Washington is coming to us
As a result of John Ashmen’s meetings in D.C. earlier this month, representatives from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be in attendance at the convention in Dallas to present information and answer member questions. The representatives will have booths in the Exhibit Hall and conduct a Q&A session during the day on Monday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will follow up with information on grant writing. Additional details will be available on AGRM’s website following the convention.

The ultimate Dallas question
We hope you’ve had fun with our trivia contest designed to familiarize you with Dallas. If you are registered for the convention (or if you do so within the next five days), you can participate in our final Dallas trivia quiz. The sixth person to email AGRM’s Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org with the correct answer will win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card (prior winners excluded). This question has had people talking for nearly 30 years, and if you’re a Dallas fan, you’ll have no problem with it. It’s the biggest question in media history: Who shot J.R.? Previous trivia answer: Doc Holliday was a dentist.

Ohio sisters receive humanitarian award
Yvonne Brake, director of development at Haven of Rest Ministries (Akron, Ohio), and her twin sister, Yvette McMillen, director of the mission’s women’s division, are recipients of the 2008 Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award. The sisters were recognized for their work in the field of social service. Congratulations!

Looking down the street . . .
The Yamhill County Gospel Rescue Mission (McMinnville, Ore.) is leasing a building that can support a 24-bed shelter. Rejoice with this expansion ministry! To help celebrate Mother’s Day last week, Open Door Mission (Omaha, Neb.) hosted a spa day for women in the mission program. At a reception earlier this month, the board of the Springfield Victory Mission (Springfield, Mo.) honored Jim and Mary Harriger for their 15 years of service. In recognition of their free, public GED program, Open Door Mission (Houston, Tex.) was honored with a $10,000 grant from Humana, Inc. last week. Congratulations! We’re pleased to welcome Manna, Inc. (Bangor, Maine) as a new member ministry.

Manifesto aims to reclaim positive aspects of Evangelical
A group of Christian scholars is seeking to return the term Evangelical to its theological roots, thereby pulling it away from its politics-focused and other inaccurate implications. Last week, the Evangelical Theological Society released An Evangelical Manifesto, which the society hopes will help to position the term as referring to the positive effects of following Christ, rather than reflecting the negative aspects of what Christians are against or are prohibited from doing. Read the manifesto at http://www.anevangelicalmanifesto.com/index.php.

States weigh the cost of freedom
Many states are realizing that it costs far less for felons to go free than to keep them locked up. The prevailing logic says that some felons, particularly those convicted of minor drug offenses, would be better served by treatment, parole, or early release for good behavior than prison time, and the government would save billions of dollars. The trend could dramatically increase the number of ex-cons coming to rescue missions for assistance. Find out more at http://tinyurl.com/4hch4z.

Computers help addicts stick with treatment
The use of a computer-assisted training program—in addition to traditional counseling—helped drug abusers who participated in a Yale University School of Medicine study stay abstinent longer than counseling alone did. The six-lesson course included a brief video, followed by suggested skills and strategies to avoid drug use. Learn more about the study at http://tinyurl.com/4tront.

Prescription drug abuse a hefty issue
More than half (52 percent) of Americans believe the abuse of prescription drugs creates a problem equal to that of illegal substance abuse, according to a Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Health-Care Poll published April 3. Other reports reveal that about one in ten high school seniors admits to abusing prescription pain killers. This trend may affect those entering mission rehabilitation programs in the future. Read the report at http://tinyurl.com/4hmz47.

Nonprofits give kudos to accounting software
Which accounting software is the best and easiest to use? Campbell Rinker, a marketing research group, asked about 2,400 nonprofits to rate the software they use. Based on the study, the researchers estimate that a quarter (25 percent) of nonprofit organizations use a version of QuickBooks. Among nonprofits with annual revenue exceeding $5 million, 70 percent of Sage MIP Fund Accounting users and 66 percent of The Financial Edge (Blackbaud) users gave their software a thumbs up. Those organizations with revenues of less than $5 million were even more supportive of these programs. The Financial Edge received 95 percent approval and MIP Fund Accounting a 94 percent positive rating. The executive summary of the study is available at http://tinyurl.com/3m96kc.

Group makes a splash for inner-city kids
Nearly 60 percent of African-American children can’t swim, almost twice the figure for Caucasian children (31 percent), according to a USA Swimming survey. The organization’s study also found that black children drown at a rate almost three times the average for all groups. USA Swimming is partnering with local groups to promote learn-to-swim programs for children, including inner-city minorities. This is certainly helpful information for mission youth leaders, camp counselors, and life guards as we head into the summer months. Check out the full report at http://tinyurl.com/47bhfz.

Register for online fund raising
More than 40 states require nonprofits conducting online fund-raising campaigns to register with the state governments. This includes you if you send email to an individual living in one of these states. If your mission uses Network for Good’s DonateNow service, the registration can be completed with only one application, as Network for Good is registered to process donations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Find out more at http://tinyurl.com/4u3skj.

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Positions available…

Albany, NY: Director of Learning Center - Responsible for activities including helping people learn to read, gain GED, learn other skills. Assists in job searches, resume preparation, job readiness skills. College graduate, organized/detailed, heart for the homeless/needy. Capital City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201. Phone: 518-462-0459 x222 Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: ccrm259@yahoo.com Date Added: 04/18/2008

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

Fresno CA: Resource Development Assistant - Provide administrative support to Marketing-Resource Development. Requires self-starter, multi-tasker with analytical skills. Microsoft Office experience with Publisher/other publishing software and Access preferred. FT position. Contact Fresno Rescue Mission, PO Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422. Phone: 559- 268-0839, Ext. 204 Fax: 559-268-1317 To contact via email: jsteinhauer@fresnorescuemission.org Date Added: 04/15/2008

Jackson, WY: Assistant Director - Operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional and vocational welfare of guests. Bachelor Degree/equivalent experience in small rescue mission operation. Housing available for single male. Contact Good Samaritan Mission, PO Box 1218, Jackson, WY 83001. Phone: 307-733-3165 To contact via email: GSM-WY@MAIL.COM Date Added: 04/03/2008

Joliet, IL: Multiple Openings - Kitchen supervisor, Men's Program Director, Thrift Store Manager. Please send resume with salary history and references. MorningStar Mission, 350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, IL 60435. Phone: 815-722-5780 To contact via email: morningstarbm@yahoo.com Date Added: 05/01/2008

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

Oxnard, CA: Multiple Openings - Thrift Store Supervisor, Vice-President of Ministries, Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator - Men’s recovery program. Fax resume and work history. Rescue Mission Alliance, 315 N "A" Street, Oxnard, CA 93030. Phone: 805 436-4522 Fax: 805 385-4126 To contact via email: jobs@erescuemission.org Web site: http://www.erescuemission.org Date Added: 05/14/2008

Pittsburgh, PA: Multiple Openings - Men's Residential Program Manager, and Men's Program Case Manager. Contact Kellie D. Wild, Director of Programs, Light of Life Rescue Mission, PO Box 6823, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Phone: 412-258-6100 Fax: 412-803-4142 To contact via email: kwild@lightoflife.org Web site: http://www.lightoflife.org Date Added: 03/31/2008

Portland, OR: Assistant Director of Shepherd's Door - Site management position. Operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional, vocational welfare of residential women and children. Bachelor Degree/equivalent experience. Contact Portland Rescue Mission, 700 NE Multnomah, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-MISSION Fax: 503-227-1126 To contact via email: miekog@pdxmission.org Date Added: 04/23/2008

Raleigh, NC: Volunteer Ministry Director - Manage, plan strategies/enhancements/improvements in the volunteer ministry. Requires College degree, 3-5 years of non-profit experience, interpersonal, leadership, administrative & organizational, Microsoft Office skills. Full description on website. Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Phone: 919-828-9014 Fax: 919-833-6162 To contact via email: GingerR@raleighrescue.org Web site: http://www.raleighrescue.org Date Added: 05/08/2008

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Children's Activity Center Coordinator, Director of Recovery Ministries, Dental Assistant, 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: 04/04/2008

Spokane, WA: Women and Childrens Center Director - Provide servant leadership, administration of staff, operations, programs, public relations. Requires mature individual, rescue ministry experience, proven leadership/organizational/public relations skills. Salaried position/benefits. Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 4066, Spokane, WA 99220. Phone: 509-535-8510 Fax: 509-535-0315 To contact via email: ugmteri@ugmspokane.org Date Added: 05/01/2008

St. Paul, MN: Director of Chaplains - Responsible for hiring, training, and managing chaplain staff. Oversee pastoral care for mission clients. Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree/equivalent, licensed/ordained as a minister. Three years of experience. Contact Union Gospel Mission, 77 Ninth St. E, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-228-1800 x 301 Fax: 651-222-7968 To contact via email: jobinfo@ugmtc.org Date Added: 04/15/2008

Tucson AZ: Program Director - Women & Children's Center - Oversee shelter/recovery programs utilizing GENESIS Process recovery program. Supervise staff. Requires Bachelor degree in related field; experience with homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; strong leadership, organizational skills. Contact Gospel Rescue Mission, 326 W. 28th St., Tucson AZ 85713. Phone: 520-740-1501 Fax: 520-622-8585 To contact via email: roy@grmtucson.com Date Added: 04/22/2008

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).

The song of the redeemed

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I, whom you have redeemed” (Ps. 71:23).

About 150 mission guys were singing the lyrics of a worship chorus: “Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, His grace is suffient for me.” They were just about to lift the roof off of the chapel; it was some of the most exciting worship I had ever led.

I was interviewing that week for a position at the Los Angeles Mission and was at the piano leading the men of the Fresh Start Program in morning worship. Interestingly, the Lord confirmed to me during that time of worship that I was to enter this new season of ministry at the mission. I will never forget it.

As humans, we are greatly influenced by music. Worship music takes us to a new level as our spirits are engaged with the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit expressed in song can be life-changing. These recently redeemed men were expressing their profound joy and gratitude to the God who had come down to skid row to lift them up.

When men and women in mission programs sing their worship to the Lord, this is one more life that is forever changed.

Contributed by Randy Shaw, Senior Development Officer, Nashville Rescue Mission

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.