We will be truly blessed this Christmas with six grandchildren under the age of five years old. We look forward to the excitement, as cousins get together and view all the gifts under the tree for each of them to unwrap. I imagine wrapping paper flying through the air, screams of joy and parents prompting the appropriate “Say, Thank-you”. Toy trucks and princess dolls will be the topic of discussion throughout the day.
I see the same excitement in the eyes of those who have toured the Village of Hope in Tustin and then reviewed plans for the work at the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. It’s going to be a lot of work, but so is Christmas. Both celebrate the Birth of our Savior and rejoice in His redemption of the lost. People are talking about all the gifts they can bring to the project and how it will bring joy to the hearts of all of those involved.
Unlike Christmas that is over in a day and to quote my granddaughter who at the end of last Christmas showed a pouty face and said “Now we have to wait a whole year till Santa comes again!” Corona Norco Rescue Mission will continue to bring a gift of joy to the community throughout the year.
Come join the celebration. This Saturday will be the last scheduled tour of the Village of Hope in Tustin. The following Saturday, August 7th ,will be the Pancake Breakfast at the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. See you there.
Prayer Requests
• That all lives are changed that come into contact with the Mission.
• For the overall purpose of the project and safety for all those involved in the project.
• We need a Structural Engineer.
• We need Roofing Contractors.
• Construction dates.
Coming Events
• Tours of the Village Of Hope in Tustin. July 31 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to alexis.broske@rescuemission.org . A map and information are available at: http://www.rescuemission.org/about/location/location.htm
• Pancake Breakfast and tour of the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. August 7th at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity to be able to walk through the current facility and discuss the construction changes that will be made in the months to come. If you would like to know what you might be able to do, come and sit with us, enjoy breakfast and talk about what God will do in the Corona area. Please RSVP to Todd@crossroadschurch.com
Information:
Village of Hope/Orange County Rescue Mission http://www.rescuemission.org/
Corona Norco Rescue Mission http://www.rescuemissionCN.org
Join Corona Norco Rescue Mission on Facebook.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Many of you have asked about the upcoming changes to the existing Corona Norco Rescue Mission. Please plan to attend the Pancake Breakfast August 7th at the Corona Norco Rescue Mission (God’s Kitchen). This will be an opportunity to review the plans, connect with other workers and contractors and talk “vision” for this facility. See “Coming Events”.
Looking at my notes would tell me that I started on the shelter project about the beginning of April. Now that July is upon us, it has just been a blur of meetings and introductions to different people. I have enjoyed the process greatly. Many times we wonder what kind of commitments we will experience when we say “Yes” to God’s call!
A few years ago I was considering another one of those church projects that was going to take some time to accomplish. I was trying to follow my own advice to other guys by doing my homework first, in other words to ask my wife for her opinion before I said “Yes”. I had all of my pros and cons rehearsed about how this would be a great project for the Lord, our church and our family. Her words of wisdom have always rung true with every project since then “God will always ask more of you than you prepared to give.” It is the difference between giving a gift and being a sacrifice.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” Romans12;1
The amazing things that you will see change in the months to come, will not just be the building at 420 Harrison, but the changes to each of us. As we go beyond giving and into sacrifice, we will all experience a worship that will be a sweet song to the Lord. There will be a bond that we did something good for someone else that we didn’t even know. We gave someone the opportunity to get a second chance at a productive life. Most of all, we will see a change in our relationship with each other and in our relationship with God.
• That all lives are changed that come into contact with the Mission.
• For the overall purpose of the project and safety for all those involved in the project.
• We need a Structural Engineer.
• We need Roofing Contractors.
• Construction dates.
• Tours of the Village Of Hope in Tustin. 10 & 11 a.m. July 24th & 31st. Please RSVP to alexis.broske@rescuemission.org . A map and information are available at: http://www.rescuemission.org/about/location/location.htm
• Pancake Breakfast and tour of the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. August 7th at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity to be able to walk through the current facility and discuss the construction changes that will be made in the months to come. If you would like to know what you might be able to do, come and sit with us, enjoy breakfast and talk about what God will do in the Corona area. Please RSVP to Todd@crossroadschurch.com
Information:
Village of Hope/Orange County Rescue Mission http://www.rescuemission.org/
Corona Norco Rescue Mission http://www.rescuemission.org/cnrmweb/
Join Corona Norco Rescue Mission on Facebook.
Looking at my notes would tell me that I started on the shelter project about the beginning of April. Now that July is upon us, it has just been a blur of meetings and introductions to different people. I have enjoyed the process greatly. Many times we wonder what kind of commitments we will experience when we say “Yes” to God’s call!
A few years ago I was considering another one of those church projects that was going to take some time to accomplish. I was trying to follow my own advice to other guys by doing my homework first, in other words to ask my wife for her opinion before I said “Yes”. I had all of my pros and cons rehearsed about how this would be a great project for the Lord, our church and our family. Her words of wisdom have always rung true with every project since then “God will always ask more of you than you prepared to give.” It is the difference between giving a gift and being a sacrifice.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” Romans12;1
The amazing things that you will see change in the months to come, will not just be the building at 420 Harrison, but the changes to each of us. As we go beyond giving and into sacrifice, we will all experience a worship that will be a sweet song to the Lord. There will be a bond that we did something good for someone else that we didn’t even know. We gave someone the opportunity to get a second chance at a productive life. Most of all, we will see a change in our relationship with each other and in our relationship with God.
Prayer Requests
• That all lives are changed that come into contact with the Mission.
• For the overall purpose of the project and safety for all those involved in the project.
• We need a Structural Engineer.
• We need Roofing Contractors.
• Construction dates.
Coming Events
• Tours of the Village Of Hope in Tustin. 10 & 11 a.m. July 24th & 31st. Please RSVP to alexis.broske@rescuemission.org . A map and information are available at: http://www.rescuemission.org/about/location/location.htm
• Pancake Breakfast and tour of the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. August 7th at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity to be able to walk through the current facility and discuss the construction changes that will be made in the months to come. If you would like to know what you might be able to do, come and sit with us, enjoy breakfast and talk about what God will do in the Corona area. Please RSVP to Todd@crossroadschurch.com
Information:
Village of Hope/Orange County Rescue Mission http://www.rescuemission.org/
Corona Norco Rescue Mission http://www.rescuemission.org/cnrmweb/
Join Corona Norco Rescue Mission on Facebook.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Scope of Construction for the Corona Norco Rescue Mission
Coming Events
• Tours of the Village Of Hope in Tustin. 10 & 11 a.m. July 10th, 24th & 31st. Please RSVP to alexis.broske@rescuemission.org . A map and information are available at: http://www.rescuemission.org/about/location/location.htm
• Pancake Breakfast and tour of the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. August 7th at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity to be able to walk through the Corona/Norco facility and discuss the construction changes that will be made in the months to come. If you would like to know what you might be able to do, come and sit with us, enjoy breakfast and talk about what God will do in the Corona area. Please RSVP to Todd@crossroadschurch.com
Corona/Norco Rescue Mission Construction
Wow it’s been an amazing response to participate. There are a lot of things happening, so I will try to make sure everyone is going the right direction.
We plan to start construction work in September, most of the work to be accomplished on Friday and Saturdays. Because the facility will be occupied during the remodel, we plan to close down the facility by sections, East Dorms and Bathrooms, West Dorms and Bathrooms, Dining room, Kitchen, Exterior.
We are looking to establish leaders and participants in each group listed below. If you are interested in leading or participating, contact me @ Todd@CrossroadsChurch.com.
Interior
• Tile layers: We will be tiling the floor surfaces throughout the structure. We will also tile the walls and showers in each of the bathrooms.
• Plumbers: Replace 3 existing Water Heaters with tankless water heaters. Remove bathroom fixtures and replace after the walls have been tiled. Install shower pans. Move urinals from West Bathrooms to East Bathrooms.
• Demo Team: Removes existing bathroom drywall and prep studs.
• Drywall Teams: Bathrooms will need to be dry walled with proper product for bathroom walls and showers. Prepped for tile. Drywall new office space.
• Painters: The facility will be painted inside and out. Airless sprayers will be used when feasible.
• Stainless Welder: We have some repair work that needs to be done in the kitchen area.
• Decorating Team: Coordinate paint colors, tile, wall decorations, window treatments and etc.
• Electrical: Replace all the existing fluorescent lighting.
• Construction: Add additional office space in the dining area.
• Cube builders: We will have a fair amount of things that need to be “Put Together”; 14 Office cubicles, 40 bunk beds, etc.
Exterior
• Landscape team: Landscaping including plants and sprinklers. Install an outdoor play area for children.
• Ornamental iron workers: We plan to place ornamental iron in the existing exterior hand rails to prevent children from falling through.
• Wrought Iron Fencing: We will be replacing the existing fence with 4’ wrought iron fence.
• Window installers: Remove existing windows and replace with pre-manufactured retro type windows.
• Stucco: Sandblast, repair stucco and install ornamental stucco molding.
• Construction: Build entry façade.
• Concrete: Footings for façade. Concrete walkways, concrete steps.
Donations
Our goal is to involve our neighbors in the Corona area. We would like to include those local businesses that are able to assist with materials as well as funding. Connecting our team to possible donors is appreciated. If you have knowledge of possible donors or donations please e-mail me Todd@crossroadschurch.com.
• All construction Materials
• Approximately 40 bunk beds: We are looking for a major donor to supply beds that are uniform and the mattresses.
• Bedding: Sheets, pillows, blankets and comforters
• Window coverings
• Commercial Restaurant equipment: God’s Kitchen is a commercial kitchen that is in need of a steam table and commercial toaster.
• Tours of the Village Of Hope in Tustin. 10 & 11 a.m. July 10th, 24th & 31st. Please RSVP to alexis.broske@rescuemission.org . A map and information are available at: http://www.rescuemission.org/about/location/location.htm
• Pancake Breakfast and tour of the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. August 7th at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity to be able to walk through the Corona/Norco facility and discuss the construction changes that will be made in the months to come. If you would like to know what you might be able to do, come and sit with us, enjoy breakfast and talk about what God will do in the Corona area. Please RSVP to Todd@crossroadschurch.com
Corona/Norco Rescue Mission Construction
Wow it’s been an amazing response to participate. There are a lot of things happening, so I will try to make sure everyone is going the right direction.
We plan to start construction work in September, most of the work to be accomplished on Friday and Saturdays. Because the facility will be occupied during the remodel, we plan to close down the facility by sections, East Dorms and Bathrooms, West Dorms and Bathrooms, Dining room, Kitchen, Exterior.
We are looking to establish leaders and participants in each group listed below. If you are interested in leading or participating, contact me @ Todd@CrossroadsChurch.com.
Interior
• Tile layers: We will be tiling the floor surfaces throughout the structure. We will also tile the walls and showers in each of the bathrooms.
• Plumbers: Replace 3 existing Water Heaters with tankless water heaters. Remove bathroom fixtures and replace after the walls have been tiled. Install shower pans. Move urinals from West Bathrooms to East Bathrooms.
• Demo Team: Removes existing bathroom drywall and prep studs.
• Drywall Teams: Bathrooms will need to be dry walled with proper product for bathroom walls and showers. Prepped for tile. Drywall new office space.
• Painters: The facility will be painted inside and out. Airless sprayers will be used when feasible.
• Stainless Welder: We have some repair work that needs to be done in the kitchen area.
• Decorating Team: Coordinate paint colors, tile, wall decorations, window treatments and etc.
• Electrical: Replace all the existing fluorescent lighting.
• Construction: Add additional office space in the dining area.
• Cube builders: We will have a fair amount of things that need to be “Put Together”; 14 Office cubicles, 40 bunk beds, etc.
Exterior
• Landscape team: Landscaping including plants and sprinklers. Install an outdoor play area for children.
• Ornamental iron workers: We plan to place ornamental iron in the existing exterior hand rails to prevent children from falling through.
• Wrought Iron Fencing: We will be replacing the existing fence with 4’ wrought iron fence.
• Window installers: Remove existing windows and replace with pre-manufactured retro type windows.
• Stucco: Sandblast, repair stucco and install ornamental stucco molding.
• Construction: Build entry façade.
• Concrete: Footings for façade. Concrete walkways, concrete steps.
Donations
Our goal is to involve our neighbors in the Corona area. We would like to include those local businesses that are able to assist with materials as well as funding. Connecting our team to possible donors is appreciated. If you have knowledge of possible donors or donations please e-mail me Todd@crossroadschurch.com.
• All construction Materials
• Approximately 40 bunk beds: We are looking for a major donor to supply beds that are uniform and the mattresses.
• Bedding: Sheets, pillows, blankets and comforters
• Window coverings
• Commercial Restaurant equipment: God’s Kitchen is a commercial kitchen that is in need of a steam table and commercial toaster.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
It’s almost invisible unless you know it’s there, a small brown building surrounded by shiny new industrial complexes. You can see the spots where the graffiti has been painted over. A six foot chain link fence surrounds the property, with the empty shackles that once held Constantine wire across the top. You can tell that in the past it was probably a fruit packing shed or warehouse. Concrete ramps crisscross the entries. The windows are covered with falling window blinds from the inside, security bars on the outside. Most of the screens are torn or missing. At first glance you would think that there was something valuable inside that needed to be protected.
Could this actually be the “Circle of Hope”? This building contains those whose lives have not been protected in earlier days. Whether the injury was self inflicted, inflicted by someone else or by circumstance, the injured dwell there. It is filled with individuals who have sought self protection through drug and alcohol abuse, only to be incarcerated in addiction. Mothers who have been abandoned by a spouse or family and are seeking refuge for their children, they come jobless, penniless and hopeless. The staff works diligently to provide hope and dignity, a warm meal, a smile and a place to sleep, but time has taken a toll.
How do you break the cycle of spiritual and physical poverty, of course it would be with the Gospel, but James says that we should do more.
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” James 2:15-17
The first step is to understand that not one of us has all the answers or the ability, but each of us can do something. Right now we are working to restore the building to one of dignity. In the process we are looking to make sure that no family sleeps on a one inch mat on the concrete floor. No one resides in a facility that is just a step up from being on the street. The Corona Norco Rescue Mission will make a difference in lives of all of us.
It sends chills up my spine when I think of a line in the movie “Chronicles of Narnia”. The residents of Narnia have been trapped under the curse of the White Witch, where it is always winter, but never Christmas. Then the whispers start “Aslan is on the move, Aslan is on the move” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ9t3Xs8Sgc .
In Corona “Aslan is on the move”. Join us in freeing those who are held captive by addiction, poverty and sin.
Jim Palmer of Orange County Rescue Mission and Chuck Booher of Crossroads Christian Church will present the vision for the future of homelessness in Corona. Saturday June 12th, 7pm. The main auditorium of Crossroads Community Church, 2331 Kellogg Ave, Corona.
Could this actually be the “Circle of Hope”? This building contains those whose lives have not been protected in earlier days. Whether the injury was self inflicted, inflicted by someone else or by circumstance, the injured dwell there. It is filled with individuals who have sought self protection through drug and alcohol abuse, only to be incarcerated in addiction. Mothers who have been abandoned by a spouse or family and are seeking refuge for their children, they come jobless, penniless and hopeless. The staff works diligently to provide hope and dignity, a warm meal, a smile and a place to sleep, but time has taken a toll.
How do you break the cycle of spiritual and physical poverty, of course it would be with the Gospel, but James says that we should do more.
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” James 2:15-17
The first step is to understand that not one of us has all the answers or the ability, but each of us can do something. Right now we are working to restore the building to one of dignity. In the process we are looking to make sure that no family sleeps on a one inch mat on the concrete floor. No one resides in a facility that is just a step up from being on the street. The Corona Norco Rescue Mission will make a difference in lives of all of us.
It sends chills up my spine when I think of a line in the movie “Chronicles of Narnia”. The residents of Narnia have been trapped under the curse of the White Witch, where it is always winter, but never Christmas. Then the whispers start “Aslan is on the move, Aslan is on the move” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ9t3Xs8Sgc .
In Corona “Aslan is on the move”. Join us in freeing those who are held captive by addiction, poverty and sin.
Jim Palmer of Orange County Rescue Mission and Chuck Booher of Crossroads Christian Church will present the vision for the future of homelessness in Corona. Saturday June 12th, 7pm. The main auditorium of Crossroads Community Church, 2331 Kellogg Ave, Corona.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
“And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:38-40
The opportunity to be blessed:
I remember standing with Michelle Koranda during the kick-off of Monarch House and saying ”This is bigger than we can even imagine”. I had no idea that God would change so many lives of those who stepped up to help with Monarch, and God is doing the same thing again. I am in awe that a few months later we would be working with Orange County Rescue Mission to go the next step in the name of God to help those in need, the homeless of Corona.
The official roll out of the Corona-Norco Rescue Mission will be June 12th in the Main Auditorium of Crossroads. You can find information on http://www.crossroadschurch.com/home.asp and Chuck blogged about it on his Entheos Blog http://www.crossroadschurch.com/blog
That night we will hear the vision set forth by Chuck and Jim Palmer of OCRM and the plans for the Corona-Norco Rescue Mission. To be a part of this monumental event all you need to do is be there at 7pm.
This facility is currently known as “God’s Kitchen, Circle of Hope” on the corner of Sheridan and Harrison. From the working standpoint have a 7500 sq foot facility with multiple bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, living quarters, dining room and offices. It will be a painting, flooring, window, landscape and general fix-up project with maybe a few walls thrown up just to keep it interesting.
God is bringing together a force of people from different areas of the community to make sure the need is met, including Darrel Talbert, Director of Redevelopment for Corona, Dan Raatjes from Lennar Homes and RCR Plumbing which has already been on site helping out. Baxter Miller of BMLA Landscape Architecture is designing the landscaping. Ken Yannayon of Home Aide has pledged support and Mary Sinson of South Hills Church is making plans to involve their church.
From Crossroads, our Scott Hassman has already talked to the Home Depot Foundation and President and they are excited to get involved in the project. Kirk Bennett did our blueprint of the existing structure. Ray Ortega stepped in to insure the A/C work gets running for the summer. Jon Apogee just finished our “Before” pictures, you will see those posted soon! Just to be clear though, with all that help we are still going to need you!
We are still in the planning stages and there are no construction dates set as of yet, but all of that will soon change. Now that the official kick-off (June 12th) is just 2 weeks away, you will be seeing more email and more requests for assistance.
Your next step is to attend the meeting on June 12th and hear the vision, let God show you what we can all do to forward the compassion found in Jesus Christ. God will make a difference in the City of Corona. Will you be a part of that difference?
The opportunity to be blessed:
I remember standing with Michelle Koranda during the kick-off of Monarch House and saying ”This is bigger than we can even imagine”. I had no idea that God would change so many lives of those who stepped up to help with Monarch, and God is doing the same thing again. I am in awe that a few months later we would be working with Orange County Rescue Mission to go the next step in the name of God to help those in need, the homeless of Corona.
The official roll out of the Corona-Norco Rescue Mission will be June 12th in the Main Auditorium of Crossroads. You can find information on http://www.crossroadschurch.com/home.asp and Chuck blogged about it on his Entheos Blog http://www.crossroadschurch.com/blog
That night we will hear the vision set forth by Chuck and Jim Palmer of OCRM and the plans for the Corona-Norco Rescue Mission. To be a part of this monumental event all you need to do is be there at 7pm.
This facility is currently known as “God’s Kitchen, Circle of Hope” on the corner of Sheridan and Harrison. From the working standpoint have a 7500 sq foot facility with multiple bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, living quarters, dining room and offices. It will be a painting, flooring, window, landscape and general fix-up project with maybe a few walls thrown up just to keep it interesting.
God is bringing together a force of people from different areas of the community to make sure the need is met, including Darrel Talbert, Director of Redevelopment for Corona, Dan Raatjes from Lennar Homes and RCR Plumbing which has already been on site helping out. Baxter Miller of BMLA Landscape Architecture is designing the landscaping. Ken Yannayon of Home Aide has pledged support and Mary Sinson of South Hills Church is making plans to involve their church.
From Crossroads, our Scott Hassman has already talked to the Home Depot Foundation and President and they are excited to get involved in the project. Kirk Bennett did our blueprint of the existing structure. Ray Ortega stepped in to insure the A/C work gets running for the summer. Jon Apogee just finished our “Before” pictures, you will see those posted soon! Just to be clear though, with all that help we are still going to need you!
We are still in the planning stages and there are no construction dates set as of yet, but all of that will soon change. Now that the official kick-off (June 12th) is just 2 weeks away, you will be seeing more email and more requests for assistance.
Your next step is to attend the meeting on June 12th and hear the vision, let God show you what we can all do to forward the compassion found in Jesus Christ. God will make a difference in the City of Corona. Will you be a part of that difference?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Matthew 25: 31-43:
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.
"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'
"Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
The Task Force for the Homeless holds a meeting the first Thursday of every month in Corona. I have been trying to get a grip on the homeless problem in the Corona/Riverside area, so I tagged along with Bill Riemer from Orange County Rescue Mission to the meeting. I introduced myself to the participants in the Task Force as probably one of the least sympathetic people when it comes to dealing with the homeless. That does not really seem to surprise anyone in the room; they know what we all see, intoxicated individuals roaming the streets looking for a handout. One of the participants refers to “druggies, drunks and dealers” who are not looking to get off the streets, just merely maintain their lifestyle. What we would all like to do is really help those who are homeless, rather than just feel like we are enabling those with addiction problems.
The thing I have learned over 24 years as a paramedic is you can’t save everyone. In fact, out of hundreds of full cardiac arrests that I have worked on, probably only a handful have survived to tell about the experience. Enter in Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM). http://www.rescuemission.org/ . They don’t save everyone, but they definitely make a profound difference.
We have probably all seen something exaggerated on a webpage and thought “Oh how fantastic!” only to see it in person and be somewhat disappointed. That is not the case with OCRM. It is worth the trip to Tustin to tour their facility, what they are doing is simply amazing. A few weeks ago, I sent out an invitation to take a tour and about 14 of us made the trip down to Tustin. It was hard not to walk around the campus with my mouth open in awe of what God has done in Orange County. OCRM has a holistic approach to being able to help those who truly are in need of help, regardless of the situation. Based in a God centered environment, their campus is able to provide the training and support to help people re-enter society with the skills they need to be successful.
The great thing is OCRM is trying to do the same thing in the city of Corona, but that is a few years down the road. Right now, we plan to makeover the existing shelter on Sheridan Ave.
In the past few months, OCRM has taken over the management of the Circle of Hope/God’s Kitchen/ Corona Shelter and soon you will see some changes being made to the facility. Crossroads Church will be jumping in to build, paint, carpet and repair the facility.
God is working on bringing all of the pieces together. Soon you will be hearing more of what God is doing in Corona and I will do my best to give you a “Heads-up” on what is happening. Right now, I would ask you to keep the project in prayer.
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.
"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'
"Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
The Task Force for the Homeless holds a meeting the first Thursday of every month in Corona. I have been trying to get a grip on the homeless problem in the Corona/Riverside area, so I tagged along with Bill Riemer from Orange County Rescue Mission to the meeting. I introduced myself to the participants in the Task Force as probably one of the least sympathetic people when it comes to dealing with the homeless. That does not really seem to surprise anyone in the room; they know what we all see, intoxicated individuals roaming the streets looking for a handout. One of the participants refers to “druggies, drunks and dealers” who are not looking to get off the streets, just merely maintain their lifestyle. What we would all like to do is really help those who are homeless, rather than just feel like we are enabling those with addiction problems.
The thing I have learned over 24 years as a paramedic is you can’t save everyone. In fact, out of hundreds of full cardiac arrests that I have worked on, probably only a handful have survived to tell about the experience. Enter in Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM). http://www.rescuemission.org/ . They don’t save everyone, but they definitely make a profound difference.
We have probably all seen something exaggerated on a webpage and thought “Oh how fantastic!” only to see it in person and be somewhat disappointed. That is not the case with OCRM. It is worth the trip to Tustin to tour their facility, what they are doing is simply amazing. A few weeks ago, I sent out an invitation to take a tour and about 14 of us made the trip down to Tustin. It was hard not to walk around the campus with my mouth open in awe of what God has done in Orange County. OCRM has a holistic approach to being able to help those who truly are in need of help, regardless of the situation. Based in a God centered environment, their campus is able to provide the training and support to help people re-enter society with the skills they need to be successful.
The great thing is OCRM is trying to do the same thing in the city of Corona, but that is a few years down the road. Right now, we plan to makeover the existing shelter on Sheridan Ave.
In the past few months, OCRM has taken over the management of the Circle of Hope/God’s Kitchen/ Corona Shelter and soon you will see some changes being made to the facility. Crossroads Church will be jumping in to build, paint, carpet and repair the facility.
God is working on bringing all of the pieces together. Soon you will be hearing more of what God is doing in Corona and I will do my best to give you a “Heads-up” on what is happening. Right now, I would ask you to keep the project in prayer.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Helping the Homeless?
I could have figured that this was going to happen. God always seems to work this way in my life.
I cannot say that I have been sympathetic to the homeless among us, knowing that the most visible are homeless because of addictions. One of my many shortcomings is intolerance for drug & alcohol abusers. It comes well founded with a younger sister who has been in and out of prison for Methamphetamine sale & use. She bore 3 children with 3 different fathers. This left 3 children parentless, and caused amazing misery to my own parents.
I am also in one of those jobs (Firefighter/Paramedic) that see the tragedy of the intoxicated driver, overdoses and meth lab explosions. I just went on a call where a 15-year-old youth who was under the influence of a controlled substance, took on 5 cops in a wrestle mania. Then we responded to a chronic alcoholic, who lives in a broken down motor home parked on the street. At 42 years old, he looks 60 with increasing medical problems.
I do not give money to people on the street, and to be honest, I avoid those in need of help because of drug addiction. I do not find myself tolerant to their condition. What God is showing me now is not that I am intolerant but frustrated, because I do not know what to do to help. I know that handing out money is not the answer; no one in America starves to death from a lack of food and I am just funding their ability to feed their addiction. I am hesitant to become directly involved because I at some point I am going to be in the place of being the “Bad Guy” and having to exhibit some “Tough Love”. I am probably like most, who find it easier to move away from the problem rather than seek out God and His guidance. Then God threw me a curve ball and I swung hard.
I found myself involved in the Monarch Project and loving the camaraderie, the work and the finished product. About the time Monarch House was slowing to a close, Chuck contacted me wanting to know if I would be willing to lead another project, doing needed repairs to the Corona Homeless Shelter, Gods Kitchen/Circle of Hope. Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) had recently acquired the facility from the city and was in need of manpower to get the job done. I told him I would keep it in prayer, but needed more information. The short part of the long story is that we are in the planning stages of doing a makeover for the Corona/Norco Homeless Shelter.
Purpose of Corona Rescue Mission: The purpose is to continue to provide emergency/ transitional shelter & food to the homeless in the Corona/Norco area. The facility provides shelter for 20-30 people per night, including children, with a capacity of 50. Breakfast and dinner is provided for 50 -80 people each meal. The purpose will remain the same for the next 3-5 years as more in-depth programs are introduced into the homeless community. The overall goal is to develop more resources for the community with training, education, rehabilitation and medical services on either this campus or securing other sites.
Purpose of the project: The purpose of the project is to improve the living/working conditions of those using the facility. Everything done will accommodate that and not change its current function. There will be nothing done that would hamper the progress of future conversion into training and education facilities.
So now, we have a way to work on the problem of homelessness. Will we fix everyone? No. It is a reality of life that you cannot save everyone; you can only do your best with the skills you have. As a church, teaming with OCRM, we expand our ability to make a definitive difference to those in need. Will we save everyone? No. Will God have an amazing impact into the Corona/Norco area using the shelter? Absolutely. Will God affect our lives using the shelter? He already has.
I cannot say that I have been sympathetic to the homeless among us, knowing that the most visible are homeless because of addictions. One of my many shortcomings is intolerance for drug & alcohol abusers. It comes well founded with a younger sister who has been in and out of prison for Methamphetamine sale & use. She bore 3 children with 3 different fathers. This left 3 children parentless, and caused amazing misery to my own parents.
I am also in one of those jobs (Firefighter/Paramedic) that see the tragedy of the intoxicated driver, overdoses and meth lab explosions. I just went on a call where a 15-year-old youth who was under the influence of a controlled substance, took on 5 cops in a wrestle mania. Then we responded to a chronic alcoholic, who lives in a broken down motor home parked on the street. At 42 years old, he looks 60 with increasing medical problems.
I do not give money to people on the street, and to be honest, I avoid those in need of help because of drug addiction. I do not find myself tolerant to their condition. What God is showing me now is not that I am intolerant but frustrated, because I do not know what to do to help. I know that handing out money is not the answer; no one in America starves to death from a lack of food and I am just funding their ability to feed their addiction. I am hesitant to become directly involved because I at some point I am going to be in the place of being the “Bad Guy” and having to exhibit some “Tough Love”. I am probably like most, who find it easier to move away from the problem rather than seek out God and His guidance. Then God threw me a curve ball and I swung hard.
I found myself involved in the Monarch Project and loving the camaraderie, the work and the finished product. About the time Monarch House was slowing to a close, Chuck contacted me wanting to know if I would be willing to lead another project, doing needed repairs to the Corona Homeless Shelter, Gods Kitchen/Circle of Hope. Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) had recently acquired the facility from the city and was in need of manpower to get the job done. I told him I would keep it in prayer, but needed more information. The short part of the long story is that we are in the planning stages of doing a makeover for the Corona/Norco Homeless Shelter.
Purpose of Corona Rescue Mission: The purpose is to continue to provide emergency/ transitional shelter & food to the homeless in the Corona/Norco area. The facility provides shelter for 20-30 people per night, including children, with a capacity of 50. Breakfast and dinner is provided for 50 -80 people each meal. The purpose will remain the same for the next 3-5 years as more in-depth programs are introduced into the homeless community. The overall goal is to develop more resources for the community with training, education, rehabilitation and medical services on either this campus or securing other sites.
Purpose of the project: The purpose of the project is to improve the living/working conditions of those using the facility. Everything done will accommodate that and not change its current function. There will be nothing done that would hamper the progress of future conversion into training and education facilities.
So now, we have a way to work on the problem of homelessness. Will we fix everyone? No. It is a reality of life that you cannot save everyone; you can only do your best with the skills you have. As a church, teaming with OCRM, we expand our ability to make a definitive difference to those in need. Will we save everyone? No. Will God have an amazing impact into the Corona/Norco area using the shelter? Absolutely. Will God affect our lives using the shelter? He already has.
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