summer 2001 transforming lives newsletter, gospel rescue ministries

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  • 8/8/2019 Summer 2001 Transforming Lives Newsletter, Gospel Rescue Ministries

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    Gogel RescueMinisufesWadfugolt,DC

    It's GraduotionTime,Current TLM Phase I is Larger Than Ever!fl n Iune 9, we celebrated the graduation of men from the Tians-I lforming Lives Ministry, women from the Fulton House of HopeI land students from the School of Tomorrow. Many certificatesfJ were handed out in recognition of the completion of a number ofclasses, courses and programs. These men and women are trophies ofGod's grace.

    On June 4, a new group of men and women started in GRM's oneyear residency program and represent the largest group ever to comein at one time. With this phase scheduled to end in late August, we arethrilled with the high retention rate of this new group and we praiseGod for the results to date. We have 14 men in Phase I of the Tians-forming Lives Ministry and 5 women in Phase I of the Fulton program. We attribute much of this success to improved case man-agement and the effort that is made during the in-take process to ev-dluate the needs of each man ald woman and to develop a mean-ingful treatment plan that can be followed closely over the one year residency period.

    Great Time at the GRN{Community Outreach Festival!f[ special event was held in front of the GRM facility on ]uly 28 that involvedf lmany of our community neighbors, including the Chinese communityfland many Government Agencies. In an effort to partner with businesses,I lorganizations and others who have an interest in GRM's service to the

    homeless and efforts to find meaningful employment for men and women inthe local community, GRM held a srreet Fair that included plenty of food,special music, fun and prizes for children (over 100 bags of school suppliesand other items were provided by Cherrydale Baptist). We also recognizedthose in the community who have helped GRM in many ways, including vol-unteer services, financial support, donation of clothing, food and other itemsand providing employment opportunities. we served over 500 people at theFair and everyone had a great time.

    God's Word Prominently Displayed Throughout GRM Facility!Jhe next time you visit GRM, and we hope it will be soon, you will see a nice addition to ourI lobby, chapel and kitchen. Thanks to the generous donations of several GRM friends,I scrioture verses have been placed on large vinyl banners and hung from wallr -6f.I and ceiling beams, all in places that are easily seen by all who enter the GRM facility. WThis constant reminder of the truth of God's Word will make a lasting impact on theres of many who enter our doors.

    ?herefore, if an.vone isin Christ he is a newcreation, the old has gonethe new has conlelr (irrimrrirn, s,r.

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    School ofTomorrow Georing UpforTremendous Growthfl s GRM's School of Tomorrow continues to expand and grow, we are looking forward| | to the start of the Fall school program on September i0th. Under the strong leader-f{ship of Marjorie Edmonds-Lloyd, School Director, the recently accredited school willI bffer more classes during the day and we expect to have our new Culinary Arts pro-gram in full swing. This program will be under the direction of Greg Smith, GRM'skitchen manager. New employment opportunities will be available to those completingthis program. We welcome the Washington D.C. community to visit our school to learnof the varied schedule of classes and to sign up for one or more classes in the Fall.

    fhis fund was established in 1998 by familyI members in memory of Stefan Vaglio-I Laurin, whose life was tragically taken by aI drunk driver. The purpose of the fund is tomake scholarships available to GRM pro-gram men and women for courses that areoffered in the School of Tomorrow. Everyyear, the fund income is transferred to GRMto support the education of from six to eightmen and women in the GRM program. Weare thankful for this fund and the memorythat is upheld as we provide educationalassistance to GRM's men and women.

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    GRM Main Facility Still Standing, ,. Stefan |. Vaglio-LaurinEducation FundWith SincereThnnks!O rr main facility on 5th Street is almost 65I Iy.urr old and in continual need of repairI land renovation. The major projectfJ recently completed was a total roof re-placement. Thanks to some special dona-tions by the Washington Post and other loyalsupporters, a portion of the cost for this pro- GRN| Moin Focility ctt 810 5th Street, N.Wject was covered and GRM made up the difference out of general operatingfunds. A number of plumbing and electrical repairs have been made over thesummer months. Thanks to many volunteers, a variety of carpentry, paintingand cleaning projects have also been accomplished. We are grateful to ]oeBrown who has provided valuable assistance as a part-time Facilities Manager.

    Fulton House of Hope "STARS" Shine Brightly!fl n Iune 26, a special celebration was held inI lthe GRM chapel and later at the FultonI lHouse of Hope. With over 50 people in\J attendance, we honored Margaret Wrenand Caprice Braxton for being the first twograduates from the Fulton House of Hopeone-year residency program. Several special

    guests gave words of encouragement to thegraduates and to the other women currentlyresiding at the Fulton. Mrs. Virginia Williams,mother of Mayor AnthonyWilliams, presenteda beautiful rendition of the song "His Eye is onthe Sparrow". Ms. Wilma Lewis, former U.S.Attorney for Washington, D.C., reminded thewomen that a "set-back is just a set-up for acome-back'l Sister Janie Milledge, a resident ofthe Fulton Hotel before it was reclaimed forgood use, gave a stirring testimony of how Godhad changed her life and led her back to theFulton to be a volunteer helper. The eveningwas capped off with tours of the Fulton Houseof Hope and the unveiling of the Fulton "Stars"plaque, recognizing those individuals, church-es, businesses and other organizations who hadprovided special help to GRM during the Ful-ton renovation process. This plaque will be aIasting tribute to many of our friends and willbe visible to all who enter the Fulton.

    Sister /onie Milledge, one ofprominent speokers at the Fulton Houseof Hope specio/ event.

    Greg Permenter (5.O.f Staff) teoching WorkNet

    |(itchen Really [ookin'!fl r.g Smith has been doing a great jobI managing GRM's kitchen operationI I and another recent achievement adds[J to the positive kitchen environmentand direction. Greg recently obtained hisfood handling and food protection man-agement certifications which permit him totrain men in the GRM kitchen and toadminister the testing necessary to obtainfood handling certification. Great job Greg!

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    A Personal Testimonyz Abe lenkrns" Christ - Centere d D eliv ernnce"rehabilitation, various l2step meetings, and individ-ual counseling. They all haveaddressed my problems andhave been useful to varyingdegrees. However, I've neverbeen able to maintain sobri-ety for an extended periodof time. The only time that Ican remember having limit-ed success was when I hadbeen actively involved inchurch ministry. But, even church, byitself, wasn't enough to keep me from

    returning to drug use.The Tiansforming Lives Ministry (TLM),

    under the umbrella of the Gospel RescueMinistries, offers an innovative approachto deliverance from drugs and alcohol thatI haven't experienced elsewhere. First ofall, the TLM is a 9 to 15 month program.Their approach is that it takes approxi-mately 90 days for detoxification and tobreak the "yoke of bondage" that the drughas had on an individual's life. The prima-ry difference between the TLM programand other treatment programs clearly lies

    in the spiritually based clinical counseling.Dr. Allen, Beverly Thuke, fudy Ashburn,and the other counselors or therapists,skillfully integrate the clinical aspect withbiblical stories and scripture. As believersin God, they are able to connect spirituallyto the client. I've found that this approachenables me to identifr feelings better,become more willing to discuss painfulexperiences of the past, and be receptive todirection, counseling, and guidancethrough the Word of God.

    For those of us who have struggled withaddictions for many years, the Christ-centered TLM program at the GospelRescue Ministries is a Godsend. There isno doubt in my mind that true deliver-ance must be based on the belief in God.

    I can do all thingsthrough Christ whostrengthens me,Philippians 4:13

    I've been using drugs andlalcohol since the age oflsixteen. Although usingI recreationallv in thebeginning, ffiI drug usedeveloped into a full-fledged addiction overtime. Crack cocaine usagehas lead to the destructionof my marriage, financialruin, job loss, breakup ofthe family, loss of home,etc. I've been struggling to overcome thedrug addiction for the past ten years. I'vetried outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient

    God Provides in Wonderful Waysfl fter graduating from the Fulton HouseI I "f Hope in early June, Margaret Wrenf{had a good job at the World Bank,I kestored relationships with her familyand a nice apartment to live in. Only oneproblem -- her furniture and furnish-ings were very sparse. Unaware of Mar-garet's need, we got a call from CarolBauer, a friend of GRM, who wanted toknow if we could use a large quantity offurniture and furnishings that were instorage and needed to be removed in ahurry. You guessed it! Within a matter of

    days, we picked up the furniture and other items and took them to Margaret's apart-ment. She was thrilled to have a nice double bed, a dresser with a mirror, a sofa-bed,two stuffed chairs, kitchen cabinets and many other items. Margaret praised God forHis goodness and perfect timing.

    Jimmy Williams is Hunningthe fiace...to Win the Prize!limmy Williamslit in the fourthland final phaseUof the Trunr-forming Lives Min-istry and he badly

    wants to finish thecourse in moreways than one. Notonly is ]immy striving to complete all ofthe TLM requirements leading to grad-uation, but he is signed up to run in theMarinq Mar4lhqn !q O-cpb_gr 2Q01.Jimmy is first and foremost wanting torun the race of life in a way that is pleas-ing to God. He is one of the most lovedmen in our program and often is usedto lead groups of people on toursaround the GRM facility, telling themhow God has done a work in his life.|immy also serves at the front desk inthe lobby of GRM in the evenings. Wewill all be rooting for |immy when heruns 26.2 miles next October, but wealso are rooting for him to finish strongin the race of life.

    Women's Direaor Judy Ashburn with Morgoret

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    In each edition of "Tronsforming Lives" we would like tohonor the men ond women thot ore the true bockboneof God\ work here . .. our volunteers! Eoch upcomingnewsletter will spotlight three oreos of volunteer octivitiesot Gospel Rescue Ministries:CHURCH PARTNERS, YOTUNTEER STAFE& OUTSTAND'N G VOLUNTEER PARTNERS

    [H U H [H PAHI|\I EH"Cherrydale Baptist Church

    flherrydale Baptist of North ArlingtonI has been a partner of GRM for over 50| ,y..rr. Financial and prayer support, vol-lJunteer help, chapel service participa-tion, project assistance and many otherareas of service are a part of Cherrydale'sstrong commitment to GRM. In keeping

    with our desire to visit and serve morechurches, GRM men participated in twoCherrydale events -- a men's barbeque inJune and a men's breaKast in ]uly. At thebreakfast, attended by 25 GRM men, theGRM kitchen crew cooked and served thebreakfast and then a new singing group ofPhase I GRM men named'Accepted in theBeloved" had everyone clapping and tap-ping their feet with several songs, including

    "On the Battlefield for my Lord". We wouldlike to visit more churches and present thetestimonies of men and women whose livesare being changed at GRM.Calvary United Methodist Churchfl n Sunday, ]une 24, Calvary UnitedI lMethodist Church, South Arlington,I lVu., once again hosted an annual pic-LJ nic for a large group of men andwomen living at GRM. We first attendedthe morning church service at Calvary andhad a good time of worship and fellow-ship. Then we went to a nearby park andhad a fun time with a variety of food anda lot of recreation, including basketballgames, horseshoes and a softball game. Weare very thankful to Bob Weick and othersat Calvary who have been our friends andsupporters over a long period of time.

    O UTSTA|\I O IN G \/O LU |\ITEEH PARI|\I EH

    tl0LUt\lTEIH STAFFCarlton Whitelcame to GRM in11996 after back-Ilsliding from God.I I was homelessand had a very badcrack addiction. Istayed at the mis-sion for one yearand went throughthe program there.

    As I write this,Iam now five vearsclean without any drug use. I am marriedand have two sons. I work for PrinceGeorge's County Public Schools as a fulltime teacher's aide in special education.Iam in my last year of Bible College andwill graduate with a four year Theologydegree. I teach a course at GRM everyFriday to the men in Phase III of TLMcalled "Bondage Breakers". I also preachevery 5th Sunday morning service at themission.

    What I have learned most is that eachperson needs a chance to see what God cando with them and how God can use us inHis plan to reach others for Christ. GRM,through Christ, truly, truly saved my life.

    Bev Thukefl.u Thuke is a GRM!!volunteer who| | brings enthusiasm,TTLf compassion, dedi-cation and tremendousspiritual insight intoher interaction withmen in the Tiansform-ing Life Ministry. Bevteaches a class each Fri-day morning to men inPhases I,II and III of TLM. When class is over, she often stays around for quite a while tointeract with men one-on-one who want to take advantage of her wisdom and practicaladvice on real-life issues. Bev is a licensed clinical social worker who has her own familycounseling business and her husband, Tom Tauke, is a former U.S. Congressman who nowholds a senior position with Verizon. We are thankful for their interest in the GRM min-istry and the impact that Bev has had on the lives of many GRM men.

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    Volunteer NewsYouth mission groups. If you visit GRM inthe summer, you'll find teenagers in jeansand shorts from all over the U.S. paintingthe walls (and each other), flouring chickenin the kitchen and leading the singing atevening chapel.In April the Reston Bible Youth Band,with leader Laney Harvey, performed on awarm spring night to everyone's delight. InJune a large group of high school studentsfrom First Nlethodist Church in Beebe,Arkansas arrived during the hottest weekof the summer. They scraped, treated andpainted the heavily used shower and toiletfacilities on the third floor. In the after-noon, several in the group took sandwichesand a Gospel message to homeless peoplein nearby parks. The night before they left,led by their youth pastor Aaron Brister, theyplayed and prayed for an hour with anenthusiastic audience in the chapel.

    Six high school juniors -all boys- fromMinnesota and Wisconsin spent four days inJune with us, painting Gail Thompson's officesand working in the kitchen. In July a contin-gent of young people from Fulton, Georgia

    came for two days to work in the kitchen butliked it so well they begged to stay the wholeweek. The young people make friends rvitheveryone here and learn first-hand aboutmany aspects of inner city ministry.

    To Volunteer Your Time or TalentPlease Call Anne Heyniger202.942.1731. X 216Al Lawrence Elected to BoardThe GRM Board of

    Tiustees recently electedAl Lawrence as a mem-ber of the Board. Al iscurrently a staffmemberof Prison FellowshipMinistry in Reston, Vir-ginia and an Associate Pastor at his church,Shiloh Baptist, in Alexandria, VA. Al hasworked in inner city ministry over manyyears and brings a strong compassion foroutreach ministry to the homeless and dis-advantagedThankYou ...Thanks to a generous grant from thePhilip Graham Foundation, the womenresiding in the Fulton House of Hope willsoon be riding in style in a low mileage, l3passenger van. We are thankful to God forthis gift since it will make transportationfor the women much more reliable andeasier to schedule.

    MarkYour ColendorsSaturday, Sept 22Annual Appreciation B anquet

    September - DecemberCFC/United Way FalI Campaign

    Saturday, Novemb er 17Walk For the Homeless (yThanksgiving Feast 200 1

    Reading Thtors needed! The Schoolof Tomorrow cannot admit GED can-didates to its program if they readbelow a fourth grade level. More read-ing tutors are needed to work inten-sively with individuals to improvetheir reading skills. At present there isonly one such tutor who spends sever-al days a week at the School and thereare prospective students waiting forthis critical help. Call Gregory Perme-nter at the School for more informa-tion (ext.210).The TLM (men) and Fulton House(women) are both hoprqg the_fal!_wjbring them a couple of energetic volun-teers to organize an occasional week-end outing. These excursions add somuch to their respective programs, giv-ing them a welcome break from thedemands of the program. The outings(which are not co-ed) can be field trips,picnics, sports or entertainment events.

    NEEDED SUPPLIES:Hand tools, Power tools, Paint brushes, rollers,

    pans . Toiletries: soap, rzvors, toothbrushes,deodonnt . Bus tokens and fare cards . Knives,

    forks and spoons . Dictionaries, Elementarymath textbooks . Pens, highlighters,

    Pencil sharpener Notebook paper and copierpaper Hanging file folders (letter size),

    Scissors, staplersCLOTHING NEEDS:

    Jeans and shorts, sizes 32-46 . socks: white anddress . Underwear: M, L, XL; undershirs:L, SL, 2X, 3X . Work boots and tennis shoes:

    size 9, 10, I l, 12 . Dress shoes: sizes 8- | |To donate through the

    CFC/United Way Campaign:Gospel Rescue Ministries

    #89T9ATTENTION ALLYOUTH GROUPS!!Start gearing up for this year's Fannie

    Mae "Walk for the Homeless"For More information call David

    George 202-842-17 3l x223

    GRMbCWAteamupto shed light onwomen based issues,..I fl lith the FultonI ll f House of Hopell ll at near capacrtyU U we are alwayssearching for like-minded organizations that can assistus with the Lord's work. In thismonth's Concerned Women forAmer-ica Magazine "Family Voice", GRMwas featured in an article about Presi-dent Bush's faith-based initiative. TheFulton House is living proof of thepositive results that can be obtainedfrom good working relationships withthe government agencies that assist usin our work. If you or your women'sgroup at your church would like a copyof the magazine or a chance to hearabout this exciting partnership pleasecall David George 202-842-1731 x223to arrange a visit for your group

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    '-

    A Messagefrom JohnExecutive DirectorDear Friends and Faithful Supporters of GRM:

    At a young age I first heard the statement -- ..only onelife, will soon be past; only what's done for christ will last".It has remained in my head and heart ever since. My parents taught me, by word andexample, what this phrase really means. Although I have not always heeded this advice,I truly believe that we need to be faithful and obedient to God's call to help bring thelost to Christ. God directs each one of us to serve in unique ways but the message isclear that He is not willing that any should perish.As we approach the Fall season and the busy season at GRM, it is my prayer that wewill be busy in ways that are pleasing to God. There is much to be done and sometimesit seems that our time for waiting on the Lord to reveal His perfect plans and purpos-

    es gets lost in the rush of doing things.When you read this Newsletter, you will see that we are busy with many programsand events, providing spiritual guidance and a variety of social services, but I trust thatyou will find an unbroken thread that runs through all of our activities -- the testi-mony of changed lives. The stories that we witness and hear every day are thrillingbecause they truly manifest miraculous change. Our service is not without challengeand even heartache when we sometimes see wavering and relapse but we know thatGod's love, compassion and forgiveness are boundless, and our resolve to pray andreach out even more must remain firm. Please join with us as prayer partners.We want to express our appreciation to our friends and supporters in a special waythis year at our "AnnualAppreciation Dinner" to be held on Saturday, September 22(6:00 to 9:00 p.m.) at Mclean Bible Church. Please mark your calendar and plan to be

    with us for a special evening. We had a great time together at Mclean Bible lastDecember and this year's event promises to be even better. Thank you for your faith-ful support.

    Iackson

    In His Service,

    fackson, Executive Director

    Gospnr Rnscur Mnusrrunsof Washington,D.C.

    810 5ru Srnmr, N.W. . WasrrNcroll, D.C.20001(202) u2-r73r. (202) s98-02ss (Fex)

    www.cRM.oRG . [email protected] notify Gospel Rescue Ministries if youreceivemorethan one cW of TransformingLiya orhaye a clnnge of adilress. Thenoney we ssvewillfeed and careforthe

    hungry andhurting.Volume 2,Issue 3Summer 2001

    Exeartive DirectorIohn Iackson

    Board of TrusteesDavidVan Duzer(Chairman)

    . IGthrlm Baxter . Albert Manola

    . Iane Bond . Rudolph Pruden. William Harper . Charles Robinson' Iohnfackson .AndrewTignanelli. Al Lawrence

    $ilrc tcou4%ilECFHE=r"rmM@nlEcdl,Vbg

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    Irt Menorq Of,..We appreciate those who suggest to familyiand filends that gifts be made toGRM in memory of the passing of a loved one. Several have done this recentlyand we want to recognize this.

    Rev. A. W. Jackson on March 22,200I (father of |ohn Jackson)Alex Hogg,Ir. on ]une 16,200I (uncle of John lackson)Otis Dewan III on June 25,200I

    we are thankful that God entrusted us with otis Dewan at GkM for anine month period in 1999. we all grew to love otis as he progressedthrough the hansforming Lives Ministry at GRM and we are confidentthat he is present with his Heavenly Father.