South Side Mission Youth Worker Larry Thomas shares a laugh with kids in our Summer Day Camp. We have 125 young people enrolled this summer.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM JUNE 2010
Decisions to follow Christ for the month
337
Kids enrolled at Camp Kearney
177
Average number of homeless women & children housed nightly
39
Families served with free clothing, furniture, appliances & housewares
579
Attendance in our Laramie Street Sunday School, weekly
47
Attendance at our RiverWest Bible Study
4
Elderly Services home, hospital or nursing home visits
67
Formerly homeless women moving out successfully
2
Food baskets given away at our RiverWest Satellite Office
8
Number of people completing a discipleship course this month
8
Average attendance at the Lighthouse Diner
22
Churches that have Adopted Blocks in 61605
18
Food baskets given away through our Garden Street Benevolence Center
628
Attendance at our South Side Manor Bible Study
7
Food baskets given away at our Harrison Homes Satellite Office
66
Attendance at our Harrison Homes Bible Studies (2)
13
Attendance in our Chapel services, Laramie Street, weekly
39
Volunteer hours, as a ministry
2,135
Attendance in our Chapel services, Garden Street, weekly
402
Attendance at our B’Nai B’Rith Bible Study
9
Pastoral care visits & counsels (non-elderly)
63
Attendance at our Hurlburt House Bible Study
6
Children enrolled in Summer Day Camp in the BYC
125
Hot meals to the poor
9,240
FINANCIALS FROM JUNE 2010
Monthly revenue vs. budgeted
$201,629/$176,276
Monthly expenses vs. budgeted
$354,197/$358,720
Positive or Negative on the Month
- $152,569
Yearly revenue vs. budgeted
$1,317,279/$1,183,656
Yearly expenses vs. budgeted
$1,569,302/$1,631,679
Positive or Negative on the Year
- $252,023
How we’re doing versus budget
+ $196,000
Indicated decisions for Christ 337
The Holy Spirit continues to bring many souls to Christ here on the south side of Peoria. This is one of those fun months in which just about every department at South Side Mission sees a decision for Christ. Mission Mart even saw one this month! Here’s how the rest came across the line of faith; three in Mission at Prayer, 11 at RiverWest, three in the shelter, 234 at the Benevolence Center, five in chapel at Laramie Street, five in Kings Kids, 19 in Day Camp, 52 at Camp Kearney, one in Elderly Services, and three at Harrison Homes.
Financials
The Lord is giving us an amazing financial year in 2010.
On the year:
· Over budget on revenues
· Under budget on expenses
· $196,000 better than expected
On the month of June:
· Over budget on revenues
· Under budget on expenses
· The four Mission Marts combined to hit 99.9% of their monthly revenue goal.
God reserves the right to not participate in a recession
Inside the numbers:
It may seem shocking that we could feel as positive as we do about losing $250,000 on the year so far. It’s because our fundraising year sees us lose money all the way until October and then year end is a bonanza for us and we finish in the black on the year. To lose $250K thus far this year is actually nearly $200,000 better than where we thought we would be.
God Sightings
Rev. Craig Williams reports that two new Hope Builders projects were completed in June; a couple of senior citizens homes.
· One received a new floor in her bathroom, this work was much needed. The floor was so sunken due to water damage and a leak which was also repaired. She received a new faucet and vanity donated from her church.
· We started another project on a senior’s home that had been cited by the city due to the shingles blowing off her roof and carport falling down. She will also receive a new roof on her carport as well, this will also serve as a roof for her front porch, she also received a porch railing, she is recovering from a stroke and is making frequent doctor visits.
South Side Mission celebrated the 3rd year of partnership with Peoria Housing Authority and the opening of the satellite office at River West. There were 250 people in attendance. What a great day we had as we gave honor to God for opening the doors to meet the needs of the residents in River West. There was free food, lots of water and punch to keep us hydrate in the 94 degree weather! Residents selected free clothing and shoes, many brand new with the tags still attached and let’s not forget the favorite of the children; the bike give away! Imago Dei sponsored the giant inflatable slide that the children enjoyed tremendously. Yolanda & Destiny Rush (mother & daughter praise dance team) were so precious! Yolanda gave her testimony of how doctors said she could not have children and God bless her with 2 children! And now her first born, 5 year old Destiny dances in praise unto the Lord! Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
[from Associate Executive Director, Youth Ministries, Sheree Lyles’ report]
An 8 year old boy fell in mud while working in the garden, We came into the building to find clothes for him. We were having a difficult time finding a pair of shorts. We asked God to help us find what we needed for him. In a box in the storage room was one pair of shorts in his size. The boy looked up and said “Wow God is always listening”. What a way to share Jesus with a child. He was so excited he said that the South Side Mission has the best program. He said that his school would have made his mom leave work and lose money What a way to share Jesus with a child. . God is so good.
[from Associate Executive Director, Benevolence, Steve Dunn’s report]
The B.C. has been getting a lot of calls for prayer. Many people are without jobs and insurance. I let people know that they may not have medical insurance, but they have assurance in Christ Jesus! He always is so faithful. One of our volunteers, Bonnie, asked for prayer for a little boy named Noah. Noah was having problems with severely clogged ears that made him so he could not hear. We lifted up Noah to the Lord in prayer, and the next day Noah was completely healed. Another lady named Joann called distraught. Her husband was in jail and she was praying that he would receive grace and mercy. After we prayed for her, she called back later saying he was released from jail.
The Lord has been sending some amazing donations to the Benevolence Center. Several area plant nurseries have donated more than 100 flats of veggies and flowers. Some we kept for the gardens, but most we gave away. Receiving flowers to grow really brightened the faces of those we served at the BC. We also received a donation of 4000 pounds of fries from Peru, IL. This donation came at exactly the right time because what better food could be donated during camp and day camp time. The B.C. was blessed with a $4000 Craftsman tractor, a leaf blower, trimmer, and even oil and a filter. All of these were given to Adopt-A-Block. Craig Williams was smiling from ear to ear. We gave an air conditioner to Elderly Services. Another donation of $400 worth of light bulbs came in, and was donated to Paul at camp. We received five pallets of food from the new Hy-Vee store. We gave Kings Kids 15 cases of juice and apples. We blessed the youth department with prizes and gifts. We gave out six wheel chairs and five shower chairs. Isn’t God good?
Did You Know?
At the end of June, we had 98 employees on the payroll (some are Camp Kearney counselors who are temporary employees).
[from Associate Executive Director, Benevolence, Steve Dunn’s report]
As part of our urban gardening program, our two large vegetable gardens at the BC are producing like gangbusters. We harvested 2,400 onions, 3 cuttings of mustard greens, 3 cuttings of collard greens, countless numbers of green tomatoes and cucumbers, and we have harvested the second batch of green beans. This garden would not have been possible if it were not for the countless hours of many people working together for a common goal. The neighbors of the B.C. have taken to the monitoring of the garden so that it does not get destroyed. I have made plans to till and replant more vegetables the first week of July. God has even supplied the rain to water the garden. We have only watered the garden once, and that was yesterday. We plan on replanting three dozen pepper plants and one dozen eggplants in July.
According to her autobiography, Margaret Kearney, South Side Mission founder Helen Haien’s right hand lady, was always torn about choosing to serve at the Mission rather than to accept a missionary slot with a group that was ministering at an Indian Reservation out west. Well, Margaret would smile if she knew that in June, the B.C. donated 22,000 pounds of clothes to an Indian Reservation in Mexico. This is not the first time we have done this sort of thing. Last year, we partnered with Marvin and Chrisanne Burr to send some things with them on their yearly trip to minister to the Native Americans on the Navaho Nation Indian Reservation (http://southsidemission.blogspot.com/2009/06/your-generosity-extends-long-way.html).
We added two more Adoptablock churches this month, Bethel United Methodist Church & Cross Roads Church. That brings the total of churches to 18.
Our Summer Day Camp in our Breakout Youth Center has been blessed by many volunteers from Child Evangelism Fellowship and Awana Clubs from local churches. They were instrumental in leading 19 kids to Christ in Day Camp in June.
Stories of People You Have Helped
[From Associate Executive Director, Youth Ministries, Sheree Lyles’ report]
As part of our discipleship focus, we decided to pilot a group of 12-13 year olds since there is such a need for services for teens. They are being discipled as well as serving in the day camp as peer leaders. ‘These are youth who attended day camp for 4 years. A requirement of this program was that the group would also provide some community service. It has been a joy working with this group. I look forward to continuing a program for teens in the future. I Thank God for the vision.
This group went on a journey to the Benevolence Center. They sang songs, performed a skit, and devotion. Afterwards we noticed a lady sitting in the back of the chapel crying. The 12-13 year old children approached her and asked if they could pray for her since she was so broken. She commented that these children were amazing. The children are the same age as her own. John a 12 year old began to pray. He stated that the Holy Spirit worked through him as they ministered to a mom that was really broken. We took her address, the children said that they would like to follow up with her.
I selected a senior on Howett St, who needed some yard work done. The 12-13 year old group went over pulled weeds, cut grass, and planted flowers. Mrs. C. came outside and became overwhelmed. She could not believe how nice that her yard looked. The children will maintain her yard for the summer.
[from Director of the NPC shelter and Chaplain Rev. Linda Butler’s report]
This is a portion of a letter received this month from a former resident attending Midstate College soon to graduate with an Associate Degree in Business Administration, “I made the Dean's List in February with a grade point of 3.75 and again in May with grade point of 3.65. I've gotten my felony sealed and in the process of getting the rest of my criminal record sealed. I just recently joined the usher board (at her local church) and in the process of becoming a greeter. My goal is to graduate January 2011. I want to thank you for all you and your staff helped with to put my life back together. Another letter came in from a nearby prison: I've read your brochure and I want to be admitted to your shelter program. I completely understand that is based on Christian principles. I also understand that the shelter program is a personal growth program that demands structure and discipline in a communal environment. I look forward in participating in your New Promise Center. I am very excited about Making a Change, Living the Change, and Securing the Change.
[from Director of External Ministries Minister Bessie Rush’s report]
One of our school ministry students from our Manual High school group stopped by to see us. He informed me that he was having issues with his family and was now living with his grandmother. We encouraged him to remember that God would help him in his time of need. We also encouraged him to get involve with the SSM Youth programs. It is such a blessing that this young man considers us as part of his support system. It’s only because of Christ that we have made an impact on the lives of these.
[from Associate Executive Director, Benevolence, Steve Dunn’s report]
Not only do we thank God for the obvious victories at the B.C., but we also thank God for the unforeseen victories as well. Man looks at the outward appearance, and God looks at the heart. A lady came in yelling and screaming. I felt moved with compassion from the Lord, and I gave her a hug. The lady broke down in tears. She started confessing all of the pain and heartache she has had in her life. Years of abuse, years of alcoholism, and years of a lifestyle filled with pain. She said she was ready for a change in her life. We gathered around her and began to pray for her. When that woman left the B.C. it was obvious that the Lord had changed her from the inside out.
[from Camp Director Paul Mulholland’s report]
Campers often show up at camp needing things. During our first week of camp one young boywe’ll call him Jared) showed up with shoes with large holes in the bottom of them. As it was very rainy the first day of camp the water and mud from the trails easily filled his shoes and ruined the only pair of socks he brought with him. We always remind our counselors to inform us if they have a camper with physical needs. Jared’s counselor immediately recognized his need for new shoes and socks and even gave Jared two pairs of his own socks. When his counselor told me of the need, I placed a call to Sheree Lyles and she went out that evening a purchased Jared a brand new pair of shoes. The next morning it was my pleasure to present Jared with his new shoes and several pairs of new socks. Jared was very surprised, grateful, and thankful and mentioned his appreciation almost every time I saw him during the rest of the week. Jared wasn’t the only camper to be on the receiving end of those needing items. Here is a partial list of items we gave to campers during June: Shoes, socks, pajamas, shorts, shirts, towels, luggage, sheets, sleeping bags, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sun tan lotion, and bug spray. We will continue to try and meet the needs of our campers and will always be on the lookout for opportunities to change lives by meeting physical needs.
During our first Monday registration at SSM we had a grandmother show up with a child expecting to send her to camp (we’ll call her Jessica). When we checked our registration roster we had Jessica listed as being on our waiting list. Since the camp was full we had to tell her grandmother that we did not have room to take Jessica. The grandmother was very upset since she was under the impression that Jessica was registered for camp (even though we had send a letter informing the Jessica’s mother that she was on the waiting list and unless a spot opened up she would not be able to attend. The mother had not passed this information on to the grandmother). Jessica was in tears since several of her friends were already checked in and would be attending camp this week. Since sometimes we do have registered campers who do not show up I kindly asked the grandmother to wait around to see if we had any no-shows. I was secretly hoping we’d have at least one no-show because my heart hurt for this girl and I really wanted to see her get to go to camp. Even though there were others on the waiting list ahead of Jessica, I told her that since they were already there that I would give her the first spot if one should come available. A few minutes before closing registration we did have one registered camper that had yet to show. I then decided we would let Jessica have that spot. When I informed them that we could take her, Jessica was overjoyed and the tears quickly turned to smiles. As we were checking her in, the grandmother completely changed her mood and was very thankful that we were able to get her granddaughter in. I teased with Jessica that God must really want her at camp since he opened up a spot just for her. On Thursday night during our campfire service at the nature chapel Jessica was one of four children to make first time decisions for Christ. I always tell the children that the reason they are at camp is because God wanted them there for a reason. There is no better example of this than Jessica. Though I have seen his mighty hand at work many times, I am still amazed at some of the ways He works.
[from Associate Executive Director, Facilities, Steve Suttor’s report]
God’s work continues in many lives, even those who haven’t yet turned to the Lord. While working outside on the pavilion one day early in the month, I was approached by a friend who comes regularly to the Diner. He went quickly to the heart of the matter, telling me just what he agreed with, and what he didn’t agree with. In particular, he challenged the idea that Jesus was God, dying on the cross, forsaken by His father. These are serious issues, and we had a long good talk. He wanted to know what “I” thought, and not just quote Bible verses. This is how I really enjoy sharing the Gospel. I was able to point to the passage in Phillipians 2 (my favorite), and throw back some questions to him. Others listened in. May God use His Word to reveal Himself and draw these guys to the Beautiful Son of God!
[from Assistant Executive Director, External Ministries, Rev. Craig Williams’ report]
While Rev. Craig Williams was speaking on WVEL-AM a young man from Manual High School Chapel was listening to the broadcast and was very moved by what he heard concerning the various ministries of South Side Mission and our goals to minister in 61605. This young man walked over to the Mission to speak with the Minister he had heard on the broadcast. He had experienced some problems with drugs such as Crack Cocaine and had a desire to stop using (which he did) because he wanted to get his life together and his desire also was to get his relationship with his Mom intact. He wanted someone to talk to that could help guide him in this area. Praise God for our ministry in the schools.
Two sisters; one a senior citizen, came by the Mission after calling to get help because the Cilco was shut off due to a bad storm that damaged the wires connected to her house. Cilco had to shut her off for safety reasons and could not restore her services until she gets a permit for the proper work that was needed. She had no way of getting the permit. These ladies sat at the Mission until I arrived that morning, they were in tears as they
explained their situation. Afterwards we prayed with them and assured them that we would at least come by and see if we could find someone to assist them. Well, God not only connected us with an electrician that took out the time to go by to see he could do to help, but God moved on his heart to pull the permit and to complete all the work free of charge. LOOK AT GOD!
[from Director of Elderly Services Robin Winfrey’s report]
Driving away from the Hurlburt House Bible Study I noticed two elderly women on their front porches. I stopped to introduce myself and as we got to know each other I learned one of them had almost no food in her home. I was able to supply her with a food basket and tell her about the BC. She has children in town and they will be able to take her to collect food in the future. My prayer is that in asking them for transportation her family will take up the slack and begin making sure mom has food.
Gloria had the indwelling foley catheter removed this week. She has had it for over 10 years. This is HUGE for her. We are praying it can stay out. Now I believe she will finally trust God to take away her cigarette addiction. She is digging into His Word and sharing with others in the apartments.
[from Associate Executive Director, Development, Meg Newell’s report]
Last year, we invited some friends from an area hotel to sample our Culinary Arts Training School. In a few conversations since then, I’ve enjoyed the Human Resources Director, but never saw her again. In May, I got a call from her. She shared with me that she was worried about her son (who is the same age as my son Dylan), who was making new friends that may be leading him down a wrong path, and she just didn’t know what to do. I talked with her and suggested that she sign him up for Camp Kearney and Boy Scouts. Here is the note that I received after camp:
Thank you South Side Mission for offering Camp Kearney. My son is 12 years old and was really struggling with some new friendships that he made. The new friends didn’t go to church, used bad language, had no respect for parents and one of the friends parents is using drugs. No matter what I said to my son, he rebelled. This is when I signed him up for camp. However, he did not want to go and argued with me about going right up to the time he was dropped off.
When I picked him up on Friday, all he could talk about was his camp counselor Zach and the cool stories he told them about God and his faith. Sam has dedicated himself to wanting to go to Sunday school and church to learn more about God and has even pulled out his Bible to read as his counselor encouraged them all to do to learn more about the Lord.
I am so thankful for the experience Camp Kearney offered my son and am so impressed on the quality of counselors that they choose to be a part of their camp. Zach was a wonderful role model for my son and someone that he will never forget. Thank you so much for the experience.
At YOUR service and His,
Philip W. Newton, Executive Director
