NGRM 2016 Summer Newsletter - Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission
Transcription
NGRM 2016 Summer Newsletter - Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission
Volume 5 | No. 2 2016 SUMMER EDITION HIGHLIGHTS & EVENTS Summer has arrived and we at the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission want to take this opportunity to update you on some of the strides we have made so far in 2016. The primary theme of this newsletter will focus on the most recent events and projects surrounding volunteering at the Mission. The generous acts of kindness and cooperation by our volunteers are both integral parts of the foundation for which our ministry is built upon. By reading the following articles, we hope you will be encouraged and inspired to join or support our future endeavors, as we continue to seek and follow direction from God in representing Jesus Christ to the people of Niagara Falls, New York. The 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social In May, we held a Volunteer Appreciation Event for individuals and groups who serve on a monthly basis. We had a wonderful evening celebrating all that God has been doing throughout the Mission. Volunteers had the opportunity to go on a tour of our new location and were able to spend time socializing with approximately 150 associates and participants. The turnout was incredible and a good time was had by everyone in attendance. It was very promising, uplifting and encouraging to see the Body of Christ gathering in fellowship, together. ?The local church has been the backbone of our mission since it began. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the hundreds of people who make our mission possible. You are Christ?s message of love to those we serve. May God bless you!!? -Tom McLaughlin, Interim Executive Director VOLUNTEER'S CORNER During the month of June, a group from the First Baptist Church of Columbia in Alabama heard about The Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission and decided to bring a team of 25 students, along with their leadership to volunteer at the Mission. The Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission is always looking for volunteers to contribute at both the Ferry Avenue and Portage Road locations. Volunteering provides a rewarding opportunity for individuals and groups to serve together at meal times and pour love, care and generosity into the lives of others. For more information on how to serve, please call (716) 205-8805 or visit our website: www.niagaramissions.org The bright and energetic members of this group worked in unison with the Mission's Staff and 15 additional volunteers who are part of a Bible Study ensemble known as "Focus" from The Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville. The combination of volunteers also helped to distribute meals to people attending a special brunch, offered that very same day. Their collective efforts continued as both groups banded together to organize and clean the entire facility on Ferry Avenue. This inspiring endeavor developed into an extraordinary event that truly solidified the meaning of giving back to the community and reaching out to those less fortunate in our society. Our Latest Mission Stats: January - April 2016 Meals Served: 5,779 Chapel Services: 121 New Life in Christ Classes: 208 Total Overnight Shelter Occupancy: 1,840 1 How Can You Help? We often look for ways to serve and get involved in our community. I will always remember what I heard a young girl say one Saturday morning as she and her family were volunteering with a group from their church at our Portage Road Facility? ?Mommy, I love coming here to help because they know that kids can do things too!? Tears came to my eyes. If only we had the faith and innocence of a child, what a difference we could make? No matter how big or small, it is always a privilege to serve Jesus by being His hands and feet as we minister to those in need. Here at the Mission, we really understand and grasp that idea and look to involve local churches in the process." -Alicia Bellingham, Ministry Assistant What Can You Do? As a friend of the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission, there are several methods you can use to lend your support and show your unconditional love: 1. Pray for our guests, staff members, volunteers and Board of Directors. 2. Participate in one of our daily 3Ms (Meal, Music & Message) by bringing yourself, your family or a small group to serve, worship and praise God for all the wonderful blessings He bestows upon us, or 3. Contribute to our efforts by donating clothing and goods or making a financial contribution in the name of Jesus Christ by way of hope, faith and charity. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEM ENT Tom McLaughlin has graciously agreed to serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission in June, 2016. He comes to us with nearly 30 years of experience in the Rescue Ministry. As Associate Director of the Syracuse Rescue Mission Alliance, Tom ran all operations for one of the largest Rescue Missions in the country. From there, he became the Executive Director of the Buffalo City Mission for 11 years, until 2007. Please join our Board of Directors, volunteers and staff members as we welcome Tom (r.) to this position at a important time in the Life of the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission. For the past 9 years, Tom has volunteered for the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission in an advisory capacity, as well as assisting with the holiday meal delivery campaign. He joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and will assume his duty while the board conducts a nationwide search for a full time Director. SAVE THE DATE! This year, our Third Annual Banquet of Hope Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 6:30 PM. This special event will be held at Antonio?s Banquet and Conference Center, located at 7708 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Niagara Falls, New York. Our host for the evening will be Neil Boron from WDCX Radio in Buffalo. We will have a small basket auction and enjoy fine dining, great entertainment and hearing inspirational testimonies. For more details about tickets, contact us at [email protected] or call (716) 205-8805. Th e Boar d of Dir ect or s Kevin Schul, President Tom McLaughlin, Interim Executive Director Rev. Ron Maines David Williams John A. Cooper Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2657 Niagara Falls, NY 14302-2657 Street Address: 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 Phone: (716) 205-8805 Email: [email protected] 2 NLS17