326 2nd Avenue South • P.O. Box 129 • Great Falls, MT 59403-0129 • www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org M att never really knew his father. His mother w involved with drugs. It’s no wonder that he w rebellious as a teenager and carried troubles with h into his adult life...using drugs and drinking until h “hit rock bottom.” His drug use and drinking also meant that Matt didn’t keep jobs for long, and he moved around a lot. But what Matt discovered was that his troubles moved with him. One day, the staff at a mental health facility in Missoula spoke to Matt about God. “I started praying that the Lord would provide me a way out of this,” Matt remembers. God heard Matt’s prayers. His estranged wife was in Missoula and offered to bring him back here to Great Falls to the Mission. Matt knew the Mission was Christ-driven, so when he began hearing about our Christian Discipleship Program, he applied to join. “I had to make some changes in my life and start seeking God again.” Since then, Matt’s life has changed “tremendously.” “I have peace in my heart now,” he says with a smile. “I’m content. I know that God is working in my life and watching over me. When there’s something that’s bothering me, I pray to Him and seek His help and guidance.” Matt’s favorite thing about the Mission: “Being able to see God in action!” “We run strictly off donations, there’s no government funding. So seeing people come in with their donations is great. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.” Matt hopes those who support the Mission will see that they are “helping people who really want to seek the Lord and change their lives and move forward.” “We’ve all had a past and we’re taking steps to create a better future with the Lord!” “God is watching over me!” The Perfect Gift Thanks for being part of the Mission family! “I learned everything the hard way” THE Beacon Don’t miss… 2 Holiday Issue 2014 a newsletter for friends and donors of Great Falls Rescue Mission 3
Transcript
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
HOL14
Please return this completed form with your donation. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. You will receive a receipt.Please return this completed form with your donation. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. You will receive a receipt.
❍ $16.11 to feed and care for 9 people❍ $26.85 to feed and care for 15 people❍ $51.91 to feed and care for 29 people❍ $_______ to help as much as possible
Donate online at Donate online at www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org, or callor call (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-5303.
CREDIT CARD # CIV/SEC #
EXP. DATE PHONE #
Great Falls Rescue MissionGreat Falls Rescue MissionP.O. Box 129P.O. Box 129Great Falls, MT 59403-0129Great Falls, MT 59403-0129FFTFTFAADATADFFTAFDDFDTDTFDAFDAFTTFDDFTTTDFDFDDFFAFDFTADDATFAATADFFTFTFAADATADFFTAFDDFDTDTFDAFDAFTTFDDFTTTDFDFDDFFAFDFTADDATFAATAD
❍ Check enclosed ❍ Bill my credit card
❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ Here’s my holiday gift to help the Mission family:
IRS Rules for Year-End Gifts
M any of our friends make gifts to the Mission before the year ends.
In fact, some wait until the last minute on Dec. 31, but then worry if their gifts will be received in time.
So here’s what the IRS says: “Contributions are deductible in the year made.” So donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2014 count for 2014. � is is true even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until 2015. Also, checks count for 2014 as long as they are mailed in 2014.
So, make your year-end gift just before the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31. Or, avoid the rush and donate now using the enclosed envelope, or by making a safe, secure gift online at www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org.
“Tidings of comfort and joy!”
326 2nd Avenue South • P.O. Box 129 • Great Falls, MT 59403-0129 • www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org
M att never really knew his father. His mother was involved with drugs. It’s no wonder that he was
rebellious as a teenager and carried troubles with him into his adult life...using drugs and drinking until he “hit rock bottom.”
His drug use and drinking also meant that Matt didn’t keep jobs for long, and he moved around a lot. But what Matt discovered was that his troubles moved with him. One day, the staff at a mental health facility in Missoula spoke to Matt about God.
“I started praying that the Lord would provide me a way out of this,” Matt remembers. God heard Matt’s prayers. His estranged wife was in Missoula and off ered to bring him back here to Great Falls to the Mission.
Matt knew the Mission was Christ-driven, so when he began hearing about our Christian Discipleship Program, he applied to join. “I had to make some changes in my life and start seeking God again.”
Since then, Matt’s life has changed “tremendously.” “I have peace in my heart now,” he says with a smile.
“I’m content. I know that God is working in my life and watching over me. When there’s something that’s bothering me, I pray to Him and seek His help and guidance.”
Matt’s favorite thing about the Mission: “Being able to see God in action!” “We run strictly off donations, there’s no government funding. So seeing people come in with their donations is great. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
Matt hopes those who support the Mission will see that they are “helping people who really want to seek the Lord and change their lives and move forward.” “We’ve all had a past and we’re taking steps to create a better future with the Lord!”
att never really knew his father. His mother was involved with drugs. It’s no wonder that he was
rebellious as a teenager and carried troubles with him into his adult life...using drugs and drinking until he
“God is watching over me!”
Holiday meals: 8,580Shelter from the cold: 3,660 nights
Another Christmas song says, Christmas song says, “...there’s no place like home “...there’s no place like home for the holidays.” For the next six weeks, the Mission will be home and family to hundreds of homeless men. Your holiday gift will provide the food and shelter that can make eyes sparkle and hearts feel light!
Eat. Shop. Give.� ere’s a
day for giving thanks and a day for getting bargains.
Giving Tuesday, December 2, is the day for giving back!
In the midst of our busiest season of the year, we’re scrambling to provide more than 8,580 meals and nearly 3,660 nights of shelter.
Your Giving Tuesday gift will go a long way toward providing the food and care our community’s hungry, homeless people need most.
� ank you for being part of our Mission family!
day for getting bargains.
Holiday EventsSaturday, Nov. 22
Make food basketsTuesday, Nov. 25
Serve family dinner/food basket distribution
Thursday, Nov. 27Great � anksgiving Banquet
Friday, Dec. 5Christmas card party/caroling
December 11-19Sort/wrap gifts
Tuesday, Dec. 16Christmas Escape for neighborhood and shelter kids
Tuesday, Dec. 16Women’s Christmas party
Wednesday, Dec. 17Joy to the World Dinner
Monday, Dec. 22Family Christmas party
Wednesday, Dec. 31New Year’s Eve Blast
For information or to volunteer, call Athena at (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-5303 or visit our website at GreatFallsRescueMission.org.
The Perfect Gift Thanks for beingpart of theMission family!
“I learned everything thehard way”
22
BeaconTH
EBeacon
Don’t miss…
2
Holiday Issue 2014
a newsletter for friends and donors of Great Falls Rescue Mission
3
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
2 3
L ast year, more than 850 people, including 500 children, attended
the Mission’s Family Christmas Party. � is year, we’re expecting even more, and we’d like to make sure there’s at least one gift for each child.
You can light up a child’s
face this Christmas by becoming a Ornament Hope Sponsor.
Here’s how: Call (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-
5303 and we’ll give you the child’s fi rst name, age and gender so you can shop for a special present.
Or, if you can’t sponsor a specifi c child, you can still give a gift from the list below and we’ll see that it reaches a delighted boy or girl.
A Message from Jim Kizer
� ere is one Christmas gift that is always the right size.
It never wears out and never goes out of style. It is a gift that becomes more precious the more it is shared.
� at gift is God’s love – a gift that’s off ered every day here at Great Falls Rescue Mission.
Along with food, clothing and shelter, you make it possible for those in need to know that God cares for them and has a plan for their lives, just as it says in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
I want to thank you for your gifts – your time, your prayers and your donations – that make it possible for people in need to receive this perfect gift.
Warm wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!
“A Beacon of Hope Since 1963”
Jim KizerExecutive Director
His face is tired and careworn. His eyes are downcast. It’s � anksgiving, and he’s alone.
Now, watch his face as you approach the table. You
wish him a “Happy � anksgiving” and put a heaping plate of turkey with piles of mashed potatoes and dressing smothered in gravy down in front of him.
“We’re so glad you could join us today,” you say. “It’s great to have you here for � anksgiving.” He looks up, and smiles...perhaps for the fi rst time in
weeks. � en, so quietly you can hardly hear, he says, “� ank you.”
As a member of our Mission family, you bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of people. You make those who are homeless feel welcome. You fi ll those who are hungry with more than food.
Each time a meal is served, each time a homeless person sleeps in a warm bed, each time prayers are said in chapel, it’s because you’re part of a family that cares for those who are lost, hurt and alone. We bless you and thank you for all you do!
Since 1963”
Jim Kizer
He’s sitting alone at a big table...
Will you be their Santa? “I learned everything the hard way”
Holiday
W ith thousands of hungry men, women
and children to feed, � anksgiving and Christmas both make big dents in our pantry. You can help stock the shelves by buying one or more of these needed items and dropping them off at the Mission. Turkeys Hams Canned yams / sweet potato Stuffi ng Canned green beans French fried onions Canned fruit / vegetables (#10 size) Real potatoes Dinner rolls Christmas cookies Baked pies (any kind) Cool Whip Butter Coffee Creamer Sugar
Donations can be dropped off at the back door of the Mission’s Men’s Shelter, 326 2nd Ave. S. Or, call us at (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-5303 to arrange a local pickup.
Become a fanFacebook.com/GreatFallsRescueMission
Follow usTwitter.com/GFRescueMission
Keep an eye on usYoutube.com/GreatFallsMission
Visit us online: www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org.
Get connected
R andy grew up in an abusive home and left when he was only 14.
“I was on my own from then on,” he says. “I didn’t have much direction or guidance growing up.”
He worked his way through high school, held good jobs, married, and had a son, but there was always a longing inside. “I wasn’t satisfi ed and I just kept making bad choices,” he says. “I learned everything the hard way.”
When his marriage ended, Randy’s life spun out of control. “I was in and life spun out of control. “I was in and out of diff erent treatments, institutions, out of diff erent treatments, institutions, jails and prisons,” he says. “jails and prisons,” he says. “Pride kept me from seeking helpme from seeking help because I’d always done everything on my own.”always done everything on my own.”
Finally, the day came when Randy had had enough. “I just dropped to my had had enough. “I just dropped to my knees at a park and I said, ‘God, you knees at a park and I said, ‘God, you have to help me because I can’t go on have to help me because I can’t go on any longer.’”any longer.’”
It was then that Randy turned to Great Falls Rescue Mission. He’d to Great Falls Rescue Mission. He’d heard of the Mission’s Christian heard of the Mission’s Christian Discipleship Program from others Discipleship Program from others who’d been through it, but he couldn’t who’d been through it, but he couldn’t have imagined the joy it would bring have imagined the joy it would bring him when he joined the program. “It him when he joined the program. “It was a wonderful feeling to know that was a wonderful feeling to know that there was someone who really cared there was someone who really cared for mefor me,” he says. “It was somebody throwing me a lifeline…something throwing me a lifeline…something I had never felt…something I really wanted that was good.”
Since coming to the Mission, Randy has grown spiritually through the program’s daily devotions and Bible studies. “We learn God’s Word and how to handle your problems and situations,” he says. “I’ve never had that before.”
� e program has also been instrumental in healing Randy’s relationship with his family after 40 years of no communication. “� is program opened the eyes of my heart and softened it enough to contact my family,” he says.
Randy is grateful to the Mission for fi lling the void in his life by introducing him to Jesus Christ. “It was truly a miracle that happened,” he says. “� e Mission is a place to get to know the Lord and a place to give people life…a real life.”
Thank you for giving the perfect gift
For younger boys & girls:
Children’s BiblesHand-held electronic gamesHand-held electronic gamesAction fi guresHand-held electronic gamesAction fi guresHand-held electronic games
Gift cards for iTunes, Gift cards for iTunes, Fast food gift certifi cates
Gift cards for iTunes, Fast food gift certifi cates
Fast food gift certifi cates
Gift cards for iTunes, Fast food gift certifi cates
Starbucks or Hastings Starbucks or Hastings
All general gifts can be dropped off at the back door All general gifts can be dropped off at the back door All general gifts can be dropped off at the back door of the Men’s shelter at 326 2nd Ave. S.
Shopping ListHolidayShopping ListHoliday
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
2 3
L ast year, more than 850 people, including 500 children, attended
the Mission’s Family Christmas Party. � is year, we’re expecting even more, and we’d like to make sure there’s at least one gift for each child.
You can light up a child’s
face this Christmas by becoming a Ornament Hope Sponsor.
Here’s how: Call (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-
5303 and we’ll give you the child’s fi rst name, age and gender so you can shop for a special present.
Or, if you can’t sponsor a specifi c child, you can still give a gift from the list below and we’ll see that it reaches a delighted boy or girl.
A Message from Jim Kizer
� ere is one Christmas gift that is always the right size.
It never wears out and never goes out of style. It is a gift that becomes more precious the more it is shared.
� at gift is God’s love – a gift that’s off ered every day here at Great Falls Rescue Mission.
Along with food, clothing and shelter, you make it possible for those in need to know that God cares for them and has a plan for their lives, just as it says in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
I want to thank you for your gifts – your time, your prayers and your donations – that make it possible for people in need to receive this perfect gift.
Warm wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!
“A Beacon of Hope Since 1963”
Jim KizerExecutive Director
His face is tired and careworn. His eyes are downcast. It’s � anksgiving, and he’s alone.
Now, watch his face as you approach the table. You
wish him a “Happy � anksgiving” and put a heaping plate of turkey with piles of mashed potatoes and dressing smothered in gravy down in front of him.
“We’re so glad you could join us today,” you say. “It’s great to have you here for � anksgiving.” He looks up, and smiles...perhaps for the fi rst time in
weeks. � en, so quietly you can hardly hear, he says, “� ank you.”
As a member of our Mission family, you bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of people. You make those who are homeless feel welcome. You fi ll those who are hungry with more than food.
Each time a meal is served, each time a homeless person sleeps in a warm bed, each time prayers are said in chapel, it’s because you’re part of a family that cares for those who are lost, hurt and alone. We bless you and thank you for all you do!
Since 1963”
Jim Kizer
He’s sitting alone at a big table...
Will you be their Santa? “I learned everything the hard way”
Holiday
W ith thousands of hungry men, women
and children to feed, � anksgiving and Christmas both make big dents in our pantry. You can help stock the shelves by buying one or more of these needed items and dropping them off at the Mission. Turkeys Hams Canned yams / sweet potato Stuffi ng Canned green beans French fried onions Canned fruit / vegetables (#10 size) Real potatoes Dinner rolls Christmas cookies Baked pies (any kind) Cool Whip Butter Coffee Creamer Sugar
Donations can be dropped off at the back door of the Mission’s Men’s Shelter, 326 2nd Ave. S. Or, call us at (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-5303 to arrange a local pickup.
Become a fanFacebook.com/GreatFallsRescueMission
Follow usTwitter.com/GFRescueMission
Keep an eye on usYoutube.com/GreatFallsMission
Visit us online: www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org.
Get connected
R andy grew up in an abusive home and left when he was only 14.
“I was on my own from then on,” he says. “I didn’t have much direction or guidance growing up.”
He worked his way through high school, held good jobs, married, and had a son, but there was always a longing inside. “I wasn’t satisfi ed and I just kept making bad choices,” he says. “I learned everything the hard way.”
When his marriage ended, Randy’s life spun out of control. “I was in and life spun out of control. “I was in and out of diff erent treatments, institutions, out of diff erent treatments, institutions, jails and prisons,” he says. “jails and prisons,” he says. “Pride kept me from seeking helpme from seeking help because I’d always done everything on my own.”always done everything on my own.”
Finally, the day came when Randy had had enough. “I just dropped to my had had enough. “I just dropped to my knees at a park and I said, ‘God, you knees at a park and I said, ‘God, you have to help me because I can’t go on have to help me because I can’t go on any longer.’”any longer.’”
It was then that Randy turned to Great Falls Rescue Mission. He’d to Great Falls Rescue Mission. He’d heard of the Mission’s Christian heard of the Mission’s Christian Discipleship Program from others Discipleship Program from others who’d been through it, but he couldn’t who’d been through it, but he couldn’t have imagined the joy it would bring have imagined the joy it would bring him when he joined the program. “It him when he joined the program. “It was a wonderful feeling to know that was a wonderful feeling to know that there was someone who really cared there was someone who really cared for mefor me,” he says. “It was somebody throwing me a lifeline…something throwing me a lifeline…something I had never felt…something I really wanted that was good.”
Since coming to the Mission, Randy has grown spiritually through the program’s daily devotions and Bible studies. “We learn God’s Word and how to handle your problems and situations,” he says. “I’ve never had that before.”
� e program has also been instrumental in healing Randy’s relationship with his family after 40 years of no communication. “� is program opened the eyes of my heart and softened it enough to contact my family,” he says.
Randy is grateful to the Mission for fi lling the void in his life by introducing him to Jesus Christ. “It was truly a miracle that happened,” he says. “� e Mission is a place to get to know the Lord and a place to give people life…a real life.”
Thank you for giving the perfect gift
For younger boys & girls:
Children’s BiblesHand-held electronic gamesHand-held electronic gamesAction fi guresHand-held electronic gamesAction fi guresHand-held electronic games
Gift cards for iTunes, Gift cards for iTunes, Fast food gift certifi cates
Gift cards for iTunes, Fast food gift certifi cates
Fast food gift certifi cates
Gift cards for iTunes, Fast food gift certifi cates
Starbucks or Hastings Starbucks or Hastings
All general gifts can be dropped off at the back door All general gifts can be dropped off at the back door All general gifts can be dropped off at the back door of the Men’s shelter at 326 2nd Ave. S.
Shopping ListHolidayShopping ListHoliday
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
2014 Holiday Newsletter41104 GFRMNewsletter - 17x11PMS 3262 & Black
HOL14
Please return this completed form with your donation. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. You will receive a receipt.Please return this completed form with your donation. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. You will receive a receipt.
❍ $16.11 to feed and care for 9 people❍ $26.85 to feed and care for 15 people❍ $51.91 to feed and care for 29 people❍ $_______ to help as much as possible
Donate online at Donate online at www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org, or callor call (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-5303.
CREDIT CARD # CIV/SEC #
EXP. DATE PHONE #
Great Falls Rescue MissionGreat Falls Rescue MissionP.O. Box 129P.O. Box 129Great Falls, MT 59403-0129Great Falls, MT 59403-0129FFTFTFAADATADFFTAFDDFDTDTFDAFDAFTTFDDFTTTDFDFDDFFAFDFTADDATFAATADFFTFTFAADATADFFTAFDDFDTDTFDAFDAFTTFDDFTTTDFDFDDFFAFDFTADDATFAATAD
❍ Check enclosed ❍ Bill my credit card
❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ Here’s my holiday gift to help the Mission family:
IRS Rules for Year-End Gifts
M any of our friends make gifts to the Mission before the year ends.
In fact, some wait until the last minute on Dec. 31, but then worry if their gifts will be received in time.
So here’s what the IRS says: “Contributions are deductible in the year made.” So donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2014 count for 2014. � is is true even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until 2015. Also, checks count for 2014 as long as they are mailed in 2014.
So, make your year-end gift just before the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31. Or, avoid the rush and donate now using the enclosed envelope, or by making a safe, secure gift online at www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org.
“Tidings of comfort and joy!”
326 2nd Avenue South • P.O. Box 129 • Great Falls, MT 59403-0129 • www.GreatFallsRescueMission.org
M att never really knew his father. His mother was involved with drugs. It’s no wonder that he was
rebellious as a teenager and carried troubles with him into his adult life...using drugs and drinking until he “hit rock bottom.”
His drug use and drinking also meant that Matt didn’t keep jobs for long, and he moved around a lot. But what Matt discovered was that his troubles moved with him. One day, the staff at a mental health facility in Missoula spoke to Matt about God.
“I started praying that the Lord would provide me a way out of this,” Matt remembers. God heard Matt’s prayers. His estranged wife was in Missoula and off ered to bring him back here to Great Falls to the Mission.
Matt knew the Mission was Christ-driven, so when he began hearing about our Christian Discipleship Program, he applied to join. “I had to make some changes in my life and start seeking God again.”
Since then, Matt’s life has changed “tremendously.” “I have peace in my heart now,” he says with a smile.
“I’m content. I know that God is working in my life and watching over me. When there’s something that’s bothering me, I pray to Him and seek His help and guidance.”
Matt’s favorite thing about the Mission: “Being able to see God in action!” “We run strictly off donations, there’s no government funding. So seeing people come in with their donations is great. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
Matt hopes those who support the Mission will see that they are “helping people who really want to seek the Lord and change their lives and move forward.” “We’ve all had a past and we’re taking steps to create a better future with the Lord!”
att never really knew his father. His mother was involved with drugs. It’s no wonder that he was
rebellious as a teenager and carried troubles with him into his adult life...using drugs and drinking until he
“God is watching over me!”
Holiday meals: 8,580Shelter from the cold: 3,660 nights
Another Christmas song says, Christmas song says, “...there’s no place like home “...there’s no place like home for the holidays.” For the next six weeks, the Mission will be home and family to hundreds of homeless men. Your holiday gift will provide the food and shelter that can make eyes sparkle and hearts feel light!
Eat. Shop. Give.� ere’s a
day for giving thanks and a day for getting bargains.
Giving Tuesday, December 2, is the day for giving back!
In the midst of our busiest season of the year, we’re scrambling to provide more than 8,580 meals and nearly 3,660 nights of shelter.
Your Giving Tuesday gift will go a long way toward providing the food and care our community’s hungry, homeless people need most.
� ank you for being part of our Mission family!
day for getting bargains.
Holiday EventsSaturday, Nov. 22
Make food basketsTuesday, Nov. 25
Serve family dinner/food basket distribution
Thursday, Nov. 27Great � anksgiving Banquet
Friday, Dec. 5Christmas card party/caroling
December 11-19Sort/wrap gifts
Tuesday, Dec. 16Christmas Escape for neighborhood and shelter kids
Tuesday, Dec. 16Women’s Christmas party
Wednesday, Dec. 17Joy to the World Dinner
Monday, Dec. 22Family Christmas party
Wednesday, Dec. 31New Year’s Eve Blast
For information or to volunteer, call Athena at (406) 761-2653 or (877) 205-5303 or visit our website at GreatFallsRescueMission.org.
The Perfect Gift Thanks for beingpart of theMission family!
“I learned everything thehard way”
22
BeaconTH
E
BeaconDon’t miss…
2
Holiday Issue 2014
a newsletter for friends and donors of Great Falls Rescue Mission
