You’ll be twice as Smart
Starting with this issue, Street Smart will come to you twice a month. This is partly because of your great comments about this valuable AGRM member service. Look for it around the 1st and the 15th—or if those dates are on weekends or holidays, the following business day. The additional issues will allow us to be even more current with news items that you can use in staff meetings and presentations. We’ll be slightly reducing the amount of content in each issue, so you don’t have to go through so much at one time, but overall, you’ll be twice as Smart. If you have any content you’d like to submit, please send it to editor@agrm.org.

Dallas convention gaining momentum
Many are already registered for AGRM’s big event at the Dallas Hilton Anatole this coming May (23) 25–28. If you haven’t done so already, start making plans to be with us for this unparalleled time of networking, education, and fellowship. A preliminary brochure has been circulating for several months; a complete 12-page brochure will be out at the end of this month with all of the seminar and workshop details. TO GET YOU THINKING ABOUT DALLAS, we’ll be running a contest in every issue of Street Smart from now until the event. The sixth person to email AGRM’s Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org with the correct answer to the following question will win a CD of the English Brothers. (The brothers will be performing at the convention.) QUESTION: Which Dallas Cowboys quarterback fumbled five times in four Super Bowl appearances, and where did he play his “college” football?

Are you playing games?
Does your organization have an active recreation program for mission guests? Do your guests participate in intramural sports, team events, or city leagues? If so, we’d like to know about it for a feature in an upcoming issue of Rescue magazine. Email highlights of your recreational athletic programs to Phil Rydman at pwrydman@agrm.org.

Looking down the street . . .
Our thoughts and prayers are with AGRM member services clerk Kathy Hamrick at the sudden death of her husband, Jeff. Duane Gartland, long-time executive director of Light of Life Mission (Pittsburgh, Pa.), passed away January 16, ending his battle with cancer. David Coleman has announced his retirement as president/CEO of Atlanta Union Mission (Atlanta, Ga.); David remains on the AGRM board of directors. Open Door Mission (Houston, Tex.) was recently awarded the East End Chamber of Commerce “Good Neighbor Award” for the organization’s outstanding efforts in community service, including opening the mission GED classes to the public and providing medical screenings to members of the neighborhood.

Homeless vets become campaign issue
Service to homeless veterans was a campaign issue for former presidential hopeful John Edwards, whose stump speech included claims that as many as 200,000 vets sleep under bridges or on grates every night. Radio and Fox News television personality Bill O’Reilly objected, claiming 150,000 beds are regularly available to vets. View a portion of the feud at http://tinyurl.com/3bn7x7. During the campaign, local media (especially Fox affiliates) may ask how your mission cares for homeless veterans. Make sure to have facts and statistics available. You can read more about homeless veteran trends in the March/April issue of Rescue.

IRS announces new mileage rates
As of January 1, 2008, new IRS mileage rates went into effect in the use of a vehicle for business or charitable purposes. Employees who use their own vehicle for business purposes should be reimbursed at 50.5 cents per mile (compared to 48.5 cents per mile in 2007). Instead of being reimbursed, employees may choose to include business mileage as a deduction on their personal taxes at the 50.5 cents per mile rate. Volunteers who use their own cars on behalf of charitable organizations—such as people who volunteer at your mission—can claim 14 cents per mile in 2008. Find out more at http://tinyurl.com/2u7sua.

Obtaining ID may get harder for dispossessed
The federal government is moving toward a system that would require states to check applicants against a secure federal government database before issuing drivers licenses and state IDs. The program, known as “Real ID,” would be phased in beginning in May 2008 for individuals born prior to December 1, 1964. The move could make it harder for homeless individuals to obtain identification. Read more at http://www.ncsl.org/realid/.

Nonbelievers becoming leery of Christians
There is a mounting distrust of Christians by those who say they have “no faith.” According to a recent study by The Barna Group, 56 percent of atheists and agnostics agree with the idea that radical Christianity is just as threatening to America as radical Islam. At the same time, 63 percent of active Christians perceive that America is becoming more hostile toward Christianity. View the full report at http://tinyurl.com/3a54vu. Many feel this growing perception of Christians will start to influence the way neighbors look at churches and Christian organizations—like your mission—particularly if it is not in an area that supports traditional Christian values.

Higher gas prices change driving habits
Fifty-seven percent of drivers have changed their driving behaviors during the past 12 months because of higher gas prices, according to an AAIA survey reported by USA Today. Among those changes, 91 percent are driving less, 75 percent are maintaining their cars better, and 31 percent are carpooling more frequently. Higher fuel costs make it more difficult for people from our missions to get back into the mainstream of life. AGRM encourages you to emphasize the value of public transportation in your area if it is safe and reliable.

Many feel trial by jury fair and impartial
The majority of adults (58 percent) say people on trial have a jury that is fair and impartial all or most of the time, while one in five (21 percent) say the jury is fair and impartial occasionally, according to a Harris Interactive poll published January 21. Just 8 percent say juries are rarely or never fair and impartial. There is, however, a racial disparity in this belief. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of whites and just over half (55 percent) of Hispanics believe people who are on trial have a jury that is fair and impartial all or most of the time, compared to just 37 percent of blacks. With nearly 40 percent of mission clients coming to our ministries from the justice system, these numbers are pertinent for mission case managers and counselors. Read about the study at http://tinyurl.com/2jc2gx

Cold Patrol makes the rounds in Nashville
Every winter evening when temperatures drop below freezing, the Nashville Rescue Mission (Nashville, Tenn.) sends a van into the community with blankets, sandwiches, and hot drinks, searching for homeless people intending to spend the night on the streets. Mission counselors encourage those they meet to come in out of the cold. Those who choose not to come to the mission are given extra supplies to keep them warm.

[Send us a blurb about your unique ideas or simple solutions and we’ll communicate them on Easy Street.}

Positions available…

Albany, NY: Director of Operations/Assistant Director - Oversee daily operation of men’s shelter; staff supervision/facilities management. You’ve felt a call to apply your skills in Christian ministry to bring God’s love to the lost and hurting. Send resume to Perry Jones, Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202. Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: ccrm259@yahoo.com

Asheville, NC: Women's Overnight Shelter Supervisor - Responsible for check-in of clients/securing belongings. Direct evening activities, maintain order for safety purposes. Requires experience working with diverse groups of women. Ability to work nights - may live on or off campus. Contact Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, PO Box 909, Asheville, NC 28801. Phone: 828-254-1529 Fax: 828-254-0428 To contact via email: rustyvwcrminc@gmail.com

Aurora, IL: Director of Development - Oversee entire development operations of organization. Seven years development experience. Major gift solicitation/capital fundraising experience. Ability to motivate and coach volunteers. Contact Wayside Cross Ministries, 215 E. New York Street, Aurora, IL. Phone: 630 892 4239 Fax: 630 892 4259 To contact via email: wgreenawalt@waysidecross.org

Bellingham WA: Executive Assistant - Business Office – Give oversight to ministry's accounts payable; personnel matters; assist CEO with various responsibilities and matching authority. Solid references; Quickbooks experience; loyalty; integrity; experience; degree not required. Salary, retirement plan, full medical. No calls please. Lighthouse Mission Ministries, PO Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227. To contact via email: rbuchinski@yahoo.com

Brooksville, FL: Multiple Openings – Men’s Shelter Spiritual Mentor, Women’s Shelter Spiritual Mentor, Thrift Store Assistant Manager. Send resume & cover letter to: Rev. Bruce Gimbel, Jericho Road Ministries, PO Box 864, Brooksville, FL 34605. To contact via email: jministries3@tampabay.rr.com

Colorado Springs, CO: Program Director – Help manage program women. Case management, record keeping and individual pastoral counseling. Requires some knowledge of the dynamics of addiction/recovery and have computer skills. Annual salary - $25,000. Gospel Shelters for Women dba Liza's Place, 2934 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO. 80906. Phone: 719-291-3406 Fax: 719-634-2257 To contact via email: gospelhome@juno.com

Dalton GA: Cook/Kitchen Manager – Full time person with heart for people and God to manage ministry's kitchen. Must have supervisory skills. Non-smoker preferred. Minimum one year clean time if coming from a recovery background. Salary and benefits. Contact Roy Johnson, Providence Ministries, PO Box 4598, Dalton GA 30719. Phone: 706-275-0268 To contact via email: johnsonroy@hotmail.com

Destin, FL: Executive Director – (Non-Member Mission) Seeking ED to oversee new residential facility for 16 women. Must have BA, good communication skills, mental health/women's rehabilitation experience, heart for God and lots of energy. Email resume. Hosanna House, PO Box 5094, Destin FL, 32540. Phone: 850-837-7430 To contact via email: hosannahouse@embarqmail.com

Jackson, WY: Director of Operations – Oversee daily operation of mission and thrift shop. Willing to be a servant with involved leadership. Room and board, financial incentive. Be willing to visit location for personal interview. Contact Good Samaritan Mission, PO BOX 1218, Jackson WY 83001. Phone: 307-733-3165 To contact via email: GSM-WY@MAIL.COM

Lafayette, IN: Administrative Assistant to CEO – Assist CEO in all levels of business related activities. Requires high school graduate/GED; prefer college degree with course work in business administration/organizational leadership. Email resumes with three references. Deadline January 11 2008. Trinity Mission Ministries, Lafayette, IN. Phone: 765-742-1060 Fax: 765-742-1061 To contact via email: dtaylor@trinitymission.org

Norfolk, NE: Evening Pastor/Chaplain – Responsible for leading chapels and classes, counseling with men, supervising the evening shift. Requires college degree, working knowledge of the Bible. Computer skills a plus. Norfolk Rescue Mission, 111 N. 9th Street, Norfolk, NE 68701. Phone: 402-371-6484 Fax: 402-371-2339 To contact via email: jfisher@norfolkrescue.org

Panama City, FL: Women's Recovery Program Counselor – Seeking counselor with addiction counseling experience. Part time position with full time potential. Contact Rev. Michael A. Martin, Panama City Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 2359, Panama City, FL 32402. Phone: 850-769-0783 Fax: 850-763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org

Portland, OR: Two Openings – Men’s New Life Recovery Manager, Life Skills Training Manager. See the website for further details or contact: Portland Rescue Mission, 700 NE Multnomah Ste. 400, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-906-7602 To contact via email: miekog@pdxmission.org Web site: http://www.portlandrescuemission.org

Raleigh, NC: Men's Program Director – Manage the Men’s Ministry Program, identify and plan future strategies and enhancements, coordinate ongoing improvements. Four to five years of experience required. See website for full job description. Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Phone: 919-828-9014 Fax: 919-833-6162 To contact via email: GingerR@raleighrescue.org Web site: http://www.raleighrescue.org

Regina, SK, Canada: Executive Assistant – Provide administrative support to Executive Director. Challenging secretarial work - high degree of responsibility, discretion, confidentiality. Three years equivalent experience. Contact Melanie Hack, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, PO Box 3356, Stn Main I, Regina SK S4P 3H1. Phone: 306-543-0011 Fax: 306-525-3079 To contact via email: mhack.shrm@gmail.com

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings – Director of Recovery Ministries, Case Manager - Women and Children's Shelter, High School Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff - White Center, Administrative Assistant/Children's Ministry Outreach Staff - Burien. Contact: Roslyn Alake, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111. Phone: 206-723-0767 Fax: 206-723-1076 To contact via email: rosalake@ugm.org Web site: http://www/ugm.org

St. Paul, MN: Development Director – Create successful fundraising programs. Structure/implement fund raising efforts; increase gift/grant income, expand base support, strengthen the organization. BA and 5 years development/fundraising experience. Email/fax resume & cover letter. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, 77 9th Street E., St. Paul, MN 55101. Phone: 651-228-1800 Fax: 651-222-7968 To contact via email: jobinfo@ugmtc.org

Twin Falls, ID: Multiple Openings – (Non-member mission) Executive Director, Program Director, Evening Supervisor/live in House Mom for new start up Women's Ministry Recovery Program. Contact Cherise Merrick, Jubilee House, PO Box 5684, Twin Falls, ID, 83303. Phone: 402-841-2868 To contact via email: jubilee.house@hotmail.com

Westminster, MD: Associate Director – (Non-member mission) Oversee daily operations, facilities management, staff. Have strong leadership/organizational/fundraising skills, multi-task, follow thru on instructions. Requires pastoral or college degree, social work/life experience. Housing/insurance available. Westminster Rescue Mission, 658 Lucabaugh, Westminster, MD 21158. Phone: 410-848-2222 Fax: 410-876-8562 To contact via email: wrm_office1@verizon.net

Coming Events…

February 6–9
WAFT (Women and Family Ministries) Track, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Missouri

February 15–17
Chaplains Track, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Missouri

March 2–4
Christian Addiction Rehabilitation Association (CARA) Track, Heartland Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri

March 12–14
Education and Employment Track, Chase Suites, Kansas City, Missouri

May 24–28
95th Annual AGRM Convention, Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas

For more information on any of these conferences, log on to www.agrm.org/events, or call
(800) 624-5156.

To advertise in future Market Street Classifieds:
Individual or organizational members of the AGRM may place a 30-word classified ad listing one available position in one issue of Street Smart at no charge, and may renew that ad one additional time at no cost. Ads are due the 10th of the month before the ad is to be listed. Ads exceeding 30 words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Non-member ministries, businesses, and individuals may place an ad for $25.00 per issue for a 30-word ad. Additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Ads are also placed on the AGRM website. Member ministries may renew ads after the second placement at $15 per issue for a 30-word ad. E-mail desired ad placement to editor@agrm.org (subject line: Market Street Classifieds).

“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink” (Matt. 25:35).

A few weeks ago, while filling in at our evening chapel service, I met Jerry, a homeless man. He asked, “Do you think I could have some coffee tonight?”

“Sure, Jerry,” I replied. “I’ll make a fresh pot right after chapel.”

The next day, I approached Jerry in the afternoon and said, “I’ll see you tonight, and I’ll be making you another fresh pot of coffee.” Surprised and blessed, he responded, “You’d do that for me?”

Throughout the entire week, Jerry’s heart was being drawn closer to my own and also to the Lord’s. I’d like to think that the chapel messages were playing a part, but I believe the Holy Spirit was using the coffee pot more than the pulpit to demonstrate the love of Christ to Jerry.

At the end of the week, after I filled his cup one last time, Jerry paused and said, “You help everybody…you’re like God.”

Sometimes all it takes to demonstrate the love of God is to make a fresh pot of coffee.

Contributed by Pastor Will Perrigan, Norfolk Rescue Mission (Norfolk, Neb.)

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Would you like to write an encouraging devotional thought for a future issue of Street Smart? If so, send your submission of 200 words or less (including a related Bible verse) to editor@agrm.org.