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
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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]
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