Lima Rescue Mission's Notes
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From Nathan Branim, Director of Men's Ministry
Most people hold a romantic view of ministry (mission ministry included). Why even before I was involved in ministering to the homeless, the problems and solutions of homelessness seemed pretty cut and dry! We conjure up images of TV shows like “Little House on the Prairie,” where life threatening problems are completely solved, never to return again, in one hour. (I wish it were that easy!)
Furthermore, we like to think that when we give the homeless man on the street a dollar, that he really does go and spend that on his needs, rather than his addiction. But ministering at the Mission for over 8 years now has sharpened my perception, as it would for most I assume; and it’s plain to see that homeless men need more than just a dollar bill and a few kind words!
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that we should be so pessimistic about the homeless that we don’t show compassion to the guy holding up a sign on the street corner. But what I am saying, is that we need to become wise as serpents with how we spend the resources God blesses us with on the less fortunate! (For more tips on how to really help the homeless, check out our website under How to help/Helping the homeless.)
But quite contrary to my introduction, Ken is a man that you could probably give a dollar to on the streets and be confident that he wouldn’t squander it! (See, I told you, we don’t have to be pessimistic!) Matter of fact, you would be hard pressed to even guess Ken was homeless if you just had a casual encounter with him.
Ken, like a lot of the guys at the Mission, battles with some mental issues and they have interfered with his life enough that he lost his job and was kicked out of his apartment. The Mission was his only resort! Since being here Ken has set some good goals for himself, including getting a job and continuing to play music!
Finally, we want you to know that when you give to the Mission, you support Ken in a way that you can be confident in! You even support the guys that you shouldn’t give money to on the streets in the best way possible! There’s no guess work! There’s no wondering if what you have given is being spent on alcohol or drugs or any other useless thing. And we pray that the Lord will bless you for it!
Most people hold a romantic view of ministry (mission ministry included). Why even before I was involved in ministering to the homeless, the problems and solutions of homelessness seemed pretty cut and dry! We conjure up images of TV shows like “Little House on the Prairie,” where life threatening problems are completely solved, never to return again, in one hour. (I wish it were that easy!)
Furthermore, we like to think that when we give the homeless man on the street a dollar, that he really does go and spend that on his needs, rather than his addiction. But ministering at the Mission for over 8 years now has sharpened my perception, as it would for most I assume; and it’s plain to see that homeless men need more than just a dollar bill and a few kind words!
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that we should be so pessimistic about the homeless that we don’t show compassion to the guy holding up a sign on the street corner. But what I am saying, is that we need to become wise as serpents with how we spend the resources God blesses us with on the less fortunate! (For more tips on how to really help the homeless, check out our website under How to help/Helping the homeless.)
But quite contrary to my introduction, Ken is a man that you could probably give a dollar to on the streets and be confident that he wouldn’t squander it! (See, I told you, we don’t have to be pessimistic!) Matter of fact, you would be hard pressed to even guess Ken was homeless if you just had a casual encounter with him.
Ken, like a lot of the guys at the Mission, battles with some mental issues and they have interfered with his life enough that he lost his job and was kicked out of his apartment. The Mission was his only resort! Since being here Ken has set some good goals for himself, including getting a job and continuing to play music!
Finally, we want you to know that when you give to the Mission, you support Ken in a way that you can be confident in! You even support the guys that you shouldn’t give money to on the streets in the best way possible! There’s no guess work! There’s no wondering if what you have given is being spent on alcohol or drugs or any other useless thing. And we pray that the Lord will bless you for it!
Times are tough, especially for young couples attempting to start a family. "Tim" (name has been changed) has only been married for a few years and has a brand new baby boy that is less than a year old. And Tim is no different than you or I; he had hopes of building a strong family and enjoying life. But all too quickly those hopes were snatched from him! To add to an already strained relationship with his wife, Tim got fired from his job, and because he was to blame for getting fired he wasn’t due any unemployment.
Apparently this was the straw that broke the camel’s back! His wife had put up with him as long she could. Without work, she decided that it would be better if he left, so he did. But with both parents deceased, and no relatives in the area to help, where would he go?
Thankfully, someone directed him to the Lima Rescue Mission. When Tim arrived at the Mission he was pretty upset with life, but since attending the chapel services and hearing God’s Word, and the hope it provides, his spirits are lifting. Tim has begun to believe that God loves him and has a plan for his life, even the darkest times of life.
Coming to the Mission has been the hardest trial he has ever faced but at the same time has toughened him up a bit and caused him to grow! It has also strengthened his resolve to join the Army and make a respectable living and support his son. We’re praying that he is able to join!
Sure, Tim has had a tough road to walk, but thankfully the Lima Rescue Mission was there to soften the blow with God’s holy Word and impart new life! Please keep Tim and all those we serve in your prayers!
Apparently this was the straw that broke the camel’s back! His wife had put up with him as long she could. Without work, she decided that it would be better if he left, so he did. But with both parents deceased, and no relatives in the area to help, where would he go?
Thankfully, someone directed him to the Lima Rescue Mission. When Tim arrived at the Mission he was pretty upset with life, but since attending the chapel services and hearing God’s Word, and the hope it provides, his spirits are lifting. Tim has begun to believe that God loves him and has a plan for his life, even the darkest times of life.
Coming to the Mission has been the hardest trial he has ever faced but at the same time has toughened him up a bit and caused him to grow! It has also strengthened his resolve to join the Army and make a respectable living and support his son. We’re praying that he is able to join!
Sure, Tim has had a tough road to walk, but thankfully the Lima Rescue Mission was there to soften the blow with God’s holy Word and impart new life! Please keep Tim and all those we serve in your prayers!
Lima Rescue Mission has been selected as the local recipient for the Meijer Simply Give program, which runs through September 26th! Simply Give is a program which supports organizations that provide food for the hungry. Simply Give cards can be found at our local Meijer. When you purchase these $10 cards, they are converted in to a donation to support the Mission. Meijer will match these gifts dollar-for-dollar (up to $100,000 for the whole program).
Be sure to visit Meijer today and look for the Simply Give display. Take a card (or two) and join us in the fight against hunger!
Be sure to visit Meijer today and look for the Simply Give display. Take a card (or two) and join us in the fight against hunger!
Evening meal being served
Serving daily meals has always been an important ministry, as we care for both physical and spiritual needs, helping people work through problems that they are facing. We are thankful for friends of the Mission whose generous support has allowed our food ministry to help meet the needs of others every day. Now there is a new (and fun) way to help support this ministry, through a special Mission cookbook!
You can get involved by submitting recipes that will be printed in our cookbook. Once recipes are compiled, the cookbooks will be printed and sold, and funds raised will go directly to our food ministry, helping with expenses such as groceries and kitchen supplies. We will announce pricing and ordering information at a later time.
It is easy to submit recipes online. Just visit http://www.typensave.com/l
We'll be sharing more details about our cookbook fundraiser in the near future. For now, we look forward to your recipes!
You can get involved by submitting recipes that will be printed in our cookbook. Once recipes are compiled, the cookbooks will be printed and sold, and funds raised will go directly to our food ministry, helping with expenses such as groceries and kitchen supplies. We will announce pricing and ordering information at a later time.
It is easy to submit recipes online. Just visit http://www.typensave.com/l
We'll be sharing more details about our cookbook fundraiser in the near future. For now, we look forward to your recipes!
From Mary Cherry, 2009 camp director
This summer Camp Roberts has been such a unique, challenging, and incredible experience. It was a blessing to meet so many amazing kids and invest time in their lives and show them the love of Christ. I know that we made a major impact on them and as they return back to their homes I can only pray that they start to put into action all they have learned.
It always amazes me how quickly these kids have to grow up. Whether it’s having a parent in jail, losing a loved one, being in foster care, or being neglected at home, they are surrounded by and encounter so much more than we may in a lifetime.
One particular story stands out to me from this summer. We had a young girl who seemed to really be enjoying camp and having fun. However, on the van ride home one day, the kids were all just goofing around and teasing each other and it started to hurt her feelings.
She became frustrated and threatened to harm herself and said she wouldn’t be back the next day. It was evident that this little girl was emotionally troubled and desired attention. One of the counselors was able to talk to her and calm her down. After a discussion with the girl and her aunt, we thought it was okay to go. Thankfully, she did come back the next day and everything was fine.
This situation is so overwhelming to me. How can a girl so young feel such sadness? I am continually reminded of how important it is for these kids to know they are loved by our Maker and that God has a purpose for their life and even more importantly that we have freedom in Christ. They need to know that the troubles of this world may be tough and not make sense but we can always find strength and peace and joy in our Father.
This summer Camp Roberts has been such a unique, challenging, and incredible experience. It was a blessing to meet so many amazing kids and invest time in their lives and show them the love of Christ. I know that we made a major impact on them and as they return back to their homes I can only pray that they start to put into action all they have learned.
It always amazes me how quickly these kids have to grow up. Whether it’s having a parent in jail, losing a loved one, being in foster care, or being neglected at home, they are surrounded by and encounter so much more than we may in a lifetime.
One particular story stands out to me from this summer. We had a young girl who seemed to really be enjoying camp and having fun. However, on the van ride home one day, the kids were all just goofing around and teasing each other and it started to hurt her feelings.
She became frustrated and threatened to harm herself and said she wouldn’t be back the next day. It was evident that this little girl was emotionally troubled and desired attention. One of the counselors was able to talk to her and calm her down. After a discussion with the girl and her aunt, we thought it was okay to go. Thankfully, she did come back the next day and everything was fine.
This situation is so overwhelming to me. How can a girl so young feel such sadness? I am continually reminded of how important it is for these kids to know they are loved by our Maker and that God has a purpose for their life and even more importantly that we have freedom in Christ. They need to know that the troubles of this world may be tough and not make sense but we can always find strength and peace and joy in our Father.
Camp Roberts 3rd and 4th grade campers and counselors
What do you do when you see someone holding up a sign, “Will Work for Food?” Do you roll down your window and give them money? Do you pretend you didn’t see them? Nobody likes to be confronted by the homeless - their needs often seem too overwhelming - but we all want to treat them fairly and justly. Here are some simple guidelines to equip you to truly help the homeless people you meet:
1. Never give cash to a homeless person.
Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the “hard luck” stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage.
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be an addict, a person who has lost a job, someone who had a falling out with family...the list goes on.
4. Share God’s love whenever you can.
If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him.
5. Pray for the homeless.
Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack of purpose all drain years from a person’s life. God can use your prayers and the brutality and the futility of life of the street to bring many of the broken to Himself.
6. Take precautions for your own safety.
Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don’t take unnecessary chances.
7. Encourage the homeless to get help through the Mission.
The Mission is able to provide food, shelter and clothing. In addition, we offer a rehabilitation program that deals with the root causes of homelessness. We have a “coupon for care” that can be given to homeless men which can be exchanged at the Mission for a nutritious meal and safe overnight lodging.
8. Support the Mission.
The Lima Rescue Mission receives no government funding. We are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with the less fortunate.
1. Never give cash to a homeless person.
Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the “hard luck” stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage.
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be an addict, a person who has lost a job, someone who had a falling out with family...the list goes on.
4. Share God’s love whenever you can.
If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him.
5. Pray for the homeless.
Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack of purpose all drain years from a person’s life. God can use your prayers and the brutality and the futility of life of the street to bring many of the broken to Himself.
6. Take precautions for your own safety.
Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don’t take unnecessary chances.
7. Encourage the homeless to get help through the Mission.
The Mission is able to provide food, shelter and clothing. In addition, we offer a rehabilitation program that deals with the root causes of homelessness. We have a “coupon for care” that can be given to homeless men which can be exchanged at the Mission for a nutritious meal and safe overnight lodging.
8. Support the Mission.
The Lima Rescue Mission receives no government funding. We are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with the less fortunate.
We are often asked if there are specific items that we are in need of. Giving items from our needs list is a great way to make a difference in the lives of people that are less fortunate. Individuals, families, churches and workplaces can collect these items. The best time to bring donations to the Mission is on weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. If you would like to have your donation picked up, please call us at 419-224-6961.
Below are some of our current needs. Thank you for your generosity!
Below are some of our current needs. Thank you for your generosity!
- Instant coffee
- Laundry soap
- Bleach
- Disposable plates, cups and silverware
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire staff at the Lima Rescue Mission, and all those who support it. A few weeks ago, I was stranded in a small corner of "Nowhere" Alabama. My Semi had broken down, and I was unable to contact the man I worked for. (To this day, he will not answer his telephone, return my calls, or pay me for my three weeks of employment.) Through the kindness of others and their fine southern hospitality, I was able to board a bus to Lima where I have a sister with whom I had hoped to stay for a couple of days till I could secure another driving job.
I contacted her en route only to find that "there was no room at the Inn" so to speak, and that they could scarcely afford to feed and clothe themselves, much less having me aboard to further drain already meager resources. I arrived at the Lima Greyhound station to find that all of my luggage had been lost. "Not to worry," they told me, "If it's not found in 4 to 6 weeks, we'll send you a check for $250."
So there I was standing there in my t-shirt in the freezing cold with snow flurries swirling about my head, my stomach as empty as my wallet, no place to go, nor any way to get there. I have never before experienced a level of despair such as this. I was sure that God hated me, and I would probably die of exposure to the elements if I didn't starve first. About then a man walked by and reminded me about the Lima Rescue Mission. I made a mad dash for the door.
There I was warmly met without judgment, fed a warm filling meal, and given shelter, a shower, and a comfortable bed on which to sleep. Now, when I say that I was fed, I not only refer to the satisfying meals that were provided, but also the nourishment provided for my soul. I didn't necessarily look forward to having to sit through some "church type stuff" to get my meal or shelter, but once there, I found the messages to be right on point, and amazingly relevant to myself and my circumstances. I found myself looking forward to the twice daily gatherings, and believe that I have grown both spiritually as well as emotionally over the last week as a result of having had the fortune of being a participant of those meetings.
I have since found another job, and will hopefully be back on the road again within the next few days. I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to you folks at the mission. I walked in your doors a broken man, about as far down as I could get, and will walk away a better man in many ways. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you and God Bless every one of you.
We received this letter from David in 2006.
I contacted her en route only to find that "there was no room at the Inn" so to speak, and that they could scarcely afford to feed and clothe themselves, much less having me aboard to further drain already meager resources. I arrived at the Lima Greyhound station to find that all of my luggage had been lost. "Not to worry," they told me, "If it's not found in 4 to 6 weeks, we'll send you a check for $250."
So there I was standing there in my t-shirt in the freezing cold with snow flurries swirling about my head, my stomach as empty as my wallet, no place to go, nor any way to get there. I have never before experienced a level of despair such as this. I was sure that God hated me, and I would probably die of exposure to the elements if I didn't starve first. About then a man walked by and reminded me about the Lima Rescue Mission. I made a mad dash for the door.
There I was warmly met without judgment, fed a warm filling meal, and given shelter, a shower, and a comfortable bed on which to sleep. Now, when I say that I was fed, I not only refer to the satisfying meals that were provided, but also the nourishment provided for my soul. I didn't necessarily look forward to having to sit through some "church type stuff" to get my meal or shelter, but once there, I found the messages to be right on point, and amazingly relevant to myself and my circumstances. I found myself looking forward to the twice daily gatherings, and believe that I have grown both spiritually as well as emotionally over the last week as a result of having had the fortune of being a participant of those meetings.
I have since found another job, and will hopefully be back on the road again within the next few days. I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to you folks at the mission. I walked in your doors a broken man, about as far down as I could get, and will walk away a better man in many ways. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you and God Bless every one of you.
We received this letter from David in 2006.
We love it when a former guest of the Mission contacts us to let us know how they are doing, and we want to share some of these stories with you. Below is one of the notes that we have received:
I'm not sure if you remember me. I do recall you have a lot of people come through there. I was there about a year ago. The situation I was in was something I learned to deal with. Since I have left the Mission to get back on my feet a lot has happened. I now own a house and have a very high paying job. Because your talks and all your volunteers who speak I have been going to church every day and keeping God close to my heart. Things do get rough still but I handle it a lot better. Thank you for all your help and whatever I can do to help this year I will.
I'm not sure if you remember me. I do recall you have a lot of people come through there. I was there about a year ago. The situation I was in was something I learned to deal with. Since I have left the Mission to get back on my feet a lot has happened. I now own a house and have a very high paying job. Because your talks and all your volunteers who speak I have been going to church every day and keeping God close to my heart. Things do get rough still but I handle it a lot better. Thank you for all your help and whatever I can do to help this year I will.