This issue of Street Smart brought to you by…

Envoy Financial provides Trusted Advice Along The Way to the leadership and staff of churches, ministries, mission-sending organizations, camps, and other Christian organizations. We advise on plan design, help implement biblically-based retirement and benefit plans, and provide ongoing financial counsel to ministry staff. Envoy Financial is a non-profit ministry exclusively serving Christian ministries in 48 states and 60 foreign countries.

We help people prepare financially for the day the paycheck stops but the call to ministry remains. The new 403(b) Regulations make it a great time to begin or update your retirement plan. Let us help. Call Jeff Gater at (888) 879-1376, ext. 209 for a no-obligation review of your current situation.

Look for the AGRM Association Retirement Plan coming soon!

We’re on a roll
Nearly 100 members (96 to be exact) signed up for the AGRM Dallas convention before December 31 and received a significant discount. That’s the largest early registration in AGRM history! If you didn’t make this price-break deadline, the next one is April 30. Not only do you save if you register by that date, but you also receive an extra discount for additional attendees from your mission. If you need a brochure, you’ll find one in the center of the January/February issue of Rescue magazine, which should have arrived in your mailbox. (Look carefully. You might not recognize Rescue because we’ve redesigned it.)

Mission receives FOTF publicity
The December 2007 issue of Focus on the Family’s (FOTF) Midlife and Beyond magazine carried a great story of volunteerism at the Bread of Life Mission (Seattle, Wash.). The article encourages readers to get involved at faith-based nonprofits, especially rescue missions. Congratulations to Larry Cooney and his staff for establishing a strong relationship with these volunteers who will, in turn, encourage others to get involved at the mission.

Milestone reached in New Orleans
The New Orleans Mission (New Orleans, La.) reopened its doors to hundreds of transient homeless guests last month, another step in recovering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Working with the mayor’s office and local churches, Executive Director Ron Gonzales and his staff made beds and meals available to homeless people evicted from the city’s Duncan Plaza park. An estimated 12,000 homeless people walk the streets of New Orleans.

Dates set for international event
Mark your calendar for the next meeting of the City Mission World Association, September 16–22, 2010, in Wittenberg, Germany. This will be a great opportunity to renew acquaintances made during previous CMWA conferences, find out about urban mission work around the globe, and visit Europe. Put the conference in your Outlook or Entourage calendar; we’ll pass along more information as we receive it.

Scranton mission receives big boost
Our expansion project, the Scranton Rescue Mission (Scranton, Pa.), has faced multiple levels of opposition from community and civic leaders during the first five years of its existence. Executive Director Phil Schultz was excited to receive a special Christmas gift from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a letter of commendation dated December 25, 2007, from Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. View a copy of the letter.

Looking down the street . . .
Bill Haskins, senior chaplain at Long Beach Rescue Mission (Long Beach, Calif.) passed away suddenly last month. Our thoughts and prayers are with the mission and Bill’s family.  Construction is underway at Sunshine Rescue Mission (Flagstaff, Ariz.). The site of Hope Cottage, the mission’s ministry to women and children, was recently graded and made ready for the builders.    A gracious donor gave Isaiah House (Hustonville, Ky.) a 32,000-square-foot building last month. The mission plans to use it as a women and family shelter. Director Mark LaPalme says the mission is raising $250,000 to renovate and finance the new operation.

We’re not all shining stars
Every ministry wants to hire the very best personnel. But an excellent public presence and outstanding personality aren’t the only traits to consider when putting together a ministry team. Pastor John Arnold says he’ll take faithful over flashy every time. Read how “B” players make an “A” team at http://tinyurl.com/ynoue7.

Form 990 revised for 2008
The IRS announced a new Form 990 last month, which will take effect with the 2008 tax year (filing in 2009). This new form will require nonprofit organizations to provide more detailed information. Major changes include a revised summary page that incorporates a two-year summary of financial information (comparing current and past years), and a reordered core where nonprofits list their service accomplishments immediately following the financial summary. More details are available at http://www.cbh.com/nfp_revised-990.php.

Identity theft among homeless a concern
For people on the streets, there appears to be a new wrinkle to add to their personal concerns. Some homeless people are stealing the identity of others who are homeless for the purpose of getting prescription drugs or processing benefits checks. This is a good reminder to counsel mission guests about proper identification security. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/2cbvqh.

Baltimore sues bank over subprimes
The city of Baltimore is suing Wells Fargo Bank, claiming that black neighborhoods were disproportionately affected by the subprime mortgage fallout. It is the first time that a municipality has sued a bank over lending practices. The city is seeking to recoup the costs of maintaining neighborhoods wracked by foreclosures and increased homelessness. If Baltimore is successful, other cities may follow suit. Get the full story at http://tinyurl.com/2e2ntt.

Is that e-mail address correct?
According to USA Today, nearly 60 percent of adult computer users say they regularly check more than one e-mail address. Users might have multiple e-mail accounts for work, home, school, or family. Remember this as you build relationships with volunteers, donors, and friends of your mission. For example, some may want ministry updates sent to one account and volunteer opportunities sent to another.

Majority have immigration and language concerns
According to a Financial Times/Harris Poll, 80 percent of U.S. citizens believe immigrants should be required to take a citizenship and language test in order to remain in the United States. Does your mission have access to English as a Second Language (ESL) training to help immigrants meet this expectation? View the survey results at http://tinyurl.com/2y4p8r.

Online medical records boost confidence
A recent Harris Interactive poll conducted for The Wall Street Journal Online finds that only one-third (33 percent) of U.S. adults are very confident in their physicians and other healthcare providers having a complete and accurate picture of their medical history. However, this confidence increases to half (50 percent) for those who have an electronic medical record. Helping mission clients establish online medical records may increase the likelihood of appropriate medical care when it is needed. Read about the study at http://tinyurl.com/28h79o.

Diaper donations not sagging
The New Haven Diaper Bank collects nearly 75,000 diapers each month for needy families in Connecticut. The organization says diapers are among the greatest monthly expenses for homeless and poor families. Read about it at http://tinyurl.com/2e6yok. Why not encourage volunteers and youth groups to organize periodic diaper drives for your mission?

Colorado mission teams with tax consultants
The Wayside Cross Rescue Mission (Pueblo, Colo.) is teaming with H&R Block to provide a canned food drive for the mission. H&R Block offices in Pueblo are collecting nonperishable food items throughout the tax season. In addition, the company will make a $25 donation to the mission for every donor who has their taxes prepared by H& R Block, when the taxpayer presents a coupon printed in the mission newsletter to the tax preparer.

Missouri mission promotes exercise
Things are shaping up this year at Springfield Victory Mission (Springfield, Mo.), as students at Victory Trade School   participate in a health and wellness program to exercise their bodies, learn proper eating habits, and experience overall wellness in their lives. Volunteers and nursing students from Missouri State University dedicated numerous hours to get the program started.

[Send us a blurb about your unique ideas or simple solutions and we’ll communicate them on Easy Street.}

Positions available…

Albany, NY: Director of Operations/Assistant Director - Oversee daily operation of men’s shelter; staff supervision/facilities management. You’ve felt a call to apply your skills in Christian ministry to bring God’s love to the lost and hurting. Send resume to Perry Jones, Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202. Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: ccrm259@yahoo.com

Asheville, NC: Women's Overnight Shelter Supervisor - Responsible for check-in of clients/securing belongings. Direct evening activities, maintain order for safety purposes. Requires experience working with diverse groups of women. Ability to work nights - may live on or off campus. Contact Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, PO Box 909, Asheville, NC 28801. Phone: 828-254-1529 Fax: 828-254-0428 To contact via email: rustyvwcrminc@gmail.com

Aurora, IL: Director of Development - Oversee entire development operations of organization. Seven years development experience. Major gift solicitation/capital fundraising experience. Ability to motivate and coach volunteers. Contact Wayside Cross Ministries, 215 E. New York Street, Aurora, IL. Phone: 630 892 4239 Fax: 630 892 4259 To contact via email: wgreenawalt@waysidecross.org

Bellingham WA: Executive Assistant - Business Office - Give oversight to ministry's accounts payable; personnel matters; assist CEO with various responsibilities and matching authority. Solid references; Quickbooks experience; loyalty; integrity; experience; degree not required. Salary, retirement plan, full medical. No calls please. Lighthouse Mission Ministries, PO Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227. To contact via email: rbuchinski@yahoo.com

Brooksville, FL: Multiple Openings - Men’s Shelter Spiritual Mentor, Women’s Shelter Spiritual Mentor, Thrift Store Assistant Manager. Send resume & cover letter to: Rev. Bruce Gimbel, Jericho Road Ministries, PO Box 864, Brooksville, FL 34605. To contact via email: jministries3@tampabay.rr.com

Colorado Springs, CO: Program Director - Help manage program women. Case management, record keeping and individual pastoral counseling. Requires some knowledge of the dynamics of addiction/recovery and have computer skills. Annual salary - $25,000. Gospel Shelters for Women dba Liza's Place, 2934 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO. 80906. Phone: 719-291-3406 Fax: 719-634-2257 To contact via email: gospelhome@juno.com

Dalton GA: Cook/Kitchen Manager - Full time person with heart for people and God to manage ministry's kitchen. Must have supervisory skills. Non-smoker preferred. Minimum one year clean time if coming from a recovery background. Salary and benefits. Contact Roy Johnson, Providence Ministries, PO Box 4598, Dalton GA 30719. Phone: 706-275-0268 To contact via email: johnsonroy@hotmail.com

Jackson, WY: Director of Operations - Oversee daily operation of mission and thrift shop. Willing to be a servant with involved leadership. Room and board, financial incentive. Be willing to visit location for personal interview. Contact Good Samaritan Mission, PO BOX 1218, Jackson WY 83001. Phone: 307-733-3165 To contact via email: GSM-WY@MAIL.COM

Lafayette, IN: Administrative Assistant to CEO - Assist CEO in all levels of business related activities. Requires high school graduate/GED; prefer college degree with course work in business administration/organizational leadership. Email resumes with three references. Deadline January 11 2008. Trinity Mission Ministries, Lafayette, IN. Phone: 765-742-1060 Fax: 765-742-1061 To contact via email: dtaylor@trinitymission.org

New Orleans, LA: Men's Program Manager - Seeking an experienced Men’s Program Manager. Please contact Linda Gonzales, New Orleans Mission, PO Box 56565, New Orleans, LA 70156. Phone: 504-523-2116 To contact via email: linda@ilsnova.com

Panama City, FL: Women's Recovery Program Counselor - Seeking counselor with addiction counseling experience. Part time position with full time potential. Contact Rev. Michael A. Martin, Panama City Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 2359, Panama City, FL 32402. Phone: 850-769-0783 Fax: 850-763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org

Raleigh, NC: Men's Program Director - Manage the Men’s Ministry Program, identify and plan future strategies and enhancements, coordinate ongoing improvements. Four to five years of experience required. See website for full job description. Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Phone: 919-828-9014 Fax: 919-833-6162 To contact via email: GingerR@raleighrescue.org Web site: http://www.raleighrescue.org

Regina, SK, Canada: Executive Assistant - Provide administrative support to Executive Director. Challenging secretarial work - high degree of responsibility, discretion, confidentiality. Three years equivalent experience. Contact Melanie Hack, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, PO Box 3356, Stn Main I, Regina SK S4P 3H1. Phone: 306-543-0011 Fax: 306-525-3079 To contact via email: mhack.shrm@gmail.com

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Director of Recovery Ministries, Case Manager - Women and Children's Shelter, Extended Care Shelter Coordinator - Men's Shelter, Community Center Staff/Video Production, High School Outreach Staff, Administrative Assistant - Youth Services, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff, Administrative Assistant/Children's Ministry Outreach Staff. Contact: Roslyn Alake, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111. Phone: 206-723-0767 Fax: 206-723-1076 To contact via email: rosalake@ugm.org Web site: http://www.ugm.org

St. Paul, MN: Director - Youth & Family - Manage urban ministry programs. Develop/implement budget, systems, processes for programs, track outcomes. BA/equivalent; five years work experience in urban youth ministry. Send resume, cover letter, three references to jobinfo@ugmtc.org. Union Gospel Mission - Twin Cities, 77 9th Street E, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-228-1800 Fax: 651-222-7968

Twin Falls, ID: Multiple Openings - (Non-member mission) Executive Director, Program Director, Evening Supervisor/live in House Mom for new start up Women's Ministry Recovery Program. Contact Cherise Merrick, Jubilee House, PO Box 5684, Twin Falls, ID, 83303. Phone: 402-841-2868 To contact via email: jubilee.house@hotmail.com

Waynesville, MO: Resource Center Manager - (Non-member mission) - Manage thrift store, recycling operation, emergency services resource center. BA in social work, business administration, related field or equivalent experience. One year administrative experience. Contact Connie Chambers, Good Samaritan Resource Center, PO Box 4177, Waynesville, MO 65583. Phone: 573-774-4040 Fax: 573-774-4040 To contact via email: pccc@jobe.net

Westminster, MD: Associate Director - (Non-member mission) Oversee daily operations, facilities management, staff. Have strong leadership/organizational/fundraising skills, multi-task, follow thru on instructions. Requires pastoral or college degree, social work/life experience. Housing/insurance available. Westminster Rescue Mission, 658 Lucabaugh, Westminster, MD 21158. Phone: 410-848-2222 Fax: 410-876-8562 To contact via email: wrm_office1@verizon.net

Coming Events…

January 20–23
Association of Christian Thrift Stores (ACTS) Workshop,  Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front,
Pensacola, Florida

January 30–February 1
Volunteer Ministry Track, Chase Suites, Kansas City, Missouri

February 6–9
WAFT (Women and Family Ministries) Track, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Missouri

February 15–17
Chaplains Track, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Missouri

March 2–4
Christian Addiction Rehabilitation Association (CARA) Track, Heartland Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri

March 12–14
Education and Employment Track, Chase Suites, Kansas City, Missouri

May 24–28
95th Annual AGRM Convention, Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas

For more information on any of these conferences, log on to www.agrm.org/events, or call
(800) 624-5156.

To advertise in future Market Street Classifieds:
Individual or organizational members of the AGRM may place a 30-word classified ad listing one available position in one issue of Street Smart at no charge, and may renew that ad one additional time at no cost. Ads are due the 10th of the month before the ad is to be listed. Ads exceeding 30 words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Non-member ministries, businesses, and individuals may place an ad for $25.00 per issue for a 30-word ad. Additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Ads are also placed on the AGRM website. Member ministries may renew ads after the second placement at $15 per issue for a 30-word ad. E-mail desired ad placement to editor@agrm.org (subject line: Market Street Classifieds).

Ministering Like Jesus

Did the way Jesus began His exchange with the most sinful of those He met while on earth ever provoke your curiosity? When He met a woman whose deep sinfulness and emptiness He knew very well, He only touched on the sordid failure of her relationships: “You have had five husbands” (John 4:18). But to Jesus, this woman’s primary hurdle to salvation was not iniquity, but ignorance: She was unaware of the gift and Giver of eternal life. Jesus said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water" (John 4:10).

Jesus could certainly have been a rescuer! I am proud to be shoulder to shoulder with those who know the promise of eternal life is of far more import than “cleaning up.” I’m thrilled in urging sinners to claim His living water and never thirst again, even to eternity (John 4:14), fully apart from moral improvement. There are no strings attached, no fine print, and no hidden provisos! Rescue mirrors Jesus’ compassion because we offer the unconditional knowledge of salvation to those who seem the most undeserving. Let’s keep on in 2008!

Contributed by Lon Gregg, spiritual director at Denver Rescue Mission

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Would you like to write an encouraging devotional thought for a future issue of Street Smart? If so, send your submission of 200 words or less (including a related Bible verse) to editor@agrm.org.