Read Newsletter - Fresno Rescue Mission

Lighthouse News
February 2016
Issue 2, Volume 67
“Blessed are the people who know the
joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the
light of Your countenance.”
Psalm 89:15 (NKJV)
WE BELIEVE ...
Building on Faith, Hope and Excellence!
Since 1949
Mission at the Mission
Our theme for 2016:
“NEED TO KNOW!”
Why? Read more about this
dynamic ministry effort on page 4.
Four Jr. High groups took part in an Urban Scavenger Hunt
in the heart of Fresno, at the Fulton Mall.
From the Director
My Dear Friends,
We typically think of February as the month to share a token measure of love. Shops
of every kind market Valentine’s gifts - flowers, candy, balloons, stuffed animals and
greeting cards - all in amazing variety. We package our messages of love within these
gifts, deliver them to a loved one, fulfil our participation in this annual event, and
then move on to the next day. Compared to the love God offers, there’s little wonder
that our overtures, no matter how grand, can leave us feeling empty.
Typically I provide a Scripture, printed and easy to reference. Instead, I’m encouraging
you to read and meditate on Hebrews 13:1-14. Ask yourself two questions as you
do: How easy is it to forgive others, knowing what Jesus suffered for us on the Cross?
How easy is it to obey God’s command to love others when our feelings don’t match,
or we are not leaning on the Lord to supply us with His strength to do so? Personally,
I’d love to say that forgiveness and love are easy, but they’re not. Without God’s strength poured out through me, I find it
impossible to love. The Scriptures are filled with examples of those who would agree.
In the Book of Genesis 37-50, Moses writes about the life of Joseph, the 11th son born of Jacob. He shares that while Joseph
was a young boy, God revealed His plan for Joseph’s life in dreams. Joseph was so excited by these dreams he revealed the
details of God’s plan for his life to his brothers. His brothers were jealous and hated him for this. Though they wished him dead,
they hatched a plan and sold him into slavery, instead. Then they told their father, Jacob, that Joseph had been killed by a wild
animal. This was just the first act, in a long succession of unjust moments, perpetrated upon Joseph. He had reason to harbor
hatred and to seek vengeance. Yet, one thing remained constant; Joseph loved the Lord and relied on the Lord for his strength
and guidance.
In the end, Joseph was granted by God great authority, so much so that he had power over the fate of his brothers. When
his brothers found out, they were in shock. They were also in great fear that Joseph would seek the retribution he deserved.
Instead, this amazing story of forgiveness and love culminates with these words from Joseph to his brothers: “’Do not be afraid,
for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present
result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ So he comforted
them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21
In the book of Ephesians 4:31-32, the Lord lovingly tells us the way we should live. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and
clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Forgiveness from sin - through faith in Christ Jesus and a repentant heart – THIS is
what gives us access and true power in His strength to love those around us. We need this if we ever hope to love as God loves.
To truly understand love, we need to receive God’s love through His gift of mercy and grace; through the Cross of Jesus. The goal
of the Fresno Rescue Mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love every day. We provide services to those who need to hear, “God
loves you and is willing to forgive you, too.”
May you always know God’s abundant love for you, and may it flow through you to those who need it most.
In His Holy Name,
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist
on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with
the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Rev. Larry J. Arce, CEO
Fresno Rescue Mission, Inc.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13 (ESV)
www.fresnorm.org
GED/Tutor Appreciation
On January 14, 2016 we paid tribute to the volunteer
Tutors of our GED classes in an evening that celebrated
“Reaching for Teaching.”
THANK YOU!! ....
...TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS of the Fresno Rescue
Mission who take time to share their wisdom, giftings
and talents with the people we serve.
WE COULDN’T DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT YOU!
www.fresnorm.org
Being There
Rocky’s Discovery
Before coming to the Mission, my idea of being a father
was all about providing for my family’s needs. As far as
I was concerned, if I took care of the bills, I was taking
care of them. It wasn’t until I came to the Mission that
I discovered how wrong I was.
I have three children; a 16 year old son, an 11 year old
daughter and a 2 year old son. I love them. In fact, when
I first learned I was going to be a father, I told myself I
would never do what my father did to me. I would never
leave my kids. I failed in that promise. I was in and out
of prison and programs for the better part of a decade.
When I was around, I was never really a part of their
lives or activities.
Through Scripture, and my Academy classes, I’ve discovered how God sees me. I’m His child. For Him, it’s all about our growing
relationship and going through life together. Sure, He takes care of my needs, but He provides so much more than that. He’s
with me. He listens and teaches. I know He loves me. I doubt my kids ever knew that about me.
I’m different now. My teenage son, who hadn’t seen me in over 9 years, stays with me and my wife half the time and the
rest with his mom. I love that he’s back in my life. Our relationship is the best it’s ever been. I love that I have started to
play with my kids. I love teaching them and talking with them - and really listening to them. It’s the little things that matter.
I like knowing what interests them. One day, I’ll be able to look back and share the same memories because I was there to
experience the moments with them, not because I was told about them by someone else.
Today, I am preparing for my transition back home fulltime. I live outside Fresno, so I am temporarily moving
into the housing (apartments) provided by the Mission.
It gives me and my family time to adjust. I will begin working again and gradually return to my life with them. I’m using this
time to really focus on my goals and my responsibilities so that I remain steady. The last thing my family needs is for me to start
this transition and not have a solid plan and commitment to make it work. So, for now, I look forward to the process, knowing
that I have my weekend passes and church passes with them. It’s my greatest joy. We are all growing in the Lord together.
“The Little Things Matter.”
I have two Scripture verses from Colossians 3 that keep me grounded. They talk about family relations: “Husbands, love your
wives and do not be embittered against them,” verse 19, and “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not
lose heart,” verse 21. I wear a lot of external tattoos on my arms, but these verses I want tattooed in my head and on my heart.
~ Rocky
“Mission at the Mission”
Equipping and deploying God’s people to Fresno’s frontline ministries;
helping believers “be the church” each and every day!
Mission at the Mission is our Urban Retreat Center in the heart of the Fresno
Rescue Mission. Be part of an Urban Plunge or Family Plunge. Learn more!
Our theme for 2016: NEED TO KNOW! We are all shepherds to lost sheep in
our neighborhoods, voices of hope to the hopeless within our communities,
and participants of loving examples within our own churches. Each of us plays
a vital role in God’s plan to share the Good News of Salvation with the lost, and
to be a loving presence for our neighbors. Our thrill and our great hope is that
YOU will partner with us to help build on this theme for 2016, because we all
“NEED TO KNOW” Jesus!
For more details, contact Margie Prout, Mission at the Mission Director @ 559-268-0839, Ext 102 or: [email protected]
www.fresnorm.org
Fresno Rescue Mission Thrift Store and Cars:
The Tent Sales Continues
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Rev. Larry J. Arce, Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Pastor Rob Cravy, Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]
310 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
P. O. Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422
Phone: (559) 268-0839 – Fax: (559) 268-1317
THE ACADEMY – Rev. Bud Searcy, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 115 - [email protected]
FOOD SERVICES – Dewayne Martin, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 107 - [email protected]
COMMUNITY CARE - Pastor Jay Carroll, Director
315 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 205 - [email protected]
RESCUE THE CHILDREN - Priscilla Robbins, Director
2141 North Parkway Drive, Fresno CA 93705
Phone: (559) 227-2190, Ext. 104 - [email protected]
We would like to THANK our community for its continued support
throughout this unexpected transition: On November 2, 2015, the
Fresno Rescue Mission Thrift Store and Cars was forced to close when
the roof collapsed. One week later, we opened a parking lot TENT SALE.
Our regular customers remain loyal. They love to shop and love what they
find. Some people say that they are sad because this was their favorite thrift
store and they miss it -- They can’t wait for the building to be fixed! We are
constantly asked when that might be. Although we do not yet have any news
about the reconstruction process (details and lots of discussions still ongoing),
we would like to see the TEMPORARY TENT SALE continue to flourish. You can
help us with that.
Do you love great value with great bargains? You know you do!
Drop by! Check out what’s for sale. Also, check out our
store’s Silent Auction. This much-loved element to the
shopping experience is a fun way to get a special item
at a great bargain. By shopping, you are supporting our
ministries. Its a win-win opportunity.
Do you have items you’d like to donate?
Schedule a pick up in your neighborhood by calling
559-440-0870, or just drop off items at the store during
regular business hours, Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm.
We are still located at 181 E. Sierra Ave, just east of
Blackstone. We look forward to seeing you!
MISSION AT THE MISSION - Margie Prout, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 102 - [email protected]
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION THRIFT STORE AND CARS
Sandra Patel, Director
181 E. Sierra, Fresno CA 93710
Phone (559) 440-0870 - [email protected]
ACCOUNTING - Maria Vargas
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 129 - [email protected]
DONOR DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
Deborah Torres, Director
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 204 - [email protected]
Don Eskes, Community Partnerships
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 134 - [email protected]
TOURS/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Tina Searcy - Volunteer and Events Coordinator
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 202 - [email protected]
LIGHTHOUSE NEWS EDITORS
Donna Scully * Deborah Torres
ADDRESS CHANGES – Angie Gonzales
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 209 - [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF:
Al Kawasaki - YourRacePhotos.net
[email protected]
Ted Morgan - FRM Volunteer
Ken Scheid - ScheidImages.smugmug.com
[email protected]
Scott Streble - Scott Streble Photography
[email protected]
Mariano Friginal - MARIANOFRIGINAL.com
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION &
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION FOUNDATION &
FRESNO WORKS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Ocheltree, Chairman
Jim Mosqueda , Vice-Chairman
Don MacAlpine, Treasurer
Robert Abrams, Secretary
Leonel Alvarado
Vito Brugetti
Daral Kennedy
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Steve Pearson
Vicki Crow, CPA
Lonnie Petty
Ben Krikorian, CPA
Emil “Butch” Rusconi
James Sullivan
Please remember the
Fresno Rescue Mission
in your will or trust
www.fresnorm.org
Corporate, Service Organizations & Foundation Supporters (December 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016
1st Quality Produce
A & R Cunha Farms
A Clean State
A J Burden
AAA
Abbey Door Service
Abby Car Care
Adolph
Alan’s Tree Service
Allan Co
Aon Foundation
Approved Auto Sales
Aram’s Auto Repair
Arguello Concrete Construction
Armenian Relief Society Fresno
Mayr Chapter
Arthur J Gallagher &
Co Ins Brokers of CA
Assurance Fire Protection
Baloian Farms
Bandy & Associates
Barbie B Ranch
Beechinor Ranches
Bennett Real Estate
Betts Company
Blair Apiaries
Blanchat MFG
Bulrad Enterprises
Butler’s Pool Service
C R Bard Foundation
Cal West Rain
California Ag Solutions
California Auto Remarketing
California Financial Services Assoc
Caprice Ornamental Iron
Caruthers Auto Supply
Castle Air Museum
Central Valley Seeds
Chaney Cabinet and Furniture Co
Charles Farr, MD FACP
Chesterton Yard Service
Clay’s Home Maintenance
Clo-Cal MFG
Comfort Keepers
Countywide Copy Service
CSI Exterminators
Culture Cloths
Cupcakes Bakery
CVS Pharmacy
D2 Automation
Dalena & Benik &
Assoc Insurance Svcs
Dalena Farms
Dan Souza Family Fundation
Danilo R Manimtim MD
Darrell Vincent Farms
Dave’s Car Care
Dek Associates
Der Manouel Insurance Group
Design Packaging
Detailed Cleaning Services
Diet World Medical Group
Diman G Farms
DM Hunter Service
Donald P Dick Air Conditioning
Dr Victor R Giordano
Dragnet Pest Control
DW Ewing Movers
Dwane Strickland Land Consulting
El Montes
Electric Lab
Elmer’s Septic Service
Ericsson Tile
Estero Enterprises
Excel Sign Company
Eye-Q Vision Care
Family Christian Store
Fancy Touch Janitorial Service
Ferguson Harvesting
Fig Garden Rotary Foundation
Financial Foundations
Floral Beauty Salon
Food 4 Less
Forward Advantage
FP Transport LLC
Fresno Catering Service
Fresno Christian Schools
Fresno County Probation Department
Fresno Livestock Commission
Fresno Organization of
Retired City Employees
Fresno Pharmacy LLC
Fresno Police Chaplaincy
Fresno Spine & Sport
Fresno Towing
Fresno Valves & Casting
Gary McDonald Homes
Gateway Automotive
Georgia’s Tax & Business Services
Giai V Pham DMD
Gonzales Farms
Gordon Construction Services
Green Valley Country Club
Grocery Outlet
H & H Liquor
H & J Chevrolet
Hamburger Enterprises
Harlan Family Foundation
Harris Construction Co
Harris Ranch Beef Co
HJ Baker & Bro
Holcomb Products
House Psychiatric Clinic
Huter Farms
Impact Pest Control
Industrial Control & Design
IOU Sheep Co
Isaak Farms
Isnardi Foundation
J A Graves Trucking
J Pitts Enterprises
Jacks Car Wash
Jain Invigation
James Costa Farms
Janzen Properties
J-D Electric & Co
JD Food
Jim Armas Farms
Jim Phillips Enterprises
JMR Custom Finish
Joe F Parker Prop
Johann Dairy
John Troxel Construction
Johnson Air
J’s Communication
K & L Distributing
Kaprielian Farms
Karsyn Construction
Kasco Fab
Katch Environmental Construction
Ken Melvold Sales & Service
Kids Kare Schools
Kings Dairy Supply
Kiper & Kiper
Kipp Investment Mgmt
Kirkus Steam Cleaning
Kliewer Construction
Label Masters
Lars Andersen &
Associates Civil Engineer
Laser Service Co
Laureate Beta Rho
Law Office of Alex Berlin
Law Office of John K Ormond
Law Offices of William C Hahesy
Lawrence-Nye-Andersen Associates
Linda Clay Farms
Live Wire Electric
Loring Citrus Farm
M & S Pool & Spa Service
M2S Properties LLC
Machado Farm LP
Machine Experience & Design
Magone Pump
Majesty Bible & Gifts
Manns Auto Center
Marion & Joan Den Hartog
Family Foundation
Mark Luallen Landscaping
McConnell Mait & Trout Ins SVS LLC
Michael J Madrigal DDS
Mid Valley Roofing
Mid-State Metal Casting
Miller Investments
Mountain Press
Muradian Farms
Nat Feinn & Son
Nelly’s Towing Service
Nina’s Home
NL Christensen Enterprises
Nopporn’s Automotive Repair
Nuttall & Coleman
Ocheltree Enterprises
Overstreet & Associates
Own a Car
P & P International
Pardini’s Catering
Pat M Difuria & Assoc
Patrick’s Massage Therapy &
Bodyworks
Paul Halajian Architects
Payroll People
Pearson Realty
Penner’s Laser Land Leveling
Performance Glass & Window
Philco Farms
PJ Barrett’s Womens Clothing
Premier Insurance Services
Producers Dairy Foods
Professional Asbestos Removal
Pro-Screen
Providence Horticulture
Rasmussen Pump Co
Realty Fresno
Renaud Chiropractic
Rendition Construction
Rising C Ranches
Roland E Parr Rentals
Roxwax Gifts
RSVP Please
Saddleback Veterinary Hospital
Safari Sensory Integration &
Learning Center
Saint Michael Financial Group
San Joaquin Distributors
San Joaquin Fine Woodworkers
San Joaquin Imperial
San Joaquin Valley Doll Club
Sanctuary Youth Shelter
www.fresnorm.org
Santos’s Carrier
Save Mart
Schmidt’s Auto Body
Schutz Farms
Scott Janzen DDS
Senior Citizens Village Chapel
Shambourger & Scott
Shamrock Enterprises
Shaver Lake Sports
Sierra Engineering Ltd
Sierra West Warehouse & Logistics LP
Silvas Investments
Smartway Express
Smilanick Air Conditioning
Smith’s Construction
Sparky Electric
Specialty Sales
Sportspoint Photography
Standard Truck & Trailer Sales
Star Brite Family Dental
State Farm Insurance
Steelescapes Landscape Service
Sterling Cleaners
Steven T Wells Construction
Subco
Summa Properties Corporation
Sumner’s Carpet Service
Sunnyside Bicycles
Super Mercado Las Palmas
Table Mountain Rancheria
Target Constructors
Taylor Farms
The Bridge of Hope Mission
The Cinderella Cellar
The Design Studio
The Exchange Club of Fresno
The Herwaldt Foundation
The Little Shirt Company LLC
The Monis Foundation
The Performance Link
The Price Company
The Tax Professionals
The Vault Jewelry
The Voice Shop
Tioga Middle School
Tom Baird & Sons Painting
Toomajian Construction
Tracy’s Sewing Service
Tresorle Salon & Spa
Ultra Gro Plant Food Company
Unisource
Valley Transport Refrigeration
Valley Wide Pest Control
Veco Technologies
W Andrew Maxwell MD
Wagon Wheel Farms
WCM DBA Tec-Spec Constructors
Wells Fargo Foundation
Werner Business Park
Wholesale Equipment of Fresno
Willie’s Home Appliances
Willow Dental Group
Wilson & Son Trucking
WMJ Farms
W-N Art Bronze Company
Woods Farms
Yergat Packing Co
Yost & Webb Funeral Home
Zacky Farms
Zenger’s Backhoe Service