Holland Rescue Mission

Food or Rent?

2010-07-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-03T07:04:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-04-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-09T07:30:00.001-08:00

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

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A New Approach to Business Giving

2010-02-22T05:15:00.000-08:00

A friend and colleague recently shared this article about a new approach business owners are taking when it comes to charitable giving. You may have heard, especially if you're a business owner, that the government is proposing new tax regulations for charitable donations. This article shows great benefits to giving through Christian Foundations. But...I won't spoil it for you. Read it and I'd love to hear what you think.

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Planning Your Financial Future God's Way

2010-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here are three biblical principles to help us be more “heavenly minded” when it comes to planning our financial future:

First, the goal of financial planning is not to try to completely eliminate all pain and suffering (and so diminish our life with Christ), but rather to position ourselves in the center of God’s will so that we can glorify God in times of trial and blessing (1 Peter 4:12).

Second, because God has so freely given to us, He wants us to respond by freely giving to others (Matthew 10:8).

And finally, the Bible instructs us to prepare for the “day of God” by living holy lives (2 Peter 3). That means that our future financial planning should be set apart from the values of the world, honoring the Lord with everything we are and everything we have during and after our lifetimes, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Click here for a FREE copy of “What does the Bible say about planning for the future?”

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Guest Blogger: Mike Buwalda

2010-02-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read or listened to Christian financial counselor Dave Ramsey?

One of his famous quotes is if you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else. I’ve thought about that, and agree there's a lot of peace and freedom with the debt-free lifestyle Ramsey advocates. But I wonder too if the live like no one else motto is maybe a little incomplete without a quote from Treasure Principle author Randy Alcorn who said, God prospers us not to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving.

Our family of seven is still trying to figure out what that means. What we’ve come up with so far is that living like no one else means purposefully not buying things we can afford - or buying less expensive things - in order to free up more of God's money for the things that are burning on His heart – like homeless people. Like the 20,000 kids around the world who die everyday from hunger and preventable diseases. Like the 2,000 language groups that still don't have a Bible. In other words, we need to be more in tune with the things God cares about, and less in tune with what's on sale this week at Meijer, Best Buy, Lowes...you get the idea.

Click here to learn more about Mike's organization, Money For Ministry.

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This Week's Guest Blogger

2010-02-02T12:06:00.001-08:00

Holland Rescue Mission is so blessed to work with Christian's in ministry around the globe!

This week, our guest blogger will be Mike Buwalda, a close friend of the ministry, who is passionate about biblical stewardship and finance. Mike is the President of Money for Ministry LLC, providing growth tools to hundreds of ministries since 1993 including multi-channel planned gift cultivation, webinar production, and stewardship resources. Mike and his wife Beckie love and serve the Lord together with their five children in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

I can't wait for you to hear Mike's sweet words of wisdom and challenge regarding giving. Come back later this week to check it out!

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Guest Blogger: Mike Freestone

2010-01-28T04:50:00.000-08:00

A Voice from the Board

The board is a diverse group of individuals. A couple are retired, one is a farmer. One is going back to school to get her MBA. A Human Resource Manager, a builder, an Insurance agent, a financial planner and two accountants. And I am a marketing guy and cereal entrepreneur. Diverse, yet one. We all serve a Risen Savior and are joyful in the roles each of us have at the Mission.

The Blessing an awesome group of gifted employees and volunteers who help make the Mission what it is: A place where the hopeless and hurting can get help and Hope; and be told of a loving Savior who loves them.

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and info on our ministry. Yes, I may not be a paid employee, but it is my ministry.

If you are a supporter of HRM, we thank you. We cannot exist or go forward without the prayer support of the Holland/Zeeland Area. We are grateful for every dime that is given and promise you that is is spent with the utmost care and in the most stewardly way possible.

From the Board: Thank you!

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Future Guest Bloggers

2010-01-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to announce that we will be hosting guest bloggers from time to time. I mean, who wants to hear what I have to say all the time? Ok, don't answer that.

I do think that these guest bloggers will give you a reason to keep coming back. One, they are all involved in our ministry in unique ways. Two, they are professionals who have tons of information regarding family finances and stewardship, volunteerism and its affect on our lives and more. I know you'll enjoy reading snippets of information from them that will challenge you and give you a reason to make a difference in our world each day.

So, without further ado...our first guest blogger will be:

Mike Freestone
President, Freestone Design and Good Life Granola

Mike is an advertising guru with a passion for healthy living and granola.
He has served as a mission board member and volunteer for several years.

Visit us later this week to read a few words from Mike that are sure to challenge you!

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Women's Garden Auction

2010-01-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

March 10, 2010
11:30 am
The Alpenrose Restaurant & Cafe

Join more than 150 ladies from the community for an auction full of fun garden items where the proceeds will benefit homeless women and children. You'll enjoy a delicious light-lunch, find out where your support is going - and of course, have time to mix and mingle with all of your lady-friends. Let the bidding begin!

If you're interested in attending, please contact Teri Gabbert for more information.

How Can YOU Get Involved

2009-08-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

During these tough economic times, everyone is looking for practical ways to help those in need. At Holland Rescue Mission, the opportunities are endless! Here are a few ways that just might scratch that itch you've had to help...

VOLUNTEER - You may not have the monetary resources to give towards budget shortfalls, but your time is extremely valuable. Do you have a skill that could be used to help underwrite the cost of a need (i.e. building trade, cooking, administrative)? Would you and your family enjoy serving a meal? Volunteer opportunities at the Mission are endless - and our Volunteer Coordinator would be happy to plug you in.

PARTICIPATE...in one of our fundraising events. Who knew that a hobby of running, walking or golfing could actually help the homeless? The Mission hosts several fundraising events each year that just might interest you.

Rescue Run - 5k Run/Walk - Saturday, October 10, 2009 - Check it out!
Ladies' Spring Garden Auction - March 2009 - Get Info!
Annual Golf Event - June 2010 - Get Info!

DONATE - Did you know that the Mission needs more than just monetary donations? Over 50% of our financial support is generated through our business center, like our thrift stores and auto retail center. By donating your used clothing, furniture, household goods and more, you're actually helping to provide food, clothing and shelter to the needy of West Michigan. Plus, you get a tax write-off.