The Pool of Bethesda

The Pool of Bethesda today.

Back in Jesus' day, there was a man by the pool of Bethesda for nearly 40 years, waiting for healing. Traditionally, as the waters would get stirred up, one would dip themselves in, expectant of a miracle. Jesus walked up to this man, and said, "Don't you want to be made whole?"

He did, of course, but replied, "I have no one to put me into the water."

That's what we do at the Mission. We help people into the healing waters of a changed life. They have to want it. And we don't actually make the change for them. It's a lot of hard work on their part, and much prayer and patience on ours.

No one wants to touch the men and women with palsy. The ones full of sin, and lives that have been tainted with things that most of us wouldn't want to go near, much less hear about.

And so our RESCUE team, a committed group of staff members and volunteers, agree to sacrifice their own time and conveniences, not only to touch the ones with palsy, but to enter into their world and offer them a changed life.

Turning resolutions into reality

Turning resolutions into reality
Joe Couture,
Leader Post, Regina

For many, a new year means resolving to improve. In Regina, there are options to help make resolutions realities.

Tanya Shkopich, regional manager of California Fitness, said staff at the company's three Regina gyms always see increases in guest participation and in new memberships after the calendar is new.

The gyms have specials at this time of the year to encourage new folks to visit.

"Obviously, quite a few motivated people are walking through the door having New Year's resolutions and goals they'd like to achieve," she said. "Some people do stick around. You do get some of the people that come for a few months, but then they start to dwindle."

Anyone new to one of the three gyms will be taken through a quick, full-body workout in order to become familiar and comfortable with all of the equipment. They will be provided a program.

"Seek a professional for optimum results," added Shkopich, noting personal training is available at all the facilities.

Dawna Wiebe, manager of sport and recreation for the City of Regina, said the city sees "quite an increase" in drop-ins and class attendance at all three of its major leisure centres every time it's a new year. Last January, over 50,000 people went through leisure centre doors. That compares to a monthly average in the neighbourhood of 40,000.

"I would actually think New Year's resolutions do make a difference," said Wiebe. "We notice quite a substantial increase ... People want to get healthy -- right after Christmas is a good time."

The city also has promotions going on in January to encourage facility use. On personal trainers, she noted people can call the Fieldhouse to arrange sessions.

Though some resolve to get in shape, others resolve to volunteer more -- and the need for volunteers is always significant, according to both Michelle Porter of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and Tracey Mann of the United Way Regina.

Many people volunteer at Christmas, but the needs continue into the new year. Volunteering options often can be flexible, and they provide benefits to both the volunteer and the organization that he or she is helping out, Mann said.

The United Way maintains an online database of volunteer opportunities in the city -- there are more than 300 positions posted for many different places.

Porter noted Souls Harbour alone needs all sorts of help with its many programs, especially at the year's start.

"Generally, people forget we exist in January," Porter said, with a laugh. "We need tons of volunteers; we're so short."
Some people resolve to get better organized and professional services are available to help with any kinds of organizing needs. Susan McCune is one of only a handful of professional organizers in Regina registered with the national association representing the job.

"Regina is not a hotbed for professional organizers," she said, noting she attributes that to an "agrarian mentality" in the city. But the practice of hiring a professional organizer is big in bigger cities, she said. Organizers work with clients to meet the individual needs they identify.

January isn't a busy time for McCune, she said, noting she tends to see an increase in interest in the spring and fall.

Some people resolve to cut back on drinking in a new year. David Morris, a spokesman for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said January is "typically the slowest month for sales on the whole," but said it's "difficult to say what impact New Year's resolutions would have" as there are a number of other reasons for a January slowdown.

"Many people purchase more in November and December in preparation for the holiday season," he said. "December is by far our busiest month of the year. Another thing that really has an impact on our sales is the weather."

SASKATCHEWAN VOLUNTEER MEDAL RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to our faithful volunteer and board member, Beth Ell, who was selected as a recipient of the 2008 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Quoting Gerri Carroll, founder of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, Beth said, "Gerri always said I would be following in her footsteps, but this is an honour I never expected!"

You can view the ceremony at 1:30 on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Legislature.

The Media Release and Bio follow:

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart announced today the names of eight recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. The Medal recognizes outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community involvement.

"The eight remarkable individuals who will receive the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal epitomize generosity and commitment, ingenuity and compassion, determination and service," Barnhart said. "Each is an inspiring role model and is most deserving of this prestigious honour."

The 2008 recipients are:
• Robin Bellamy, Saskatoon
• Beth Ell, Regina
• John Ford, Gray
• Ajay Krishan, Prince Albert
• Camille I. Ross-Bell, Gravelbourg
• Ken Sagal, Regina
• Maurice Taylor, Tisdale
• Courtney Vaudner, Melville

The recipients will receive their awards on April 21, during National Volunteer Week, at Government House in Regina. Recipients are selected by the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council from nominations submitted by the public. Including the eight new recipients, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal has been presented to 120 outstanding individuals since 1995. Saskatchewan has the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada.

2008 Recipient
Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal

Beth Ell grew up in Kelvington and began volunteering at a young age. She has enhanced the quality of life of many people through her endeavours. She spends countless hours fundraising for and running many programs, events and parties for underprivileged and sick children in Regina, where she now lives. Her dedication and obvious conviction in the causes she supports always attracts new members. She has served her community in the following ways:

• President, Hospital Auxiliaries of Saskatchewan
• President, Vice-President and Secretary, Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary
• Volunteer, Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary gift shop
• Fundraiser, helping to raise over $1 million for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation
• Organizer for the Hospital Auxiliaries National Convention in Regina
• Volunteer, Pasqua Hospital children’s ward
• Board Member and Volunteer, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and Executive Member of the Women’s Auxiliary Rescue Mission (W.A.R.M)
• Volunteer, Sears Canada, fundraising for children’s parties, barbeques and other events
• Volunteer, SGI, Roughrider Days, Classic Curling events, school pizza and chilli days
• Awarded: CTV Citizen of the Year, 2008

Thanks to her nominator and fellow volunteer at Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, Myrna Harvey-Opper.

CTV Regina Citizen of the Year

We had a wonderful time celebrating with Beth Ell at yesterday's luncheon to honour her being selected for the prestigious, Regina's CTV citizen of the Year. CTV went all out, having Beth invite 65 friends and family (and a few extra because she has SO many siblings!) I had the honour of speaking on behalf of our nominator, Myrna Harvey-Opper, a fellow volunteer to Beth. Here is my two minute speech:

Beth Ell has been involved with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission for at least 12 years. So long she couldn't quite remember! She served alongside our founder, Geri Carroll, and continues to do this every day!

Beth loves her job at SGI. What she loves most is the flexibility they provide for her to rush home, change her clothing, and run to the Soup Kitchen to serve in the children and family section. Over the years she has developed meaningful and lasting friendships with the women and children there.

When Regina RESCUE Mission merged with Souls Harbour, she was one of the board members who saw us through the transition. Today she continues to use her time, talents and treasure as a director on our board.

2 years ago we started an inner city church. We believe that strong churches mean strong communities. Beth dove right in and she and Bob are two of our most dedicated members! At the Good News Chapel, Beth is on the Sunday School team, helps with our weekly potluck, and loves to invite the friends she's made at the Soup Kitchen.

Beth serves on the executive of our Womens Auxillery, (WARM) helping coordinate the monthly activities and special events such as womens community breakfasts.

Oh, and ocasionally she gets a Friday off and comes to help ME in the office!

When Beth found out we nominated her for the Citizen of the year, she sent US flowers!!

Beth, on behalf of the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission board of directors, 21 staff, 100regular volunteers, and the children and families you serve, congratulations, and God bless you!

Beth concluded the lovely Hotel Saskatchewan luncheon, complete with Regina Symphony String Quartet, with her own speech. In it, she deflected her accomplishments by acknowledging those who have made a difference in her life. She also shared her passion for passing on the torch of volunteerism to the next generation, starting with her own neices and nephews! Beth finished with a heart-warming story about a little boy at the Soup Kitchen she's gotten to know over the years, through her kid's ministry. (Oh, did we forget to mention that she also runs the annual Christmas is for Kids Program?!)

This near homeless little boy would come to eat, and naturally, fight with his siblings, who were always tattling on him. Beth got weary of chastising him day after day, and turned and said, "You know what? You are a wonderful little boy. You are so special and a good brother." He turned to her and said, sheepishly, "Thanks. But you're the only one that thinks so."

Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house, from family, to friends, to government officials, to CTV celebrities.

Congratulations, Beth Ell! We all love you!!

CTV Regina 2008 Citizen of the Year

Beth Ell and Aaron Cross, our Emergency Services Manager and Cook, taking a brief break serving at a special holiday dinner.

Volunteer Myrna Harvey-Opper secretly nominated Beth Ell for CTV's Regina 2008 Citizen of the Year. Each night after work, Beth rushes home to change then runs over the Soup Kitchen and serves meals to the women and children in the family section. Beth and her husband, Bob, are fully involved in the Mission, both at a church level, attending and participating at the Good News Chapel, to the Soup Kitchen, and much much more. I'll let the article tell the rest of the story!

CTV Regina 2008 Citizen of the Year
An active community volunteer is named CTV Regina's Citizen of the Year

An SGI underwriter who has dedicated her life to helping others is the 2008 CTV Regina Citizen of the Year.

Beth Ell was selected by a panel of judges from among almost a dozen nominees.

Ell is a former president of the Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary. She has organized and directed fund raising events. She helped raise over one million dollars for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. She is also known for her efforts in support of school pizza days and chili days.

Beth Ell has volunteered for ten years at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission...doing everything from organizing parties to leading bible studies. She also sits on the board of directors and is on the executive of the Women's Auxiliary Rescue Mission.

Beth Ell grew up Kelvington, the eldest of 13 brothers and sisters.

In making the announcement, CTV Saskatchewan Vice President Dennis Dunlop pointed to " Ells exceptional dedication to the community of Regina."

Beth Ell will be formally recognized at an award event in early 2009.

Congratulations, Beth! We love you!!

Go Riders! Go Geri!

SUGGESTION:
Pay tribute to Geri the
founder. Picture?
Brief History
She was so Great -
along with God they were Real

PS. I felt this could have
been a Rider dinner --
not so much
emphasis
on them!

We had a note put into the offering basket at our annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet in May. It was a wonderful time, with full sponsorship and great attendance! I'm sad that Miss Mystery did not see how we acknowledged Geri during the event, and in case others feel we are dishonouring her wonderful heritage, I wanted to share a bit of my heart about Geri.

I didn't know Geri very well, but the one thing I knew was that she heard the voice of God, and obeyed. Starting from it's humble beginnings in 1990 with a prayer, a pot of coffee, and a few wooden milk crates for chairs, she established this ministry as the main source of help for the hungry in Regina.

I am honoured to follow in her footsteps, and to take over her leadership since she went to be with the Lord. I often think what a big responsibility it is to fill her shoes. Geri overcame so many personal obstacles in her life and yet gave all she had to Jesus.

I remember each time I would see her in her office, she offered to pray with me. She asked how I was and how the ministry of the Regina RESCUE Mission was doing. Geri truly was a servant and I am thankful our two works have combined to become the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. And how wonderful to have her son, Donovan, be a central part of her legacy by serving as our Chief Operating Officer and my partner in leading this Mission.

So, yes, Geri was a very real person. And we continue her legacy by feeding over 100,000 each year at the Geri Carroll Hope Centre. If you are ever interested in helping us give food and hope to the poor, please contact Aaron, our Emergency Services Manager, who served under Geri's leadership.

Two Tickets to Paradise

It was sooooooooooooooo good to be back home today at our Good News Chapel. There was a warmth and comfort about the morning that reminded me why this inner city church plant in the heart of Regina's North Central is essential. It is nourishing to the soul, challenging to live out our faith, and affectionate as family should be.

Did you know that Jesus encouraged us to treat the body... that is, our church family, as a priority over others? For instance, when you are in a situation where you may offend either your Christian brother, or the host of a gathering, you are to choose what is right before your brother's eyes... and let the chips fall where they may!

That familial feeling was an arrow in my heart this morning. Ken and I were greeted with hugs and "alohas" and encouraged to talk all about our trip. We followed up with our usual potluck, and had a great time reconnecting after our month away in paradise.

Ken incorporated much of our experience into his sermon this morning, "Two Tickets to Paradise." He wore a fancy "preachers lei" Paula made for him and showed slides of Hawai'i in the background as he spoke of the TRUE PARADISE to which we have been waiting for since Adam and Eve got themselves kicked out of Eden. Derrick even played a Hawaiian drum as we sang about our future home in Heaven.

A challenge was given at the end for any who don't know Christ to commit themselves to getting to know Him and living for Him. We are also looking forward to an inner city Vacation Bible School in August where even more people can commit to that future trip to paradise!

If you are interested in helping out with that, please contact Melanie at the Mission. We need help advertising and at the clubs. This will not be your normal VBS, I can assure you of that! Come ready for a challenge with great reward!

TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE, by Eddie Money

Got a surprise especially for you,
Something that both of us have always wanted to do.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

I said a sad good-bye to Larry and Pat Martin today. Larry has been with the Mission nearly since his it's founding in 1999. He phoned wanting to get involved, and was quickly set up to began leading our Overcomers weekly support group.

As a recovered addict himself, he was such a great asset for our men. He then moved to a new position of leading our weekly life and social skills class, focusing on relapse management. When he took early retirement, he began giving even more of his time by sponsoring several men on the LifeChange Program.

Larry was a fixture around here, and blessed many of us with his wit and dry sense of humour, his honesty and openness, and his eagerness to serve Christ at "the Rescue Mission." We hugged, both of us in tears, (mostly him as I have to be tough, of course!) as he pulled out towards his new home. I know there will be a new ministry in Alberta that will appreciate him as much as we have!