Mission Musings

My San Diego Itinerary

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:02:00 +0000

It's been so nice to come a bit early to enjoy San Diego at the Crowne Plaza. This hotel used to be the Red Lion Hanalei, complete with Hawai'ian theme. Some of that history remains. Let me fill you in on my wonderfully non-eventful time here so far:

Friday:
-Arrival to sunny San Diego
-Shuttle to Hotel & check-in
-Watch a Harrison Ford movie. It was really good, but had to google 'Jack Ryan' (main character) to find out it was called 'Patriot Games'
-Nap
-Order room service: bacon, pepperoni & mushroom pizza
-Watch Food Network's Food Network Challenge & Chopped
-Soak in outdoor hot tub
-Sleep at 9:00

This is what my room looks like, except on the ground floor with a sliding door to patio facing a grassy area & the pool. The hot tub is just around the corner!

Saturday:
-Sleep in until 9:00
-Watch The History Channel. Topic today is the history of the hot dog!
-Back to the hot tub!
-Read a magazine & drink coffee on my patio, overlooking palm trees & pool area
-Free shuttle to Fashion Valley Mall (outdoor) where I procede to buy cute little outfits for Amos, Jude, Judah & Katie.

I also bought an iPhone case at the Apple Store, to keep a little crack in check. This is my Kate Spade case, except in turquoise. At another kiosk I asked if they had a anything to prop my iPhone up on my desk. "Oh, you mean like this?" She showed me a little plastic dodad. "Yes! How much is it?" She placed it in my hand and said, "Free!"

-Back to hotel. Pay for internet to see if Mel and Rae had their babies... YES!
-Call my mom & chat with her and Phil. (She lives in Torrance, California.)
-Order room service: New England Clam Chowder & Hanalei Platter (wings, spring roll, coconut shrimp
-Chat with Ken
-Hot tub in the rain!
-Post blog
-Bedtime!

It's pretty much been a nothing trip so far. And, well, really, that's the point! Tomorrow, if it's not raining, I may take a short run to Old Town before the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions board meeting begins.

Where will your next trip take you?

Hurricane Season at SHRM

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Our Head Chaplain wrote The Joy Club (our staff e-list) this encouragement letter today. He called it, Hurricane Season, at SHRM.

Right now there is a seemingly devastating hurricane of trouble, sickness and loss pounding on the doors of the Mission and on each of our minds and hearts. There are people too injured or sick to work, family members that are sick, allegations and accusations against staff, difficulties with staff and clients, and many of you feeling at your wits end. We might well ask "What is happening around here?" or "What is God doing?" or "Where is God in all of this? These are questions that always arise in times of trouble and trials of faith?"

If you have a few minutes, read Job Chapter 23. If anyone ever wondered why everything was falling apart it was Job. He looked for God but couldn't find him. Yet in verse 10 he says "BHt he knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." This testing of faith is never fun. It almost breaks us; it almost turns us bitter. But right now, in the middle of the storm, is when we must pray for each other and hold on till it is over.

We don't know the exact outcome of our labours and our trials but one day we will know it fully under the clear blue skies of heaven. We'll be able to look back along with Job and say, "That was an awful, tough time. But God used it. God was doing something bigger than I knew.

Jesus said "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

A resident came to me today to tell me she had become a believer in Jesus Christ. That's Gold. Pure Gold. God is up to something, and it's going to be good. The Devil and the world will come at us to sift us like wheat. He will expose our chaff and we will be embarrassed by it. But the wheat that is left is what God is after.

I encourage you to pray in the next week for several things:
1. Staff who are sick, tired or both to get healing, energy and peace.
2. The Mission to be protected from harm.
3. Wisdom for leadership and Board of Directors meeting March 11th.
4. Staff needed to cover gaps at office, shelters, daycare, etc.
5. Funds to finish renovating the youth centre.

I invite you to take one hour in your "prayer closet" sometime soon. Maybe add a fast by skipping a meal. As often as you see a staff member or think of them, say a prayer for them this week.

-Ken

Naked Man

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:16:00 +0000

I must admit, when I first heard the story of the naked man running around Regina, I laughed. But as I continued listening to the newscast, they said the man was in a "distressed state." It was at that point I realized this wasn't some fraternity prank, but a man who was mentally disturbed, or high on drugs, and needed help. Why didn't anyone help him? Why did he end up all the way on the 15th floor at City Hall before anyone tried to offer him aid?

I was saddened and disheartened, and embarrassed for this man, "normally a gentleman", according to Mayor Pat Fiacco's aids. So, we get a chuckle at the thought of a naked man running around on a Tuesday morning around Regina. And we wonder if security at City Hall ought to be beefed up. But maybe the bigger question here, is, why didn't anyone try to stop him? Remember, it's sub-zero temperatures here. Since when did we become so "New York City" that we wouldn't try and offer the man a coat, or follow him to make sure he was safe, until police could apprehend him?

Yes, I know. It's awkward. And uncomfortable. Not to mention scary. But if you were so disturbed, or if it were one of your children, would you not wanted a Good Samaritan to intervene?

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is cuing up for their annual, Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet. It's on Wednesday, May 5th at the Delta Regina. The dinner and parking are free, but you do need a reservation. Come hear stories of Good Samaritan's in action, and how we work 365 days with those that are "distressed."

Call Paula at 543-0011 for more information. Reservations can be made for $10.00. Tickets are NOT available at the door, and are limited, so book now!!

PS. Note to self, for future photos for my articles, do NOT google "naked man."

A Lent that Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:22:00 +0000

When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
-Deuteronomy 8:12-18

Lately I have been challenged in the area of sacrifice. Not sacrifice, for the sake of itself, (think Lent) but sacrifice that is private, and personal - between me and God. The things I choose to give up, in order to make a difference in the world around me.

Jesus says no one has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for the sake of the Gospel, who will not be rewarded 100 TIMES what he left behind. This is serious sacrifice. We're not talking about going without dessert for 40 days. We're talking about doing something with your life that is making lasting and eternal difference.

As I have been purging my house and decluttering, paring my life down to simplicity, I am using the opportunity to ask the difficult questions. Why do I go buy groceries when my freezer still has food in it? What makes me hang on to those new board games I don't play, when I know the youth centre is opening up and will get much use out of them? Why do I need 4 pairs of like new jeans, when there are so many who don't have decent clothing to wear? Why should I sell my new rocker that I don't use, when the Little Souls Daycare has need of it to feed their 9 babies? When Ken and I sold our home and everything we had to come to Regina, God blessed and rewarded that with His favour on the poor of this city.

But you don't have to start a Mission to make a difference. I wonder why someone wouldn't take a more practical spin on Lent. Why not commit to 40 days of attending every open program in your church? I mean, really participating! What about a 40 day fast of your evening news, in order to go serve supper at your local soup kitchen? What about forcing yourself to say hello and attempt to strike up a conversation every day on the bus ride to work, for the simple motive to bless someone? How about a phone call a day to a family member that hasn't heard from you but would be so encouraged to hear your voice! Grandma!!

The point is, the more comfortable we get, and the more attached to our possessions we get, the easier it is to forget the Giver of Life and all it's blessings. The moment we start to take credit for our own life and accomplishments, we are edging God out. My friend, Raphael, now in Heaven, used to remind me of that:

E-dging
G-od
O-ut

=EGO

We've been robbed!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:03:00 +0000

Now that I've wooed you with adorable pictures of sleeping babies, I want to thank you for providing them with toys to play with when they are awake! Our January Toy Drive was a great success and we have been able to outfit Little Souls Daycare with so many wonderful things for the kids to do!

I will admit one setback, though, and that was a robbery we had recently. Some of you brought toys over to our 24 hour location, and they were moved to our church basement for storage until transport. This is the Good News Chapel and Hall, which is available to groups for rentals for weddings and other occasions.

We had a group rent the facility on the weekend, and they took our toys!

I was SHOCKED! Who steals toys from a rescue mission??!!

There was some other things they took, and some damage caused to the property, which Pastor Ken spent an afternoon repairing.

All this to say, if you could find it in your heart to take one more pass at your kids' toys, and bring us gently used toys that we could use to outfit Little Souls Daycare, as well as our Emergency Family Shelters, I would consider it a personal favour.

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." -Luke 18:16

My favourite time of day: NAPTIME!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:25:00 +0000

Well, I needed to lift my spirits so I went next door to our Little Souls Daycare, where the staff and children are always smiling. Then I spotted it: about a dozen babies sprawled out on the floor with their sleeping buddies. Nikki tells me they couldn't even stay up for the story this afternoon. They all zonked out before the story started!

Here's the first girl that caught my eye. So angelic, don't you think?!

Then I stood back and saw the whole scene. Here they are, during my favourite time of the day. No screaming or music blaring, just some zzzzz's. This is the story/reading quadrant, where the little ones like to cozy up together to sleep.

I wanted to call this one three pigs in a blanket but I wondered if the parents would take issue with that. But aren't they so cute?! Little triplet sleeping buddies!

This is one of our 9 infants; they are too young for mat sleeping. I went into the baby room and no sooner did I open the door did one of them start wailing, at which point I slunk out. Daycare Director Mandy caught me red-handed, though, and said next time she's going to put that on video! Yes, that's right. I, Michelle Porter, scare little children. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

I came back to the office and told my executive team that if they ever wanted to cure a bad mood, they should check out Little Souls Daycare during naptime. Aaron, our Junior Executive in Training (JET) got a hold of his little buddy who decided he wanted to skip naptime. He was in his crib beating on the side door!

60-second CBC TV Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:21:00 +0000

I was on the CBC TV News tonight, giving an interview about the Canadian Stretch Tax Credit. Click here to watch!

Q & A: Can anyone give advice to a recovering Heroin addict?

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:56:00 +0000

My friend Joel Comm suggested I start answering online questions in my area of expertise. I decided to give it a try today. This is my first one; let me know what you think!

Q. Can anyone give advice to a recovering Heroin addict?
A. You have a few options available to you:

1. Methadone. Don't use this as a harm-reduction tool; tell your doctor you want to go on a reduction plan. Follow the clinic's instructions EXACTLY - including any advice they give regarding taking classes or support groups.

2. Join a rehabilitation program. Most larger cities (50,000+ in population) have a RESCUE Mission which has a recovery program. You check yourself in, and utilize every tool and resource available to you through the program. Don't let others discourage you. It is worth the time and effort to leave everything and everyone aside for the duration of the program. Putting yourself first in this instance, means your children, family and friends will get the "real you" back; so in essence, you ARE putting them first, by taking care of your personal needs first. In an airplane, passengers are told to put the oxygen mask on themselves before helping others. To find a program near you locate the map feature at http://www.agrm.org

3. 90 meetings in 90 days Support Group. If you're on heroin, my guess is you're not holding down a job, but in case you are, or are in the middle of school, then this is a good option for you. I would suggest also hooking yourself into a church and attending on Sunday and also one mid-week meeting. Without outside support, you will never recover.

4. Combine 1 & 3 or 1 & 2.

God's Valentine's Day Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:39:00 +0000

1 Thes 1:4 Today's sermon went so well with yesterday's blog, that I had to share my sermon notes with you.

Last week Recap:
The reason Paul went to the Thessalonians was because God prevented him from going somewhere else! We need to let God lead us! In just 3 short weeks many came to Christ and became strong Christians! Even some prominent women! Only true conversion brings change that is lasting.

1. What does true conversion mean? How does it happen? It always begins with God and His love for us.

John 3:16--God loves everyone He made and He loves you and is reaching out to you!

Many do not respond to this, or even believe He is Creator! To have
this love, we must respond to this love, to bring us into relationship
with Our Creator.

Just like a human relationship--love must be a two way street and must be responded to! When you love someone, you choose them.

Jesus is God's valentine to you. It was a very dramatic gift and you
must accept it by loving Him back.

2. Witnessing about that love.
The most powerful message in the world is that of redemption! It is
deep conviction in our heart that leads us to sharing God's Message of
Love! Our filling of the Holy Spirit makes us bold and loving about
our faith--not fearful and shy.

If the person receiving your words must also have deep convictions, it
will be a true conversion!! The Bible says it is through our HEART
that we are saved! It is emotional!

3. True conversion is always DRAMATIC. It is a dramatic life change.
The LifeChange program of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, of which this church is a part, has some of you in it. And those that want change and are on the program work hard and graduate from LifeChange with much flair and drama! It's a huge cost to them, and takes a lot of work, but the change for those that do it is permanent and lasting.

Those who accept this valentine are filled with love and joy and
peace. If you, as a Christian, lose your joy, it often comes from sin.
If you find yourself lacking these things, you can restore the joy of
your salvation by turning around and repenting of your mistakes--those idols of the heart: pursuit of pleasure, money, or addictions. When we turn from those things to serve God, it is going to get noticed!!

When you are truly converted, you are not just saved. You are
changed! You love Him because He loved you first. And you eagerly
await to see Him in Heaven.

Sent from Michelle's iPhone

Vancouver 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:30:00 +0000

What's so inspirational about the Olympics, considering I don't know the first thing about athletics, and have never played on a sport's team? As I watched the opening ceremonies in Vancouver, it wasn't about having the best show ever, but about what the show represented: teamwork, unity, and a pride in a country that generally takes a back seat in world affairs. The showcase of talent from the artists and athletes gives us hope that despite world turmoil such as crisis in Haiti, or global warming, we're working together to create a better world. We want to think of mankind as generally good, and there is a continual longing for unity and peace. If we only keep trying, we'll become the best we've ever been!

The sad reality is, that things get progressively worse! When you really do look with a worldview that is larger than Canada, and North America, you see how suffering and pain has only increased over time, and that redemption of our own accord is impossible. As we build our smart cities, we still find increasing crime and poverty. And so, once in a while, we look to something like Vancouver 2010 to feel a breath of fresh air, and to restore our faith and hope in mankind. And it keeps us striving for perfection, to help those we meet have a better life, and to get us out of our selfish thinking and behaviour.

And so, while we strive for this perfection, we should keep in mind that there is Redemption! There is one way and it is by becoming a mere traveller on this earth, recognizing that all we have is loaned to us from the Creator, who is our true Hope and Peace. It isn't a country. It isn't a team. It isn't world-class talent. It's a God who became a man, walked this earth, gathered no earthly possessions or home, and gave His life that we might live forever. So, while you spend the next 17 days being inspired by the young Olympians, spend some time considering your own journey, and what is truly worth your while.

LEAVE A LEGACY™

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:33:00 +0000

Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow

Every day in Saskatchewan, people’s lives are enriched by the work of non-profit organizations. Meals for isolated seniors, summer jobs for disadvantaged high school students, funding for mental health or cancer research, or live performances by local arts groups are just some of the many ways non-profit organizations improve our lives.

Financial assistance is essential to support this work. A majority of Saskatchewan residents give their money and time to local not-for-profits, making sure that those groups can continue to improve the lives of so many in our community. Giving does not have to be limited to your lifetime.

Many people are not aware that by making a gift in their will or estate plan to the non-profit group of their choice, they can continue to help people in need and promote a favorite cause for generations to come.

There are many ways to LEAVE A LEGACY™ and make a statement about your own values through a gift to the non-profit or charitable organization of your choice. Maybe you or someone you know has benefited from the service of a particular organization. Maybe you’re an active volunteer or believer in the mission of a specific organization. Many individuals leave a gift in their will to help enrich the lives of others; continue to provide support to their favorite organizations; be remembered or commemorate the life of someone you love; as well as, helping ensure provisions are made for the future of our communities.

LEAVE A LEGACY™ South Saskatchewan is a community-based public awareness campaign that is proud to support the efforts of the charitable non-profit sector. Although LEAVE A LEGACY™ does not promote on behalf of any specific organization, we know the value non-profit and charitable organizations provide to our communities. We know that by encouraging people from all walks of life, to consider a gift through their will or an estate plan to the charitable organization of their choice, we can “Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow.”

TOP 10 things you can do today to LEAVE A LEGACY™

1. Prepare a will.

2. Leave a gift in your will for the not-for-profit organization that makes a difference in your life.

3. Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your assets to a not-for-profit organization.

4. Consider using assets for your legacy gift.

5. Name a not-for-profit as a beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or pension plan.

6. Name your favourite not-for-profit as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy.

7. Purchase a new life insurance policy naming your favourite not-for-profit as the beneficiary.

8. Remember loved ones with memorial gifts.

9. Encourage family and friends to leave gifts to not-for-profit in their wills.

10. Ask your financial or estate planning advisor to include charitable giving as part of your financial plan and to incorporate in their counsel to other clients.

Platinum
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
Hospitals of Regina Foundation
University of Regina

Gold
Canadian Red Cross
Regina Humane Society

Silver
Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc.
Campion College
Canadian Cancer Society
Dr. Noble Irwin
Regional Healthcare Foundation
Nature Conservancy of Canada
South Sask Community Foundation
St. Peter’s College
The Arthritis Society

Bronze
CIBC Wood Gundy
Moose Jaw Health Foundation
Ranch Ehrlo Society
McKercher LLP
Saskatchewan Abilities Council
The Salvation Army
United Way of Regina

Supporters
Brian Burrows Financial
Canadian Mental Health Assoc
Family Service Regina
Globe Theatre
McDougall Gauley
Organization of Saskatchewan
Arts Councils
Regina & District Assoc.
for Community Living
Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan
SIAST
Stone Creek Financial Group
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame
The Children’s Wish Foundation

LEAVE A LEGACY™ South Saskatchewan would like to thank all of our Partners and a special acknowledgment of our Platinum Partners – The Hospitals of Regina Foundation, University of Regina and Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and Gold Partners – Canadian Red Cross and Regina Humane Society.

If you're looking for me, I'm at an all-expenses paid trip to a conference in Newport Beach, California!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:47:00 +0000

A new Daycare in Regina

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:43:00 +0000

A new Daycare in Regina
By Ryan Sang, with files from Nancy Carlson and Pamela Cowan (Leader-Post),
Global Regina News
A huge weight has been lifted off the shoulders of some parents in Regina.

The Little Souls Daycare at 1475 Athol St. opens on Monday, alleviating waiting lists as long as two years for other daycare centres.

"There's a waiting list of several hundred parents for sure," Michelle Porter said. Porter is the executive director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

The cost of the daycare ranges from $500 to $700 a month. The centre received around $200,000 in funding from the provincial government to open its doors.

"The province was true to it's commitment," Ken Krawetz said. Krawetz is the Minister of Education.

In the 2009 spring budget, the government said it wished to increase the number of daycare spots by 1000, bringing the total to 11,400. Krawetz said the 1000 spots will be allocated by March 31, 2010.

Amber Shiplack is a working mother and has been looking for a daycare since her son came into the world 18 months ago.

"To balance everything is sometimes impossible," Shiplack said. "I'm just grateful to have something like this."

On Friday, Porter said 30 slots were still open.

Little Souls Daycare seeks children

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

Little Souls Daycare seeks children
by Pamela Cowen,
Leader Post

REGINA — Regina parents have a rare opportunity — if they act immediately.

The Little Souls Daycare could have as many as 30 child-care openings available when it opens at 1475 Athol Street on Monday, said Michelle Porter, executive director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM).

But getting the word out to parents is frustrating Porter.

Despite many Regina daycares having lengthy waiting lists, Porter said their staff cannot share the names of families who are waiting for daycare spots because of privacy constraints.

"We have 60 spots in total," she said Thursday. "We take children for a day, we take part-timers and we take full-timers — we even take infants and there's a huge need in the city for infant care."

In July, the province gave $201,600 to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission — one of five Regina agencies that received government funding to set up daycares.

The funding followed the provincial government's promise in the 2009 budget to create 1,000 child-care spaces in Saskatchewan by the end of March 2010.

When the funding was announced, Porter said many people who attend SHRM programs had difficulty finding child care because some child-care centres had two-year waiting lists.

Although the licensed daycare is located in North Central, children of all ages from throughout the city are welcome to attend and Porter emphasized the Little Souls Daycare is not an outreach program for poor families.

"Everyone is going to be a paying customer — but some may require subsidies; it just depends on your income level," Porter said.

She said the Athol Street daycare's rates are on par with what is charged in the city's other daycare centres and the 10 staff members are fully certified in Early Childhood Education.

The daycare's rates range from $425 a month for after-school care to $750 a month for infants.

"It's an open concept daycare so what that means is that we don't have a room for every age group — we're mingling them so that it's more family oriented," Porter said. "All of the food is cooked onsite and (the building) is handicapped-accessible."

She's delighted a 25-foot tipi will be erected permanently in the middle of the 10,000-square-foot daycare.

"This will divide the space into quarters," she said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

Parents interested in learning more can call the daycare director, Mandy Bull, at 543-0011.

"The places are open immediately," Porter said. "We're ready when they are."

Please Come to our Little Souls Daycare Indoor Picnic Grand Opening Tomorrow Morning!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:23:00 +0000

Come join us for an Indoor Picnic as we celebrate the
Grand Opening of “Little Souls Daycare.”

Friday, January 29, 2010
10:00 a.m.
1475 Athol Street*, Regina, SK

You are invited to the official opening of Little Souls Daycare; a new ministry of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Little Souls Daycare will begin operating on Feb 1, 2010, with 60 subsidized placements available to the public. The morning’s agenda will include dignitaries, a cake cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m., and a “piñata” and hotdog lunch at 11:00 a.m.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission thanks the following partners:

• Government of Saskatchewan
• Affinity Credit Union and personnel including: the Board of Directors, Rich Harries (Community Development Manager) and Kevin Haas (Scarth Street Branch Manager)
• Rona Home & Garden (daycare kitchen donation)
• Elision Technologies (project management)
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission

* Corner of Dewdney Avenue & Athol Street

For information call Joseph Miller 501-7270

Media Release: Little Souls Daycare Grand Opening & Indoor Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:32:00 +0000

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Friday, January 29th, 2010 10:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Michelle Porter
PHONE: 543-0011

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan & AFFINITY CREDIT UNION presents the Grand Opening of Little Souls Daycare!

********
Join parents, children, & friends for an indoor picnic as we dedicate Little Souls Daycare!

********

WHAT: This is the official opening of the brand new, Little Souls Daycare: a 60 placement subsidized daycare. The morning’s agenda will include a variety of guest dignitaries, a cake cutting ceremony, a “pinata,” and a hotdog lunch to follow.

WHO: This event is open to all media, the families of Little Souls Daycare, all project relevant trades people, and the public in general.

WHEN: Friday, January 29th, 2010 – 10:00 am
(Media can arrive at 9:40 am for early interviews with families and 10 new daycare staff members.)

WHERE: 1475 Athol Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
(Corner of Dewdney Avenue & Athol Street)

WHY: Little Souls Daycare is the end product of a collective vision, through the partnering of government, foundations, organizations, and numerous individuals, to address the need for subsidized daycare here in the City of Regina.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• 9:40 am – Little Souls Daycare is open, children will be playing and parents will be available for interview opportunities.
• Honourable Ken Krawetz, Minister of Education, speaking at 10:00 am
• Affinity Credit Union personal will be preparing and serving the early lunch.
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors and visionaries of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, can talk about the continuum of care that the Mission provides to Regina’s less fortunate.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is celebrating it’s 20th year of operation, and is an amalgamation of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, and Regina RESCUE. We offer a full continuum of care through 7 different facilities, providing food, clothing and shelter, life changing programs, subsidized daycare and the Gospel Message to those in need.

######

Snow Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:26:00 +0000

RIGHT: A man and woman are snowblowing my street this morning! How generous is that?!

There is usually at least one blizzard a year that keeps half the staff from being able to go to work. Today is the day. The timing, of course, is never great. This Friday is our Grand Opening Celebration at our brand new Little Souls Daycare, and we are nowhere near ready. We need to hire workers, fill children's slots, & finish assembling the furniture & play structures. All those last minute details, added onto one snow day, means some late nights for us as staff later in the week!

Rebecca, our LifeChange Program Manager, declared it a SNOW DAY for the 30+ residents at the campus. While Jack and Paula enjoy a month in Florida, Becca is also campus manager, which means looking after details for the 2 buildings which house our program, administrative teams, & Good News Chapel. Oh, and while Erin is enjoying beautiful BC, Becca is also the Women & Family Home resident manager. Yup. That's right. Three hats and a blizzard.

Aaron, our Emergency Services Manager, is making sure all 300 meals get served today. We normally cook all our food, banquet style, at the Soup Kitchen, and transport it to several facilities. Today the van has been decommissioned, so each location is responsible for their own cooking. It is Aaron's job to coordinate that.

Several staff are snowed in, including Mandy, our Little Souls Daycare Director. Today, she is working from home, recruiting & interviewing potential staff, informing folks of our 30 available licensed daycare slots, & preparing a to do list for us so we can all make the rest of the week smoother and ready for our grand opening on Friday, and our first day of kids next Monday!

This morning Mandy spoke on The Dog's Breakfast to promote our January Toy Drive. Brad Grass said that now they know she lives two blocks away they might call her in on a moment's notice for any storm stayed guests who can't make it this week!

We're thankful for some staff who live within walking distance who have saved the day: Rebecca, Rae, & Ruby, for instance! Others are not so lucky. While representing us at a missions conference at Millar College of the Bible, Intern Stephanie and LifeChange Program Intern, Theresa, have been storm stayed! Donovan, in charge of all construction on the St. Andrews project for our daycare and youth centre, got a flat tire this morning, and Derrick, who is the only office staff not storm stayed, has to go to emergency for a bout of gout! When it rains, it pours. When it snows, it blizzards!

Most of all, please remember the homeless in your prayers at this time. Our January Cold Weather Shelter appeal is out and we are asking for a generous financial response. We turn no one away this time of year, as the consequences can be fatal. Our Mens & Womens Emergency Shelters house singles, families and children who would otherwise be sleeping in cars or who knows where. And please don't forget to make an extra donation to help Haiti, via the relief organization of your choice. They're fate is far worse than a winter storm.

Sunday Bonus Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:15:00 +0000

This morning I had a rather hilarious facebook encounter, which is the preamble to the following cartoon. If it gives you a giggle, friend me on facebook at www.facebook.com/MissionMusings!

Michelle's Status: The Rev called and told me not to come to church. WHAT??!! So, I have settled in at home, catching up on emails, enjoying homemade French toast--I am very good at making French toast--with real Canadian maple syrup from Quebec, and Kona coffee from Vern & Sherry Mebs. Life is good.

Kristen Bair Hink: And Canadian ham/bacon, too?

Me: lol. Nope, sadly, I'm off pork. How to Shed 10 years in 10 Weeks, remember? lol.

Michael Towers: That must be awkward having your husband call you up and tell you to not come to church! :)

Darryl Darwent: Just heard on the Mother Channel (CBC) that Regina has a honest blizzard going on (I don't know what a dishonest blizzard is so let go with that). Lucky you.

Me: The Mother Channel?!?! LOL!! I'm totally stealing that, Darryl!!

Michael, Ken's always enticing me to go to church by giving me bits of his sermon, etc. This morning I told him it looked likke a blizzard. It's not a blizzard; it's a light snow!" he replied. Then he shovelled a path to the garage so I would have not excuses to skip. Next thing you know, he calls me up and says, "Don't comel. It's a blizzard out there!

Darryl Darwent:I don't know if you are familiar with the comic strip Betty by Delainey and Rasmussen (from Edmonton). I wish I could send today's Sunday edition. I think it would fit the bill for the morning you are having.

The Dream of Little Souls Daycare

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:20:00 +0000

Today Derrick gave a tour to a group of Alliance women from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. When they came to our new facility, the old St. Andrews United Church, I had a chance to talk and laugh with them. They easily caught our passion about the expansion into prevention through daycare and a youth centre. I must admit, it is pretty contagious when you see everything developing right before your eyes! When we entered into the Little Souls Daycare area, we greeted a group from Nipiwin Bible College , who were working to construct all the tiny toys and equipment needed to get a daycare started!
The concept for the Little Souls Daycare is a safe, fun place to spend the day away from home. It's an open plan floor design, divided into quadrants, where children of all ages can run freely and interact with one another.Quadrant 1: Indoor Playground
This is where the indoor play structures live, the make-believe furniture for dolls -- pretend kitchen, cradle, etc - and the dress-up costume area is. Kids get to run free and be rambunctious here.

Quadrant 2: Sensory Area
This is where kids can play on water and sand tables, learn through touch and be messy, as kids love to be! This is also our music central station, where kids can express themselves through love of music and song!

Quadrant 3: Eating & Craft Area
This is where the kids can gear down and work on crafts, finger painting, puzzles and of course, eat their lunch and two snacks a day! We developed our menu today, and on it is healthy foods using whole grains and a lot of fruit.

Quadrant 4: Quiet Area
This is where the TV and books reside. Think of it a giant living room. We'll keep quiet moving pictures on the TV, such as animals or scenery, have special movie times, (Yay, Veggie Tales!) and, for the most part, kids will use this area to rest and read. It's a no talking zone because it's right next to the bonus quadrant--

Quadrant 5: Baby Area
We have room for 6 infants, and their sleeping quarters and baby paraphernalia are located in the far back room. This is where the change tables are, and the rocking chairs for putting baby to sleep or giving baby a bottle.

Please join us at 10:00 am on Friday, January 29th, for our grand opening celebration and indoor picnic. Bring your children as our our brand new licenced daycare staff will be out in full force to provide childcare! Instead of a ribbon cutting, we're doing a pinata breaking! All are welcome to attend.

The January Toy Drive has been kicked off, and we have expanded it to include basic craft supplies, so clean out your cupboards! We need rice, macaroni, buttons, tape, scissors, bits of cloth, string, wool... you name it, we need it!

We are still hiring a few more staff, so if you have a love for the Lord and for children, please call Mandy Bull at 543-0011. She'll let you know how you can apply to join our missionary team. We have half our slots filled, so are looking for 30 children to make Little Souls Daycare complete. Please pass the word and this blog post at will! In one short week, this Little Souls dream will be a reality!

The Pool of Bethesda

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:40:00 +0000

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.

Psalm 103:1-5

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:39:00 +0000

I've been under the weather lately, and was encouraged to receive a blessing from our newest staff member, Mandy Bull, who is our Assistant Director at Little Souls Daycare. She makes a wonderful addition to our RESCUE team!

Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me,
bless HIS holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

-I hope that encourages you...I know that I find strength in the Word when I feel like I can't take another step forward! God bless Michelle!

~Mandy

I work with such a wonderful group of people!

A Call to Christians in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:15:00 +0000

Planning to go. Willing to stay.
Anywhere. Anytime. Anyway.
Lord, I am ready.

Silver and gold have I none,
but such as I have
I give to Thee.

Here I am Lord! Send me!

January Toy Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:15:00 +0000

January Toy Drive

for our grand opening of
Little Souls Daycare!

Drop your new or gently used toys, books, puzzles & games to 3535-8th Ave.

Open 24 hours and weekends. Call Jennifer for more info. 543-0011.

Man's Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:15:00 +0000

You've no doubt heard the expression, "man's best friend." Perhaps you've seen today's news story about the golden retriever that saved the life of an 11 year old boy, by fending off a cougar in the backyard.

Our collie, Trixie, found my sister, who was 2, toddling around the woods, and alerted my parents that she had wandered off at the cottage. This is real life Littlest Hobo stuff!

This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:12-13

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:16-17

How far would you go for a friend?

Don't be a victim of your thought life

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
-Unknown

Health advocates like to tell us we are what we eat, but in reality, we are what we think.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7a

If you're wondering what kind of study you should start 2010 off with, consider your thought life.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

When we get a grip on our thought life, on the internal head-banging, as it were, the life we live out in the flesh will be one that is far more redeeming and full of grace.

Those resolutions you've planned... have you considered attacking them from the inside out?