Children's Ministry Coordinator/Camp Director, and Counselor. We want the children who attend camp to have a personal experience, and our goal is to hire one counselor per five children.
Volunteer Opportunities
Current opportunities include Van Driver and Cook. We ask that van drivers commit to at least one full week (Monday-Friday). This includes morning and afternoon transportation. No CDL is required, but you must have a driving record that is acceptable to our insurance provider. The position of cook can be filled by one person, but is also a good opportunity for church groups. Perhaps your church would consider "adopting" a week of camp by serving lunch.
All applicants, whether paid or volunteer, must complete a background check with no offenses that would prohibit working with children.
Anyone who is interested may visit our employment page for position descriptions and an employment application. Those interested in volunteering can find information on our volunteer page. We can also mail information upon request. Thank you for sharing this with those who may be interested!