God is speaking, but are we listening?

God spoke to me this week. No, I didn't hear audible words from heaven, but I heard from Him nonetheless. Through our circumstances, through the hearts of others, through the unusual message from my wife, through the unnatural actions of others, and through the peace of my own heart, God clearly spoke a message to me.

You see, I'm putting a budget together for next year, and it looked like we would have to make some painful cuts in order to make things work out. However, when we looked at these changes from a practical standpoint, most of our management team was not "at peace" with the decisions that would have to be made.

However my wife, who is normally very practical and supports me in making the tough decisions, was on board with the proposed cuts until Sunday. At church on Sunday, she was singing a hymn when, out of nowhere, a thought unexpectedly came to her that God would provide all that was needed and the dreaded cuts would not be necessary, and this would soon become apparent. The next day at lunch, she shared this unusual thought with me.

Then on Wednesday, I was meeting with my Associate Director, Vince, when Becky came by to show me a single envelope we received with multiple gifts totaling $7,000. That was amazing! By faith, I understood this to be the confirmation Becky said she believed would be coming.

Although, the $7,000 won't cover the entire savings that would be realized if these cuts were made, I believe it was a "down payment" of what God will do, and I believe He wants us to continue to "live by faith and not by sight." I praise Him today for His amazing faithfulness.

Welcome to my new blog site!

This is my first blog for Lexington Rescue Mission. The blog will provide an opportunity for me to update you periodically on any news, needs, and prayer requests that we have at the mission. Your support of money, time, and prayers are crucial for carrying out our mission.

Lexington Rescue Mission exists to glorify God through a Christ-centered ministry that helps meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hurting people in the greater Lexington area. (Mission statement)

New Developments:

• James "Chip" Monck has accepted the position as our Life Renewal Program Director. Chip has been with the mission for a couple of months as a full-time supervisor for the program. (Our former program director, Charles Patane, recently resigned to complete his doctoral dissertation.) Chip graduated with a Masters in Divinity degree from Asbury Seminary and has pastored a local church before coming to the mission. He also teaches part-time at Indiana Wesleyan.
  

Prayer Requests:

• Please keep Chip Monck along with the residents and staff at the Life Renewal Program in your prayers through this leadership transition.
  
• JT needs your prayers about the judge making a wise decision on whether to release him to the Life Renewal Program at the Potter's House.
  
• Pray that our newest resident, Addam, will adjust well to the mission and grow in his relationship with the Lord.
  

Special Volunteer Needs:

• Regular Saturday lunch cook to work approximately from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on most Saturdays.
• Handyman needed to fix small projects around our 4 properties.
  
• Drivers to volunteer taking a Life Renewal Program resident to an appointment as needed. Volunteers have a great deal of flexibility in notifying us when they are available to drive.
  

Special Funding Needs:

• Funds to help pay for a major roof repair at the Potter's House. The total project cost is about $20,000. We have raised $8,250 so far. To give, please send your check payable to Lexington Rescue Mission and state "roof project" on the memo line of your check. Mail your gift to Lexington Rescue Mission, PO Box 1050, Lexington, KY 40588.
• It costs about $35 per day for each man in our Life Renewal Program. Gifts to support our programs this month may be made online at www.lexingtonrescue.org/donatenow.html
  
• A year-end gift of securities or other assets may be given to the Lexington Rescue Mission Fund at Kentucky Christian Foundation - www.kentuckychristianfoundation.org