John the cook called me from the mission truck one morning. “Nothing is working!” he cried. In fact the microwave oven wasn’t working – it just felt like nothing was working. When I arrived I realized I was going to be able to help him quickly – I pushed in the GFI button and everything was fixed and John was back in business.

 

This small incident made me think about what we are doing in Bremerton - delivering help and hope

 

  

 

There are three steps to delivering help and hope – all three are necessary, or no delivery!

Bremerton Rescue Mission is strong at step one. We are serving over 125 meals per week at three meal sites in Bremerton. is strong at step one. We are serving over 125 meals per week at three meal sites in . We provide hygiene products, clothing, sleeping bags and showers. We have in hand over half the funds necessary for our shower trailer with which we’ll be able to provide showers and hygiene at all meal sites. An incredible army of volunteers serve and care for the needs of our guests.

Most important though is the fact that we are building some incredible relationships with our guests. So much can happen within good relationships. Step two is beginning for us – talking about the reasons behind homelessness, lots of prayer and building trust and credibility.

We are moving toward step three where men and women begin to gain confidence to live life without going back to the tent. What is required?

 

·Residence

·Life-Skills Mentoring

· Work Therapy

Ray – “I’ve been outside a long time. I’m looking at treatment and a trip to Kitsap Mental Health. I don’t want to but I know I can’t give up!”

In just seven months Bremerton Rescue Mission has served any hundreds of hungry, cold and tired guests – now its time to help the dozens who want to make that big step to new life.  

Adam, Ray, Jock, James, Joel, Thomas, Paul, Todd, Mark, Deborah, Karl, Tammy, James, Tank, John, Robert Thomas, Steven, Randy and Mike – here are 19 names – names of men and women who need all three steps of help and hope.

 

Two weeks ago over sixty individuals or families made a gift or pledge at our Help and Hope Arrives Dinner – they believe its time to provide a way out of the woods and into real life for these nineteen persons and many more persons behind them that deserve an exodus from the woods

Will you join them and help us keep our services in full operation and deliver help and hope?

Over 60 individuals or couples made a pledge or gift on May 16 – can you match their effort?

Let me know that you want to help. Even though it is 54 degrees and raining today, still we are moving toward camping and vacation season. Let’s not forget our homeless friends before we go on vacation.

 

Thank you very much. God bless you!

  

 Walt Le Couteur, Executive Director

 

P.S.  If you are able to buy an extra package of socks and underwear this month for us, we will include those critical items in our outreach this summer.