STARTING A NEW LIFE WITH JESUS

[Pages:16]VOLUME 18 ? ISSUE 4 ? APRIL 2017

Make Us Your Mission

STARTING A NEW LIFE WITH JESUS

p.8

PAT CHASTAIN TAKES ON NEW ROLE

p.4

WORK THERAPY PUTS LEARNING INTO PRACTICE

p.10

Proud "Certified Excellent"

member of the Association

of

Gospel

Rescue

Missions, accredited by

the Evangelical Council for

Financial Accountability,

and recognized as a "Four

Star Charity" by Charity

Navigator.

774 Hazel Street ? Macon, Georgia 31201 ? T: 478.743.5445



EXECUTIVE BOARD

Charlie Cantrell CHAIRMAN Stewart Vernon VICE-CHAIR Beverly Olson SECRETARY Susan Collins TREASURER Kathy Hawkins MEMBER-AT-LARGE Blake Sullivan MEMBER-AT-LARGE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Bill Argo Martie Banks Bobby Cramer Frank Malloy Robby Redmond Chris R. Sheridan Louis Frank Tompkins Jeff Thompson Wimberly Treadwell Martin Willingham

ADVISORY BOARD

Oliver Bateman III Martha Blue Senator Saxby Chambliss Ashley Copelan Carolyn Crayton Sheriff David Davis Ed Defore Jimmy Fain Michael Ketterbaugh Tommy Mixon Mayor Robert Reichert

PRESIDENT/CEO

Pat Chastain

VOLUME 18 ? ISSUE 4 ? APRIL 2017

03 FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK April Graduates Honored

04 STAFF SPOTLIGHT Pat Chastain Takes on New Role

05 NEEDS LIST Items needed for Men's and Women's Divisions

06 WOMEN'S DIVISION HAPPENINGS New Life in Jesus Christ

07 MEN'S DIVISION HAPPENINGS Cleansing of the Heart

08 TESTIMONY FROM THE MISSION Digging Up Roots to Start a New Life

10 SCENES FROM AROUND THE MISSION Baby Shower and Men's outings

14 BARGAIN CENTER Work Therapy puts learning into practice

15 UPCOMING EVENTS Save the Date

A community service product of Panaprint.

2

FROM THE President's Desk

April Graduates Honored

What an awesome night of celebration we had on April 7th as 3 men and 3 women graduated from the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia recovery program. It was a night where men and women got another shot at life through Jesus Christ. Graduation is the culmination of our program where graduates feel a sense of achievement as God finished the next chapter in their precious lives. We were blessed to have Mercer Basketball Coach Bob Hoffman as our keynote speaker. He delivered a moving and uplifting speech that everyone will remember and carry with them for years to come.

So many times, we get to a point in life where we just don't think we can take another step due to one circumstance or another. This place tells us many times that we don't measure up or that we are somehow defective. Friday night at 6:30 at Rock Springs Church on the FPD campus, men and women started a new chapter. A chapter that instills hope and promise through an abundant life that only Jesus Christ can provide!

"and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go" 1 Kings 2:3

As you read this article today, know there are men and women that are in new relationships with Christ and are on their way to new jobs, new houses and new lives! Please continue to pray for the graduates as they prepare to leave the Mission and begin their new journey. Each graduate is forever a member of the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia family and we will offer all the love and support each needs as they become independent! We give all the credit and honor to our Lord and we are so blessed to have donors like you that continue to make sharing the Gospel with so many possible! We love you all and God bless!

Pat Chastain President/CEO

3

Staff SPOTLIGHT

Pat Chastain

President/CEO

Pat Chastain joined the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia in February 2013 and until recently has held the position of Vice President of Programs and Chaplain. He was newly appointed to the role of President / CEO. Pat's leadership, passion for Jesus Christ and relationships with our residents are clear examples of what an asset Pat is to the Mission and its future.

He is a devoted father of 3 and husband of 29 years to Paigh. Pat and his family have attended Southside Baptist for the past 11 years where he is the ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ-centered recovery program in Warner Robins. His dedication to Celebrate Recovery can best be described by a quote from a 2014 article in the Macon Telegraph, "Celebrate Recovery is a safe place for people who struggle with hurts, habits and hang-ups to come and learn to manage a life that's become unmanageable. It's a place where we serve one another in our trials and issues. We're called to do that as disciples following Jesus -- serve others in love." Pat Chastain

Additionally, he loves walking along side men and women as they journey to find their way in Christ. He is most excited about how passionate the Mission staff and board are to see changed lives. This staff has seen the success rate grow to a staggering 37-42% completion rate of our program.

In his new role, Pat will remain involved in the day to day operations of the programs and continue on as resident Chaplain. He will also work directly with the Board of Directors to ensure that the vision of the board and future plans for the Mission stay on track. He will work closely with local community groups to help those less fortunate find the assistance they require by improving their lives and contributing to society in a productive manner. Pat loves speaking to people and seeing them get closer to our Lord. His desire to show others that their past does not define them, and that they can change, encourages those in recovery to want to be successful and grab hold of the life God has intended for them.

The Rescue Mission is blessed to have a man like Pat lead our team and represent our organization. He will work with donors, supporters and contributors to raise awareness about homelessness, addiction and domestic violence in our region and sustain the financial support the Mission needs to continue the good work done each and every day here. As an enthusiastic hunter, Pat will be an active participant in the Clay Shoot at Ocmulgee Gun Club for our annual fundraiser. His excitement for Jesus Christ, passion for His teachings and devotion to others is infectious. Simply put, Pat will continue to provide a path of Hope, Redemption and Empowerment through Jesus Christ.

4

Needs LIST

Kitchen NEEDS

Industrial Kitchen Utensils 3 Inch Ice Cream Scoops

Drain Stoppers Pot Holders

Extra Large Powder Free Gloves Brillo Pads

Men's & Women's NEEDS

** Toilet Paper ** Kleenex tissue

Paper Towels Men's Deodorant

Advil Lysol Spray

Bleach Clorox wipes Extra Large Bath Towels Wash Cloths Twin Sheet Sets

To Donate: Visit , call us at 478-743-5445 ext. 314 or

Email us - donate@

STAFF Pat Chastain President/CEO

Tina Hicks Vice President of Finance

Dawn Burns Vice President of Operations

Artecia Knight Logistics Coordinator

Greg Brooks Food Service & Maintenance Supervisor

PROGRAMS Jason Beck

Vice President of Programs Becky Hataway

Women's Program Director Kathlyn Wohlrabe Women's Counselor Vernice Chappell Women's Evening Supervisor Linda Wessells Case Worker Emily Smallwood Women's Assistant Darrell Allen

Men's Program Resident Supervisor

DEVELOPMENT Rob Schneck

Development Director Amy Walker

Development Coordinator Jaime Kaplan

Special Events Coordinator

5

Women's Divison HAPPENINGS

by Becky Hataway, Women's Program Director

New Life

IN JESUS CHRIST

As I watch the Cherry Blossoms gracefully bloom in Macon, I am reminded of the promise of new life and the beauty it brings.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

God paints beautiful pictures for us in nature. He demonstrates the new life in Christ by allowing us to observe the wintry trees, which endure harsh winters with freezing temperatures and fierce winds; yet, they remain strong and are still standing when the first sign of spring makes its debut. As the sun drives the wintry clouds away, new life breaks forth as the sun radiates its healing power and awakens life. Hints of green begin peeking from trees, and buds appear; and before long, the buds begin to blossom and a beautiful flower graces creation.

What a beautiful representation of the new life that is found in our women and children as they walk through the doors of the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia. As winter gives way to spring, so does an unhealthy environment give way to the love, warmth, and protection of the Rescue Mission.

Like the sun which ushers in light, healing, and new life, so does the Son of the Living God-Jesus Christ, whom is at the Head of the Rescue Mission and in everything we do. His love is radiated through your prayers, your love and support, and through His servants who are called to serve here.

Speaking of new life, we are so excited about our expectant moms. They are both due in April and because of the love and support from this generous community, they have everything they need to provide for their babies. Thank you so much for blessing our precious moms.

I am humbled and privileged to be a part of the work God's doing in each woman and child that comes through these doors. I love to see God's handiwork as they begin to experience the power of His unconditional and protective love. It's beautiful to watch as He unfolds the new life that is in them. Winter has passed and spring has sprung! They are no longer bound by their past; but are set free to live life abundantly and exemplify the glory and power of God in their lives.

Becky Hataway Women's Program Director

6

Men's Divison HAPPENINGS

by Jason Beck, Vice President of Programs

Cleansing OF THE HEART

I want to tell you about something pretty amazing that's happening right here in downtown Macon. No, I'm not talking about all the construction, remodeling, and beautification of buildings. I'm writing to tell you of the renovation, repurposing and cleansing of the hearts of men through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. Every day is one full of absolute miracles. Men surrendering, recommitting and most for the first time after many years, (for some we are talking decades), begin to trust others with who they are. All of this right here in this little building on the corner of Hazel Street and Telfair.

When I think of the men of the Rescue Mission, I see a picture of Romans 12: 9-18, being walked out in Christ by those whom the world has cast aside and in some cases forgotten about.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12: 9-18

The healing process can be a very long and arduous journey. Through the love of Christ, men are now coming to know that it is not what they've done that defines them, but it is who they are in Christ, trusting wholeheartedly that they are who He says they are in Him. Choosing no longer to view themselves through the blurred lens of shame, but fully trusting that Christ died for their sins and that He rose on that victorious third day and that they are based on the truth of God's Word, New Creations. Have you ever trusted in that? Have you made the most important decision you'd ever make? The men would ask you this also. This is the choice in which your eternity hangs in the balance.

When people talk of the beautification process of downtown Macon, I always shift the conversation to the beautification process taking place at the Rescue Mission. This is a place where Christ is welcome, a place where lives are being transformed because He is allowed, with no building restrictions, to have His way in the hearts of some pretty amazing men. Oh how sweet He is. Won't you come?

Jason Beck Vice President of Programs

Pastor Johnny Hunt graciously donated a copy of his book "Demolishing Strongholds" to all the men in the Men's Division.

7

Testimony FROM THE MISSION

Digging up Roots TO START A NEW LIFE

I was born in the early spring of 1984 in Tampa, Florida to Angela and Edward, my mother and father. I was raised solely by my mother in a little town called Sylvania Georgia which we moved to when I was very young. I can still remember the summers there, my sister, brother and I running around basking in the radiance of the summer sun on the limbs of oak trees. I recall climbing almost to the top of the trees trying to reach the beauty of the clouds and blue sky above me. I would ask my brother, "I wonder what it feels like to ride on a cloud and enjoy the sun shining down on me". My brother would respond with a silly comment, "I'll give you a quarter if you try" with a big grin on his face. Of course I knew better, but this is one of the few times I remember feeling unconditionally overjoyed and filled with pure happiness as a child.

My mother was our only caregiver and provider who struggled very hard to keep a roof over our head and a hot meal on our table. She had a lot of difficulties in her life which she did not know how to let go of or want to let go of that made it hard to raise 3 children with requirements that needed to be met every day. I can remember one of her strongholds taking over which

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

8

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download