Food or Rent?

Food or rent?  How could you even begin to choose?

            The truth is, many men, women and children face that agonizing decision every month in Holland.  What do you think they should do? What would you do?

If you choose Food …

You risk losing your home and winding up on the streets. No security.

No place to bathe or rest your head. Crime, extreme weather,

and other challenges will make life frightening and dangerous.

            If you choose Rent …

You sacrifice food and face hunger. Sickness

can set in. In a short time you could lack the

strength to work.

If choosing between food and rent seems impossible to you, then you’ll understand why we're so concerned about the neediest people in our community . . .

Thankfully, because of faithful donors throughout our area, many are receiving the help they need to provide food and rent for their families.  They are also receiving the hope they need for life through the message of the gospel.  

Thank you for giving.

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Retirement Trends for Kingdom-Minded Christians

Christians believe that God is their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble and times of uncertainty (Psalm 46). This bold declaration is as true today as it was when it was written centuries ago, and is a great source of comfort and strength as younger and older workers alike observe several emerging retirement planning realities:

·     Demographics. As the members of the “baby boom” generation — people born between 1946 and 1964 — approach retirement, the demographic profile of the U.S. workforce will undergo a substantial shift: a large number of older workers will be joined by relatively few new entrants to the labor force.

·     Longevity. The number of senior citizens is skyrocketing. The United Nations reported that as recently as 2002, 10 percent of the world's population was 60 or older. By 2050, that percentage is expected to increase to 22 percent (larger than the percentage of children ages 0 to 14).

·     Medical Advancements. Medical and Technological advancements such as better medicines, cell phones, and scooters have improved the mobility and activity of older people compared to previous generations.

·     Employer Needs. Companies are using more part-time workers as well as independent contractors and consultants to reduce costs and maximize flexibility. These positions often fit the needs of both retirees who desire temporary work, but also suit the employers who value dependable, experienced help.

·     Lower incomes. Low yields on certificates of deposit made it challenging for seniors to live off the interest from their savings. Stock market fluctuations have also eroded the asset bases of many retirees, prompting many to return to work to supplement their incomes.

Source: Congressional Research Service and Faith-Based Family Finances.

Would you like some Christian perspective on your retirement planning? Request a FREE copy of “Let God Make your Retirement a Re-Firement” by simply contacting Rachael Neal from Holland Rescue Mission at (616) 396-2200 ext. 425 or rachaeln@hollandrescue.org

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There's More Going On Here

I know, you probably think that the Mission is doing the same old food, clothing and shelter, right?  Maybe when you think about the residents here, you picture men who are unemployed or women...

But do you picture the children?

As I type this blog post, our summer staff is gearing up for one of the busiest times of their year. Camp Rock, our summer youth program begins in June.  And during those intense 10 weeks, kids' lives will be changed forever!

Instead of hanging out on the streets while their parents work, they will be riding our bus to activities throughout the community, hearing Bible lessons that will teach them the difference between right and wrong - and most importantly, they will be hearing about Jesus Christ, the only hope for their lives!

Supporting churches have partnered with us to ensure that these kids have an awesome summer.  Would you consider doing the same?

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Author to Speak at Annual Event

We are excited to announce that Ron Hall, author of Same Kind of Different As Me will be speaking at our Annual Event in October.

"This book changed the course of my life" was the story I heard from a friend.

Its an amazing story you won't want to miss.  Get your tickets today!

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Family Love Letter

Often, when we talk about death and dying, we also talk about preparation.  Funeral arrangements, financial arrangements...what will we pass on to our children, grandchildren, church and more.

But how often do we think about the legacy we will leave behind?  What will our grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember about us.  If they didn't know us, what will they hear about us.

What if each of us left behind a "Spiritual Will" for our loved ones?  Maybe it would look something like this...

Dear Sons and Daughters,

It would please us greatly if you would make sure that each of our grandchildren knows how our love for you, for them, and for the Lord are all tied together and reflected in the way we have divided our estate among you and the ministries dear to our hearts such as Holland Rescue Mission. And that is why, in addition to our Estate Plan, we have also created a "Spiritual Will," which is really a love letter to our family - passing on our values, life lessons, and blessing to the next generation. We hope that when the time comes and you are all together, someone would read Psalm 16 and our Spiritual Will.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

Want to learn how to make a Spiritual Will for your family? Ask for a FREE copy of “Blessing Your Family with a Spiritual Will” by simply contacting Rachael Neal from Holland Rescue Mission at (616) 396-2200 ext. 425 or rachaeln@hollandrescue.org.

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We Recycle!

Boy, is that the understatement of the century!

Holland Rescue Mission does more than recycle clothing, shoes and other household items.  I'll bet you didn't know we also take...

• Plastic Grocery Bags - or any size plastic bag for that matter
• Cardboard
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Paper Products
• Old Phone Books - I always wonder what I should do with mine.  Burn it?  Throw it away?  Not anymore!
• Aluminum Cans
• Empty Food Cans - any and ALL sizes
• Washers and Dryers
• Clear Plastic Water Bottles

You see, at Holland Rescue Mission, we're training residents in the handling and processing of your recyclables.  They are learning a skill that will enable them to move forward in their lives, you're getting rid of items you just weren't sure what to do with, the Mission is selling some of these items and making a profit to put back into the ministry and the environment is just a little better because of it all.

Now that's a win, win, win, WIN for everyone involved.

Want to start donating your recyclables today?  Drop them off at our 7th Street Recycling Center (just behind the Mission in downtown Holland).  Or, if you have a lot, contact Bob Koelndorfer, our Warehouse Manager to schedule a pick-up.

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Easter Newsletter

See what's happening at the Holland Rescue Mission. Check out our Easter newsletter.

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