Here are some ministry updates from the summer edition of our Mission Messenger newsletter. To view our complete newsletter, download the PDF here: Mission Messenger Summer 2022.
Summer ministry update
This year, our overnight shelter has routinely been at or near capacity, while the number coming in for meals remains below normal. We have seen an increase in men dealing with drug addiction and mental illness. Our staff evaluates every case and may refer individuals to outside rehabilitation. Sadly, there are some who would rather be without a place to stay than receive help getting clean. We appreciate your continued prayers as we address these issues.
Testimonies
Our staff has shared some encouraging updates about a couple of the men they have been working with. Here are their stories:
"D" has been coming to Bible studies regularly, and has asked many great questions during class time. You can see how curious he is about Christ and that he wants to know more about Jesus. He is also one of the last men to leave the chapel after evening sermons; he usually stays to talk with whoever was preaching.
"H" has been with us for awhile now, first in our overnight shelter and now in one of our private rooms. You can tell that he is greatly seeking the Lord. He comes up to our staff frequently asking questions about the Bible. He has been doing his own research and digging into the Word himself. He is constantly asking about a new portion of scripture that he just read. I believe Jesus is working in tremendous ways in his life, and it is a blessing to see him grow in his faith.
Funding
Like everyone else, we are experiencing increased expenses this year. Unfortunately, we have also seen a decrease in giving. We appreciate your continued support as you are able to give.
Camp Roberts
We were proceeding with plans to hold summer day camp this year, but there was only one applicant for open jobs. Because we lacked enough applicants last year, we took extra steps to promote job opportunities at Camp Roberts this year. In fact, we began promoting employment opportunities for this summer at Camp Roberts in September 2021. Some of the steps we have taken include:
- Created a special brochure to promote Camp Roberts and describe ministry opportunities; approximately 600 were distributed.
- Contacted churches to request assistance in promoting opportunities.
- Shared in multiple newsletters, on our website, email updates, and social media posts.
- Although we have a limited budget, all jobs pay above minimum wage.
The lack of interest in serving at Camp Roberts is discouraging, but we plan to pursue holding camp again next summer. Please pray that we will be joined by people who have a heart for serving others.
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 weekends from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Our current needs include a variety of items to be used in our daily ministry:
- Bleach
- Cereal
- Instant coffee
- Single serve condiments, including salt and pepper, mustard, sugar/sweetener, coffee creamer
- Tea or lemonade drink mix
Banquet scheduled
Our 116th Anniversary Banquet is scheduled for Friday, November 11, 2022, with Redeemed Quartet. We hope to see you there!
As soon as one banquet has ended, we begin scheduling for the next year. Our goal is to hold the event as close to our November 1 anniversary as possible. This year, available dates were more limited than usual. More information will be available in the coming months. You can visit limamission.org/banquet to sign up for banquet email updates and be notified as soon as tickets are available.
More news and notes
Read about our Biblical worldview
View current job openings