Mission stands tall during flood
When 13 inches of rain produced record levels of flooding in southeast Missouri two weeks ago, United Gospel Rescue Mission (Poplar Bluff, Mo.) was ready to meet the challenge. Executive Director Greg Kirk says, “FEMA called to say they were putting displaced people in the Black River Coliseum, which is right next to the mission. They asked if we could feed them. It took all of the food I was planning to use for Easter, but we kept the folks fed. I’m new to Poplar Bluff and I used to be a ‘nobody’ in town; now I’m a hero. And God gave us $13,000 over the weekend to restock our shelves. We really appreciate the members of AGRM who generously demonstrated their care for us.”

ECFA renews accreditation for AGRM
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has completed its annual membership review, and AGRM has been approved for accredited membership in 2008. The accreditation reflects AGRM’s continued compliance with ECFA Standards of Responsible Stewardship. We’re grateful for the recognition, which increases the confidence that our members and donors have in the fiscal integrity of the association.

Four more reasons to sign up soon for the convention
#1: The AGRM board will officially announce the association’s new values, mission, and vision—and you won’t want to miss the presentation.
#2: Three new member services will be introduced, and you’ll want to get the full explanations.
#3: General sessions will be enhanced by video, and there will be some creative interaction with members and Dallas residents.
#4: You get to participate in the Street Smart quizzes from now until the event: Here is this issue’s: What is the geometric oddity of Thanksgiving Square in downtown Dallas? The third person to email AGRM’s Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org with the correct answer will win a $25 Chili’s gift card. (To be eligible, you must be registered for the convention, or must register in the next five days. You can find the registration form online at http://www.agrm.org/pdf/2008%20Convetnion%20Brochure.pdf.) The answer to the question in the last issue is Neiman Marcus.

Help sponsor an international convention delegate
If you cannot make it to the convention, or if you can and you want to help someone else get there, too, consider this: A ministry leader from South America says, “I have everything I need, but I can’t afford any extras.” Like folks in North America, mission leaders around the world feel isolated, need encouragement, and value training. He says, “Past AGRM conventions have done so much in helping us be better out here.” Could your mission help sponsor an international delegate? Email Tammy Sharp at tsharp@agrm.org to support a “worldwide” mission conference in Dallas.

Great snake caper in Columbus
Last week, Ted Pearson of the Columbus Rescue Mission (Columbus, Nebr.) was surprised to learn that a 28-inch ball python was missing from the third-floor dormitory at the mission. When checking in, the young owner didn’t say anything about her having a pet snake, and the mission failed to ask, so it was an innocent oversight. From the safety of his desktop, Ted sent his best snake hunters, well equipped with sticks and flashlights, to locate the renegade reptile. When the fugitive was once again secure in his shoe-box home, Ted urgently explained to the young lady that the snake had to go. She left, but returned a few minutes later, confused as to why she was being put out of the mission. Ted replied, “Not you—just the snake.”

Homeless trend graphs available
Several people have asked about the graphs that accompany the article on homeless trends in the March/April issue of Rescue. These graphs are available as .jpg files for use in mission publications or as part of a PowerPoint presentation. Email Phil Rydman at pwrydman@agrm.org to get a set of the graphs.

Looking down the street . . .
Tim Campbell is joining the staff of Union Rescue Mission (Los Angeles, Calif.). Tim was previously Group VP–Rescue Missions with Grizzard. Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma, Wash.) participated in a community quilt project, Threads That Bind, creating a quilt that depicts the various mission programs. The Denver Rescue Mission (Denver, Colo.) marathon team participated in the Volunteers of America Running of the Green marathon last month. The team has a new member, a blind runner who is teaching the men how to work as running assistants for the visually handicapped.

Postal rates go up May 12
The U.S. Postal Service has accepted the Postal Rate Commission’s recommendation to increase most postal rates and fees, effective May 12, 2008. Rates will vary, based on the classes and types of postal products used. A one-ounce first-class piece of mail will increase from 41 cents to 42 cents. For complete rate information, click on http://www.usps.com/prices.

Slow economy may mean fewer jobs for mission grads
Getting an interview during tough economic times is far more complicated than simply sending out a few résumés. Staffing companies are flooded with applications and businesses are considering hiring freezes or cutting back on staff. Careerbuilder.com offers some hints for helping mission grads “get beyond the résumé” at http://tinyurl.com/2e7bgt.

Faith-Based and Community Initiatives reach seventh year
In February, Jay Hein, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) presented President Bush with a progress report on the seven years of FBCI. Titled Quiet Revolution, the report details the administration’s determination to promote public-private partnerships that address society’s most challenging problems. Get details of the report at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/.

Three-strike laws may have unintended consequences
Many states, including California, have instituted “three-strike” laws as a means of decreasing criminal activity. A new study of criminal records data conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests California’s law reduced criminal activity for first-strike-eligible offenders by 14 percent, second-strike-eligible offenders by 20 percent, and for third-strike-eligible offenders by 28 percent. However, the probability of there being violent action involved in the crime increases by as much as nine percent as offenders face their third-strike—and an accompanying 25-year jail sentence. Read more about the report at http://www.nber.org/papers/w13784.

Smoking rate continues to decrease
Efforts to curb smoking are having an impact, as 17 percent of adults surveyed by The Harris Poll admit to being smokers. The rate is the lowest in 25 years of the study and marks a steady decline from 30 percent in 1983. Read about the survey at http://tinyurl.com/yuq9xd.

Housing prices take record drop
Home prices in cities across the United States fell at record rates in January, with the average price of a home declining by 10.7 percent, according to the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index. Further, the trend may not reverse until this summer. People who never imagined that they could become homeless may be coming to your mission for help. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/yr6oab.

Nashville Rescue Mission (Nashville, Tenn.) completed its first annual Easter Radiothon, produced completely in-house. The event brought in more than $115,000 in pledges, with some staff working from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Volunteers and board members answered phone lines and recorded pledges, some stopping periodically to wipe away tears of joy in response to God’s blessings. President/CEO Don Worrell called it one of the best events the mission has ever done.

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Positions available…

Albuquerque, NM: Multiple Openings - Director of Development, Security Specialist Supervisor, Security Specialist(2). Contact Stephanie Sessions, Albuquerque Rescue Mission, 525 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Phone: (505) 346-4673, ext. 226 Fax: (505) 843-8823 To contact via email: steph@albqrescuemission.com Web site: http://www.albqrescuemission.com Date Added: 03/25/2008

Atlanta, GA: President/ CEO - Atlanta Union Mission, a nonprofit ministry that brings Christ’s healing power to people in crisis through programs of rescue and recovery, seeks a President/CEO. Full description on website. Contact BoardWalk Consulting, 127 Peachtree Street, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303. Phone: 404-420-5852 To contact via email: joan@boardwalkconsulting.com Web site: http://boardwalkconsulting.com/Positions.aspx Date Added: 03/24/2008

Clinton, IA: Women's Shelter Resident Manager - Looking for resident manager willing to live in beautiful home to run program for six single women. Room and board and small salary. Contact Victory Center Ministries, PO Box 1694, Clinton, IA 52733-1694. Phone: 563-242-9016 Fax: 563-357-8552 To contact via email: jeremiah3117@yahoo.com Date Added: 02/11/2008

Harrisburg, PA: Business Manager - Oversee financial activities of the mission according to generally accepted accounting principles. Requires accounting degree with five years of experience. Send resume/salary requirements to Bethesda Mission, Human Resources Dept., PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105. Phone: 717-257-4442 Fax: 717-257-5486 To contact via email: bethesda@bethesda-mission.org Date Added: 03/03/2008

Holbrook, AZ: Executive Director/Case Manager - Position requires team building, leadership, development skills to operate/further develop rural ministry with emergency shelter/life change program; provide case management services. Requires homeless ministry experience; BA preferred. Contact Board President Shannon Newman, Bread of Life Mission, PO Box 246, Holbrook, AZ 86025. Phone: 928-524-3874 To contact via email: wsnewman@frontiernet.net Date Added: 03/13/2008

Lafayette, IN: Manager of Retail Operations - Provide leadership/oversight for thrift stores - coordinate sheltered workshop program portion of residential addictions ministry. Requires retail/business experience with ministry background. Contact Trinity Mission Ministries, 817 N. 12th Street, Lafayette, IN 47904. Phone: 765-742-1060 Fax: 765-742-1061 To contact via email: dtaylor@trinitymission.org Date Added: 02/11/2008

Lexington, KY: Associate Thrift Store Manager - Must be able to organize volunteers, have cash handling experience, be able to run/balance a cash register, have people skills. Thrift store experience, retail management helpful. Submit resume with salary requirements to Lexington Rescue Mission, 444 Glen Arvin Ave., Lexington, KY 40508. Phone: 859-381-9600 Fax: 859-381-9603 To contact via email: vince@lexingtonrescue.org Date Added: 02/25/2008

Modesto, CA: Development Professional - Seeking individual with experience and proven success in Development. Successful candidate will have excellent written/oral communication skills, be creative and innovative. Email employment history, including salary history and requirements. Modesto Gospel Mission, Modesto, CA. To contact via email: hr@homelessmission.org Date Added: 03/18/2008

Newark, NJ: Director of Programs - Using Servant Leadership model, operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional, personal, vocational welfare of guest population. Requires Bachelor’s in Social Services or equivalent. Ability to obtain CDAC certification. Contact Jim Benton, Goodwill Rescue Mission, 79 University Ave., Newark, NJ 07102. Phone: 973-621-9560, ext. 38 To contact via email: jbenton@grmnewark.org Web site: http://www.grmnewark.org Date Added: 03/25/2008

Nogales, Arizona: Program Director - Able to work with recovery and probation clients. Teach Bible classes, handle daily operations of mission. Bilingual with two years of rescue mission experience. Contact Ben Wenke, Crossroads Nogales Mission, 456 N. Morley Avenue, Nogales, AZ 85621. Phone: 520-287-5828 Fax: 520-397-9623 To contact via email: crossroad@dakotacom.net Date Added: 02/22/2008

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Children's Activity Center Coordinator, Director of Recovery Ministries, Dental Assistant-Dental Clinic, High School Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff, Community Center Assistant/Athletic Coordinator, Gym Assistant, Computer Lab Assistant, Summer Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Curriculum Specialist. 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 Date Added: 03/25/2008

Turlock, CA: Executive Director - Expansion mission seeking individual with strong organizational skills, proven experience in fundraising, public relations, counseling, teaching, community team building. BA degree or combination of education/related experience desired. Contact: Turlock Gospel Mission, PO Box 1231, Turlock, CA 95381. Phone: 209-634-3294 Fax: 209-320-3526 To contact via email: chris_k@pacbell.net Date Added: 02/15/2008

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 Date Added: 02/19/2008

Victorville, CA: Rescue Mission Director - Provide leadership, direction & mgmt for programs/outreach. Speak at churches/community groups. Create donor letters. Hire, direct & develop employees. Bachelor’s Degree + ministry, mgmt, non-profit exp. desired. Strong writing, computer skills. Fax or email resume. Contact Rescue Mission Alliance, 315 N. "A" Street, Oxnard, CA. Phone: 805 487-1234 Fax: 805-385-4126 To contact via email: jobs@erescuemission.org Date Added: 02/15/2008

Coming Events…

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).

Keep the light on!
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Becca was returning a phone call at the mission the other day, but she dialed a wrong number by mistake. Here's how the call progressed: "No, that's not my number." "Oh, I'm sorry."
"So, how's it going down there anyway? What's all the latest news?"

Becca proceeded to fill him in on how we've grown and how things are going so well. He was very excited for us!

A few days later, one of our residents was at a local pawn shop. He overheard some of the other customers talking about the mission. He was delighted to hear these two people he’d never met before discussing the terrific ministry being conducted by the mission.

A shining light illuminates everything around it. Sometimes, when we are pointing the light in one direction, it lights up another part of the community, and more people are able to see. And as they speak kindly about our work, they are really praising God. When God allows us to hear them, it’s His way of saying, “Thanks for keeping the light on!”

Contributed by Michelle Porter, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, Regina, Saskatchewan .

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.