providing a beacon of hope through your support
february 09
arbor Light
vol. 9 issue 1 m u s k e g o n r e s c u e m i s s i o n
Love
makes the
difference
See how God uses your
3
generosity to spread His
love to the poor and
homeless.
page
4 God’s Kitchen
Get a sneak peek
at our new facility. 5 Comedy Event
Christian Comedian,
Anita Renfroe coming
to the Frauenthal.
9 Staff Focus
Meet Joe and
Sandy Galy.
letter from the director
Dear Friend,
Surely goodness and love will
Can you imagine a world without love? What a terrifying thought! follow me all the days of my
Think for a moment about all the hurt, struggles and pain that exist in life, and I will dwell in the
this broken and sinful world. People’s lives are filled with challenges that house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
cause fear, anxiety, heartache and helplessness... wounds that they may
carry with them for a lifetime. When I see the hurt and pain in the eyes
of a mother; or look into the face of a hungry child; or see the sag of a
man’s shoulders in dejection, I again realize that without love, life would
be impossible.
Love makes the difference! The love of God, expressed to us
Carla Skoglund
through the gift of His Son, is where real hope begins! It is a love that
Executive Director reaches out and touches hearts like nothing else can. Knowing that God
loves you is the starting point on the path to repentance, salvation, righ-
Love
teousness and obedience.
Love makes the difference! Love extends hope, peace and help; love
is patient and kind even when it seems that all is lost... love reaches
down and pulls us up. Scripture says that “love never fails.” As we share
makes the the good news of the Gospel, we see lives changing and hope beginning.
Loving others “in Jesus’ name” produces lives that are filled with hope,
Today, Ashley understands the power of a parent’s love. Thank you for helping her experience God’s love and grow as a mother.
difference encouragement and purpose... lives that are no longer impossible.
Love makes the difference! When believers express God’s love with Building a
and structure plunged Ashley into
harmful relationships and drug use.
program, I’ve been able to deal with
a lot of my past – problems that I
A few years later, Ashley got needed to get out of the way.”
home with
love and actions of their own, that is when they are most Christ-like. married and had her first child – a Ashley is also close to regaining
Thank you for loving others through your prayers, your support and daughter who is now 10 months custody of her daughter. Right now,
LOVE
old. Her marriage, however, was she is able to see her on weekends
your volunteering at the Muskegon Rescue Mission. You are such a and eagerly awaits a permanent
marked by domestic violence, lead-
blessing and so important to the kingdom work that is being done here ing to separation and her daughter reunion.
being taken away.
each day. A Hopeful Future
“I have hope today,” Ashley
Healing from the Past
says. “My whole life I’ve been
Love makes the difference! By this time, Ashley knew full my own boss and lived the way I
“My life started to crumble.”
That’s Ashley’s response when well that her life was falling apart wanted to live. But this program
asked why she came to the Muskeg- one difficult situation at a time. has helped me in so many ways.
Blessings, That’s when she contacted the Mus-
on Rescue Mission last year. But her It’s brought me closer to God, given
life was far from stable long before kegon Rescue Mission. me peace and given me direction to
she was old enough to realize it. Because of your loving support, become a better parent.”
Growing up in the foster care Ashley enrolled in our women’s As Ashley continues to prog-
system, Ashley missed the joys of a long-term program. Though she ress through long-term recovery,
normal childhood. She never had a knew that her current circumstanc- please keep her and her young
permanent home and felt the void es were unhealthy, Ashley also be- family in your prayers. Thank you
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” of a family she could call her own. gan to see the patterns of dysfunc- for your compassionate heart for
—2 Corinthians 13:13 Eventually, Ashley was adopted, tion that permeated her childhood. women like Ashley and helping her
but at the young age of fifteen, “I knew I needed to change,” build a new home filled with love.
she ran off. A lack of guidance Ashley acknowledges. “Through the She is ever-so-grateful for you!
2 harbor light • february 2009 Love makes the difference 3
your gifts change lives mission needs
THE cHEcklisT
! clip and save
LOVE...”
If you are able to donate any items
below, bring them to any of our
“Faith Expressing Itself Through Galatians 5:6b
locations. Thank you for expressing
God’s love to the poor and homeless
in Muskegon!
M
any of the men and women Ministry Office
who visit the Muskegon n laptop computer with flash
Rescue Mission are drive accessibility for food
wonderfully surprised by the pantry and clothing voucher
incredible love they receive here. programs
Because of caring friends like you,
Household Items & Personals
they receive nourishing food, warm
n Bed sheets
shelter, and faith-based direction
n Blankets
for their lives.Men, women and
n Towels
children hear of God’s great love
n cooking pots (s, M, l)
for them and see that love in
n Fry Pans (s, M, l)
action through your generous
pAs the kitchen was being completed, our dining room was also given a facelift. n Deodorant (men’s and
support and kind donations.
Thank you to Susan Sparks who painted our dining area and to Shiloh Tabernacle women’s)
Thank you for expressing your
who donated the paint and new curtains! n Razors
faith by serving others with the
love of Christ!
tFor the poor and upcoming events
homeless, getting
In addition, men, women and back on their feet
children hear of God’s great love requires having
for them and see that love in time to focus on
action through your generous emotional and
support and kind donations. spiritual healing
n All Area Businesses are Invited!
Thank you for expressing your and growth. But
p This winter season, the Muskegon Rescue Mission collected and distributed the healing doesn’t
Tuesday, February 17th
faith in God by serving others over 250 warm coats to area families in need. Many thanks to all of our ministry 11:30 am -1:30 pm
stop there. Your
with the love of Christ. It certainly partners, including Family Financial Credit Union and WSHN 1550 AM, for their gifts allow the LC Walker Arena Annex
is what matters most! generous donations! mission to address
FREE Soup and Bread Luncheon
the deeper issues in
their lives through provided by Grand Traverse Pie
godly counseling, Co. Cash Dessert and Coffee
tTo honor our goal of providing a clean, Bar provided by Starbucks
teaching, and an
safe and comfortable environment for
introduction to the and Grand Traverse Pie Co.
the people we serve, we recently gave our
wonderful hope Donations to support the
Women and Children’s Shelter kitchen a
found in Christ. Muskegon Rescue Mission as we
long overdue upgrade. The kitchen was
completed on November 21, 2008 and is help the homeless, helpless and
a wonderful improvement to our facilities. hurting in our community.
n A Night of Christian Comedy
A special thanks to our project tAs part of the Muskegon Rescue Featuring Anita Renfroe
contractor, Mills Construction, who Mission’s calling to “Rescue, Redeem, Thursday, April 16th, 7:30 pm
did an excellent job and donated Restore & Rebuild,” men and women in Frauenthal Center
material and labor! We’d also like long-term care engage in Bible study
to thank the following donors who and participate in daily chapel services. Tickets are $15 and $20 and are
contributed to this much-needed What a joy to see residents find on sale at all Startickets locations,
redemption in Christ and mend including Meijer. Order online at
project:
brokenness in relationships through www.startickets.com or by phone
God’s Word!
• E.B. Caraway at 1-800-585-3737. All proceeds
• Phyllis Nygaard benefit Muskegon Rescue Mission.
• Shirley Mergan Memorial
• Herman Miller
• Mission Women’s Sewing Circle
• Dale Tuttle
• Johnson Controls
• Dale & Susan Twing
4 harbor light • february 2009 Love makes the difference 5
memorial & honor gifts memorial & honor gifts
Our heartfelt sympathy and Delbert A. Bean Helen Coffman Richard Drzewicki Richard Groeneveld Ben Stehouwer Mr. & Mrs. Bryon Lovell Harvey J. Myers
prayers are with the family Ruth Bean-Bodell Denise Erickson Francis & Judy Bryant Diane Hall & Family Bob & Betty Casemier Mr. & Mrs. David Lovell Peggy Jensen
and friends of those remem- Bob & JoAnn Bower Gerald Nehra
bered below. These gifts are Carol Skeels Berghuis Robert Collinge Leslie Eacker Helen Grevel Jon & Lisa Bratt Minnie Lubbers
a special legacy offering hope Doreen Squire
Ken & Carolyn Rop Donna Collinge Martens Eva Eacker Walter & Peggy Goetz Steve & Barb Katt Charles & Beverly Baker Anne E. Olson
to those in need.
& Family
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald B. True
Mildred Blakely Laurin G. Comer Jim & June Ernvall Mrs. Frances Haken Marshall & Dorothy Teunis William J. Luhman
In Memory of: & Family
Anita Messner Elizabeth & John Jack & Julie Timmer Susan Ochs Jan & Chip Bialik His Family
(gifts received Sept.12, 2008
Steve & Teresa Rogers VonSprecken Dennis & Mary Katt &
through Dec. 31, 2008) Bill & Irma Olsen
Anonymous Richard Faulkner Ella Hansen Family Paul M. Matthews
Skip & Jen Cottrell Bill & Carol Cross Philip & Rhonda Cok Ted & Pat Zimmer Jean Gerbig
Norma & Russell Agard
Janice Agard Frances M. Brink Bob & Connie Cottrell Darlene D. Kidner Tom & Loretta Sieffert
Anamae Valk Al & Jo Fongers Lila B. Harvey Third Ave. Family Clinic Don & Millie Roelofs Clarence Oostmeyer
Ida & Harry Anderegg, Sr. Estelle E. Cousineau Bob & Connie Cottrell Susan Ochs First Ref. Church Chancel Robert Rottman
Harry & Marva Anderegg Sally Broersema Pastor Bill & Avis Randall Marvin & Betty Klassen Choir
Jim & Doris Goudzwaard Robert L. Forsythe Mark Havermans Richard & Marva Tyler Mr. & Mrs. Phil Brower Darryl D. “Pete” Peterson
Ralph F. Anderegg Lois Culver-Stevens Bob Cain Muskegon Chronicle Ken & Dolores Baldwin Hazel Uplinger Friends at Child Protective
Lowana Anderegg Fred Holland Friends Bill & Pauline Knevitt Marcia Dykstra Services
Alice Brown George and Myra Richard Wilcox Rita Helmer Carl & Sharlynne Fuller Jack & Elaine Belinger
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Anderegg Joan & Darl Purdy
Helen Travis Douglas Jim Stariha Russell Helmer Theresa & Ted Maniurski
Harry & Marva Anderegg Jerry & Dee Meyers
The Crafton family Wilma Seng Elizabeth Kozal Northern Precision
James White Chris & Jean Matthews
Dora A. Buck Parmenter O’Toole Dan Hesske Richard Kozal Products
Edna Sherburn Langlois Stores, Inc.
Carole Fuhr Arend & Della Cramer Tom H. Linck Family Priscilla Hesske
Ken & Karolyn Rollenhagen Len & Marilyn Hartman Linda Pyle
James & Adele Bozeman Glen & Gloria Howard Harold & Gwen Kramer
Patrick & Cynthia McGurk Joe & Sandy Galy Vernetta, Chris & Brenda
Joseph & Evelyn Buck Nancy Hornacek Marjorie Hitchcock Kathryn Vaandering
Marie Kordecki Tim & Barb Carr Eilers
Jim & Kathryn Buck Charles & Margaret Timothy Bott Sharon Bolema
Bob & Marcia Johnson Tom & Karen Blais James Kuypers Rich & MaryAnn DeJong Joyce Bayle
Margaret Pressey Crawford Mr. & Mrs. Larry
Kim Foster Carl Munson Blanche Hoffman Marie Kuypers Eric & Julie Liniarski
Marvin & Carolyn Reinertson Fessenden
David & Jacquelyne Cribbs Williams, Hughes & Cook Linda Roberts & Family Gary & Sharon
Art Bunce Eric & Julie Reinertson
Ralph & Marva Carlson Michael & Marti Frank LaPres Loren Kuypers VanLeeuwen Tim & Michelle Peterson
Mike & Nancy McBain Gary & Laura Reed
Thelma Bergman Youngdahl Dean Kamhout Marie Kuypers Steve & Valerie Westrick Bob & Rita McConaughy
Ted Barrett Scott & Lisa Little Rudolph & Patricia Jim & Doris Goudzwaard Margaret Tietze Anonymous
Margaret Bunker Amy & Paul DeYoung
Richard & Donna Rose Gloria Carney Chmelar Don & Wilma DeKuiper Nicholas Paul Lachman Cheryl & John Kimball Gary & Jaci Busscher
Richard & Barbara Langlois Cambria & Josh DeHoag David & Nancy Price George & June Dean Nancy Wittkopp Evans, Portenga & Slater Christopher Donley
Dona & Ardis Dahlquist Jean Crawford Todd Michalski Karen Alphenaar Carolyn & Michael
Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Bunnell
Borema-Blohm Agency Mr. & Mrs. David Lovell Art & Vivian Rude Thomas & Janice Smith Ben Lane Hummel David Pineda
Darlene Wojton Patricia A. Crevier Muskegon County Bar Muskegon Comm. College Mary Lane David Matthews Darlene Pineda
Don Lehr Jacque Crevier Association Clerical Unit Fremont U.M.C. Chancel
Mona Byrnes
Greg & Diane Zadel Marie Greenwald Carolyn & Tom Selander Salli Bluhm Leonard Choir Manny Pressey
Juan Cruz Delores Foster Greg & Patricia Dean Doris Sieplinga Tom & Linda Jensen
MaryJo Waugh Margaret Pressey
Maria Mancilla Ronald Roster Michael & Terri Forward Lois Bluhm
Wally Ochs Hugh & Peg Campbell
Craig & Peggy Elliott Janie Brooks Rev. D. Michael Maurer
Marvin Davison Virginia Gibbs Leo L. Linck Eugene Raugh
Russell H. Anderson Bob & Joan Jansma Yvonne Raugh
Joyce E. Davison Joyce Oosterhart Agnes Horness Gary & Mary Jeanne Silvis
Gene Hathaway Lyle Christenson
Irene Woodrow Sid & Rita Miller
Evelyn Christenson Patricia Miller
Marge Dennis Clarence “Pete” Gilmore, Jr. Dessie Spoelman Dr. Richard Kozal Jack Redmond
Glen A. Bailey Doreen Squire
Doris Ducey Colleen O’Neal Brian & Dixie Bender Jim & Jo VanderWeele
Greg & Patricia Dean Ned Claytor
Lawrence Dennis Tim & Kerry Ludlow Lucille Jensen Greg & Sylvia Cruthers
Darleen Claytor Raymond Mjovig
Leo & Kay Deuster Don & Judy Livingston Marine Mayville Doug & Sharon Egner Walt & Marie Reinertson
Howard C. Bailey Karen Hutchins
Betty Pastoor Ray & Betty DeLore Diana Case Jerry & Lorraine Potter Marvin & Carolyn
Carty & Marcie Rood Charles Clover
Lowell & Sandy Baars Betty & Jack Fischer Dan & Kathy Thelen Reinertson
Marjorie Horness Judith Minty Marilyn & Mike Palkowski Cora Mjovig
Margaret Joslyn Sharon Spilka Eric & Julie Reinertson
Wayne & Mary Erickson Tom & Sally Jones Robert J. Dodge Elaine Danielson Gene Joslyn John & Marty Gerencer Jordis Hutchins
Jerry & Lois Wiersma Phyllis Laurin Leroy & Helen Mjovig Gary & Laura Reed
Brian & Patty Dodge Sally Cooke Maurice Joslyn Marti & Bruce Bourdon
Roy & Harriet Kroeze Scott & Lisa Little
Barbara J. Barr Ray & Rosemary Baty Shirley Dornbos Col. Donald J. Godfrey John & Christine Kadelsik Jim Lindback My Parents and Son, Rick Amy & Paul DeYoung
Jean Vandenberg Kathaleen Gardner Thomas Montambo Doreen Squire John Kadelsik, Jr. Ted & Dee Ankeny Robert Stone Cambria & Josh DeHoag
Hackley School of Bob & Shirley Wickland Jean Crawford
Nursing Class of 1949 Michael & Lois Coston Lee Drelles Francis “Pete” Graves Edwin Katt, Sr. James L. Lindback Ed Monte Wilma Jeanne Swartz
Richard Barr Irene Pierson Nancy Ellen Legatz Carolyn Bickmeyer Jane & Ken Darwin Lois & Earl Westervelt Phyllis Monte Wayne & Mary Erickson
6 harbor light • february 2009 Love makes the difference 7
memorial & honor gifts staff focus
gifts continued
Kyle Ritcheske & Chad Richard & MaryAnn Marguerite Wierenga n 50th Birthdays Larry & Brenda White Jack & Mary Butterick
Mersman DeJonge Harvey & Lois Wierenga Grifka Family Members Alan & Sandie Wolffis Evan & Jaime Burt
Mary Jo Mersman Jan Jungwirth Chris & Dena Jansen-Yee
Mark Mersman Sarah Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Mike Fizgerald Bob Bytwerk
The Koekkoek Family William L. “Bill” Thomas Thomas Montambo n 63rd Wedding Anniversary Dr. Robert Packer
Allan & Elizabeth Art & De Burkall Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fritschen
Maynard Roat Thompson Marian Wiseman Jean Wolffis Tom & Valerie Gillard
Harold & Margaret Roat Esco Chemical Carl & Ruth Moreen Mr. & Mrs. Tom Van Hall Each Other
Michael & Cynthia n In Appreciation
Alice Rosegrant Thomas David Wolf Marguerite Boyd Mr. & Mrs. Don Van Zee Kurt Holmstrom
Ralph & Joan Gustafson Jesse Keller Catherine Butterfield Nancy Ellen Legatz Larry & Eileen Van Hall Larry & Laurie Mason
Marva & Terry Sisson
Freda Rule Marie Puffer William V. Wright Beverly Ann Hughes Rev. Lewis Glick Chris & Jen Cordle
Jonathan & Carol Penn Bertha Newall Dan & Julie Olson Phil & Rhonda Cok John & Amy Smith & Girls
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Earl & Donna Forton Kim & Astriana Cordle
Vern Scholl McDowell Dick & Sandy Olson n Christmas Linda Hawes Lois & Ferrel Cordle
Peter Damm Carol Kuiper Don & Patricia Hooker Ron Pimpleton Dr. Christopher Donley
James Howard Phyllis Swieringa Sharon Freiburger Evelyn Eastman
Deana Hanes Family Dick & Carol Bonter Michael Moore Diane Eastman Rev. Joe Galy, Manager of Men’s Ministries & Mission
Esther K. Schuur
The Staff at MOKA Kitchens, and his wife, Sandy Galy
Jacquelyn Stark Janis Hamill Gary & Donna Burns Bill & Pat Roof
Tammy & Earl Beam
Paula Hooker Ron & Joy Nelson
Loving the Lord
Jim & Lola Fitzgerald Milton McMillan
Mr. & Mrs. Randall O. Seifers Dave & Betty Boes Alison Bass
together
Mr. & Mrs. Randall Phyllis Bianchi-Dawson Rev. Father Steven Elsie Schillaci Ann Marie & Michael
Shane & Lisa Newmyer
Seifers, Jr. William & Charlene Yankopoulos Leora Schillaci Kernan
Thompson Ann Yankopoulos Brad & Krista Selent
Harold Sorensen Dr. Peter Rick & Staff Anne Kershaw & Richard Ron & Jean Weihl
Thomas Montambo Kristina Thomsen Carolyn Zook Dr. Paul Christie & Staff Peterson
Wayne & Mary Erickson Rich & Peg Baker Dr. James DeHudy & Staff Stan & Marjorie Peterson Tom Selander
There’s a popular verse in the book of Ecclesiastes
Luther Spalding Dr. Randy Kovicak & Staff C. Kern, S. Johnson,
Jim Humphreys that talks about the power of two people working in
Alfred & Sylvia Paquette Jane Timmer Drs. Guerin & Karen Pierre S. Alexander, C. Barr,
Lakeshore Automatic tandem with God. It reads, “A cord of three strands is
Jack & Julie Timmer Do you have a relative or & Staff G. Washington &
Products not quickly broken.”
Charles Swanson friend you would like to Bolthouse Dental Lab Y. Lawrence
At the Muskegon Rescue Mission, we get to see such
Cec & Jan Stan Tyler honor? A gift to Muskegon a couple on a daily basis. Rev. Joe Galy and his wife,
Rescue Mission is an ideal “Happy Hattitudes’s Red Lewis & Judy May
Don & Joyce Ferguson Tyler Sales Co. Molly & D.J. Hammingh Sandy, have been serving the less fortunate together for
way to remember a birthday, Hatters”
Joseph & Amber Hammond Sarah & Tim Ketchum- nearly 10 years here at the mission.
anniversary or other special Tony & Carole Crosser
August & Joy Swanson John Vandenboom Krovel While Joe’s tenure as a staff member extends beyond
occasion, or to acknowledge Young Family Paul & Mary Ann Page
Walter & Sonja Draeger The Crafton Family Mom & Dad Ketchum 20 years, he was initially on the receiving end of care. In
a loved one while at the same
Randy & Therese Hansen time helping those in need. the 1980’s, Joe came to the Muskegon Rescue Mission as
Rick & Kathy Coppock Michael Geoghan
Marsha Stefaniak Kathryn VanVoorthuysen Dr. Robert & Jane Hylland an alcoholic in need of help. Just like many of the men
Lewis & Judy May Matthew & Tracy
Harvey & Beverly Hammond Henry & Minerva Fifolt William & Sally Stewart and women who come to the mission today, Joe had hit
Geoghan
Jerry & Terri Carlson In Honor of: Laila Wackernagel rock bottom.
Catherine, Alex, Lindsay,
Richard & Kathy Kuck & Harry Vledder (gifts received Sept. 24, 2008 “I came here homeless,” Joe remembers. “I had a ter-
Chris, Kyle & Mike SAF Holland
Family Gayle, John, Lindsay & through Dec. 31, 2008) Gary Neal & Chris Quality Tool & Stamping rible drinking problem. No job. Divorced. Nowhere to
Gene & Diane Borgert
Harry McCallum Nick Jones go. It’s the story our men deal with every day.”
Michael, Jeanne, Kate,
n Birthdays As a former resident of the mission, Joe has a unique
Jonathan & Alex Borgert
Sam Straus Cornelia Wagenmaker Rev. Michael Borgert perspective as he counsels and pastors residents. He
Bette Vanderwerp Gloria Bruinsma Ron & Donna Kuiper shares, “I think the reason I have good Bible studies
Gertrude Robarge Erica Wisdom and relationships with the men is because they know I
Brendan Sullivan When you send your memorial or “in honor
Allan Swartz Nancy Robarge Harma Michael Geoghan can relate to them. I’ve been where they are now.”
Susan Wright of” gift to Muskegon Rescue Mission, you
Wilma Jeanne Swartz Kathleen Waun Matthew & Tracy At our Mission Thrift Store, Sandy is likewise a bright
will receive a tax-deductible receipt and
Cathy Tejchma Geoghan a card will be mailed promptly to the be- light to guests of the mission. With nearly ten years of
Delphine C. Taylor Eugene Cole experience, she has met and helped hundreds of fami-
reaved family or the friend being honored,
Ron Taylor Verna K. Wagenmaker Marion Richter Richard & Linda Miller telling them of your gift. Please mail your lies find great deals and affordable household items.
Lois & Earl Westervelt Maureen Hall memorial and “in honor of” gifts to: We want to thank Joe and Sandy for their service to
Ethel “Marge” TenBrink Jim & Linda McLaughlin the Muskegon Rescue Mission. We also hope that their
Rodney TenBrink Selma “Sally” J. Weichner Doris Blanchette Bob & Jean Schouman Muskegon Rescue Mission example of serving Christ together inspires many to do
David & Lizabeth Ogborn Elaine McCulloch Bill Blanchette 1691 Peck Street the same!
Muskegon, MI 49441
Nellie TenBrinke Eva Ackerberg Joe & Donna Saladin
Dick & Terry Eugene & Arlee Bodnar De Burkall Tom & Gayle
Ron & Florence Carlson Jean Wolffis Mroczkowski
8 harbor light • february 2009 Love makes the difference 9
a changed life
One
Big an even
bigger
heart
Guy
If you saw Chris on the street,
he’d catch your attention. Standing
at 6 feet, 5 inches, Chris has had
plenty of opportunity to leverage
his size. In fact, he used to work as
a bouncer in Detroit nightclubs.
However, when he returned to
Muskegon and watched his living
situation with his brother deterio-
rate, Chris was the one kicked to “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks
the curb. “We have a very check- at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
ered past,” Chris says of their
— 1 Samuel 16:7
relationship. “But with my father
not around, I wanted to know my
brother.” want to hear that. I just want to eat.’” Maybe it was God.’”
With nowhere else to turn, But as Romans 10:17 promises,
Chris came to the Muskegon Rescue faith began to bud in Chris’ heart Persevering to the End
Mission for help. “I heard you could as he heard the word of God. And Chris admits he’s never fin-
get a nice meal,” Chris recalls. “And pieces of his past began to come ished many things in his life. But
once I got here, I started volunteer- together. “One of the guys said the today, thanks to your commitment
ing in the laundry and helping clean Lord is always with me, and that to him, Chris is close to finishing
up after meals.” made me think about the past and our long-term program. He’s dealt
some of the things that could’ve with the abandonment he felt as a
Softening of Heart happened to me that didn’t,” Chris child and has learned how to be a
While Chris came with a willing- remembers. “And I always won- man of God. He’s even restored his
ness to serve, he didn’t come with dered why.” relationship with his brother.
faith. “I didn’t believe in God,” Chris “I got to thinking... ‘Maybe Over the past months at the
states. “I thought it was all science that’s why, when I was in situations mission, Chris has truly become a
fiction or a fairy tale. When I lis- in those night clubs and some- gentle giant in the faith. And while
tened to what the chapel speakers thing bad happened to everyone his stature is certainly large, his
were talking about before meals, I around me, I came out unscathed.’ I heart for God and serving others
thought, ‘This is nonsense. I don’t thought to myself, ‘Maybe that’s it. has become even bigger.
Muskegon Rescue Mission Our Board
1691 Peck Street Joe Masvero, President Bryan Betten
Muskegon, MI 49441 Dan McKinnon, Vice President Dr. David Dora
(231) 727-6090 Karen Buie, Secretary Ivory Morris
FAX (231) 722-7030 Larry Dobb, Treasurer Dave Parnin
Doug Amstutz Cedric Scott
www.muskegonmission.org Harbor Light is a publication of
Muskegon Rescue Mission and is
produced quarterly.
10 harbor light • february 2009