News around the Mission

Christmas Update!

2011-12-22T20:59:00.005-07:00

VRROOM! Thank you to everyone who has come to the rescue and called in to help deliver Christmas meals! We have had an amazing outpouring of people who want to help. Isn't great to live in a place where people care about one another. We have a back-up list in case some people have a change of plans or it snows and some people are not comfortable driving. If you would like to be placed on the reserve list, please call the Rescue Mission at (575) 523-7727. Thank you for all your help.

We do have a need for volunteers in other places. Please see below. Thank you so much and may you have the best Christmas and holidays full of hope and love.

We have a need for Christmas Toys for boys! Balls (basketballs, soccar balls, and footballs) are terrific presents that can be great for many different ages!

If you would like to help give a Christmas toy to a child who may not have one this Christmas, bring a toy by the Rescue Mission, 1050 W. Amador anytime before Saturday, December 24th, or help with the toy distribution on Saturday. We need volunteers for two different shifts:

9:30 AM- 12:00 Noon

and

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Thank you! Last year, we had 715 children pick out presents! We expect many kids this year! The event is going to be held at Church on the Rock on Solano. They have offered to let us use their building which is much larger than any at the Rescue Mission. Please call LuAnne at (575) 644-9563 or Linda at (575) 522-0203 if you would like to volunteer or have questions. Thank you!

You don't have to be a Santa or Drive a One Horse Open Sleigh

2011-12-17T12:36:00.004-07:00

You can drive a Pinto or Tercel, a Ford or even a Cheverolet

You don't have to be Santa Claus or drive a one horse open sleigh.

Have a Fiesta, don't Dodge the chance to Focus on what counts

Escape the bustle and the hustle and grab your mounts

Drive down El Camino with a Pathfinder in hand (a map)

And deliver some Christmas cheer with a delicious hot meal

For someone dear who may not have anyone at Christmas Time

Thanks for helping those who cannot come into dine and may not have a dime. (or a Charger).

Come on time, at 10:30 AM on Christmas Morn if you would like to help remember a Baby was born.

Thank you for considering being a part of someone's Christmas who may not have anyone to see or say "hello" to on Christmas Day. Each year, Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission helps deliver meals to people who normally would receive a Meals On Wheels from the City of Las Cruces. The City programs are closed on the holidays, and that is especially the time that some seniors need a hot holiday meal or a few to last through the weekend. This year we have a special extreme need for volunteer drivers to deliver meals. Christmas falls on a Sunday this year and many of our volunteers who helped at Thanksgiving will not be available. Would you like to help? You can bring some family members along and go to a house or two with some meals. We provide the instructions, directions, maps and hot meals! To help out, please call the Rescue Mission's main number: 523-7727 any time day or night and add your name to the list! Thank you!

If you know someone who is disabled or elderly and needs a meal or few delivered, please have them call the same number so meals can be delivered to them. Thanks!

Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T16:59:00.006-07:00

"Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good. His Love Endures Forever!"

There is a lot to be thankful for these days. This Thanksgiving, it was wonderful to see all the smiles and joy in the faces of the volunteers. The people who benefited from everyone's generosity and love were also thankful.

I asked one friend who comes to share the great Thanksgiving banquet with the community each year what the meal tasted like. "Delicious". When asked if the turkey was juicy, she replied, "Do you see me using my napkin? If that is any sign. Yes, it is so juicy!" :) Hats off the the many volunteers and especially the incredible kitchen staff and cooks who labored for days to create such a scrumptious meal. They roasted and deboned over 60 turkeys. You all are amazing!

Volunteers delivered 195 delicious hot Thanksgiving dinners to people who requested them. These were people who were elderly, or disabled and were unable to come and share the meal at the mission.

242 meals were served in the Rescue Mission's dining hall at 1050 W. Amador.

Festive place mats and a paper chain decorated the dining hall. They were specially made by a fourth grade class at Hermosa Heights Elementary. :)

A mother came up and requested if her teenage sons could play the guitar and sing! Wow! That was an answer to prayer. That was the one thing missing at the Thanksgiving celebration. Thanks so much! We hope they come back for Christmas.

To all the volunteers who gave of yourself to make Thanksgiving special for others who had no one to share it with, Thanks!!! I hope you all have a great year and a great Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you!!!

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION ! :)

2011-11-11T13:47:00.003-07:00

Denver Mattress is doubling any donation during November! They will match a donation given on their landing page:
www.denvermattresshelps.com/elpaso

They are helping Rescue Mission's all over the USA. Between El Paso and ourselves, they will match up to a total of $2,500!

Thanks for your gifts and compassion.

How you can help during the Holidays!

2011-11-01T05:30:00.002-06:00

This Christmas, like other years, the Rescue Mission will be giving toys to needy children in our communities. Last year, we had 700 children come to pick out and receive a gift. The gifts have a $15 value so that it is a substantial present. For many families struggling financially, this is an incredible blessing and the only gift their children receive. We may not have enough gifts for all the children who come...this year will be first come first serve first serve rather than giving certificates...but we will do our best.

Each year is a miracle as we do not have this in the annual budget and we pray and watch the miracle happen. We have not run out of presents yet. I am including a video of a past Christmas Toy Give-Away so you can see what it has been like. The amazing organizer of the event is Linda Morgan, phone 522-0203. She has an incredible gift of organizing and is a retired teacher. She can help you if you would like to volunteer or also know what age is lacking the most toys as we collect them. Give her a call!

We give gifts to children from birth to age 18. Soccer balls and basket balls are terrific presents. We have also tried to give mothers and grandmothers gifts as well like lotion baskets and watches, but will not be able to do that probably this year as we expect many more children.

Details:

Christmas Toy Give-Away: December 24th (Christmas Eve) 10 AM -1 PM

Needed: Christmas toys for ages Birth to 18 or money to purchase toys.

Stuffed Animals that are lightly used or new

Books

Volunteers to assist giving out toys

Blankets!

Where to donate:

Toys can be dropped off at Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, 1050 W. Amador open 24 hrs. a day. Please let them know it is for the Christmas Toy Give Away.

Financial contributions can be made on the website: www.lcgrm.org or mailed to Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, PO Box 386 Las Cruces, NM 88004. Please designate your gift for Christmas Toys. Checks can also be dropped off at the Rescue Mission, 1050 W. Amador.

Thank you for your help to make Christmas special. Have questions? Please call Linda Morgan at 522-0203.

YUMMY DELICIOUS THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS DINNERS!

This year we will again be serving Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners to anyone who is hungry. Maybe you have helped in the past by delivering meals or serving. For people who have volunteered, this is a great opportunity for you and your family to go together and share your time with those who may not have family or friends this holiday season.

How you can help:

1. We need more volunteers at Christmas than Thanksgiving, but we did deliver over 200 meals last Thanksgiving! We need volunteer drivers to deliver meals to people who are elderly and have requested meals as well as to people who are disabled. This would be on Thanksgiving and Christmas day from 11:30-12:30 or 1:00 PM.

2. We need volunteers to help with serving people who come to the mission, on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shifts include 10 AM-11:45 and 11:45-1:00 and clean up crew!

3. The Christmas Toy- Give Away mentioned above needs volunteers as well! :)

Bless others by giving financial contributions and food:

1. Drop by any frozen turkeys, ham or food at the Rescue Mission, 1050 W. Amador

We need food for food boxes. Cans of yams, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, etc will be a great blessing for families in need. Anything you like for your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal to make it merry may be what someone else likes too! Not only do we help needy families that come to the mission to receive a food box, we also help other organizations that help deliver food boxes to needy families of prisoners at the local prisoners. Every bit helps!

2. Financial donations can be given at Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, 1050 W. Amador or mailed to Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, PO Box 386 Las Cruces, NM 88004

Please tell us exactly where you want your donation to help. Thanks!

Also, you can donate on our website: www.lcgrm.org Click the donate now button. From November 11 to the end of the month, you will also be able to have your donation matched from Denver Mattress. They are matching donations up to $2,500 to help rescue missions feed the hungry. There will be a link at during those dates on our website.

Any questions, please e-mail or call LuAnne at (575) 644.9563

God Bless You will a joyful holiday season!

2011-10-22T23:37:00.006-06:00

Dr. Brian Gilbert gives Bill Wheeler, Executive Director, a large check from the money collected for the food drive in August. What a blessing!

Special thanks to the above organizations and churches and individuals who helped children this fall in the Back to School Clothes4Kids Program. You all were incredible and investing in the ones God cares for so much. Thank you.
This fall, the mission like the ants began preparing for the upcoming winter. We were able to do much needed stucco repairs on the misison buildings and purchase new inner spring mattresses that are very comfortable!

Come by the mission and see for yourself!

What an amazing few months we have had at the Rescue Mission. The Bible says to spend time looking at the ants. They work super hard lifting far more than their body weight and they work together to help one another. This reminds me of the way people pulled together to help people in need.

AUGUST- We had record numbers of children who had signed up for the Back to School Clothes 4 Kids Program. Because of the hard work from many volunteers and Wylene Saunders, the Clothing Room Manager and Keisha Velarde, an amazing person who helped get many people involved, we were able to meet the needs and continue meeting them. You may have donated socks, underwear, clothes, or your time to help in these efforts. Whoever you are, you made a difference in a child's life this fall. It's not easy starting school without new socks and underwear. Thanks for making the year a fresh start for about 700 kids in our local area. There were so many organizations and churches that answered the needs. Thank you to all of them. Every bit helped and continues to help.

FOOD TO THE RESCUE!!!!

Dr. Gilbert, a local dentist had a bright idea this fall to help others donate food for food boxes and money to help purchase food for the Rescue Mission. We didn't know we would end up serving almost 2,000 meals over what we normally serve. What timing! Thank you to everyone who particpated and donated money or dropped off canned goods at Bright Star Dental.

Update! What's up to date.

2011-08-02T01:09:00.003-06:00

Next Monday thru Friday, over 650 children will be coming to receive school supplies, shop for clothes, and receive brand new underwear, socks, and tennis shoes! This week, we are preparing The Clothing Room and collecting donations. Thanks to Crossroads Church, we have a new pair of shoes for each child coming! This is amazing. Thank you Crossroads! Members of First Presbyterian Church are doing an incredible job collecting new socks and underwear. :) Thanks so much! Last Thursday, Realators from Las Cruces Realators Association challenged one another to bring school supplies! Thanks to their efforts and people who have dropped off school supplies at various locations and radio remotes, we are gathering more. We currently have enough school supplies for the first couple of days, but need more for the remaining part of the week. If you would like to help, you can donate on-line or drop off school supplies, socks, underwear or clothes at the following locations:

>Curves (on Picacho, Del Rey, or Missouri!)

>Horse N' Hound on Amador

>Katharoz on Foothills Drive

>PrimeTime Fitness on N. Telshor

>Radio Station on Calfornia

>Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission on Amador or The Clothing Room on 1416 S. Solano

We are so grateful for all the businesses, churches, and organizations that are helping to make Back to School successful for parents AND children. Thank you!

Wylene, the Supervisor of the Clothing Room has signed up children for all of the remaining Wednesdays in August after BACK To School Clothes 4 Kids week.

We currently have about 750 kids signed up. We have never seen parents in such need. Volunteers are desperately needed on Wednesdays during the month of August and September to help meet these needs. We need people who can help between 3:00-5:00 on Wednesdays at The Clothing Room. Could that be you?

Besides volunteers and school supplies, we are in need of the following:

GIRLS CLOTHES FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN IN SIZES 4+, 6, 6x, 7,8

These sizes are more difficult to find are are not often donated.

Come enjoy a hot dog and drink on Wednesday, compliments of Der Weinerschnitzel and drop by some school supplies or clothing. We will be at Horse N Hound Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 PM!

It doesn't take much when everyone pitches in to make a difference in the lives of children in our community. Thanks for caring.

Any help makes a difference! :)

Help Needed

2011-07-28T00:08:00.010-06:00

This year, we have filled all of the appointments for the Back To School Clothes 4 Kids program. As pictured here, each morning before the Clothing Room opened, we had about 30 people lined up waiting to get in to reserve an appointment for their child. We try to keep everything very organized and pre-register children for the special week. Each child is given a thirty minute time slot to find 3-5 outfits, be sized for new shoes, and try on their shoes and receive new socks, underwear and school supplies.

Appointments are spilling into the Wednesdays that we are open during the school year from 3:00-5:00 for school age children. The children from outside Las Cruces and children that were not able to fit into the special week's appointment book will be able to come on Wednesdays. The Clothing Room is open each week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-11. When the regular schedule begins for schools, we will also be open on Wedesday from 3-5 pm. This is for children and their parents to be able to come and find clothes and not conflict with school hours.

So many families are facing hard times this year and have signed up for help. Could you be a blessing to others in need by hanging with us? We need hands to help us hang up clothes, sort school supplies, organize, etc.

Please call Wylene at 642-9619 . Any help would be tremendous. You can come volunteer for an hour, or more. Grab a friend and come have a blast making a difference in someone's life.

We will having about 700 children and their parents pass through. We need help this coming week to set the room up and organize items.

August 8-12, we need volunteers who can help with whatever is needed. These are some of the jobs...Handing out school supplies, sizing feet for new shoes, being a personal assistant shopper helping families find those perfect outfits, handing out socks and underwear, helping with little important things that take time.

Check out the video to see what it has been like to volunteer! Thank you!

HOW DO YOU SPELL SUCCESS?

2011-07-18T21:37:00.001-06:00

HOW DO YOU SPELL SUCCESS?

Please click the words above to see a cool, short video!

We expect 650 children ages 3-18 coming for the Back to School Clothes 4 Kids Program. The registration is filling up fast! Would you like to be a part of bringing joy and smiles?
To volunteer, come by between 9-11 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday and see the Clothing Room in action, or call Wylene at 642-9619. We need and appreciate your help! Thank you !!!

Any donations of clothing, school supplies, new socks and underwear for ages 3-18 can be dropped off at the Rescue Mission or Clothing Room. Thank you!!!
1050 W. Amador open 24 hrs. Clothing Room 1416 S. Solano open M.W.F. 9-11 AM. Please tell them it's for Back To School! Thanks!!!

Showers Of Blessings!

2011-07-04T21:25:00.003-06:00

Showers Of Blessings!

THANK YOU!!!!

2011-02-12T08:54:00.002-07:00

THANK YOU!!! Hope you enjoy this little video! This year we experiened the greatest blessing of so many people pitching in to help and so many people who were so generous and gave to make the holidays and everyday special for people who are homeless and hungry. You are amazing. Thank you!!! Your gifts, joy, and prescence are gifts many people will remember and treasure.

Christmas Toy Give Away!

2010-12-02T14:20:00.004-07:00

On Christmas Day each year, the Rescue Mission gives gifts to children who are in need. Some of these children belong to families who are guests at the mission. By word of mouth, family's have come each year. We usually give gifts to 200-300 children. Last year, we moved the Toy Give Away to the Church on the Rock just because we would have more room and people who needed gifts would not have to wait outside. We also contacted the social workers in the schools so that the neediest families would know about the Toy Give Away. Linda Morgan has spearheaded the effort to help these families. She has done an incredible work of organizing the toy give away. Each child is able to pick out gifts that are age appropriate and gifts have a monetary value of $15. This has meant so much to families who otherwise would not have Christmas presents. If you would like to donate money towards purchasing a gift or purchase a gift for a child, please contact Linda Morgan. She will be able to give you some suggestions of what is needed. Also, if you would like to help with the Toy Give Away, contact Linda as well. Please call her at 522-0203.

Update

2010-12-02T14:00:00.002-07:00

First of all, I would like to apologize for the website not working. I had some problems with it the week before Thanksgiving and haven't been able to get it right yet. Thankfully, we have someone who is working on making a better website that will be professional. Hopefully, it will be working in the near future.

I hope that everyone had a very wonderful Thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for. I am amazed at how God has blessed us and given us the ability to provide hot delicious meals and serve others. Thank you for making it possible. The Thanksgiving meal was absolutly delcious...or "irrestistably delcious", as one woman stated who was delivered a meal by two volunteers. Especially good as every year was the turkey and the mash potatoes made from scratch. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and gave of their time or provisions to make Thanksgiving special. One woman I sat next to and shared Thanksgiving with said that she has no family but was glad to have had a Thanksgiving and felt like she was with family because everyone was so kind. Thank you!

If you would like to volunteer for Christmas, we have our annual Christmas toy give away coming up on Christmas as well as delivering and serving meals here at the mission. This is a time of great joy. Please e-mail LuAnne at lcgrm@qwestoffice.net if you would like to help. The hours would be in the morning and early afternoon on December 25th.

Also, if you have any questions regarding the rescue mission, thrift store, or clothing room, please feel free to e-mail me at lcgrm@qwestoffice.net or call me at 575-644-9563 (cell). Thanks!
LuAnne Burke, Admin. Asst.

More than a blanket...although those are also needed!

2010-09-28T18:51:00.002-06:00

The weather is changing, and one thing is for sure. For many people who are homeless or living with little resources, the winter can be uncomfortable or painful. Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission is in need of blankets, coats (all sizes for all ages), gloves and hats. The mission gives out blankets and coats at the shelter to people who choose to "camp out" and at the Clothing Room, 1416 S. Solano for families and individuals in need. If you would like to donate a warm item, please drop it by the mission 1050 W. Amador anytime or the Clothing Room, 1416 S. Solano on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9-11 AM or Wednesday from 3-5. You can also provide warmth to people who are homeless by donating and shopping at the Gospel Thrift Store, 1420 S. Solano! It's a great little store where you can find so many things you didn't know could exist and great clothing at a great price. All profit from sales at the Thrift Store go to pay the Rescue Mission shelter's utilities. So, when you donate and shop there, you are actually helping someone who is homeless stay warm and eat hot meals! :)

Another blessing - there is more than a blanket available for anyone who finds themselves in need of a place to stay. The Rescue Mission, open 24 hours a day every day, is a place anyone can find a warm bed, a hot shower and a delicious meal.

What is it like to be homeless?

2010-09-28T08:11:00.009-06:00

A friend who had been homeless off and on over 20 years shared with me what it was like to be homeless. She said I could share this with you. She is homeless no more, thanks to help from the Rescue Mission and from Social Security. One thing that is common is that many people who become homeless never thought it would happen to them or that it would take so long to get out of their situation.

What are the causes of homelessness? They are many and varied. Homelessness itself is going through a change of definition with the federal government. It includes not only people who are sleeping under a tree, on a sidewalk, or under a bridge; it also includes persons who are sleeping in someone else's house..."sofa surfing", sleeping in hotels, shelters, and cars. Many people go through a time of homelessness. The last statistic from the previous census showed that most people are homeless for only 2 weeks to 2 months. The difference in the length of time is the support system around them. Some people are lucky to have friends or family members that can help them, or social services that can get them into housing or help them find work. A lot of it also depends on the cost of housing or renting an apartment in the area they live. People with substance abuse difficulties and mental illness may find themselves homeless longer. Poverty is also a link to homelessness. Many of us don't even realize that we too could be homeless. These are recent disturbing statistics for the United States and more specifically our own home, New Mexico. (I'll save the disturbing New Mexico stats for another time. Too much bad news in an election year. :( )
77 % of Americans live paycheck to paycheck...16 % more than in 2009*reported 9-1-10. That means that almost 8 out of 10 people who have only dollars in their bank account before payday and almost maxed out credit cards could soon become homeless. Sickeness, losing a job, or any of life's crazy unforeseen circumstances could smack them and they would have little or no money to pay rent or house payments. If they did not have someone to lend or give them money or were not able to find another job quickly, eviction or foreclosure could follow. In a few months, they could become homeless.
The Good News is that there is someplace anyone can go. If someone needs meals, clothing, someone to comfort them, a soft bed, a warm cup of coffee, and a hot shower, they can find help at Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, 1050 W. Amador. The Rescue Mission serves breakfast, lunch, and supper EVERY DAY! All of this is provided for free because of people who care in our community. Last year 1,303 indivduals (men, women and children) found emergency overnight shelter at Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission.
The Community of Hope across the street from the Rescue Mission at 999 W. Amador is like a mall for people who find themselves in need of help. The Community of Hope itself has staff that can help homeless families and individuals get fast housing (part of the Federal Stimulus) and exit homelessness much faster. They also can link people to other resources in town and help homeless individuals get their birth certificates so they can eventually get identification. Without ID, it is even difficult to check into a hotel.

Other services that are helpful not only to people who find themselves homeless, but people who are having difficulty making ends meet are the following nearby in the "mall of hope".

St. Luke's Medical Clinic: for anyone who has medical needs but does not have money to see a doctor or buy medicine and does not have any medicaid or medical insurance.
Casa de Pedegrinos: a foodbank for families and individuals. People in need who are not camping out homeless can come once a month. (Their supply depends on the generosity of donors.)
El Caldito Soup Kitchen: a wonderful hot meal of soup, salad, desert & something delicious served Monday-Friday from 11:30-1:00 and sack lunches at noon on Saturdays.
Jardin de los Niños: a daycare for children whose parents are homeless or living in hotels.

Besides offering the only emergency shelter in town for families, and individuals (women and men) for whomever needs help in whatever circumstance, the Gospel Rescue Mission also has a drug recovery program for men who are wanting to leave this painful way of life that has left them devastated. In addition, a volunteer program for chronically homeless individuals who need time and help to heal physically and emotionally from the years of living on the street and want to have new job skills and change.

The Rescue Mission also has a Clothing Room on 1416 S. Solano where people who need clothing can come once every 30 days. They are open Mon. Wed. and Fri. 9-11 AM and on Wed. from 3-5 PM for school age kids. It's like a mini "Dillards."

Need help? call the Rescue Mission at (575) 523-7727 or e-mail lcgrm@qwestoffice.net Want to help? Call the Rescue Mission at (575)523-7727 or LuAnne at (575) 644-9563. Thanks!!

ALL call for ART!

2010-07-17T09:54:00.003-06:00

This coming Friday, July 23rd, Dr. Brian Gilbert, a local dentist is hosting an Art Silent Auction to benefit the Rescue Mission. Dr. Gilbert has invited any artist who is wishing to assist the homeless to also donate art for this event. If you are an artist who would like to help or have a piece of art that you would like to donate, please call LuAnne Burke at (575)644-9563 or E-mail her at lu@nmsu.edu
This is a short notice, but an excellent opportunity!

If you would like to preview Dr. Gilbert's Art that is blessing the community with, please click on this link: http://www.brightstardental.blogspot.com/

It's amazing what we can do to make our community brighter and help others who are going through a difficult time! Thank you to everyone who makes the day brighter for people at the end of the road.

Gospel Rescue Mission

2010-07-14T19:06:00.001-06:00

Amanda Crowe, a Mass media and Journalism student from New Mexico State University created this video and wrote an article about her visit to the Gospel Rescue Mission. She interviewed guests. Click on the following link to go to her story published in The Merge, an online magazine. http://www.nmsumerge.com/

Kids Dig Helping Kids!

2010-03-09T09:17:00.002-07:00

An amazing thing happened on Saturday January 14th! Children, teenagers, group leaders and some parents were at the mission to dig in and help. A group of kids from Caravan, (some what like girl and boy scouts) from Church of the Nazarene came to help. They picked up trash outside and helped fold some bed sheets.

The other group was a kids organized group that wanted to make a difference in the playground. The playground, a grass lot with a gabzebo, lacks some of the things that they think will spur kids imagination. As Colson, age 15, one of the group visionaries put it, "We wanted to help give them something to do...to play and interact with other kids and possibly make friends and enhance their imagination and creativity." Great thanks to all of you who came to make the world a better place!

THANKS FOR CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-31T13:48:00.003-07:00

Wow! What a great Christmas. Thank you to all who gave their time and resources to make Christmas special for others! You are greatly appreciated! Hope you enjoy the movie and photos.

The Rest of the Interview with Bill Wheeler

2009-12-23T10:19:00.002-07:00

The Rest of the Interview

with Bill Wheeler, Exec. Director

Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, Inc.

Q: When did you become the director of the Gospel Rescue Mission, and what is it like to have a challenging job where so many people need help each day?

A: Since 1998 when the Board of Directors asked me to consider taking Sky Martinez's position, everyday has been a joy to come to work. Each day is a new challenge, and with the Lord's support, problems have been solved and lives impacted. This at the end of the day has glorified Christ.

Q: Who do you see when you see a person with a drug addiction?

A: I see a potential heart that the Lord can touch and turn their life around once they realize God’s love for them and understand the sacrifice that Christ went through to give them a perfect relationship with God. The recovery of drug addicts that committed themselves to our four month biblical recovery program have given me the greatest joy. The key to their recovery is the change in their heart that is made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering but may be a little nervous?
A: I ask all the volunteers to pray for God to make it clear to them that He will provide them with the words and the strength to work with the people group that we work with. God will protect them. They can’t expect that the change will be instantaneous. It takes repetitive faithfulness in reaching out to them.

Q: There have been some recent changes at the Rescue Mission in its ability to accommodate families. Can you tell me more about that?

A: I’m very pleased about our ability to restructure two of the families rooms in what used to be called the woman’s and children's’ area of the mission to accommodate husband and wives with children to be able to stay together. That’s a change in design from how the mission was designed. We have a secure, separate children’s playing area, and housing area from the men’s area. We are blessed with a local church that is improving our playground to include an underground sprinkler system.

Q: What would happen if the Gospel Rescue Mission was not in our community?

A: If the mission had not been here in 2008, there would have been 381 decisions to follow Christ that would not have been made. Plus, 105 people that made re dedications and impacted their lives through the nightly one hour chapel services. Those services are led by volunteers from numerous churches within the community. The other obvious thing is the number of meals and nights lodging would not have been available. I think the whole community should take great pride in what we offer in the interchange of two interstate highways.
All of those meals are served by cooks who have volunteered who themselves have been homeless.

Website Woes and Opportunites!

2009-11-30T12:48:00.004-07:00

Recently, we have had some difficulties with our website.... as you can see.
There is a golden opportunity at the moment for help.
First of all, if you would like to finanically contribute to help keep the Rescue Mission running throughout the coming year, your help will be doubled!
Denver Mattresss Company helps the homeless each year. This year they are contributing dollar per dollar for anyone who donates through their landing page.
On our website homepage, there is a button that says, "Click". It is above the information about Denver Mattress. It is a purple color.
If you click there, it will take you to the page to donate. After you click the large DONATE button, you will need to select Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission from the dropdown list.
Thank you!

If you are interested in donating your talents to the mission to help with web-design or graphic design, please e-mail us and let us know! Thanks!
E-mail: lcgrm@qwestoffice.net
To Double Any Donation until December 9th, click on this link: http://www.denvermattresshelps.com/elpaso

After Thanksgiving!

2009-11-30T12:43:00.003-07:00

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make Thanksgiving a blessed time. Because of your help, 203 delicious hot Thanksgiving dinners were delivered to people's door on Thanksgiving. For many of these individuals who are elderly or disabled, your greeting was the only one they had from someone else this Thanksgiving. One such person called and said, "It was absolutly delicious."! She was not only thankful for the meal, but for meeting somone who cared.

Thank you!

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving!

2009-11-17T23:09:00.002-07:00

Have you wanted to volunteer and help with the Great Thanksgiving Feast? Each year the mission not only serves guests from the community who come to share a Thanksgiving banquet, they also deliver hot meals to people in our community who are elderly or disabled. Would you like to be a part of sharing the holidays with someone who will be very thankful you brought them dinner? Call the mission at 523-7727 and ask to volunteer. Thank you!

A Special Veteran's Day!

2009-11-11T20:27:00.003-07:00

Today was special for veterans who are *overnight guests at the Rescue Mission. A few days ago, a special invitation was posted on the message board. It invited veterans to come to a special chapel service at Mesilla Valley Christian School to honor them on Veteran's Day. The Veteran's who went expressed how it brought tears to their eyes. The children lined the hallways and saluted the men as they walked through the hall. "They wanted us to do it again," said one man. "It was like being in training," smiled another. During the program, one boy played Taps on the trumpet. Thank you to all the students and staff at Mesilla Valley Christian School. Your thoughtfulness and all you did to honor those who have served our country will not be quickly forgotten.

*An estimated one out of three guests who sleeps overnight at the Rescue Mission has served our country in the armed forces.

Thank You! Your Love IN DEED made a difference!

2009-09-25T09:47:00.007-06:00

635 Children

received new socks and undewear, clothing (lightly used and new), school supplies and brand new tennie shoes because people care.

Many of these children would now be sitting in their classrooms without these important items if it wasn't for all of the help we received from volunteers and givers in our community.

Words cannot express what you have done. Thank you.

THANK YOU...

Dillards...lending us the Brannock Device to measure 635 kids feet helped! Thanks.

JC Penny's...thanks for the hangers! Also an incredible help!

Curves...You know how to make a difference! Thanks for the needed help with school supplies.

Memorial Medical Center...thanks so much for the needed backpacks! & school supplies!

KOHL'S...You all are the greatest! Thanks for not only your donation but your volunteers that added smiles and joy to all of us. You are incredibly generous.

Las Cruces Roadrunners Car Club!!! WoW! Thanks for your help!

Soroptomist Club ! See the smiles...you have brought joy!

Thank you, St. Paul's congregation for your incredible effort to bless the children in our community who need it most. We appreciate your generosity. Thanks for all the school supplies!

Crossroads Church....Back to School has never been the same since you cared. What a difference you have made in so many young lives and families.

First Presbyterian Church: going to school with clean socks and underwear for 635 kids is possible because you saw the need & cared.

Sonoma Springs Presbyterian, Sierra Vista Community Church, Calvary Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School :) , Prayer Groups at First Baptist- Open Circle, McPherson Group and Ellen Adkins Group, Mesilla Valley Christian School, Southwest Chapter of Thrivent Finanical Services...!!! :) Your volunteers are awesome. Thanks for all your help.

It was everyone...from many backgrounds, businesses, schools, churches, organizations...helping in any way they could that enabled us to serve 100 more children than we ever have before. What a blessing you are for people in our community.

Thank you!

Because each child is precious to God!

2009-07-09T16:16:00.005-06:00

Click on the images below and they will be giant enough to read!

Nothing like a haircut on a hot summer day!

2009-06-22T19:44:00.004-06:00

"I've met some really nice people,"

said Emily. "This is an incredible place."

Emily cut hair for 40 years since 1963. She retired and moved to Las Cruces in 2003. Now, she volunteers and helps people take a load off during these hot summer months. Her skill and kindness is much appreciated by all. Every Friday, she cuts hair for the guests at the Rescue Mission.

"I love working with people, " Emily explained.

The mission and our community are grateful for Emily's joyful service. Thank you, Emily!

Memorial Day! Remembering...

2009-05-25T19:23:00.003-06:00

Memorial Day is a special day to be with family and friends and to remember and honor those who paid for our freedom with their lives. We hope you have a blessed Memorial Day. This Memorial Day, I am reminded of the many veterans who did not leave their body on the battlefield, but they left a piece of themselves from the trauma of war and have suffered since then. Many rescue missions and shelters help veterans who have found everyday life difficult.

Last year's snap shot survey done in October at the mission showed that 41% of our over-night male guests were veterans of war. 14% of them had served in the Persian Gulf War, 4% in Korea, and 72% in Vietnam. They have served us by serving our country.

Update on the NM General Assistance Fund for Single Disabled Individuals

2009-05-23T18:55:00.002-06:00

http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/pdf/newsroom/nr/GA%20Changes%20NR.pdf

Current Issues in Finding and Keeping a Rental

2009-04-22T10:42:00.003-06:00

Information from Southern New Mexico Homeless Providers Coalition Meeting's Panel Discussion- Preventing Homelessness-reasons for eviction and instability in housing...

The following information was taken from the March 10, 2009 minutes of the homeless provider's meeting. The opinions are not necessarily those of Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: When some of the panelists mention housing units...these are housing units they manage or have built. These are not the number of housing units that are open and available for rent.

Resources

Housing Units:

Jesse Padilla stated that the Las Cruces Housing Authority offers low income/public housing and vouchers. They have apartments for veterans only, and their own housing developments. Public housing units will be available on April 20, 2009. They have 0-5 bedroom units, but the 4-5 bedroom units are seldom filled.

Robert Pirtle stated that E&H Properties has 123 units, most of which are one bedroom apartments. They accept Section 8 vouchers. They serve low income, SSI, SAA, and their apartments are very affordable ranging from $400-$425 for a one bedroom, and $500-$525 for a two bedroom.

Kim Gregory stated that Dona Ana Properties has 150 houses, 225 apartments and storage units. They are more strict that some of the other property management companies. No sex offenders or felons are allowed. Tenants can spend no more than one-third of their monthly gross income on rent. Credit status and previous landlords are checked.

Merced Jasso stated that the Border Fair Housing & Economic Justice is a civil rights organization that helps inform about the Title VIII Fair Housing Act. They assist tenants with discrimination issues such as gender, race, ethnicity, family size, ancestry, domestic partnership, disability, etc. and mediate with landlords/tenants to avoid evictions.

Jerry Nachison of the City of Las Cruces said that the city is developing a new system to track incidences of housing concerns, and the landlords/tenants need education about housing rights and responsibilities. For a pamphlet by the City of Las Cruces describing Landlord and Tenant Rights and Obligations, please follow the link: http://www.las-cruces.org/PDFs/07landTenantBrochureEnglish.pdf - English version or http://www.las-cruces.org/PDFs/07landTenantBrochureSpanish.pdf -Spanish version.

Reasons for Eviction

The number one reason panelists gave for eviction was failure to pay rent and default of the rental agreement. Another reason was eviction due to criminal activity or drug activity. A need for tenants to understand they need to put repair requests in writing for landlords was discussed, as some people have spent money for repairing rentals themselves and do not have money to pay rent. Another problem that has faced some tenants has been that the property owners have themselves had financial difficulties and have defaulted on their mortgage payment. When the property goes into foreclosure, the tenant has to find a new place to live. Ralph Kapansky of Southwest Counseling Center offered the Mobile Crisis Response Team services to landlords who notice someone who is displaying symptoms of mental illness as a resource to intervene before problems get too bad.

What I learned:

Finding a place to live for someone who is on a fixed income and cannot work...like someone who is disabled and receiving SSI can be problematic. First of all, the income from SSI is roughly $670 a month. When I asked the panel about how much to expect to pay in rent for a one bedroom, the amount was $400-$450 a month. This does not include utilities. Utilities can run, depending on the type used and the time of year up to $100+ a month. People who receive SSI do not qualify for very much money in food stamps....usually only $70 a month. So, after a person pay rent and utilities, they may only have $120-$170 for remaining food, cleaning supplies, transportation toiletries, etc. What becomes difficult is when people have been homeless and finally qualify for SSI. When people have very little to begin with, they must come up with the deposit and first month's rent. For some people, this is practically impossible. Unless they receive help, or stay at the Rescue Mission and save their money, it can be problematic when starting all over again. This is perhaps why many people stay in extended hotels where they can pay by the week. Although these are more expensive and can cost up to $575 a month, they are the most available option. Another concern I saw was the new policies nationwide that are being considered. Some rental agencies like Dona Ana Properties require that a person can show they will spend no more than 30% of their monthly income in rent. Right away, this would disqualify anyone on SSI because in the cheapest apartment, they are already paying over half of their monthly income. I got to speak to a landlord in the area who has some of the cheapest apartments available. They are efficiency apartments and the utilities are included in the rent. He has only one or two available. He has seen a growing trend of families with children searching for smaller, more affordable places to live because of the tough economic times. I hope that these notes have been helpful to better understanding the issues in our area and the resources available. ~ LuAnne Burke

So Sweet!

2009-04-19T00:22:00.004-06:00

A local softball team hopped down to the Rescue Mission this Easter and made it very special for a family staying there in one of the family rooms. Thanks for caring! Thank you to all the churches and individuals too that helped to make Easter special for kids staying and eating meals at the mission. It really brightened their day!!!

Snap-Shot Survey Results

2009-03-20T20:45:00.002-06:00

Snap-Shot Survey Results

Each October, for the past 20 years, member missions of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions have surveyed overnight guests to have a better picture of who is homeless and their needs. This past October, 20,000 people were surveyed at 137 missions. In Las Cruces, 63% of our guests were male, 37% female. Of the families who stayed that night at the mission, 12% were couples, 71% were women with children, and 18% were men with children. Fifty-three percent of the people who slept at the mission that night had been homeless only once before. Only 13 % had been homeless three times or more. 27% of the people who slept here had lost government benefits in the past 12 months. 64% had lived in Las Cruces for more than 6 months. 52% of the guests were Caucasian, 41% Hispanic, 6% African American, and 2% Native American. Most people who stayed here, 54% were between the ages of 26-45; seven percent were under age 18 and eight percent were over age 65. 72% of the guests preferred receiving services with a spiritual emphasis. Sixteen percent of the guests had been victims of physical violence in the last 12 months. 41 percent of the male guests were veterans: 4% served in Korea, 72% served in Vietnam, and 14% served in the Persian Gulf War. The snap-shot survey gives us an idea of the needs of the people we are serving and how nationally the needs are growing. The largest trend seen nationally is the increase of intact families facing homelessness. Hardest hit are single women with children who made up 66% of the homeless families nationally surveyed. This was up 11% from 2007. There was also an increase in women who were homeless.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T16:10:00.002-07:00

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

You shall find the babe wrapped in

swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Wishing you and your family the peace, joy, and love that came to earth on Christmas!

Thank- you!

2008-12-02T21:32:00.003-07:00

As you can see, the Thanksgiving meal was quite scrumptous and the turkey was so juicy. Wow!Thank you to the cook, the wonderful volunteers that helped prepare and serve this Thanksgiving feast. 528 people are also thankful that got to partake of this meal on Thanksgiving. Each person received a special meal served to them at their home, if unable to come, or as they sat down and took off a load. We appreciate everyone who shared their thanksgiving with others! Thank you!

THANK YOU!

2008-11-27T16:07:00.002-07:00

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO VOLUNTEERED AND GAVE OF THEMSELVES THIS THANKSGIVING!
AND THANK YOU, TO ALL WHO GAVE TURKEYS, FOOD, AND FUNDS TO PROVIDE THANKSGIVING!
WHAT A BLESSED COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN!
245 MEALS WERE DELIVERED TODAY TO PEOPLE WHO NEEDED THEM BY VOLUNTEERS! HUNDREDS WERE SERVED AT THE MISSION. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

MANY ARE THANK-FULL!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Zoom, Zoom Turkey Run!

2008-11-11T11:42:00.004-07:00

Drivers Needed!

Have you wondered what you could do to express your thankfulness this Thanksgiving?

"It was the best volunteer experience I ever had!", one person exclaimed last year. Volunteer drivers deliver hot Thanksgiving meals to people who are elderly and do not have means to get a Thanksgiving meal. Each driver is supplied a map, driving directions, and the individuals name and how many meals are needed. Those that request meals normally receive Meals on Wheels, but the city is closed on the holidays so the misison provides meals to those who want them.

If you are interested in delivering meals, or in serving a Thanksgiving feast during lunch for people in need of a Thanksgiving meal at the mission, please call the front desk at 523-7727.

You can call anytime 24/7.

Thank-You!

Over 482 smiles! Back to School Success

2008-08-22T19:24:00.006-06:00

One of the most amazing blessings to help our community was this years Back To School Clothes for Kids Program. Each year, we have helped about 400 children and their families prepare for school. The volunteers in the Clothing Room put aside the newest and best clothing throughout the year for Back To School. Never have we been able to give each child a pair of new shoes, and a new back pack. We pick out one child in the family. This year was exceptionally different! Because of all the people- individuals who gave and dropped by new socks, underwear, school supplies, and shoes.... and a number of wonderful groups....Crossroads Church, Curves members, Kohls, First Presbyterian Church, La Mesa United Methodist Church, Faternal Order of Eagles, La Mesa United Methodist Church, Mesilla Valley Christian School, Southwest Chapter of NM Thrivent Financial, St. Paul's Methodist Church, Taylor Road Turkey 4-H Club, Sierra Vista Community Church, Mesilla Park Community Church, Sunday school classes at First Baptist Church and University United Methodist Church, and others, we were able to fit each child with a brand new pair of shoes! They also picked out their own clothing, received 4 pairs of
new socks and underwear, a backpack and school supplies. Another amazing thing was the number of people who volunteered and filled in for the regular volunteers who could not come. We had volunteers from Strivent Financial Services, Kohls, and Mesilla Valley Christian School and even some kids who had at one time gotten help from the Clothing Room. Everyone worked really hard to make it work. On the last day, we saw over 100 children. We had people who had not registered, but needed clothes and shoes. So, we had them come on Wednesday afternoons from 3-5 when we help children in school. We had an additional 45 children come in 2 hrs. and another 32 children come this past Wednesday, so in all 514 children have received great clothes, shoes, under garments, and school supplies to start off the new school year. What a blessing for these families, children, and our community. Thank you for making a difference.

Pictured above is a delicious carrot cake one mother brought over on our very last day of Back To School. She was so grateful for the clothes, shoes and school supplies her 2 sons had been able to pick out. She had driven all over town looking for assistance, and nobody could help her. She just happened to see the Clothing Room and was so happy she came back and expressed her gratitude. Thank you!

Last Week of Registration For Back to School Program

2008-07-25T22:18:00.005-06:00

The Clothing Room's special Back to School Program has one week of registration left. Those days are Monday, July 28th and Wednesday, July 30 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. If you know of anyone who would like to receive school clothes for their children K-12 and they live in the Las Cruces School district or attend school in Las Cruces, please have them come over to register for an appointment. If they are unable to go to The Clothing Room to register, please have them call LuAnne at 644-9563. We try to have 4-5 outfits available per child. The clothes are new or lightly used. We also try and give each child a pair of shoes, new socks and underwear, and school supplies. Children pick out their own clothing with their parents on their pre-registered appointment time. We know what a blessing this is for families in our community to receive this boost to start the school year! It really helps!
Except for the special Back to School Program week, the Clothing Room is open Monday, Wednesday & Fridays from 9-11:00 a.m. It is open from 3:00-5:00 p.m. during the school year for children who are attending school so that they can pick out their clothing after the school day. Please e-mail us if you would like to help volunteer, donate, or want more information at lcgrm@qwestoffice.net Thanks!

Thanks!

2008-07-04T07:38:00.008-06:00

Tremendous work has been done at the mission this summer because of people like you that care! THANKS! It's amazing to see everyone coming together and helping. We are still able to serve scrumptious meals three times daily to whomever needs one because of the overwhelming response to our needs. This summer, we have more male guests than we ever have had in the past. We have even had to open the overflow mattresses a couple nights.We appreciate everyone's cooperation, good-will with one another, and incredible outpouring of help during this challenging time. Great thanks! SPECIAL THANKS AS WELL TO BRAD AND ALL THE GUYS WHO VOLUNTEERED TO CUT DOWN DYING AGAVE, RE-DO ROCK AND MAKE THIS MISSION BEAUTIFUL. YOU GUYS DID AN INCREDIBLE JOB. MORE SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CLASS AT MESILLA PARK COMMUNITY CHURCH FOR TURNING A DRAB ROOM INTO A PLACE OF JOY FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES . WE APPRECIATE YOU.

Old to New! More Recovery House Pics!

2008-05-28T14:41:00.006-06:00

The View!

The Room with a view!

Bring on the food! Before it was a feeding frenzy for creatures with 4-8 legs. Now, human beings with changed lives will enjoy meals together.

Wonderfully, colorful and bright! Bring on the dirty clothes from lots of volunteer participation.

It's Done! New Life Recovery Transitional House

2008-05-26T22:01:00.013-06:00

Thanks

everyone

who

had a

vision for a run-down, unusable building. Your gifts, labor of love, and persistence have transformed the building into a new transitional living house for 8-12 men. Now men, who are undergoing the same cleaning, renovation and renewal in their lives and have graduated from the 120 day phase one of the New Life Recovery Program will have a place to continue growing, building confidence and life skills, and building connections and relationships with the community. We appreciate each person who has had a part in making this transitional house a reality.

It's Sparkling!

2008-02-28T07:48:00.003-07:00

I wish you could come by the mission and take a whiff of the sparkling clean lobby or see the shiny new stainless steel washroom equipped with a new Hobart dishwasher! (F.Y.I. if you ever would like to stop by and get a tour of the mission, you are very welcome!) What a blessing God has blessed us with to have such a sparkling clean facility, a temporary home for anyone who needs a place to stay or anyone who is hungry and needs a meal. Special thanks to the local chapter of Companies for Christ International who blessed the mission with a complete stainless steel dish washing room and new dishwasher. Fred, the dish admistrator is so excited to do dishes because it takes less time and elbow grease. WE appreciate you so much. Thanks!

Charity

2008-02-14T11:03:00.002-07:00

Thank you for showing tangible love and charity. Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission is a charity because through your gifts and volunteerism, people in our community from all walks of life have experienced tangible love. You have not just said, "I love you". You have expressed it by real acts of mercy from the heart. Thank you for all the lives you have touched-
69,326 meals were served to hungry people in our community, 7,304 people shopped for free at the Clothing Room and received 108,478 items of clothing last year donated by you. People who had no place to go found warm shelter. In 2007, there were 20,655 nights of men's lodging and 5,857 nights of women and children's lodging. Thanks for giving love to those in need. Happy Valentine's Day!

Good Tidings of Comfort & Joy!

2007-12-17T20:15:00.001-07:00

Saturday night, December 15th, mission guests and visitors enjoyed a night of singing Christmas cheer extravaganza. Special music by Country Praise, Board Member Dr. Norman Harrison, Rozetta Kimbrough and others blessed and warmed our hearts and brought joy to all. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed delicious refreshments.

What a way to start off the Christmas season!Thanks to all who helped and blessed everybody. We appreciate you sharing your gifts with us.

We Thank God for You!

2007-11-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

It started as a cup of coffee,
poured in 1972,
But now it's three full meals,
120 warm beds,
and clothing too,
freely given because of you!

Because of you, thousands
of men, women, and children
in the cold,
Have found friendship & love
at the end of the road.
This Thanksgiving, we thank God for
suppling our needs through people that care.
Thank you for caring. We appreciate you!

Turkey Run! Drivers Needed!

2007-11-19T23:55:00.000-07:00

We need help to deliver delicious Thanksgiving turkey dinners to people who cannot come to the Mission to share Thanksgiving with us. Already, we have 265 meals that need to be delivered, but so far only 6 people have volunteered to help drive.

If you have a vehicle and would like to help out, please call the mision at 523-7727. The time commitment needed is from 11:15 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Veterans, to You We Are Grateful.

2007-11-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission wishes to thank all veterans. You have given your time and energy and much more. Thank you for caring and protecting our nation. We appreciate your sacrifice, your valor, and your commitment.

Road Construction Creates NEW Entrance/Exit

2007-10-28T14:44:00.001-06:00

Recent road construction on Amador Ave. has blocked off our normal entrance/exit. Instead, drivers need to turn just a few feet away on our auxiliary entrance. We hope this will be a very temporary change. Sorry for the inconvenience.

GADZOOS GAZEBO!

2007-10-28T12:06:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the sweat and perseverance of Mike and Brad, and other volunteers, the Gazebo has launched!

As you can see, it is quite large.

We wanted shade for the women and children from the harsh sun. This was the most cost effective means of providing a shaded area where women can talk, and watch their children play. Thank you to those who donated their money and or time to make this possible. We appreciate you.

(Pictured: new gazebo in the women/children's yard at Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission. The yard is a separate area to allow for safety and privacy for women and their children. )

Better than a blanket

2007-10-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

"Do you have a blanket?" a man asked Chuck, our Assistant Director, a few nights ago. Chuck asked him why he needed a blanket and the man replied that he needed it to sleep outside. "Why are you sleeping outside?" Chuck asked, "when we have a soft comfortable bed for you to sleep in here at the mission?". The man was surprised and delighted that he could stay here. He is still at the mission and has more than a blanket. He has a place to stay, three meals and a chance to get his life back together again. Thank you for helping us provide 120 beds and safe, comfortable shelter for men, women and children.

God is kind. He shares and does random acts of kindness

2007-09-19T16:14:00.000-06:00

Posted by LuAnne Burke, Admin. Asst.
Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission
Have you ever wondered why we wake up every morning to see a blazing sunrise or in New Mexico, view a fiery sunset? Everything we experience, is, as we are reminded in 1 Timothy 6:17 not to..."trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." I see that God has given us all so much to enjoy, whether it is taste buds to sense cool, chocolate ice cream, or just to feel the warmth of the sun every morning. But what I am very grateful for are not only his constant loving kindness towards every human being on our planet, no matter who are where we are, but also his random acts of kindness. I have the joy of experiencing these random acts of kindness weekly working at Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission. We feed three meals daily to anyone who is hungry. That costs a lot of money. However, we are able to do that because God cares and other people in our community, maybe yourself, care as well. When we are in a pinch, it just happens that a catered event, like two days ago, has planned for 400 people but only has 140 show up. The result is meals for those in need in our community. Thank you!
One of the most awesome things that happened was September 7. As you may have seen on the home page, we had many children and moms in need of shelter this past month. Many of them, thanks to different agencies, work, and fair housing, were able to find places to live. However, they had no money to buy furniture. We did not have donations of beds to assist them. Families with numerous children and women who are disabled were sleeping on the floor. I was praying for God to kindly help them out. Well, I just happened to be at the right place at the right time that Thursday. Super 8 hotel, managed by Andy Patel, had furniture that they were selling since they have remodeled and replaced furniture with newer items that match their beautiful revisions. I was able to acquire 15 beds for a very low cost. In addition, they donated dressers, tables, chairs, and lamps that will help these families and also help furnish the New Life Recovery Transitional House. Already, with the help of Nancy Sanders from Project Link with Las Cruces Public schools and the help of friends, beds and furniture have been delivered to families where the children were sleeping on the floor and to women who are disabled. I am so blessed by God providing for already 5 families who were in need. He is so kind and he shares. I hope today that you see more of his love and kindness towards you and your family. Thank you.

New rooms for New Lives

2007-09-05T15:43:00.000-06:00

The New Life Transitional House

The New Life Transitional House now has a new roof! Fort Seldon Roofing did a terrific job! According to Jerry Jaquess, Board President, it's been framed, insulated, and now we are just waiting to add the sheetrock. We are grateful to all who have contributed their time and money to change this run-down building into a new transitional living abode. Our next New Life Recovery Program is beginning soon, next week! Please pray for the staff and participants. We know that God promised, "He who began a good work will be faithful perform it until the day of Christ Jesus"(Phil. 1: 6). Please pray for wisdom and softened hearts. Thanks!

"With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you"(Psalms 119:73 The Message).