Overseas colleagues need your help
With the AGRM annual convention a little more than three months away, rescue mission workers in other parts of the world are seeking visas to attend, as well as convention sponsors. Would you or your mission like to pay the convention fee (not transportation costs) for a worker from a place like India or Nigeria to attend? We have a special international sponsorship rate. Call Faye at (816) 471-8020 for details.

So you think you know Dallas
Members are obvoiusly getting excited about our Dallas convention. As of today, our registrations are showing a five-fold increase over where they were last year at this same time!! To get you thinking about Dallas, we’re running a contest in every issue of Street Smart from now until the convention; we want you to be familiar with our host city. The fourth person to email AGRM’s Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org with the correct answer to the following question will win a $25 gift card to Chili’s restaurant, which was founded in Dallas. The tallest statue in Texas, 67.5 feet, is located in Dallas, along Interstate 35E. A full 15 feet taller than any other statue in the state, what does it depict? (The answer to the question in the last issue: Roger Staubach attended the Naval Academy.)

Members can save on education
City Vision College (formerly Rescue College) is alive and well and offering great courses for anyone interested in accredited education surrounding addiction studies and rescue mission operations. What’s more, because of AGRM’s special relationship with TechMission (the group administrating City Vision College), AGRM members can currently get a 25 percent discount on courses. In addition, AGRM has some scholarship funds available. Call Jo at (800) 624-5156 to find out if you qualify. For more information about upcoming courses, log on to www.cityvision.edu or contact Michael Liimatta at
(816) 960-2008.

Midwest mission opposes casino
Open Door Mission (Omaha, Neb.) is working with several other local ministries to oppose a projected casino to be built by the Ponca Tribe. The proposed location of the casino would be just two blocks from the mission. Director Candace Gregory said, “If the Ponca Tribe wants to make a positive impact in our community for the Native American population, it should pursue the previous concept of building a Native American Health Center. Open Door Mission does not need a casino in its backyard providing easy access to gambling. There are no positive outcomes that could possibly outweigh the negative consequences.” Please pray for the mission as they face these issues.

Restaurant donates meal receipts to Brookings mission
Between January and June of 2008, the local Apple Peddler Restaurant will donate 10 percent of certain meal receipts to Outreach Gospel Mission (Brookings, Ore.). To designate the donation, a restaurant customer need only write the name of the mission on the back of his or her meal receipt and turn it in to the cashier.

Looking down the street . . .
The Brooklyn Rescue Mission (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was recently featured on German and French public television in a piece about urban farming in New York City. Jay Cory has been named interim director of the Atlanta Union Mission (Atlanta, Ga.). Jay has been the director of the mission’s Potter’s House division. He replaces David Coleman, who served for 10 years. United Gospel Rescue Mission (Poplar Bluff, Mo.) received a $7,500 grant from the Union Pacific Railroad toward the general ministries of the mission. Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission (Martinsburg, W.V.) appeared before the Martinsburg Board of Zoning to begin the process of building a new shelter building. Duane Finger, director of men’s ministry at the Redwood Gospel Mission (Santa Rosa, Calif.), passed away January 15 while serving at the mission. Our prayers are with Duane’s family and the mission clients and staff. Bill Southrey of Atlantic City Rescue Mission (Atlantic City, N.J.) was appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Hunger in New Jersey. The purpose of the task force is to “establish food security for all of the residents of the state.”

President Bush talks about faith and addiction
President George W. Bush visited a Maryland drug and alcohol rehabilitation program recently and talked openly about how faith helped him overcome his own problems with alcohol. “I understand addiction, and I understand how a changed heart can help you deal with addiction,” Bush said. Read the full story at http://tinyurl.com/2b2ton.

Grammy-winning song relates to mission work
Last Sunday, the Grammy for song of the year went to Amy Winehouse for “Rehab,” her autobiographical lament about addiction. The song is a commentary on the struggles people go through in deciding whether to enter rehab, and may influence many of the young people who listen to her music. Learn about Winehouse and her award at http://tinyurl.com/2edaz2. Read the song lyrics, which may be useful when speaking about the mission, at http://tinyurl.com/265jo3.

Immigrants are people in need
Illegal immigration is a hot political topic. No doubt the debate will continue right up to the elections in November. Good folks within AGRM stand on both sides of the issue. How should compassion and care be shown to poor and needy people who are in the country illegally? Pastor Isaac Canales gives his perspective about the opportunities of immigration on Leadership journal.net at http://tinyurl.com/2xot3y. Tell us what you think.

Stimulus package receives positive response
Nearly three quarters (73 percent) of Americans are supportive of the multi-billion economic stimulus package passed by Congress—that’s up to $600 for most individuals and up to $1,200 for most couples in income tax rebates. According to a USA Today/Gallup Poll, 67 percent who make less than $20,000 annually, and would receive only $300 per individual, also approve of the package. In an unrelated Associated Press-Ipsos poll, 45 percent said they will use the money to pay off bills, 32 percent will save or invest it, 19 percent will spend it, and 4 percent will donate it to charity. Hooray for the 4 percent! Read more at http://tinyurl.com/2dqe6u.

Most believe King’s dream is being realized
In the more than 44 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech, at least a moderate amount of Dr. King’s “dream” has been fulfilled, say 88 percent of those responding to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll. The full report is available at http://tinyurl.com/2ya9hk.

Heating costs up nearly 10 percent
According to AARP and USA Today, the price of heating homes with natural gas has increased by 9.5 percent over last year. The average customer will pay $891 to heat a home this winter, an increase of $78 from 2007. People coming to your mission for utility assistance will be greater financial need than in previous years.

Mission kids adopt a grandparent
Kids from the Bethesda Mission (Harrisburg, Pa.) youth center access a wealth of experience and knowledge through the center’s Adopt-a-Grandparent program. In a joint effort between the mission and the ecumenical community, kids from the youth center get together with their adopted grandparents at least once a month after school to play games, eat snacks, and just have a great time together. The program is a winner for everyone involved.

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

Positions available…

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

Clinton, IA: Women's Shelter Resident Manager - Looking for resident manager willing to live in beautiful home to run program for six single women. Room and board and small salary. Contact Victory Center Ministries, PO Box 1694, Clinton, IA 52733-1694. Phone: 563-242-9016 Fax: 563-357-8552 To contact via email: jeremiah3117@yahoo.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: Manager of Retail Operations - Provide leadership/oversight for thrift stores - coordinate sheltered workshop program portion of residential addictions ministry. Requires retail/business experience with ministry background. Contact Trinity Mission Ministries, 817 N. 12th Street, Lafayette, IN 47904. Phone: 765-742-1060 Fax: 765-742-1061 To contact via email: dtaylor@trinitymission.org

Long Beach, CA: Two Openings - Executive Assistant to CEO & Exec. Staff; Men's Program Director. Fax resume w/ salary req. Long Beach Rescue Mission, 1430 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813. Phone: 562-591-1292 Fax: 562-216-7667 To contact via email: jlewis@lbrm.org

New Orleans, LA: Family Center Director - Seeking a Family Center Director for the New Orleans Mission. Requires at least 2 years of experience. Please contact Linda Gonzales, New Orleans Mission, PO Box 56565, New Orleans, LA 70156. Phone: 504 523 2116 To contact via email: linda_gonzales@bellsouth.net

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

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Director of Recovery Ministries, High School Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff - White Center, Gym Assistant-Computer Lab Assistant-Youth Services, 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

Coming Events…

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).

He staggered not

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform”
(Rom. 4:20–21, KJV).

In the mid-1800s, George Mueller wrote, “Often, I have placed myself in the position of having no finance at all left, and 2,100 orphans at the table. But with everything else to be provided for, and all funds gone, there were 189 missionaries to be assisted, and nothing left, about 100 schools with 9,000 students, to be entirely supported, and no means on hand, about 4 million tracts to be printed and tens of thousands of Bibles to be sent out…and all the money expended.” But he concluded, “God who has raised up this work, and God who has led me, and God who has supported this work now for more than 40 years…will not suffer me to be confounded, because I rely on Him and he will provide me with what I need.”

It was true then, and it is still true today: If this is God's work, God will provide!

Submitted by Malcolm Lee (Richmond, Calif.)

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.