Look at your "in" bin

The early-bird brochure for the 2008 AGRM convention could be in it! (We’re telling you this because it is quite different and you might not recognize it as something from AGRM.) This general promotion piece was sent far in advance to help you start planning for the event. The same brochure will be in your January/February issue of Rescue magazine. A late-February copy of the brochure will have many additional seminars listed, plus seminar descriptions and a complete schedule. But if cost is the major deciding factor for you to attend the May 25-28 event, use the early-bird copy and pay before December 31, and you’ll get the 2008 convention at the 2007 rate! Call us at (800) 624-5156 if you have questions.

Former mission guest implicated in robbery
The Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles sustained a huge financial loss when a former resident allegedly pried open a safe located in the administration offices and stole more than $100,000 in cash, jewelry, and gift certificates. Authorities have arrested a suspect in the case. Mission officials say the man bragged of his ability to “crack” safes and left the mission on bad terms prior to the incident. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/32lmm7 (free registration is required to view the article). This unfortunate situation for our friends in L.A., as well as the recent ministry-related shootings in Colorado, remind us about taking security measures much more seriously. A seminar in Dallas will tackle this topic.

TechMission to administer Rescue College
As mentioned in the last issue of Street Smart, Rescue College is changing hands. On January 1, 2008, the program will be overseen by Boston-based TechMission. Long-time AGRM staff member Michael Liimatta will become an employee of TechMission and continue to administrate the program. Fletcher Tink will continue to serve in the role of college dean, and faculty members will remain in place for the current term. TechMission has a much broader audience than Rescue College, which will give the program more visibility, and, we hope, more enrollments. Additionally, the name will be changed to City Vision College. BIG NEWS: An agreement reached in the conveyance of the program is that TechMission will give AGRM members a 25 percent discount on classes for the next five years! If you were ever interested in taking courses in City Vision College, now is the time. You can expect to get more information from TechMission in the days ahead.

Hiring heads up
One of our member ministries in the western United States had a bad experience with a man who frequently stays at and seeks employment from rescue missions. Police were involved and the mission suffered financial loss. If your mission is in the process of hiring someone and you are suspicious that the individual may not be legitimate, call AGRM’s Phil Rydman at (800) 624-5156 for more details.

Online follow-up: Law prohibits candidate endorsements
The AGRM CEO discussion list was active with comments about the endorsement of political candidates recently. The presidential campaign has begun in earnest, and many nonprofit leaders are wondering how involved they can be in endorsing candidates. According to the IRS, “a section 501(c)(3) organization may not publish or distribute printed statements or make oral statements on behalf of, or in opposition to, a candidate for public office. Consequently, a written or oral endorsement of a candidate is strictly forbidden. The rating of candidates, even on a nonpartisan basis, is also prohibited.” Learn more from our government relations experts at Russ Reid Company, online at .www.agrm.org/candidate_endorsements.html

Rescue magazine redesigned
The next issue of AGRM’s primary publication will sport a new look and a new slant on content. Starting in January, Rescue will now show a dual-month date (January/February, rather than February) and will be in full color. The lead article of each issue will tell the story of someone “rescued” through the amazing grace of Jesus. There will also be thought-provoking perspectives on ministry and helpful columns for everyone involved in rescue mission work. This is a publication you’ll be proud to hand to your mission’s donors and stakeholders, plus it has content applicable to all staff. Extra copies are available.

Looking down the street . .

Michelle Porter has been appointed executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (Regina, Sask.). Former mission executive director Ken Porter has been named senior chaplain of the organization.    It blew hard for three days,” says Gary Rowell of Union Gospel Mission (Aberdeen, Wash.) of the storm December 2 to 5 along the Washington-Oregon coast. The wind peeled back about 12 feet of roof. The mission lost power for three days, but hooked up a generator to keep the lights on and freezers running.    The same storm knocked out power at the South Coast Gospel Mission (North Bend, Ore.) for about three hours, and Astoria Rescue Mission (Astoria, Ore.) was without electricity for four days.   Ice storms affected our member ministries in the Midwest earlier this week. John 3:16 Mission (Tulsa, Okla.) reported power outages across the city and hundreds of extra people coming to the mission for assistance. The storm impacted phone service to Oklahoma City, preventing calls to City Rescue Mission to check on their status before we sent Street Smart.    Lighthouse Mission Ministries (Bellingham, Wash.) has been named Bellingham Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year for 2007. Executive director Ron Buchinski reports the selection was based on the mission’s organizational management, longevity in the community, positive image created, upward mobility of clients, and more.

Housing crunch expected to last through 2008
Economists expect the current housing crisis to extend to early 2009, according to a report from Moody.com. In 80 of the nation’s 381 metropolitan areas, double-digit price declines are anticipated, with some areas experiencing price drops of more than 30 percent. If these predictions hold true, missions can look ahead to a continued rise in the number of families— including many more intact families—seeking assistance. View more at http://tinyurl.com/2h7f4x.

Cities seek to discourage “McMansions”
Many metropolitan areas are seeking ways to curb the emergence of “McMansions,” a term coined in the 1980s to describe new, hastily built, much-larger houses on lots that once contained more modest homes. Two-thirds of America’s largest cities are reporting this trend, another form of gentrification driving up the price of homes and pricing poorer citizens out of the market. Read the full story at www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/25950/.

Increase seen in veterans’ suicide
Some members of Congress are concerned about the increase in suicide among veterans returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army officials said the suicide rate in 2006 was 17.3 per 100,000 troops, the highest rate in 26 years of record keeping. A Portland State University study found male vets were twice as likely to commit suicide as their civilian counterparts. These statistics may show a trend toward a rise in homeless veterans among those who served in the Persian Gulf region. Read more at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22225720/.

More teens become moms
For the first time in 14 years, the number of teenagers having babies in the United States rose last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A spokesperson for the CDC said it was too early to say whether the increase was a trend or a one-year blip. Between 2005 and 2006, the birth rate for girls 15 to 19 years old rose 3 percent, from 40.5 births per 1,000 in 2005 to 41.9 births per 1,000 in 2006. An increase in the teen birth rate could lead to more women with children seeking the help of rescue missions. View the full report at http://tinyurl.com/2zgd8k.

That’s what I meant to say!
Age or technology may sometimes be the reason why our communication is misconstrued. A majority of adults say online communication is more likely to be misinterpreted than a conversation face-to-face. According to Harris Interactive, 80 percent of those responding to a recent survey said e-mail is apt to be misunderstood, 78 percent said the same about a text message, and 71 percent report this about a letter or written note. In contrast, 37 percent said a face-to-face conversation was likely to be misunderstood, and 53 percent reported a telephone call was apt to be misinterpreted. In an unrelated study reported by MSN’s CareerBuilder.com, 49 percent of employers cite Generation Y’s (those under 29) preference for e-mail or phone calls over face-to-face meetings as the biggest communication gap between Generation Y and coworkers in other age groups. Read about this study at http://tinyurl.com/27xwu6.

Donors skeptical of nonprofits
Many (56 percent) donors are more concerned with charity misuse of funds or services than they were 10 years ago, according to a Harris Interactive poll. In addition, a Gates Foundation survey of charitable givers (foundations and businesses) found donors are skeptical of the traditional nonprofit system and would rather start their own nonprofits than trust their money to an existing one. Missions should assure donors that their gifts are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. Find out more at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22188895/.

Trap shoot
Sometimes we need to be innovative to fund our ministries. Here’s one idea: The City Rescue Mission of Jacksonville held its first annual Shootout for Shelter Skeet and Trap Shoot. With sponsorship and entry fees, the mission raised more than $15,000. That’s a pretty good return for a first-time special event. Contact Ginny Sielert at gsielert@crmjax.org for details on how to get started.

Barefoot runner
Rick Roeber—also known as “Barefoot Rick”—has been running marathons in his bare feet to help raise money for Kansas City Rescue Mission. Rick has raced in events in Omaha, Kansas City, and New York City, hoping to collect more than $10,000 for the mission. In the past four years, he has run more than 9,800 miles—shoeless—sharing his faith in Christ with fellow runners and spectators. Check out interviews of Rick at www.kcrm.org.

A child shall lead them
Here’s proof even kids can have a financial impact at your mission. A 12-year-old named Gavin is raising funds to purchase all of the turkeys necessary for Christmas dinner at The Scott Mission in Toronto. The young man designed a presentation to speak to his dad’s company and will send pitch letters to friends and other businesses. He is positive he can reach his goal.

[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

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. 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. Email: jministries3@tampabay.rr.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 Email: GSM-WY@MAIL.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 Email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org

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

Tustin, CA: Multiple Openings - Director, Volunteer Services; Direct Marketing Manager; Foundation and Corporate Gifts Officer. Contact: Orange County Rescue Mission, One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782. Phone: 714-247-4300 Fax: 714-566-6451 Email: rose.torres@rescuemission.org

Coming Events…

January 8–10
Youth Track (Urban Children and Youth Ministries), Lake Williamson Conference Center, Carlinville, Ill.

January 20–23
Association of Christian Thrift Stores (ACTS) Workshop, The Hampton, Pensacola Beach, Fla.  Download a brochure and registration form at
www.agrm.org/pdf/2008 ACTS BROCHURE.pdf.

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

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

February 15–17
Chaplains Track, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Mo.

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

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

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

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).

Mary, did you know?

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51).

In chapter two of his gospel, Dr. Luke is careful to point out twice how Mary treasured these things in her heart. She took the opportunity to stop and ponder “God with us.” Mary could practice the presence of God in a way I will never understand.

Earlier this year, I read Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Thomas Nelson, 2006) by Peter Scazzero, and learned about the power of contemplative spirituality to transform the hidden places in my life. I think that Mary knew the secret of what some call the “daily office,” when—if only for a few minutes—we pause in God’s presence. It is so easy to let the busyness of this season rob us of joy when we don’t stop to treasure our relationship with Him.

Jesus birth was both a miracle and an interruption in Mary’s life. Rescue is full of miracles and interruptions. This Christmas, let’s take some time in humble gratitude to God to treasure these things and ponder them in our hearts, as Mary did. Your spirit will be healthier for doing so.

Contributed by Rev. Bill Dodge, Rescue Mission (Utica, N.Y.)

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.