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Cover Article
I will give you REST
A current study in the book of
Hebrews has brought the theme
of spiritual rest to
mind. The Scriptures speak of rest
in several ways. There is the Sabbath rest
of God in Genesis 2:2. Then there is Israel’s rest
in the land of Canaan after the years of wilderness wanderings (Hebrews 3:11).
The Christian believer can have rest
from human effort when he comes to Christ in faith for salvation (Hebrews 4:10).
John the Apostle spoke of a future rest
for the saint who has died and gone to heaven (Revelation 14:13). The careful
Bible student will no doubt discover other rests
spoken of in Scripture.
We desire to help people who are struggling in life to
find rest in the Lord
Jesus Christ. The calm that grows over the soul of one who trusts the Savior is
indescribable. No earthly counseling, no pharmaceutical prescription, no long
period of sleep can do for the sinner what Christ can do. He said (Matthew
11:28, 29) "Come unto me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto
your souls." Pray with and for us that God will
make our efforts fruitful in helping people find
rest.
Permit me to mention such a practical thing as physical
rest. Hundreds of
times each week men who are weary in body seek rest
in our shelter. Several times each day people with meager resources enter out
thrift shop asking if we have any mattresses and box springs they can buy (our
reputation is that we have the lowest prices around on everything). Our
inventory of bedding for use in the shelter, giving to needy families, and
having available for the thrift shop has been very low of late. If anyone could
help with that need by sharing useable, castoff items, we would be thrilled to
hear from you. If you live in the pick-up area (Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson,
York County) we can come by your home to retrieve these blessings.
By sharing in this way, you would enable us to provide
rest for tired bodies
while we try to share rest
for weary souls. Thank you for thinking of us in this, and may the Lord grant
you needed rest as you
labor for Him.
Superintendent's
Corner
Get Outside Yourself
In Philippians 2:4, Paul wrote that “Each of you should look
not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” That is
certainly counter-cultural to what we so often see around us these days. People
shove to get ahead in lines; jockeying for an open parking space can turn into a
fender-bender, or even a brawl. King “Me-First” wants to be the sole ruler in
“I” land. We never seem to completely outgrow the mentality of the children who
say, “It’s mine - I had it first.”
Well, when Christ comes in, that begins to change. He Who
never once thought of Himself first gradually imparts that thinking to us.
Praise the Lord! It happens in little children - I was recently playing a game
with two of my grandchildren, and the older of the two was so pleased that the
younger one was winning! I was pleased that he was pleased.
It also happens in adults. Among the things that warm my
heart in our work at the Mission is seeing God transform formerly selfish
individuals into men with a heart for others. To see a man with only two pair of
shoes give a pair to someone whose shoes are worn out is a joy to behold. When a
man stops in the chapel to encourage a younger man who is studying for his GED
or ASVAB test, he is getting outside himself, ministering to others. What a
thrill to see a man on crutches being served at the table by someone who saw his
need. And the list of kindnesses could grow longer if space would allow. So what
happens to make a difference like that?
Certainly it begins with the cross; here, a man sees the
ultimate act of altruism. Here, God in human flesh is pouring out His life’s
blood for sinners. A glimpse of that selfless act shows man what life can be
like when we get outside ourselves. The presence in a life of the Holy Spirit
teaching the principles of giving rather than getting, letting one’s life be a
channel instead of a reservoir, keeps the learning and growing process moving
forward.
Pray with us for men to keep on showing signs that Jesus
really has taken up residence in their lives. And let it work on you, too!
A Note From Alan
Every Now and Then
The Rescue Mission provides over 17,000 nights of lodging
annually to over 2,000 men. Most men will stay their allotted time and leave
with little or no word to us. Every now and then a man will say thanks as he
exits past our front window. On rare occasions a man will come and thank us face
to face. We recently received a hand-written note from a gentleman as he made
his exit. I would like to share it with you. It reads:
Reverend Poteat and Staff,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and the staff for everything that
you all have done to make my stay here beneficial to me personally. The meals
were excellent and the staff here is a great group of guys who are ready and
willing to help with any problems we may have as long as we abide by the rules
and regulations that are in place. I for one am very grateful for the
opportunity to use my time here constructively and to prepare myself to be in a
better situation than I was when I came here. Again, I thank you all for
everything.
Sincerely,
Jack
Bed #12 Main Dorm
I hope this helps to strongly emphasize the valuable part you play in the lives
of men like Jack. The Rescue Mission could not be here were it not for your
prayers and partnership. Many, many thanks to each of you!!!
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