“Rescue is our Mission”

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October 2011 • VOL. 4

“I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me!” by Kenneth A. Ross

with Jesus, was the best thing I allelujah!” have ever, ever, done!” “ W o w ! ” Gregory C. was the next “Hallelujah!” to take the platform. His first These were the first three comments were, “Without words spoken at our graduation Jesus, I wouldn’t be here!” ceremony, by Rich, one of He continued, “Everyone our recent graduates from our in this place is a blessing to long-term recovery Helmsman me. I now have a foundation. Program. He continued by Without God’s way, I can’t stating that, “There are so many even walk. This Mission is people who have influenced a blessing to me. Oh, what I and affected this walk in Christ “Nine lives were dramatically transformed have learned. I have spent a that I have today.” He shared over the last six months. Pictured are eight lot of years in prison. When I that when he first climbed the of those men, with Barry Davis, Helmsman came here, I was told that I was steps to the Mission, there was a worth something. You need Program counselor, far left.” counselor with whom he really to hear things like that. You didn’t see eye to eye with – that see, I didn’t like me. I have really been touched by my they really didn’t get along. But he turned out to be one of counselors. I have observed the Holy Spirit guiding their Rich’s best supporters and he thanked him for not giving lives and I hope I can learn to have that happen to me!” up on him. Barry Davis, Helmsman counselor and emcee for the There was another counselor who influenced Rich, even night, added some comments to what Gregory had just more than he realized. “He kept telling me that there was stated. Barry stated, “How does God see me? Before I came one word in the Bible that was so beautiful that I should to Bethesda, I never in my life sat down and envisioned research it. That word was, ‘but’. If it wasn’t for that word, how God saw me. Most times guys look at themselves by ‘but God’. If it wasn’t, ‘but for God’, where would I be? what they have been told by others. They need to strip Where would any of us be?” away everything someone has said to them and allow God “There is a third person, John Thompson, which I thank to tell us who we are. See, I will never know who I am until deeply. God placed him in my life to lead me to where I I realize whose I am.” needed to be today to be of service to Him. There was a Just simply, “Thank God!” were the first words out of verse that John used to quote to me all the time – ‘They David C.’s mouth. “It is truly a blessing to be able to stand shall know the truth and the truth shall set them free.’ No here in front of you all. I remember coming to Bethesda ifs, no ands, no buts. He taught me discipleship. I am on Mission … broken … no place else to go … no place else this earth to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to go out and to turn. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I came from make other disciples.” a life of total chaos. What I lived with, I learned. What I Rich concluded his comments by singing a short, learned, I practiced. And what I practiced, (Continued on Page 2) simple, song with a powerful message. “Falling in love NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

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“I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me!” (Continued from Page 1)

who strengthens me’, and I just I became. Today, I am a new creation thought that was something Paul in Christ!” At this point, the audience said in the Bible. But now I know erupted in a round of applause. … I know … I know that I can “I could not have become the do all things through Christ who man I am today without the people strengthens me – there is no doubt in who played an enormous part in my my mind.” life. All the people at Bethesda hold a “There is also a passage in very special place in my heart. When I Jeremiah that gives me such hope. first got here, I attended some classes, It states that, ‘I know the plans that entitled, ‘Change’. I found that if you I have for you, saith the Lord’. For truly and diligently search and seek my life … plans to give me a hope God, you will find Him. And if you and a future … to see me through! go where the evidence leads you, you “Paul explains that after I want to thank God – the creator of can no longer deny His existence. So spending 30 years in bondage, the universe – who saw fit to think of I stand here in front of you to let you now he knows … he knows that me and transform my life!” know that He is real – He exists and he can do all things through George R. was the next to share is working in my life! And with all Christ, who strengthens him!” what was on his heart. He started by that is within me, as God is in me, I stating, “The hand of God say thank you!” is on this place. The Holy Paul S. was the next Spirit is here, right now! I graduate to share some am so fortunate to be here. comments. “Eleven The grace and mercy that months I have been here has been extended to me is with these nine other guys. unbelievable. The people You think God is not still that know me, know that in the miracle business? I this is real. It wasn’t easy, have news for you – God is but all things are possible still in the miracle business! “Wives, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and to him that believes! What If someone would have fathers listen attentively to comments made by a great place to come after told me a year ago that I being in the wilderness for would be standing up here, their loved ones, who for the past six months 40 years!” I would have hit them in have been living at Bethesda Mission, learning Chuck Wingate, the head with a beer bottle. how to allow God to direct their lives, giving executive director, brought But yet, here I am!” them a transformed life through Jesus Christ!” the final challenge to all “This place is those present. He stated, definitely a blessing. God’s “You are not your own. You have been bought with a price. fingerprints are all over this place! And all over the people People here, get lives back. Life has been returned to nine and the counselors – it is just wonderful! These people men here tonight. It was a free gift … let’s not take it for are wonderful. This place is wonderful. I just can’t say granted … none of us!” enough. Before I came up those steps, I asked God for help The evening concluded in prayer followed by and guidance, because I knew I had a problem way bigger refreshments. Hugs abounded as family members joined than me. I spent 30 years in bondage. He brought me here. the recent graduates … all men with a new life … in Christ It has been one blessing after another since arriving.” Jesus! “I heard the verse, ‘I can do all things through Christ, 2

NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

“A New Creature in Christ!” by Novella Chisholm

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y name is Novella Chisholm. I outside drug and alcohol counseling, completing am a resident at the Bethesda parenting classes, and I am not longer a part of Mission’s Women & Children’s Dauphin County probation! I have also completed Shelter. Before walking Bethesda Mission’s New Life Program, Christian through these doors 23 Discipleship Program, and months ago, I was lost in my now reside in the Transitional addiction to crack cocaine for Living Program, where I 17 years. I came from a very will remain until God calls dysfunctional home – where me forth to the next chapter alcohol and sexual abuse of my very blessed life. I became a part of everyday have a church home, where life. I was baptized, and am also Life … WOW … what a an inspirational speaker. I powerful word! I was dying am now 40 years old and out there. I wasn’t sure that I since coming to Bethesda, even wanted to live anymore. I have experienced my first I definitely didn’t think that I camping trip, a trip to the deserved any good gift that beach, I have attended a Dave God had for me. Thank God Crowder concert, and heard “Novella is all smiles as she that my life is not my own a powerful message from Dr. reflects on all of the blessings that – to Him I belong! I was Jeremiah … awesome! she has experienced over the last chosen by God to live clean Who would have thought 23 months . . . and the changes in and sober … to be a vessel … who could have thought her life that have resulted by her for the Lord … to break my … that this beaten, broken, decision to do it God’s way!” family’s generational curse. unhealthy, lost spirit would My children belong to rise to the occasion, claiming the Lord. The evil one has no power in our lives. her royalty? I am the daughter of a King, my Savior Since being here, God has restored relationships with and my God. Oh, and guess what? I am a student at those very children. I was absent from their lives HACC, majoring in Human Services. I completed for at least seven years. But since being here, I have my first semester with a 4.0 G.P.A. attended my youngest son’s high school graduation, He believes in me, when I don’t believe in myself. sent him a care package when he went off to college, When the pain is too great, because sometimes it still attended my oldest daughter’s 18th birthday party, is, I cry out, Hallelujah … because I know my healing and have resumed my financial responsibility as their is on the way! Thank you, Lord! Thank you Bethesda mother. My youngest daughter resides here with me. Mission! God knows that I need you. You have given When we got here, she wasn’t even walking. She is me back my life! now three years old, potty-trained, she loves praising Life … to live for the glory of God! Great is Thy the Lord, and she is definitely anointed. faithfulness! I’m so glad I don’t look like what I have Some of my accomplishments are completing been through! I am a new creature in Christ! NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

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“Impacted”

by Serina Brown, Director of Youth Ministry

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mpact is a word that especially before the Lord. you rarely hear used. It was amazing to see how What does it mean to their hearts were open to make an impact? To receiving more of God. Here be impacted? This summer the are a few things the teens students were challenged with wanted donors to know about these questions. We took the their impact experience: time to discuss many things “God taught me involving impact. What does it forgiveness, and how to mean to impact your heart and give my troubles away to future? What does it mean to Him and let Him take care be impacted by the Gospel; to “The Youth Center kids and staff had a great of them. I know I can’t keep impact the world? The students doing things on my own.” time at the Impact Conference – seeing how were challenged to think deeper “I was really going God impacts their daily lives … and then and encouraged to go further in through pain and hurt from personally impacting others with His love.” their faith like never before. an abusive relationship, I “Impact” means the striking of just kept all the pain inside one body against another; collision. To from the aspect of lasting change. The until I came to Impact and God come into forcible contact with another students looked at what it means to be began speaking to me. I got baptized object. When we hear the word impact, impacted by the Gospel. By allowing and now I feel free and ready to move it hits hard and intensely. If we could yourself to be impacted by God, you can forward.” truly take a moment in our busy lives to then allow your body to be impacted. “I learned that I am not alone ask the question, “Whom or what have Having your eyes impacted means it and God is on my side in every we impacted today?”, we would not start affects how you see others; your mouth situation. I learned I am not the only another day without a sense of urgency. is how you talk to others; your heart and one struggling in the world.” Our students are brought up in a mind is how you become a new creation “Impact was mind-opening in world that says, “who cares about impact, in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to that I was able to grow closer to my I have to take care of me and my family.” transform you daily. Once those areas friends and to God. I’m going to be They see their families struggling and a are impacted you will be able to impact more open with other people.” world that seems to have no peace. So the world. I have seen the Senior High “It taught me a lot about God and when you ask them what it means to be students embrace these challenges with His plans for me. I also saw God in impacted, it is a foreign term. their whole heart! a different way and got baptized for This summer the Preteens took time The culmination of this teaching the first time.” to examine what it means to impact your for the Teens was a camp conference These are just pieces of the things heart and future. The Preteens looked called Impact, directed by Salt ‘n Light the students wanted to share, but through through the Bible to discover God’s plan Ministries. The Youth Center students their own words you can clearly see how and were able to see how God’s plan were there for five days. They had nightly their lives are being transformed and had impacted their lives. They also took concerts, dramas, and breakout sessions. impacted. “It has been an encouragement time to look at what it means to impact At the end of every night, the group sat to my soul and utterly amazing to behold their future. They were challenged to at a campfire to discuss what happened what God is doing in and through these think about who they desire to become, throughout the day and how they were teens”, shares Courtney Davis, Assistant not only in a career but also as a person. affected. Every teen and staff opened up Coordinator. They were able to look at their personality about themselves and things they were Please pray that these students will traits and who they are now, as well as struggling with personally and with their continue to allow God to impact their dream about who they can become. family. They truly allowed themselves hearts … and in turn … they will impact The Senior High looked at impact to be vulnerable before their peers and the world! 4

NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

“Certificate of Love” For everyone who loves to give unique and meaningful gifts. What do you give to the person who has everything? love!

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Bethesda Mission Certificate of Love is a gift from the heart. Celebrate that next special occasion by making a donation to Bethesda Mission in honor of your friends, loved ones, coworkers, and/or business clients. It says that you care about them too much to give them another trinket from the giveaway catalog, one more of something they already have plenty of, or a gift certificate to a store. This “Certificate” demonstrates your mutual concern for those who are in need.

What you get: A gift suitable for those who matter the most to you! The person to whom you have designated your gift will receive the “Certificate of Love” personalized with their name noting that you made the donation in their honor. hoW it helps: Each gift you give will provide for the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter for the poor and homeless in the Harrisburg area, and the opportunity for long-term recovery from addiction and abuse for Bethesda’s guests. To Order: Contact Ken Ross at (717) 257-4442 x 223 NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

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A Computer “Laboratory” at Bethesda’s Youth Center

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or several years we have envisioned a structured computer laboratory for our Youth Center with professionally developed instruction targeted to educate and challenge the children who come to our converted “fire station” on Herr Street. Parents, guardians, and residents from the community could also come and utilize the facility Scott Dunwoody Director of Development for training and research to assist in their vocational advancement. Well, the dream has finally become a reality! A “laboratory” is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research and experiments may be performed. If the image in your mind is the computer “nerd or geek”, nothing could be further from the truth. Over the past six months, a competent and engaging group of trainers has “L to R – Front row – Courtney Davis & volunteered to guide Bethesda’s staff at Serina Brown, Youth Center, Jeff Coleman, the Youth Center toward developing an Churchill Strategies. Back row – Satya interactive, age-sensitive program, tailored Arya & Kranthi Dasi, Deloitte Consulting, and Anthony Shelly, Youth Center.” to a wide range of children from elementary to high school. These trainers include: leaders - Satya Arya, Dennis James & Kranthi Dasi, (Deloitte Consulting); Gopa Nair (Capital One); Dave Atwood (Tyco Electronics) and Vance Joines (Vtech Repair). Many compassionate hands have contributed to this effort by providing financial support, voluntary labor and material donations. These include: Jeff Coleman (Churchill Strategies), sponsoring Churchill Invitational Mini-Golf Event held raising $3,716; private donor, $4,000; Dan Latshaw, Pitbull Solutions & Bill Christian, Bethesda Mission, IT expertise; grants from PMI, $2,000 & Arcelor Mittal, $2,500; Dave Seaman, Partnership for Hope, donating volunteer labor, and Darvin Martin, Handyman Contractor, design and implementation. Serina Brown, Director of the Youth Center summed up the effort this way: “I am overwhelmed at how God has poured out His blessing on this project, inspiring these volunteers and contributors to better equip and impact the lives of these ‘at-risk’ youth we have the privilege to serve.”

Volunteer Needs • Receptionists at our Women & Children’s Shelter 6

NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

Kenneth A. Ross Director of Community Relations, New Life Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Lutz, Chairman James G. Tatnall, Vice Chairman David E. Dyson, Secretary William R. Kaufman, Treasurer Georgeanne Burkholder Jere Coxon Warren L. Dutka Brent W. Emrick Joseph L. Green Andrew H. Groop Ida McMurray Don Schin Sherburne P. Hill, Director Emeritus

STAFF Chuck Wingate,

Executive Director Deb King,

Volunteer Coordinator Kenneth A. Ross,

Director of Community Relations, New Life Editor

Our E-Mail Address: [email protected] Visit us on the Internet at: http://www.bethesdamission.org

Memorial and Tribute Gifts “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” —Philippians 1:3 In Memory Of John & Isabelle Alther Loved Ones ‘Barney’ Steve Boghian & Debby Voltz Dotty Bordner Rosann Boyd Butch Bragunier Dorothy C. Breon Maria Bruscia Scott Carns John R. Christian, Sr. George F. Conjar, Jr. & Jacqueline Conjar Sylvester M. ‘Pop’ Cook James F. Crane George W. Dean Helen H. DeLuca Henry & Earline Dillon John L. Elliott John Todd Fox Barbara Fressie Adda J. Fritz Todd Gingrich Mary (Molly) Hoffman Jessie P. Holmes Dr. Thomas W. Holtzman, Jr. & Zachary T. Holtzman Duane P. Kent Walter & Alma Kinsey Ned Kistler Margaret K. Kline Frances Flickinger Konhaus

Frederick Joseph Kreider Joseph George Lehman

Ridgely Lenig

By John & Caroly Cerifko Maxine R. Antonicelli Vedula Murti Mary Lacaria Jane & Charles Batzel Thelma M. Stahor Mick & Pete Husband, Bob Maria Vajda Bill & Marion Alexander Dorothy M. Christian, daughter Susan L. Bitner Michael C. Cook, Sr. Carolyn Cutilli, daughter Loving wife, Dee Theodore B. DeLuca Alice M. Dillon Arlene Elliott, wife Jeanne E. McDole Mary Ann Miick Jim, Lorry, & Charles Fritz Women’s Bible Study at Hiesters David I. Hoffman Frances C. Rebmann Susquehanna Twp Middle School Staff Jeanne C. Kent Linda A. Kinsey Mary Ann Miick Constance O. Wise Alice Kunkel Davis Barbara K. Geistwhite Frank Konhaus Carolyn L. Kunkel Tom & Patti Rowe Mark D. Kreider American Legion Post 532 Honor Guard Linda K. Goering Carol Hershberger Mrs. Leroy Kauffman Anna M. Lehman Alma Unray Ron & Carol Kershner

In Memory Of Evelyn Long Florence E. Long Leroy K. Mann Paul Marinak Michael Harry C. Miller, father Ryan Lee Mohn Kevin Mull Michael H. Murray, brother Clair H. Myers Vera Myers My Dad Charles E. Phillips Al Pirolli Mom and Dad Poluirtz Bobby J. Ragan John J. (Jack) Rakocy, Sr. Ruth M. Rineer Mom and Dad Sabia Haven Schaffner Clarence Shaw Dorothy R. Shover Ab & Dar Shrawder Lloyd Smeltz Herbert I. Soller M.D. Pat Spielbauer Ray F. Stauffer, Jr. David Stirling Emma Jane Tiffany Kristen P. Vesell Eric J. Wiener Joseph J. Witt

In Honor Of Gayle & Clyde Armstrong Charles & Virginia Beaver, Anniversary Jesse F. Boyer, III

By Pat & Don Neidig Joe, Elaine & Kristen Meisinger Mr. & Mrs. Myron Mann Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Johnson Michael F. Hilden Patricia Bixler Ryan Lee Mohn Memorial Foundation Thelma M. Stahor Sandra L. Corbitt Mary Jane Myers, wife Larry & Shari Myers Cynthia R. Nye Peggy V. Phillips, wife Dominic DiFrancesco, Sr. Delores Sabia His family Cosmo & Joanne Agostino Meehan Family George & Elaine Deppen Delores Sabia Ella M. Mavretic Kimberly Shaw Dorothy M. Christian, neice Dennis & Jill Bellis Ella M. Mavretic Carol R. Soller Susquehanna Twp Middle School Staff Alice K. Stauffer, wife Scott J. Orris George & Carol McCall Hilary Vesell Walter David & Joan Prediger Frank & Kathleen Roma

In Honor Of Joan Buhler, birthday Scott Campbell, birthday Joan Claybourn Carolyn M. Cook, birthday Alanna, birthday Marci Klinger

By Paula McDermott Nancy Campbell Marla A. Walker Michael C. Cook, Sr. Alice Pinti Women’s Bible Study at Hiesters

Steve & Doris Lenkevich, 60th Wedding Anniversary Jane & daughter JoAnn Renshaw Mark A, Limbert, 92nd birthday & Father’s Day Carol A. Washington, daughter George McCall, birthday Scott & Nancy Campbell Wilma Musser Morris & Leone Sider My husband, George Nye Cynthia R. Nye Raymond Ross, birthday Genia Patrick Angelo Sabia Delores Sabia Mark Sabia Delores Sabia Marjorie Hoeflich Santos, birthday Scott & Nancy Campbell Rodney & Lynda Simmonds, 50th Wedding Anniversary Joanne Olson Father, Carl Snyder Donald & Tammy Snyder Debbie Stevens, Great work! Ted Bollard Mark & Bev Thompson, 10th Anniversary Martin & Ruth Landis My Dad, Harry W. Wehry, Sr. Tammy L. Snyder Susan Weller, birthday Diane M. Burgraff Shireen Farr Mary S. Franklin Margaret Y. Fultz Linda Hoffer Gina G. Nudel Margaret Pepe Wendy Schaenen

By Bernadette M. Flinchbaugh Kevin & Janine Brightbill Jesse F. Boyer, IV John Cappawana NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

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MISSION NEEDS Please drop off all donations anytime at 611 Reily Street, Harrisburg, PA Thank You!

FOOD SERVICES

#10 cans of vegetables and fruits, fresh and frozen Beef/Sausage/Pork products/Lunch meats/Fish Cheese, milk, and butter Mayonnaise/Salad dressings Spaghetti sauce Fresh potatoes Pancake mix Coffee/Spices/Gravy Napkins, plastic wear, and paper towels Dish detergent/Latex gloves Aprons Chef knives Pizza oven

MEN’S SHELTER • • • •

YOUTH CENTER • • • • • • • • • • • •

TRANSITIONAL LIVING • • • • •

Three 50 inch or larger flat screen TVs Worship & Christian Movie DVD’s New sweatshirts/Gloves and hats Toilet paper

30-40 gallon aquarium tank for turtles Floor buffer Individual snacks Vacuum cleaner Glue sticks Colored markers Blenders Basketballs Footballs Classroom partitions Classroom chairs Tarps DVD players New blankets and twin sheets New towels and wash clothes (9 sets) Paper towels Batteries (AA, AAA, and 9-volt)

P.O. Box 3041 Harrisburg, PA 17105 717-257-4442

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Baby clothes Juicer Steamer for cleaning furniture African-American hair products Movie tickets Sharp knives for the kitchen Gift certificates to purchase women’s underwear Dictionaries New robes, pajamas, and slippers Insulated drapes

MEDICAL CLINIC • • • • • • •

Hydrocortisone cream Tylenol Ear wax remover Foot powder Preparation H Pumice stones Cold & flu remedies (no alcohol content)

Cornerstone Value:

MISSION STATEMENT Since 1914, Bethesda Mission has been a missionary arm of the local church, reaching out to men, women, and children of all races, nationalities and creeds, providing the poor and homeless with shelter, food, clothing, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and discipling them in the Christian life. 8

WOMEN & CHILDREN’S SHELTER

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

CORE VALUES

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Jesus Christ Is Our Foundation

Core Values: Relentless Pursuit of Excellence in All Things Faithfulness in Transforming Lives Integrity Without Compromise

NEWLIFE — A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF BETHESDA MISSION

16th Annual Gospel Music Festival Proceeds to benefit God’s work at Bethesda Mission

Saturday, November 12, 2011 7:00 p.m. Mechanicsburg Middle School 1750 S. Market Street Mechanicsburg, PA

Featuring:

The Pfeifers • Mark Trammel Quartet • The Baptones Contact WSBC Gospel Festival at 717-761-0942 or after 3:00 p.m. at 717-443-2583 for ticket information

For more information visit www.baptones.com or www.bethesdamission.org