Mission Edition

1050 W. Amador ·P.O. Box 386 Las Cruces, NM 88004 ·(575) 523-7727
new E-mail: [email protected]
Mission Edition
website: www.lcgrm.org
May/June 2013
Vol. 3 Issue 13
A publication designed to inform readers of the impact and work of the Rescue Mission in our community.
Lester smiles with his wife Eleanor and friend Gary
Johnson from Country Praise after a surprise service
given to honor his years of service and retirement.
A moment with Lester… what
leads a man to spend his entire life in service?
What can we learn from his life?
When asked why he is so passionate in spending
his whole life serving God by serving others,
Lester simply replied, “I’m sold out to be His
servant. Wherever He wants me to go.” That is
how he has lived his life all of these years.
Lester had his first experience serving people
who are homeless during his two years in Bible
College in Los Angeles in 1951, the same year
Billy Graham began his evangelistic crusades.
He has since served in many places: a Bible college in Dallas, TX and numerous small churches.
“He’s in control”, said Lester, when asked
about his challenges. Lester survived two cancer
surgeries and has had no relapse for 7 years. His
major problem in the past 3 years has been
wounds that did not heal. “I’m missing five toes
now, but I can walk pretty good; not run, but I’ve
needed to slow down anyways”, explained
Lester.
Lester values the time he has been able to invest
in the lives of men on the volunteer program who
What was your best volunteer experience?
Interact with others on our Facebook Page:
Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission
It may be retreading instead of retiring, for
Lester Heinzman, Mission Chaplain, who
prayed at age 15, “Lord, I’m yours. Take me
wherever you want. I’ll gladly serve.”
Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission has been
blessed by Lester’s service to God over the past
26 years. First a chapel speaker, board member
and then chaplain, Lester’s life has influenced
people who needed to see Christ. Lester and his
wife of 58 years, Eleanor, look forward to their
grandson’s wedding this May in NE Texas.
With Lester’s heart to serve, who knows next
where God will lead.
“If you are His, He can use you and
send you where He wants you to go.
He will give you the words to say.
You're His, and when you die, you’ll
be in the Father’s House.“ ~ Lester
Open 24 hrs. /day



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Family Rooms
Men’s Dorm
Women’s Dorm
Volunteer Dorm
Transitional New
Life Program
House

Hot meals served
3 times daily
every day

Food boxes

Sack Lunches
1416 S. Solano
Open: Mon. Wed. Fri.
9-11 AM
Wed. 3-5 PM *
*During School Year
stay at the mission. He
finds joy in trusting God.
“Without Him, I can do
 Clothing for
people in need
NOTHING. He enables me
to hear people’s needs so I
can pray for them. Some- Board of Trustees
times they have a problem
Gilbert Bishop
that is way out of my ball
Francis Burke
park. Sometimes someone
is suffering, and I don’t
Dr. Norman Harrison
have an answer. I shoot up a prayer. When I’ve
Offie Hobbs, PhD
been able to hear their story, I try to show them
I care. People are not interested in what you
Gwendolyn Jenkins
know, but knowing if you care for them.”
Robert Jeska
Lester has planted seeds in many lives because like Christ, He has listened, cared and
Art Johnson
shared the Good News. This is the Good News
Eve Price
that has given new life and hope.
Give your suggestions to improve Las Cruces Gospel
Rescue Mission or donate online at www.lcgrm.org
“My life’s been restored. I have a life and a
family. I have everything my heart desires;
the important things, not what I thought was
important back then.” ~ Charles Garcia
In Charles Garcia’s office, you will see a Certificate of
Graduation from Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission’s New Life Recovery Program in 2008. Since
coming to the Mission Jan. 6, 2008, Charles life has
been turned around. He now is married, has normal
ups and downs that are common in life, and serves
God and many people at the mission.
As the Mission Manager, Charles supervises up to
20 volunteers who ensure the upkeep and operation
of the Mission. He also orders food and supplies and
keeps the vehicles in repair.
Charles describes how his life changed:
“Although I turned my life over to Jesus before I got here, Lester Heinzman and Bill
Wheeler had the biggest impact because I did come for the Recovery Program. At that
time, I was a new Christian. Through their example, they really showed me what a Christian should be like in the ways that they treated me. I had just gotten out of prison. Just
the way they showed me their love and devotion for the Lord and the work.
They gave me a yearning for it to where I wanted to help people and do what they were
doing because of how they made me feel. I stayed in the program over a year. I started
working here. I appreciate so much what they did.”
Now showing:
Lov
e in
act
ion
!
Kevin
Page 2 May/June 2013
MISSION EDITION
Finger Licking Good Meal
National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, celebrated those who serve in communities
around our nation. Service touches many lives: volunteers, staff members, chapel speakers, that in turn build lives together. Each person has an eternal impact. Thank you for
making a difference through your gifts, prayers and support.
Every day, volunteers serve homeless guests at the Mission with food, lodging and
clothing. In March, volunteers prepared and served 4,947 nutritious meals. Year to date,
they have served 15,431 meals. Men, women and families who
had no place to turn found clean beds, hot showers, and Good
News at the Mission. At The Clothing Room, volunteers help an
average of 300 people each month! Have the desire to help?
Already this year, volunteers have We need volunteers to serve
meals. Call the Mission at
given away over 16,000 items of
(575) 523-7727.
clothing. Incredible!
Women & Children: formula,
diapers( sizes 2-5), sunscreen
Men: deodorant, razors, socks
Kitchen: napkins, eggs, milk,
spices, cake mixes, oatmeal,
drink mixes, bread, veggies
Clothing Room
summer attire, swim wear,
swim gear, men’s socks, men’s
shoes, towels
A BIG THANKS to Mrs. Herrera’s 2nd Grade class at Central
Elementary School for toilet paper and hygiene articles!
Upcoming!
Throughout May and June, the
Clothing Room collects school supplies and clothing for Back to
School . Some area churches help
clothe the 500+ kids by a “New
Socks & Undies on Sunday” drive.
Members bring needed items to
church. Would your church like to
help? Call Wylene at 642-9619
Credits:
Producer:
God who loves us
Directors:
Rescue Mission Supervisors
Pictured: (left to right)
 Worship Team from Mesilla Park.
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Community Church sings in chapel
Program volunteers ready to help
Monica & Muhana serving– dining
hall
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Pauline helps-Clothing Rm.
Filmed on location at your local
Gospel Rescue Mission.