Me Tarzan. You Jane.

She is known as "The Secular Saint." Jane Goodall was asked a few pointed questions on CBC Marketplace this weekend.

Q. Just what is the cost of giving your life to the cause? "It's an enormous sacrifice to become Dame Jane Goodall. What has the sacrifice been personally for you?

A. It took me away from the life I love (being in the forest, observing the animals, writing) but there is no way I can get off this treadmill. It's a crusade. It's a mission. I have impacted the world much more than I ever thought I would.

Q. Do you ever have a crisis of faith in your own beliefs?

I had a crisis of faith when my husband was dying of cancer. When you watch someone you love suffering it's very difficult.

Q. So, faith plays a role in your life?

A. Yes! It's just there. It's part of who I am. Part of a belief system. For me, it's very important.

"Founded by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, Jane Goodall Institute is a global nonprofit that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. We are creating healthy ecosystems, promoting sustainable livelihoods and nurturing new generations of committed, active citizens around the world."

So, what of our sacrifice? To be a missionary in the inner city means we set aside our own aims and ambitions. It means we give our lives to the cause of the poor. And it also means we work tirelessly at a cause that has no end. How can we stop when we know that there are children who still need to be fed? When men and women are still trapped by the temptations of poverty? We cannot.

Do we, like Jane, have our crisis' of faith? Yes, of course. We are mere mortals, committing our existence to serve God in Regina's inner city. Sometimes what we see is distressing and heartbreaking. But perseverance and partnerships are key. Won't you join us in 2008?

This is the first part of the story we read yesterday:

The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials.

The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.

I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.

Philippians 3:2-11

New Year's Resolution

Ken and I were chatting before church today, about what he would have preached about had his brother not been on the Good News Chapel roster. Our conversation went along with some thoughts I was having as I contemplated the hope of 2008.

Sometimes in life, there is one thing holding you back from living in victory. One big hurdle that seems insurmountable, and affects you like a low grade fever.

What is the one thing you want to conquer this year? What is the one thing, that, if you focussed on, would allow a mountain to be moved and your life to be drawn closer to the Father.

Do you need to forgive a friend? Release a painful situation? Overcome bitterness from a betrayal? Quit smoking? Stop worrying? Commit to your small group? Go to bed on time? Set your alarm earlier to have those morning devotions? There are a miriad of stumbling blocks--as individiual as you and I.

Take the biggest thing and make it your mission to overcome in 2008!

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

-Philippians 3:12-16 The Message

So, what's YOUR big thing? Care to share in the comments?

TODAY: SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION TO HOST HOLIDAY DINNER FOR THE POOR

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR
Saturday, December 29th, 2007
Noon

CONTACT: Michelle Porter 591-4151

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION TO HOST HOLIDAY DINNER FOR THE POOR

600 Traditional Christmas Meals to be Served in North Central Regina!!

****

WHAT: 4 Course Dinner prepared by chefs from Melrose Place North
Pineapple glazed curried ham, rotini pasta salad, 600 buns, 600 bowls of homemade chicken rice soup, 600 pieces of pumpkin pie, 600 cups of coffee and juice and 600 Christmas stockings and gifts for children to take home!

WHO: Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission partners with Melrose Place North to cook a traditional Christmas meal for the needy men, women, and children in our community.

WHEN: Saturday, December 29th, 2007
Noon

WHERE: Good News Chapel at 1380 Elphinstone Street

WHY: Michelle Porter, Executive Director, says, “More than just a soup kitchen, we provide emergency clothing at our free store, and emergency shelter all year long. Today is a special day when we celebrate hope for the new year.”

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Hundreds and hundreds of Christmas socks filled with goodies, prepared by individuals throughout Saskatchewan. For some, this may be the only Christmas gift they receive!
• Chris Lygouriatis, of Melrose Place North, provides a fully catered meal for the less fortunate.
• Mayor Pat Fiacco has never missed a Christmas dinner in eight years!


BACKGROUND:

 Souls Harbour founded by Geri Carroll in 1990.
 Regina Rescue Mission founded by Rev Ken & Michelle Porter in 2000.
 Merger of two charities now called, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission in January 2007!

They have five facilities: a men’s emergency shelter and drop-in and a LifeChange Program campus for men and women with or without children. They offer a variety of programs including life and social skills classes, addictions programming, food and clothing distribution, emergency shelter, and spiritual counseling. Harbour House is under construction and will be affordable housing and an emergency family shelter in early spring.

#########

Christmas Day Report

Christmas at the Mission is always an exciting time, and this year was no different. With our 22 men, 9 women, little ones, and the dozen men at the emergency shelter, the hall was packed and people were spoiled rotten! I got an email from Derrick about the event, which several of our staff attended:

I thought I would tell you how fantastic the Christmas dinner was! Actually the brunch and dinner! The brunch at 10:30 am consisted of blueberry french toast, raspberries and whipped cream on the side, incredible hash browns(some secret recipe no doubt) ham, and a boat load of bacon, coffee and juice!!!

THE DINNER: Turkey with great gravy, ham, the most unbelievable mashed potatoes(with dill I think), Caesar salad, some other salad with cashews, wonderful string beans and carrots, all kinds of cookies and deserts. They lead us in Christmas carols and handed out gifts. Becca said a moving prayer about the real meaning of Christmas.

I brought 10 guys from the shelter and I know they all really appreciated the whole day of family atmosphere, fun and games. Of course having kids and babies there really gave it a true feeling of a traditional Christmas. I must also compliment Heather and those who helped plan the seating in the basement. They had corners with couches, areas with tables and chairs, that gave one end of the room an almost gay Paris ambiance.

It was one of the better Christmas' I've seen here, or anywhere, especially considering you have a large group of people, many meeting for the first time. And lest I forget to honour our Lord Jesus for filling the room with His Holy Spirit, I never heard a word of anger or disagreement all day. Praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Yours in Christ,
Derrick.

A special thanks to the Cochrane family and the staff who volunteered to help make the day one to remember. And thanks to the community and so many who blessed us with treats and financial gifts that helped us serve a feast for 60.

Alumni Email Communique

I am writing to let you know that I have applied to a school in Mississauga, Ontario, and have been accepted. To all the women in the Mission, I encourage all of them to follow what the Mission has to say on recovery, because without their help, I would be dead today. I love all of you with the deepest prayers that God will bless you as He has me.

Michelle, I would have left that day if you
did not call me a drama queen.

Take care and hope to see you soon. Melissa.

Christmas is for Kids

We had a wonderful Christmas is for Kids Party last week! Volunteers abounded and the 100 children had a lot of attention, laughter, love, and fun.

As soon as they arrived, they were put into groups of 10 with a leader, and they played two games in the middle of the room. Two crazy loud games! Donovan warned me to take an aspirin before I left!

They cycled through an edible craft table, some carnival games, and then finished the afternoon off with a Toonie Tuesday meal, a wonderful gift to open and a candy bag with kids Gospel tract to take home.

What a party! Thanks to Beth and her elves for making this a huge success!

So good, in fact, that we're planning on a Christmas in July Party, so if you're interested in giving us a hand, please call as soon as possible to help coordinate this special summer outdoor event!

Love Your Neighbour!

I love finding Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission news on the web. This is a really good article published last summer in Christian Week, written by Lee Harding.

Savour life Magazine

Savour life Magazine
Vol 5, Issue 49
December 17 - 21, 2007
Bits and Bytes


REGINA - Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission partners with Melrose Place North and Stapleford Pharmacy to cook a traditional meal for the needy men, women, and children in our community. Christmas dinner for 600 will be served at noon on Saturday, December 29 at Good News Chapel, Elphinstone Street. Volunteers are welcome.

Operation Christmas Stocking Reminder

This was in the Leader Post last month; thought a reminder would be in order. It's not too late to get your socks in! In fact, we've extended the deadline to Friday, December 28th!

The City Beat

The Leader-Post
Saturday, November 17, 2007

CHRISTMAS STOCKING

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is seeking contributions for Operation Christmas Stocking 2007. People are asked to buy a pair of warm socks, stuff one into the other and fill the remaining space with useful items such as toothbrushes, a small sewing kit or gift certificates to fast-food restaurants. Socks can be dropped off until Dec. 24 at the mission, 3535 8th Ave.

'Christmas is for Kids' Party!

What: 'Christmas is for Kids' Party
When: TODAY
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 (parents may accompany child)
Place: Good News Chapel Hall (1380 Elphinstone St)
(former Sacred Heart Church)

Gifts and lunch for all children!

Helpers arrive at 1:00 please.

Guest Blog: Derrick Moore

Perhaps Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission's smallest staff Bible study was held this evening with Mel and Derrick in attendance. Of course, our Lord has told us, wherever two or more are gathered in His name He will be also. What did we talk about? Mel recited the whole book of Philippians for me, praise the Lord! Then we both shared how the Lord has moved in our lives in various ways. Before ya know it, it was 8 o'clock I closed in prayer, as Mel had opened in prayer. We said our good nights and Merry Christmas to each other and I was off in the blue steel stead with my trusty side kick Trapper!!

Take Time to be Holy

What ever happened to old time holiness? You know, the devoutness of saints now in Heaven. Where can I find people like this? I know I met some of them at the City Mission World conference. They were the men and women from second and third world countries that stood alone with their team, facing the enemy on the front lines, with nothing but the Scripture and their fellowship to bind them together. Not even two cents to rub to their name. If that was us, we'd be complaining that we're broke. But they are just thankful they aren't being persecuted.

I also find this in some older people I know. The ones most people think are "behind the times" and should "get a life." The ones people tend to feel sorry for. But I am drawn to these people who are looking at higher plains, living beyond their circumstances, and following God like He is their best friend. Like He is all that matters. Not just lip service, but heartfelt companionship.

How does one get this kind of devotion? One way is to dwell in the presence of the Almighty. To truly reflect and spend time with Him.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. -Psalm 91:1

Human Resource Management

We have a brand new department at the Mission. Well, I suppose it's not new, but let's put it this way: I don't have to do it anymore! Melanie has done a lot of different jobs over the past five years or so...

Live-In Women's Home Caretaker
Rescue College Intern
Cook
Women's Resident Manager
LifeChange Program Manager

and now, after a brief hiatus... oh, doing what, you ask? Let's see here... getting married, going to Costa Rica, building a church in Bolivia, cutting coffee out of her diet... WHAT??

What a year to cut coffee out! The best coffees come from Costa Rica and Bolivia, as far as I'm concerned! In fact, this picture was drawn in her honour! Well, those were the olden days. Melanie has been brought back to life as our first HR Manager!

Our Human Resource department, however, is definately not your "normal" HR. Being a group of missionaries means we have a different focus, no matter what we do! Sure, we have strategic plans, goals, and dreams, like everyone else. But to reach our goals, we follow a very different path.

We meet daily for prayer and a short devotional thought from the Bible. We meet weekly for a staff Bible study. Many of us worship together on Sundays. We have "themes" to focus on. Right now, our theme is JOY, and so, we celebrate JOY with "Joy Sticker Days," and JOY Christmas ornaments, and JOY any way we can get it!

Half of our staff have overcome a life-controlling problem. Where once they may have been homeless, or digging through the garbage for a bite to eat, today they are fully functioning members of our team.

Another large portion of our staff have never had a "real" career job before. Committed to hiring young people, it means they have learned their skills "on the job."

All of us feel somewhat displaced, being a missionary in our own country. People don't understand the committment and dedication it takes, and that pull to live for the flesh. To do what the rest of our neighbours are doing and forget about that deep committment to live wholly for Jesus.

Melanie's role is to see to it that all of us misfit missionaries are cared for. Meaning, that we continue to work on our personal lives, that we continue to meet together for fellowship, that we continue to work on being not just a team, but a family. That we focus on supporting one another and being the best person we can be, not only when we are at the Mission, but during our off-times as well.

Working at the Mission means a whole new attitude. And one that isn't commen in North America. It means opening up to each other, being trustworthy, embracing change and not being cliquish or isolationist.

And such is the task of the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission Human Resource Manager. Forget payroll, benefits and the like. Enter attitude, teamwork, a love for God and each other.

Book Review: "YES" or "NO" The Guide to Better Decisions

"YES" or "NO"
The Guide to Better Decisions
A Story, by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

This parable, a quick read, makes a case that all our decisions have consequences, and that, like a chess game, we need to think ahead before acting on our decisions. We should make decisions by consulting both our head, and our heart. When we ask ourself a practical question, when we ask others for advice, then listen to what our real need is, our decisions will become easier and more fruitful.

To distinguish between needs and wants is a Biblical truth. It's so easy to say, "I NEED..." but to what end? What is achieved when we make our decisions based on selfishness and circumlocutious reasoning.

Johnson also makes the case that we need to simplify our decision-making. Complex doesn't mean complicated. If we are mulling over "complicated," we aren't breaking decisions down into baby steps.

Finally, tell the truth. This means, if a decision isn't sitting right with you, if you find yourself rationalizing or making decisions without thinking them through, you may not be being honest with yourself. And if you aren't completely honest, how can you trust that your decision will be the right one?

Just a little story to make you think.

I need a helper!

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission now hiring:

Executive Assistant

FT, provides personal administrative support to the Executive Director. This position involves the independent performance of challenging secretarial work entailing a high degree of responsibility, discretion and confidentiality. In addition to performing secretarial duties, the incumbent performs a variety of routine administrative functions to conserve the time of the Executive Director.

Requires three + years experience at the Executive Assistant level, college diploma in secretarial services, or significant experience as an Executive Assistant with high school diploma, valid drivers license, good written and verbal communication skills, and good interpersonal relationships.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is a Christian charity. Therefore we consider all our employees to be missionaries and must be born-again believers.

Send cover letter and resume to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, Attn: Melanie Hack, PO Box 3356 Stn Main, Regina, SK, S4P 3H1, Fax: 1-306-525-3079, Phone: 1-306-543-0011.