SPRING 2004
Residents Share Testimonies of Hope at Annual Banquet
ive hundred and thirty-five guests attend-
F ed our Annual Celebration Banquet.
What a great evening of testimony,
encouragement and inspiration it was! Jan
and Dave Dravecky were terrific as they
shared about God’s ability to overcome
tragic circumstances in their lives. I am con-
fident all left that night feeling blessed to be
a child of God and thankful to be on the
receiving end of His constant, faithful care
and unconditional love.
We strive to provide hope
and encouragement to all
the men, women and
children who seek our help.
The evening was our opportunity to
share with our faithful donors all that hap-
pened the past year and our plans for the
future. It’s also an opportunity for our resi-
dents to share their testimony with the peo-
ple who pray for them as well as contribute
financially to their support.
In many ways, those who come to the
Rescue Mission are alike; they have very lit-
tle hope in their lives, and they are on a road
of self-destruction. Yet each one has a
unique testimony of how the Visalia Rescue
Mission impacted their lives.
CAROLINE’S life of substance abuse
began when she was 4 years old. Her life of
abuse brought her failed relationships, the
death of a child, losing custody of her chil-
dren, and finally, incarceration. Her last preg-
nancy was difficult and she sought God to
help her through. She entered Mothering
Heights and stayed until the birth of her son,
when she wrote
the following:
“Dear God you
know where I’m at
financially, you
know what I need.
I know that all
things are possible
through you but I
want to see how
you pull this off.”
The next Monday morning, the Rescue
Mission called. Caroline said, “I really didn’t
want to do another program but that’s the
door the Lord led me to, and who am I to
argue.” After moving into the Mission, my
daughter was returned to me. I stayed at the
Mission for 10 months. I got a chance to
work on my relationship with God and my
children. In August my Mom died and the
staff and my Family Center sisters were very
supportive. Without them and God I may not
have made it. I came through with a new
sense of strength. In November, I moved into
my own apartment with the Mission’s help
and God’s promise of faithfulness. My home
is blessed with love. All of my children are
with me now; my oldest is 19, middle is 10
and my baby is 17 months. My prayers have
been answered. I have started college. This is
my second semester and I am doing well.”
JENNIFER knew she needed a recov-
ery program, and knew she needed Jesus in
her life. In her early 20s, she became a drug
addict. She sur-
vived a brutal rape
and several car
accidents, experi-
enced near death
during the birth of
one son, lost another son to SIDS. She asks
“How do you handle a birthday for your
child when they have already passed away?
I didn’t know – but God did. Since I’ve
been at the Mission, God has surrounded
me with his love. Since I’ve had God in my
life, I constantly get chills. I can feel the
Holy Spirit in me. I know He has a great
plan for me. Because of the Visalia Rescue
Mission, I know God! I believe in Jesus, I
have recovery, and I have life.”
ROCCO lived on the streets from age
12. “Living on the streets and addicted to
Heroin and booze, my life
was a mess. I was in and
out of jails, institutions and
the military service. I did
not know God or have any
interest in Him. In 1997, an
old friend directed me to
VRM. What a miracle! My
life did a complete 180. I
became a new creation;
with God we can accomplish all. God is
good all the time and my life is so differ-
ent. Now, I pray when things go wrong and
right now I work for the same Mission that
took me in, with all my brokenness. I have
a place to live, a vehicle to drive, all my
needs are met, and all of the credit for this
goes to God. He is the One who accom-
plishes these wonders in my life.”
At the Visalia Rescue Mission, we strive
to provide hope and encouragement to all
the men, women and children who seek our
help. Last year, we turned away 1,103
women and children because we simply did
not have the space for them. Please pray
with us as we seek the Lord’s direction in
addressing this unacceptable situation.
 Board of Directors
Randy Vogt
Chairman
Wayne Ingram
Dear Friends by Randy Vogt, Chairman

Vice Chairman Greetings in the

Tammy Mainord Name of our Lord,
Treasurer I hope you were
Lois Murray able to attend our
Secretary Celebration
Michael Allen Banquet March
Paul Baxley 26th. What a great
Keith Haverman evening of testimo-
John Koster ny and inspiration it
was! Jan and Dave
Brad Reenders
Dravecky were ter-
Mark Shelton rific. I am confident
Sid Tuls you left that night
Jeannie VanRyn feeling as I did;
Sally Vanciel blessed to be a child
Jenny Zeeb of God, thankful to
be on the receiving
end of His constant, faithful care and We have identified a property suitable

Memorials and unconditional love. The testimonies shared

by three of our residents were powerful.
What an awesome Lord and Savior we have
for the expansion of our Family Center (for
women and children). The lease is current-
ly in negotiation and we hope to move for-
Honorariums the privilege to serve!
As we approach the half-way point in
ward soon. Pray with us that the Lord will
provide the resources necessary to open and
IN HONOR OF: the year, the Visalia Rescue Mission board operate this new, expanded facility so that
Ruth Smith and staff is focused on meeting a great need the physical needs of many more hurting
Michael & Sara Knight in our area…emergency overnight shelter women and children may be met AND,
for women and women with children. Last more important, that many more women
IN MEMORY OF: year we were forced to turn away over and children will learn to know Jesus as
Dick Altimus 1,100 women and children seeking tempo- their personal Savior.
Don & Rosemary Gordon rary shelter. We are committed to change God bless you.
Gerald Lopes that statistic in the months ahead!
Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Lopes
Phyllis Kramer
Mary Dickerson
Greetings from the Director
“Every good and perfect gift is from ticular for this man to
Because You Care…
…we are setting records in 2004.
above, and comes down from the Father
of lights, with whom there is no variation
merit such an act of
kindness. But he gave
or shadow of turning.“ James 1:17 it anyway.
Meals served to date Have you ever had the privilege of It made me reflect
29,722 receiving a gift you neither earned nor on the Lord’s incredi-
expected? It is truly an expression of ble, unmerited favor
New record grace when we are given a gift from He sheds on each one
1,832 served in one week in April, someone “just because.” Perhaps it is a of us. This is what we try to reflect and
a daily average of 262 thoughtful gesture from your spouse,
emulate in even a small way to those who
child, friend, or coworker. Whatever it is,
Bed nights come to us at the Mission. Those who come
when unexpected joys come our way we
11,342 – After only 4 months, this is to us grant us a privilege of being able to
should be thankful and appreciative.
almost half the number for all of 2003 serve them. May we be found faithful in
I had this experience recently at the
Graduates Mission. One day I returned to my car only these opportunities that the Lord has given.
7 to discover that one of the men in the pro- God Bless You!!
gram had given it a much-needed wash.
Chapel attendance This was an unexpected gift. I hadn’t
6,071 asked for it. I hadn’t done anything in par- Executive Director
Thank You
“For I was hungry and you gave The Real Gap
Thank You
me something to eat, I was thirsty
– That is a number we never overnight and transitional housing for the

and you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and you
invited me in.” Matthew 25:35
Living out this verse is something
we strive to do every day at the
Visalia Rescue Mission. But to pro-
vide an Easter dinner for almost 400
people, we need you, our volunteers.
More than 90 of you came together to
donate and prepare food, serve
guests, and share the love of God in a
tangible way on Saturday, April 11th.
The people of Visalia, Exeter, Three
Rivers, Lemoore, Tulare and Tipton
became “Jesus with skin on” to the
disadvantaged of our area.
One volunteer told her husband
“next to caring for our children, this
is the one place I want to give my
time. I want to make a difference in
1,103
want to see again. That is the
number of women and chil-
dren needing shelter that were turned
away last year for a simple lack of space.
That is a number that we pray will soon
have a safe and clean shelter.
Various studies attempt to identify
just how many people in Tulare and
Kings Counties are homeless and with-
out shelter on any given night. High
unemployment (3 times the national
average) and poverty levels combined
with a lack of low-cost housing are the
main causes of homelessness. It is esti-
mated that 2% of the population is home-
less, or 10,208 people.
In Tulare and Kings Counties, there are
only 666 beds available for emergency,
homless. That means that each night,
potentially 9,542 people are without shel-
ter. That is the real gap, and one that can-
not be filled by any one person or agency.
It will take a community effort and deter-
mination to close the gap and begin to
address the needs of the homeless. The
board of directors and staff of the Visalia
Rescue Mission ask you to join us in our
fight to close the gap. Pray for God’s wis-
dom as we seek to expand our facilities.
Give as God guides you to be involved.
Love as you encounter the ones in the gap.
As we meet the needs of the disadvan-
taged, we hear the words that Jesus said
“when you have done it for one of the
least of these my brothers, you have
done it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Ask Bob…
these people’s lives.”
Volunteering is simple, inexpen-
sive and fun. You don’t need special
skills, there is no fee charged, and
Bob Peterman is the food service manager chased in bulk at local stores. When asked
you will have the time of your life.
at the Visalia Rescue Mission. During April, what the greatest needs are, Bob tells us:
To become a volunteer, call Angela
he oversaw the planning, preparation and • Lunch meat
at 733-2231.
serving of 9,336 meals. When asked what • Hot and cold cereal
Thanks to these businesses who
is on the menu, he replies “whatever comes
also donated food and gift certifi- • Eggs
in from donations.” Sometimes that is fresh
cates for that day: • Meat (including canned tuna)
fruit from the USDA, a case of canned veg-
• Marie Callendar’s etables that someone brings to the door of • Hot dogs
• Foods Co the kitchen, or even a head of beef from a • Canned fruit and vegetables
• Glick’s Meat Market local dairy or ranch. The balance is pur- • Breakfast drink mix
• Vons

Donate Your Vehicle

• R&N Market
• Rainbow Bakery
• Food Maxx
Your tax deductible contribution of a used vehicle in running
• Food Link order can help change a life
CALL LINDA AT 733-2231

Thank you to Volunteers and Merchandise Needed

Rescued Treasures Thrift Store is looking for gently used clothing, furniture, household
DR. LYNN BAKER items, etc.You can drop off your items during business hours Tuesday – Saturday.We do not
CHIROPRACTIC accept donations on Monday. If you would like your donation picked up, please call 733-3180.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO:
42261 Sierra Drive • Work the cash register • Sort donations and stock the store
If you are interested in helping this ministry, please call Geneva at 733-3180.
Three Rivers RESCUED TREASURES THRIFT STORE
219 N Court, Downtown Visalia
561-2210 HOURS:
MONDAY: 9:00 to 3:00 TUESDAY – FRIDAY: 9:00 to 5:30 SATURDAY: 9:00 to 3:00
 Shelter Plans Delayed but Not Destroyed
ess than 24 hours before the Visalia City Planning Commission

L approved a conditional use permit for the Visalia Rescue Mission to

establish a women’s and children’s shelter, a centuries-old oak tree
crashed through the roof of one of the buildings on the property. That
same day, board member Mark Shelton was meeting with the owner’s
representative to iron out the final details of the property lease.
As you can imagine, the board and staff of the Rescue Mission
were asking themselves what this could mean to plans for expanding
the Mission’s capacity to provide shelter for the fastest-growing seg-
ment of the homeless population. Was it a coincidence? Was it an
accident of nature? Or was it an act of God, something to catch our

attention? We know it’s not a coincidence these events happened with-

in a 24-hour period, and that God has a plan in all of them.
We believe this is the right property to develop into a shelter for
the homeless women and children of Tulare and Kings Counties.
Will you pray with us and for us as we move forward to address
this critical need? Proverbs 16:9 tells us “a man may make plans
for his path, but the Lord directs his steps.” It is our desire every
step of the way to follow the Lord’s guidance for us as we seek to
serve in His kingdom.

Visalia, CA 93279
Return Service Requested P.O. Box 109
PERMIT NO. 119 Visalia Rescue Mission
VISALIA, CA 93291
PAID
U.S. Postage
Non-Profit Org.