Lighthouse News
January 2016
Issue 1, Volume 67
This moment with the Rodriguez Family captured during the
2015 Academy Family Christmas Party.
WE BELIEVE ...
Building on Faith, HOPE and Excellence!
Since 1949
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to
His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a LIVING HOPE through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, …” 1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)
From the Director
My Dear Friends,
As we start the New Year, I am excited. I am looking forward with joyous expectation,
confident that 2016 offers the hope of a fresh start – a new beginning for each and every
one of us. Why? Because that’s what God promises:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new
every morning.” Lamentations 3:22 (NASB)
I understand that many people have a hard time believing this truth. For them, their
circumstances might include poor health, financial debt, fractured family relations, or
simply feeling alone and tired. How could a new morning change what they have come to
expect? Perhaps, at this very moment, this is going through your mind. I’m hoping that as
you read this letter, you’ll find the encouragement you need to believe in a new beginning.
In the past, before I became a believer, I would dread my tomorrows. I didn’t want to get up and face another day of frustration
and pressure. In fact, I wanted to avoid people altogether. I didn’t want to hear about their good fortunes, and I certainly didn’t
want to hear about their problems, either. Didn’t they know I had my own issues? That all changed when the Lord met me in my
lowest moment. He revealed my sin and my need for Him, leading me to repent - to invite Him into my life. Then I encountered
Scripture; understanding His Word with His help for the very first time. The more I read, the more I realized that God’s steadfast
love never ceased to be poured out to me throughout my life. He was always merciful to me - longsuffering and patient with
me through my weakest moments. Even in my sinful behavior He was letting me know that He was giving me a new day to
make things right and to start over. By thanking Him and by being merciful to others who were facing similar difficulties, He was
teaching me how to find the hope that once eluded me.
Here at the Mission, many folks have given up on life. They burned bridges with family and with society. They have suffered
abuse, or have been abandoned and neglected. They feel angry and hard-hearted toward everyone they meet. They lack trust,
wishing to lash out when they first come through our doors. I cannot tell you how many times the men in the Academy have
told me when they first came to the Mission all they thought about was getting revenge on everyone that disrespected them no
matter how insignificant the disrespect was done towards them. Yet, the Lord knows just the right time to enter in. All it takes
is one defining moment - a sudden willingness to allow Him to move in their hardened heart. Once they experience His truth
for the first time in a fresh way, they can begin to believe, in hope, and walk with confidence in the life God has planned just for
them. Then they say, “I know Jesus has changed me. I no longer have hate. Instead, I want to tell people about Jesus.”
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give
you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
Be encouraged. Share the hope you have come to know with someone who needs a word of encouragement and practice being
openly thankful and hopeful by loving others, even when your feelings tend to steer you in another direction. God will meet
you in these moments. He’ll help you with any hidden sin that is keeping your heart hardened. He will give you a new heart
and a fresh start.
“And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also He said, ‘Write this down, for these words
are trustworthy and true.’” Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
May you have a joy-filled New Year!
“Behold, I AM making all things new.”
Rev. Larry J. Arce, CEO
Fresno Rescue Mission, Inc.
Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
www.fresnorm.org
Academy Family Christmas Party
December 12, 2015
It was a full house during our
Christmas Luncheon
December 23, 2015
Celebrate the HOPE found in Christ!
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting
life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the
world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:16-17
www.fresnorm.org
Rescue the Children Family Christmas Fun Night
December 11, 2015
Experience HOPE ... with a new heart and new eyes.
“...may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
It’s Not Like the Movies
Jose will graduate the Academy program in early July 2016. Employed as the Academy Receptionist for the Fresno Rescue
Mission, he is the first person many people meet when they first come through our front doors. “I know the challenge of lifechange, but I also know that life-change is possible. Even the worst
of situations is not impossible with God’s help.”
Jose shared a story with us: “One of the Academy disciples was
having his first on-campus visit. His mom arrived early and was
waiting for him. It had been two months or more since she’d last
seen him. When he came around the corner, she whispered, ‘Oh
Mijo’ and went silent. She was crying. Her son no longer looked
like skin and bones. He was rested, well-fed, and smiling for the first
time in a very long time. She thanked me - -ME! - - I suppose because
I was the one to see it happen. It was an honor, but it also stirred up
a lot of memories in me; some good, some bad.
I remember what it was like, to ‘end up here,’ as I used to say. I once
thought that going to a Mission for help would be the same as what
is shown in movies: A Skid Row soup kitchen. You know the look?
A dirty, filthy location filled with ‘lowlifes’ and bums? The truth is,
once I arrived here I was shocked. The Mission is warm. It’s inviting.
The people (staff and guests) are just ordinary people with similar
challenges. The programs are first-rate and I know I learned things about myself I never knew before. That all happened
because I came here. I still have lots of issues I’m working through, but that day I could see what God had already done in me.
When I enrolled in the Academy program, I was just like that woman’s son. I looked like a skeleton. I also wore an attitude of
smug anger on my face. Today, just like his mom saw in him, I am healthy and happy. Mostly, I’m hopeful. My wife is enrolled
at Rescue the Children [the Mission’s program for women and women with children.] I know that if we keep practicing what
the Mission has taught us, we can become a healthy family.
One day, I want my family to see me the same way as that mom saw her son. I also want them to have a chance to experience
what I have; that Christ can change their lives, too. This place is more than just food and shelter. It’s a place where you meet
Jesus, and then you meet yourself. I trust God will make that possible for the people I love, too. If not at a Rescue Mission, He
can work it out somewhere. He knows best.”
www.fresnorm.org
Responsible Stewardship
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Rev. Larry J. Arce, Chief Executive Officer
larce@fresnorm.org
I have a friend that I see occasionally. When I ask him
how he is doing, he always replies, “I am grateful.” We
live in a country and community where we have been
greatly blessed and for this we should be grateful.
Pastor Rob Cravy, Chief Operating Officer
I am daily reminded by the blessing of God on my life
and in the lives of my family and friends, and yet, I
know we live in a world that is broken. Throughout
our community, we see lives brought to ruin; some by
their own hand and some by the circumstances of a
broken world. When we see this brokenness, what is
Don Eskes,
our response? Do we have a responsibility to be our
Community Partnerships
brother’s keeper? The brokenness within community
affects us all. We are all touched, either directly or indirectly, by the lives of
those who are addicted, homeless, and in need of a Savior. So, what can we do?
THE ACADEMY – Rev. Bud Searcy, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 115 - bsearcy@fresnorm.org
The purpose of the Fresno Rescue Mission is “…to glorify God by meeting the
spiritual and physical needs of the least, the last and the lost in our community.”
We, at the Mission, can only endeavor to do this with your involvement. Your
partnership, consisting of sharing your volunteer time, your talents and abilities,
and your financial support, makes this possible. For that we are grateful. We
are grateful to God for His consistent provision through you. We are grateful to
God for His miraculous work, changing lives each day. We are grateful to God
for the opportunity to serve our communities for His glory and His honor.
If we can be of any help to you as we start 2016, please contact us. We would
invite you to let us know how we can serve you. Again, we are grateful to you
for your support and prayers as we enter this New Year. For any questions
you might have, or to learn how to be more involved with the Fresno Rescue
Mission, contact Don Eskes by phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext 134 or e-mail:
deskes@fresnorm.org.
SAVE
THE
DATE
rcravy@fresnorm.org
310 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
P. O. Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422
Phone: (559) 268-0839 – Fax: (559) 268-1317
FOOD SERVICES – Dewayne Martin, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 107 - dmartin@fresnorm.org
COMMUNITY CARE - Pastor Jay Carroll, Director
315 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 205 - jcarroll@fresnorm.org
RESCUE THE CHILDREN - Priscilla Robbins, Director
2141 North Parkway Drive, Fresno CA 93705
Phone: (559) 227-2190, Ext. 104 - probbins@fresnorm.org
MISSION AT THE MISSION - Margie Prout, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 102 - mprout@fresnorm.org
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION THRIFT STORE AND CARS
Sandra Patel, Director
181 E. Sierra, Fresno CA 93710
Phone (559) 440-0870 - spatel@fresnorm.org
ACCOUNTING - Maria Vargas
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 129 - mvargas@fresnorm.org
DONOR DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
Deborah Torres, Director
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 204 - dtorres@fresnorm.org
Don Eskes, Community Partnerships
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 134 - deskes@fresnorm.org
TOURS/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Tina Searcy - Volunteer and Events Coordinator
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 202 - tsearcy@fresnorm.org
LIGHTHOUSE NEWS EDITORS
Donna Scully * Deborah Torres
ADDRESS CHANGES – Angie Gonzales
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 209 - agonzales@fresnorm.org
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF:
Ken Scheid - ScheidImages.smugmug.com
scheidimages@att.net
Al Kawasaki - YourRacePhotos.net
al@yourracephotos.net
Scott Streble - Scott Streble Photography
scott@scottstreble.com
Ted Morgan - FRM Volunteer
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION &
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION FOUNDATION &
FRESNO WORKS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Daral Kennedy, Chairman
Steve Ocheltree, Vice-Chairman
Don MacAlpine, Treasurer
Jim Mosqueda, Secretary
Robert Abrams
Leonel Alvarado
Vito Brugetti
Steve Pearson
Lonnie Petty
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Emil “Butch” Rusconi
Vicki Crow, CPA
James Sullivan
Ben Krikorian, CPA
Please remember the
Fresno Rescue Mission
in your will or trust
www.fresnorm.org
In Honor Of (November 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015)
Mom
by Nelleke Zentner
Kim Anderson
by Milton & Joyce Anderson
Tom & Lori Anderson
by Milton & Joyce Anderson
Jane Brooks
by Ted Brooks
ESL INT, INT L2Q16 CAE
by Josefina Beshansky
Patricia Carey
by Jeri Luppino
Gwendolyn Cassidy
by Thomas Cassidy
Steven Chan
by Diane Nedler
Van Vleet Family
by Joan Van Vleet
Anna Fiasca
by Crystal Ives Tallman
Vincent Garcia
by Michael Davila
Gordon Gibbs
by Timothy & Deborah Riordan
Jennifer & Edward Graveline
by Edwin Graveline
Liz Harrison
by Jill Russom
Employees of HJ Baker & Bro Inc
by HJ Baker & Bro Inc
Our Lord Jesus Christ
by Mary Peraza
Stan & Bobbe Jones
by Milton & Joyce Anderson
Randy & Lora King
by Stanley & Rita King
Susan Marino
by Riley Marino
Troy Matthews
by Neil & Cheri Jones
Yvonne Miller
by Edward & Jeanne Arakelian
Cooper Monreal
by Ben Monreal
Jasper Patteson
by Sanjay & Shikha Patteson
Roy Patzkowsky
by Michael F Vogt
Lonnie & Joan Petty
by Doug & Lynn Yount
Dave & Jerri Plassman
by Robert & Jinny Rees
John Renna
by Cheryl Marshall
Janet Setencich
by Judy Stahlman
Harry and Elsie Tallman
by Greg and Patsy Tallman
Simeon Torres
by Robert & Deborah Torres
John Trouy
by Rose Trouy
Francis H Vogt
by Michael F Vogt
Francis Weaver
by Sharon Weaver
Bob Wolf
by L Kenneth & Janet Seibert
Harold & Esther Lewis
by David & Janet Cook
Walter Lingo
by A Vernon & Marjorie Conrad
by Rustin & Christine Moyer
by Michael Janzen
by Fred Nagata DPM
Richard Lockwood
by Karen Lockwood
Thomas Mascarenaz
by Carol & Donald McClannan
Frank Maslowski
by Stan & Martha Pilegard
William (Bill) McCormick
by Kathleen McCormick
Daniel Mendoza Jr
by Erica Mora
John & Jasmine Mgrdichian
by Rob Saroyan
Michael Monohon
by Karen Monohon
John & Martha Moran
by David & Janet Cook
Gary Murphy
by Adrain & Andrea Carvajal
Clarence Newton
by Clifford & Janice Newton
Dr Louis Pardini
by Aram & Barbara Garabedian
Louis & Mary Petrella
by Ann Howell
William Preheim
by Charles & Chloe Foster
Hugh Puckett
by Cynthia Puckett
Angelo, Connie & Marie Ramirez
by Margo Carrizales
Lewis Ray
by E & Linda Williams
Mary Ray
by E & Linda Williams
Warren Robinson
by Donna Robinson
Margarita Rogel
by Laura C
Jose Sansinena
by Scott & Kirsten Markarian
John Shahinian
by Harry & Marian Eritzian
by George & Rose Samuelian
John and Hermance Shapazian
by Elaine Stamper
Ellen Simpson
by Jim Simpson
Claudio Sotelo
by Madeline Sotelo
Marge Stevens
by Jane Willey
Dana Stout
by Corben & Erika Whitney
Carl Swain
by Rosemarie Swain
All Our Vietnam Veterans
by Kathleen Jenanyan
Chad Ware
by James Ware
Judith L Weaver
by Wallace & Judith Weaver
Matthew M White
by Patricia Matthews
Jo Anne Wiggins
by Vince Wiggins
Patricia Wilkerson
by Margaret Tejerian
Robert Wolf
by Stan & Martha Pilegard
By L Kenneth & Janet Seibert
Frank Wong
by Allen & Bettina Tong
Frank Y Wong Jr
by Paul & Juliette Snashall
Gale Young
by Brian Oakes
In Memory Of (November 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015)
Joan
by G Ray & Penny Young
Aurturo & Mary Balli
by Evangelina Balli
Francisco Bejarano
by Araceli Avina
Jason Berry
by Maryanne Britten
Bruno Bisceglia
by J Bisceglia
Ronald & Georgie Block
by Robert Block
Alma Brummels
by Pamela Brummels-Wallick
Thomas Buckley
by Carolyn Hansen
Shirley Caouloureanos
by Kathleen & Donald Moss
Elaine Chang
by Philip & Elizabeeth Prasad
Joyce and Wiley Cousins
by Nancy Skei
Tina Cox-Roberts
by Cristina Lopez
Leona Duerksen
by Patricia Duerksen
Earleen Dussen
by Janice Friesen
Rev Jacob Eitzen
by Gary & Elizabeth Barsoom
Robert “Bud” Ensom
by Whitney Ensom
Lee Ann Fairless
by Charlotte Dean
Armando Fernandez
by Luz Angela Kanner
Vivian Folkers
by Lela Folkers
by Bonnie Folkers Huebert
Leroy Gabrielson
by Ralph and Leann Keeler
Richard Gauna
by Tony & Laura Gauna
Louis Grabe
by Sharon Grabe
Alan Hatcher
by Dustin Campbell
MK Hayes
by Delia Hayes
David Hiatt
by Jeff & Denise Russell
Georgina Hickman
by Dorothy Sirman
Eva Jean Hicks
by E Y & K S Y McGee
John Hogendorn
by Courtney Hogendorn
George Howard
by Earl & Shirley Shaeffer
Thomas Howard
by John Howard
George Howder
by Robert & Deborah Torres
Alan G Hutcheson Jr
by Alan & Gabriell Hutcheson
Oliver Jensen
by Lois Raco
Fred Jessup
by Sam & Sally Thiessen
Greg Johnson
by Jerylee Johnson
Don Jorgenson
by Clifford & Janice Newton
Alex Josephian
by Harry & Susan Mazgedian
Rejevan Kanagaratnam
by Prathee Kanagaratnam
Shirley A Kroeger
by William Kroger
Dee Kuykendall
by Emil & Maurine DeVries
Brian Allen Lauchner
by Judy Rae Thomas
Church & Auxiliary Supporters (November 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015)
AUBERRY
Auberry Community Church
BIOLA
Biola Congregational Church
CLOVIS
Breaking Free Revival Center
Clovis First Assembly of God
Clovis Hills Community Church
Crossover Church of God
New Life Community Church of Clovis
Northside Christian Church Mission Acc
Northside Christian Church YAH Class
Pentecostal Church of God
Valley Bible Church of Clovis
COALINGA
1st Baptist Church
DINUBA
London Pentecostal Church of God
EASTON
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Easton
FIREBAUGH
Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church
of Mendota
FOWLER
The Presbyterian Church of Fowler
Worship Centre Church
FRESNO
1st Church of God
Ashlan Avenue Church of Christ
Calvary Chapel of Fresno
Calvary Worship Center Church
Campus Bible Church
Central Community Church
City of Refuge A New Beginning
Cornelia Avenue Baptist Church
Easton Presbyterian Church
El Encino Baptist Church
Family Community Church
First Armenian Presbyterian Church
Fresno Christian Reformed Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of
NEAG-Action Community Church
Northeast Assembly of God
Northpark Community Church
Peoples Church
Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church
River Valley Church
St Paul CME Church Benevolent Fund
The Bridge Evangelical Free Church
Third Day Fellowship of Fresno
Truth Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church
University Presbyterian Church
Valley Christian Center
West Park Baptist Church of Fresno
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Word Community Church
KERMAN
1st Southern Missionary Baptist Church
KINGSBURG
Evangelical Colony Covenant Church
Riverbend Church
REEDLEY
Community Christian Fellowship
RIVERDALE
United Methodist Women
SPRINGHILL
New Song Ministries
TOLLHOUSE
Church of Tollhouse
Sierra Hills Baptist Church
TRANQUILLITY
1st Southern Baptist Church
www.fresnorm.org