Merced mission subject of local art exhibit
Photojournalist Lisa James of San Francisco is currently exhibiting her newest photo essay, “A Day in the Life of the Merced Mission” at the Merced City Hall & Civic Center in California. James, an honors graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, spent weeks at the mission taking pictures and interviewing clients for the exhibition. The show will run through the end of June.

Jamaica homeless project getting public attention
AGRM has designated the establishment of a rescue mission in Jamaica as the expansion project for this fiscal year. City Rescue Mission’s (Jacksonville, Fla.) Patrick and Salena Hayle, natives of Jamaica, are assisting in the project. The mission is already getting coverage from local media. The expansion project was chosen to help the mission get to the next level of service, and as a model for possible future ventures on other islands throughout the Caribbean. This is the first time AGRM has stepped outside mainland North America to help launch a rescue mission. Read more about the project at http://tinyurl.com/5llcru.

Denver mission men go through rough waters
For the tenth year, recovery program men from the Denver Rescue Mission participated in a whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River. The two-hour excursion included eight rapids and left the 30 participants physically exhausted but emotionally refreshed. Mission leaders say the annual trip helps teach teamwork, self-esteem, and the ability to overcome obstacles. View the media report at http://tinyurl.com/6lu76e.

Media Innovation Competition winners on AGRM website
Congratulations to the winners of the annual AGRM Media Innovation Competition (formerly Publications Competition), as announced at our Dallas convention! Take a look at the winners at INSERT LINK.

We want your convention feedback
If you attended the 95th AGRM annual convention in Dallas, you should have received an electronic survey last week asking for feedback about the event. We’ve already started planning for an even more exciting convention next year in Denver. We’ll scrutinize your responses to the survey to make the ’09 gathering the most enjoyable and worthwhile ever. If you attended the convention and did not receive the email and survey link, please contact Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org.

Looking down the street...
Ben Stein's movie, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, features an interview with Professor Richard Weikart, a recognized authority on modern European history who volunteers and teaches Scripture at the Merced County Rescue Mission (Merced, Calif.) Union Gospel Mission (Sioux Falls, S.D.) reports a 20 percent increase in the number of meals, food boxes, and brown bag lunches requested this summer. Is your mission experiencing the same kind of demand? The Scott Mission (Toronto, Ont.) is celebrating the 50th year at its Caledon location, the mission’s summer camp for children and youth, but this is the 88th year the mission has been taking kids to camp. Congratulations! A new dormitory building is complete at Hiway 80 Rescue Mission (Longview, Tex.), and renovation has begun on the main mission facility. Let us know if the dust is flying this summer at your mission.

Soldiers feel the strain of multiple deployments
Soldiers returning from their third or fourth deployments to war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq face a difficult adjustment. With thousands of personnel coming home to bases in the United States, military hospitals and mental health staff are insufficient to meet the needs. Soldiers are exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, with limited resources to help them deal with the issues. The long-term result could mean many more veterans coming to rescue missions for assistance. Read the full report at http://tinyurl.com/5rwlgf.

Gas prices pump up public transit numbers
With gas prices at record levels, public transportation vehicles in many cities are overcrowded, resulting in long waits for buses or subways and missed jobs or appointments. These changes greatly affect the poor, who often rely on public transportation. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/5fv38m. Now might be a good time to talk with mission guests about how to make adjustments in their use of public transportation.

Denomination concerned about decline in baptisms
Baptisms within the Southern Baptist Convention are at the lowest level in 20 years, an alarming trend for many in the nation’s largest evangelical denomination. Explanations for the decline vary from “weakness” to accommodation of the secular culture. Some analysts predict a decline in the political clout of evangelicals as an outcome of the report. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/5uuay8.

Age a factor in religious giving
Charitable giving is more dependent upon education, race, religious attendance, region of the country, and income than upon age, according to a study just released by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. While age does not play a large factor in overall giving, it does affect to whom people give. In the study of 10,000 individuals, 72 percent of those born prior to 1929 gave to religious causes, while only 41 percent of the millennial generation (born since 1981) did. The newest donors (the millennial generation) are most likely to give to make the world a better place. Read the executive summary of the report at http://tinyurl.com/5m2j22. AGRM will publish a review of the study in the September/October issue of Rescue magazine, offering suggestions about how to use these findings to benefit your mission’s bottom line.

Prison population hits all-time high
The U.S. prison and jail population reached an all-time high last year of 2.3 million, according to a recent Bureau of Justice Statistics report. In the 10 largest states, the increase in 2006 (3.2 percent) was more than three times the annual average prison population growth from 2000 through 2005 (0.9 percent). In 2007, more that 2.1 million men and 208,000 women were incarcerated. African-American males made up the largest portion (35 percent), followed by white males (33 percent) and Hispanic males (18 percent). Many states are considering the release of tens of thousands of prisoners to reduce the cost of incarceration. Such a move would dramatically increase the number of ex-cons coming to missions for assistance. The full story is available at http://tinyurl.com/5l5e8v.

Pledges may help some kids stay pure
Some teens who take pledges to remain virgins until marriage stick to them and delay sexual activity, according to a study by the Rand Corporation. The research found that 66 percent of those who made a public declaration of their intent to remain a virgin until marriage had not engaged in sexual activity within three years of the pledge, as compared to 58 percent of teens who did not make virginity pledges. Researchers say making a public pledge may provide motivation and generate social support for teens to make choices for abstinence. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/5wtye3. Purity pledges might be an appropriate topic for some kids to whom you minister at camp this summer.

Phoenix mission offers relief from sizzling sun
In the blistering hot Phoenix summers, homeless people are at risk for dehydration and heat-related exposure. The Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Hope Coach travels the city streets giving out heat relief packs. Included in each pack are a 16-ounce bottle of water or sports drink, a granola bar, new socks, new white T-shirt, sunscreen, and lip-balm of SPF 15 or greater.

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Positions available…

Albany, NY: Program Counselor - Christian counselor to work with men in a nine month Biblically-based recovery program. Must enjoy watching miracles happen as men learn to apply the Word of God to their lives. Capital City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201. Phone: 518-462-0459 x232 Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: dwalker@albanymission.com Date Added: 06/05/2008

Eau Claire, WI: Development Director - Individual will minister to donors, oversee media relations, raise money for mission programs. Previous fund-raising experience, rescue mission/non-profit experience preferred. Email for complete job description/benefits package. Hope Gospel Mission, PO Box 1127, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1127. Phone: 715-552-5566 Fax: 715-552-5563 To contact via email: meghan@hopegospelmission.org Date Added: 06/05/2008

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

Omaha, NE: Men’s Emergency Case Manager - Full-time Strength Based Men’s Case Management. Position includes preparing individual program plans on budgeting, housing, emotional needs, resources, educational pursuits, recovery and 12 step issues. Must be flexible and dependable. Experience a plus. Contact: Open Door Mission PO Box 8340 Omaha, NE 68108. Phone: 402-829-1562 Web site: http://www.opendoormission.org Date Added: 06/03/2008

Oxnard, CA: Ministry Vice-President - Seeking energetic, experienced leader to work along side President/CEO to provide leadership, direction, management for ministries providing addiction recovery programs, life essential services across Southern California. Bachelor’s Degree, five years rescue mission ministry, management, non-profit experience desired. Must have exemplary character and proven ability to lead, initiate, problem-solve, disciple, mentor. Strong writing, computer, administrative skills required. Fax resume and work history. Rescue Mission Alliance, PO Box 5545, Oxnard, CA 93031. Fax: (805) 385-4126 To contact via email: jobs@erescuemission.org Date Added: 05/19/2008

Oxnard, CA: Database Analyst/Administrator - Seeking Database Analyst/Administrator to maintain Raiser’s Edge donor database, statistical accuracy. Oversee staff. 3-years Raiser’s Edge or equivalent SQL database + MS Access, Excel, accounting and quality assurance experience preferred. Good verbal/written communication, interpersonal skills. Proven ability to multi-task. Email resume/salary 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: 06/02/2008

Panama City, FL: Men's Program Manager - Oversee men's recovery program. Should have heart for the homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; strong leadership, organizational skills. Bachelors Degree preferred, experience preferred. Panama City Rescue Mission, PO Box 2359, Panama City, FL 32402. Phone: 850 215-9007 Fax: 850 763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org Date Added: 05/09/2008

Panama City, FL: Associate Director of Enterprise - Responsible for effective/efficient direction to thrift store operations, Ebay sales, rescue recycling, appliance repair. Requires seven years of education, training, experience in managing multiple operations. Knowledge of personnel management, retail marketing. Contact Panama City Rescue Mission, PO Box 2359, Panama City FL, 32502 Phone: 850 215-9007 Fax: 850 763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Phoenix, AZ: Major Gifts Officer - Oversee/manage all aspects of the major gifts program. Compile/analyze information on potential donors. Establish budget goals. Prepare written/marketing materials. Maintain donor cultivation cycle and gift stewardship program. Maintain records in Raiser's Edge. Bachelor's degree or related experience/training. Contact Phoenix Rescue Mission, PO 6708, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6708 Phone: 602-346-3323 Fax: 602-343-5185 To contact via email: ahathaway@phoenixrescuemission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Portland, OR: Multiple Openings - Director of Partnership Ministry, Women's Program Manager. Contact Portland Rescue Mission, 700 NE Multnomah, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-906-7602 To contact via email: miekog@pdxmission.org Date Added: 06/10/2008

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

Rapid City, SD: Associate Director - Assist with operations, program oversight, staff supervision. Requires organizational, multi-tasking, problem solving abilities, verbal/written communication and presentation skills. BA in business/related field, or equivalent exp. Two years supervisory exp. Rescue ministry experience a plus. Cornerstone Rescue Mission, 30 Main Street - POB 2188, Rapid City, SD 57709. Email resumes. Phone: 605-341-2844 Fax: 605-341-2741 To contact via email: jcranford@cornerstonemission.org Web site: http://www.cornerstonemission.org Date Added: 06/03/2008

Salina, KS: Men's Program Director - Oversee men's recovery program. Case manager, hold accountable, teach, mentor 12-16 men. Must have heart for the homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; leadership, organizational skills, experience preferred. Salina Rescue Mission, PO Box 1667, Salina, KS 67402-1667. Phone: 785-823-2610 Fax: 785-452-9121 To contact via email: chad@salinarescuemission.com Date Added: 06/04/2008

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Campaign Marketing Coordinator, Warehouse Assistant-GIK/Operations, Children's Activity Center Coordinator, Director of Recovery Ministries, Dental Assistant, Office Manager-Women & Children's Shelter, High School Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff, Community Center Assistant/Athletic Coordinator, Gym Assistant, Computer Lab Assistant-Youth Services, 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: 05/16/2008

Spokane, WA: Women and Children’s 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

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

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).

Just do it!

A few years ago, an athletic footwear company came up with a simple campaign slogan: “Just do it!” The advertising executives convinced consumers that all people could get in shape as long as they applied themselves to exercise.

Thousands of years earlier, as the nation of Israel was preparing to occupy the land God had given to them, Moses gave instructions and laws related to how to live as God’s people. As he came to the end of his final sermon, Moses shared some encouragement, “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach…No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it” (Deut. 30:11, 14).

The statement is still relevant. God has given us His Word to know how to live. He has given us His Spirit to illumine and guide us. It is up to us to apply Scripture to our lives. The application is not beyond our ability. Just do it!

Contributed by Lon Gregg, spiritual director, Denver 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.