Phoenix Rescue Mission October 2016
SouthGate Church’s “Changing Lives Center” Outreach 2016
A huge “THANK YOU” to our Phoenix Rescue Mission Changing Lives Center Outreach volunteers for making Sunday, October 23rd, such an amazing day of outreach and ministry to the women and children staying at the center!
The Changing Lives Center is a place where women dealing with issues of homelessness, abuse, or addictions can stay for up to a year in a Christ centered environment at no cost to them while they work through their problems. In many instances their children are allowed to stay with them. They are afforded many educational opportunities during their stay at the center including job training and a chance to earn their GED.
On Sunday, the 23rd, we moved our worship service and children’s church ministry to the center for the day. Our children’s church and nursery care teams did an awesome job ministering to the children at the center! Pastor Andrew’s message about finding our true identity in Christ seemed especially appropriate for the women at the center because all of them are dealing with difficult situations that are really rooted in a misconception of who they are, what and Who they were created for and where their true worth and value comes from. It’s only through a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ that we can discover what our real identity is and fulfill the destiny that God intends for each one of us. Several women came forward for the response time following the service and at least one lady accepted Christ as her Savior! VERY AWESOME!
Following the service, we barbecued some hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch and our Connect Groups sponsored some fun activity booths for the women and children.
When you add it all up, it made for a REALLY GREAT DAY – always a blessing to witness the church being the church. I’m sure the Lord was very pleased. We have certainly received a lot of heartfelt appreciation from many of the women at the center as well as the staff who work there.
Nice job SouthGate!
About Phoenix Rescue Mission – Changing Lives Center
The Changing Lives Center is a place where women, and in some instances their children, can come and stay for up to a year. During that time, they have the opportunity to work through life issues such as homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence. This program is donor funded and offered completely free to the women. Professional counseling, work therapy counseling (developing work skills), parenting classes, and education for those without a high school diploma are provided. Most importantly, this is a Christ centered ministry where these women are taught about Jesus Christ and the difference he could make for them in their lives for and in their children’s lives.
