The Miracle Baby

n June of 2003, Shaundra gave birth to Keontae. Although born one month premature, Keontae was

I a perfectly healthy baby boy. The miracle? Shaundra used drugs and alcohol every day for the eight
months leading up to his birth. Because Shaundra was using at the time of his birth, Keontae was
taken from her and placed in foster care with her mother. She missed having her baby, but didn’t give
WINTER 2005
up her 16-year, $100 a day drug habit.
Shaundra’s CPS worker recommended the Visalia Rescue Mission to her, and told her it was a
Shaundra surrounded by her mother (hold-
Christian-based program. She completed the interview process and was accepted into the program,
ing Keontae) and children at her graduation.
but didn’t go. In her words, she was “too busy out there. I wasn’t ready to come in.” When CPS
removed Keontae from her mother’s care, Shaundra became desperate for help, and called the Mission, begging to come back in.
At the first Bible study Shaundra attended, the volunteer leading the group asked who wanted to invite God into their lives. Shaundra

The Greatest Gift

immediately responded, and committed her life to God. As she went through the program, she saw many miracles unfold in her fami-
ly’s life. Her baby was placed in foster care with her aunt, and Shaundra was able to have weekly visits with him. Her 2 older children,
who had been taken by their father when Shaundra went to jail on drug charges, moved back into the area so Shaundra could have vis-
its with them as well.
At her graduation, Shaundra’s mother, daughter and two sons watched proudly as she received her certificate of completion. They
are living together and learning what it means to have a “regular” life. Shaundra is taking real estate courses, going to church, and liv- om, we’re so proud of you!” a 75% loss of sight in Rescue Mission, and on
ing with an “attitude of gratitude”. She used to think it was very boring to have a “regular life”, but is realizing that the regular life can
be very exciting and happy. Her favorite verse is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” Why is that her favorite? Because “It lets me know just
how much that man loves me!”
“M Those words inscribed on a
Christmas card from her daugh-
ters represent the greatest gift Becky
one eye and a 50% loss
of hearing in one ear.
After his death, his fam-
January 9, 2005, gradu-
ated from the Mission’s
recovery program.
received this last year. The next greatest ily came to their home Becky is learning
gift? New teeth, which for Becky mean a and took away every- how to live life in the
chance to get a job and begin living the thing that the couple peace of Jesus Christ.
“normal life” that she sought for many had, and Becky was She began communicat-
years. Through several years of drug forced to start over. The ing with her mother for
abuse and domestic violence, Becky often only thing she really the first time in 10
cried out to God in desperation for a nor- knew was drug dealing, so Becky began years, and talked with her husband at
mal life. Her prayers were answered, but supplying her boyfriend’s customers. She Thanksgiving without anger and hatred in
in very unexpected ways. went into two other relationships that her heart.
At 16 years of age, Becky dropped out were based on dope, and continued her Becky knows that her ability to forgive
of high school to get married and have her downward spiral. That came to a halt at and extend grace is only possible because
first baby. Her second the end of 2003, of her relationship with Jesus. She wakes
daughter was born
four years later, and
Becky knows when she was jailed
for possession.
up early in the morning to pray, and finds
herself talking with God all day long. She
as Becky describes it, that her ability Upon entering jail, likes who she has become; a contented,
she led a “Leave it to Becky was offered joyous, peaceful person. She is close to
Beaver” life. to forgive and the choice to do time completing her GED, after which she will
However, after eight- or take drug classes be ready to go to work. Becky is looking
een years of mar-
extend grace and enter a program forward to learning to trust in God alone,
riage, the unimagin-
able happened, and
is only possible for substance abuse.
She wound up doing
and not rely on her former habits.
Did God answer Becky’s desperate
Annual Celebration Banquet Becky had to ask her because of her nine months in jail, prayers? Yes. Not in the way Becky asked,
husband to leave their and during that time, but in the right way. Even though Becky
Return Service Requested Friday May 13,2005 Visalia, CA 93279
P.O. Box 109 home. After a few relationship her first grandchild suffered the consequences of her poor
PERMIT NO. 119 SAVE THIS DATE Visalia Rescue Mission months of trying to
cope with what she
with Jesus. was born. While
attending Bible stud-
choices, God was standing with her and
directing her steps. Her experiences have
VISALIA, CA 932977
PAID saw as a failure on her part, she moved in ies in jail, Becky heard about Jesus’ love equipped her to help others see that God
U.S. Postage with another man, who introduced her to for her, and invited Him into her life. On will answer their prayers, and that they
Non-Profit Org. drugs and was physically abusive. July 9, 2004, Becky was released from jail can turn their lives around. Becky has
Five years of beatings left Becky with into the women’s program at the Visalia found there’s no better gift than that!
 THE VISALIA RESCUE MISSION HONORS & MEMORIALS cont.
Board of Directors
Dear Friends Women’s Auxiliary
Ken & Caroline Casida
Timothy & Linda Donahue
Randy Vogt Mike Poprawa
Chairman by Randy Vogt, Chairman
Desiree & Bari Lane Molyneux
Mark Shelton Carl & Judi Lanford
Vice Chairman ur God is an awesome God, He tion of their next meeting.) n the late summer of 2004, the Mission several different salon treatments that had

“O I
Verne & Alison Miniaci
Tammy Mainord reigns from heaven above.” These We are working diligently toward a began a Women’s Auxiliary to serve as an been rare luxuries for these women in the Al & Ruth Smith
Treasurer additional support in meeting the needs of past, if ever. It was a day to celebrate the Sara Knight
words from a familiar worship chorus March opening for the Women and
Jeannie VanRyn the women both in the program as well as Lord’s love and value for each one of them. Christine Smith
Secretary have been playing in my head and heart a lot Children’s Shelter. There is such a huge
lately. God continues to bless The Visalia need in our community for this facility. By those in our community. Jacque Baxley knew immediately that Jack Tallentire
Michael Allen The Auxiliary’s purpose is to work her desire to serve others through the
Paul Baxley Rescue Mission beyond measure! Thank God’s provision and grace, the Mission IN MEMORY OF:
alongside the board and staff at the Mission Auxiliary would combine her love for
Wayne Ingram you for your prayers and support in 2004. will soon be able to meet the short term Marlene Baiza
and assist with volunteer needs, fundrais- Christ, hospitality, and cooking! She has Darlene MacNeilly
John Koster Thanks to your faithfulness during the past needs of women and children in our area ing, prayer, mentoring, decorat- been holding bi-monthly
year, we not only met our budgeted income for shelter, food and clothing. It is our Isabel Frantz
Nonning Leyendekker ing, and other projects as required. cooking classes for the Mary Dickerson
Brad Reenders goals, but received additional donations and prayer that those who come to us with It has been an absolute blessing to ladies in the program Barbara Dunbar
Greg Scroggins pledges toward our new Emergency Shelter these basic physical needs will also expe- all who have had the privilege of where she supplies the Dolores Elam & Paul Verissimo
Sid Tuls for Women and Children. rience the joy of restoration and a new life being involved. The work has recipes and ingredients and Oliver Bettencourt
Jenny Zeeb I am also excited about the formation of in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. great worth because of those we they supply the attentive Mary & Edward Bettencourt
our Women’s Auxiliary! These commit- Please pray with us that the repairs and have the opportunity to serve. and hungry audience. She Steve Ingram
ted, godly women have hit the ground run- upgrades of the Women and Children’s Each month we will seek to has enjoyed her work with Harry Baker

Because You Care. . .

…we set records in 2004.
ning and already are involved in helping
our staff and board minister more effective-
Shelter will go smoothly and on schedule
so we can very soon begin to minister to
highlight some of the women
from the auxiliary and tell of the
creative ways their ministry has
ladies and has been used
by the Lord to again meet a
spiritual need and physical
Charles & Norma Barton
David & Mary Becker
M.J. Bennett
ly to our residents. (If you are a woman many more of the homeless and hurting H.D. & R.J. Bomann
Meals served taken form here at the Mission. Monica enjoys Layne’s beauty one as well.
with a heart for the Mission and the work women and children in Visalia and our Boyd’s Electric Motors
92,673 Layne Downes came to the treatments during the spa day. There are as many
God is doing here, you need to be a part of surrounding communities. Teresa Burkdoll
Bed nights Auxiliary with a burden of meeting a phys- opportunities to serve, as there are ladies and
this dynamic group! Call Angela or Linda May God bless you and your family in Richard & Karen Carlstrom
31,054 ical and emotional need. One of her proj- creative ideas that come with each. If you Loretta,Tony & Brian Costa
Graduates at the Mission office for the date and loca- new and special ways in 2005! ects was to help the women feel beautiful feel you have a desire to help, in any way, DG Insurance Agency
22 and valued as precious daughters of a lov- please join us for our monthly meeting on Harrell Ranch
Chapel attendance ing, Heavenly Father. She was able to Monday, February 7th in our chapel here at R.H. & Shirley Hickam

News from the Director

19,676 orchestrate a “Day of Beauty” for the ladies the Mission. For more information on meet- John, Pam & Johnnie Hubbard
in the program in late 2004. On this day she ings or involvement, contact Wendy Little at Chuck & Nancy Iacono
Edward & Marilyn Janzen
Thank You
made arrangements for the ladies to enjoy 627-2670 or Angela at 733-2231, ext.18.
Walter & Leni Kupfer
t has been the most the most incredible year nowhere to place her. We could feed her Susan & Richard Mangini
Almost 2000 people were fed during
the Visalia Rescue Mission’s annual
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
More than 900 children received gifts
I we have ever seen here at the Visalia Rescue
Mission. We have fed more than ever –
92,673 meals served. We have slept more than
yet could not shelter her during the day or
provide overnight services. She needed
help, and it pains us to know we could not
Thank You! EASTER
Aron & Carrie Margosian
Roger & Martha Marshburn
The Bill Peacock family

COMMUNITY MEAL
shoori & Company Jewelers sponsored a Darrell & Bernice Price
donated by churches, schools, and indi-
viduals in the community. Nearly 650
volunteers participated by serving and
ever before – 31,000 bed nights. We are over-
whelmed by the generosity of our donors, vol-
unteers, and churches as we have seen more
help her.
Herein lies the opportunity. There is a need
and we intend to meet it. We are finalizing plans
A Christmas tree for the Visalia Rescue Mis-
sion at the annual Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Tree Auction in December. They n Saturday, March 26th, the Visalia
Billie & Stanley Shawl
Fannie F.Wilkinson
John & Karen Yohannes

preparing food, wrapping gifts, singing
encouraging music, and showing the
love of this community for the hungry
and homeless of our area. Thank you
for joining us in ministering to our
neighbors.Through your partnership
many lives were touched, and many
holidays were brightened.
Honors & Memorials
IN HONOR OF:
Susan Ferré
Barbara Baxley
Patricia Ballew
Louise Ballew
Barbara Roemer & Glenn Miller
Jane Lightner
response than ever. All of these elements have to
come together under the direction of our Lord to
see this work accomplished for His glory.
We know our task is large and the work
never seems to end. We rest in the fact that
our calling is accomplished one life at a
time. We are ministering in an environ-
ment that produces less results than we
would like to see. Yet, we long to do the
Lord’s work, and know it is His calling
that drives us. We need your prayers as we
face daily challenges.
I was reminded of this challenge as I
encountered a lady on our property the
other day. She was homeless and sleeping
in a car. She had nowhere to go. We had
for expanding our Family Center to house
women and children overnight. We have consis-
tently turned away an average of over 1000
women and children for the past four years. This
new shelter will allow us to provide assistance
for a need we have not been able to address.
Please pray with us as we enter a new phase
of ministry. We need your prayers. We need
your support to address these needs that seem
too large at times. God Bless you as you consid-
er your involvement.
Blessed in Christ
O
Al Smith
also donated a beautiful pair of diamond ear- Rescue Mission will host a community Harry Baker
rings to complement the tree. Layne Downes, dinner for our neighbors from 11 AM – M.J. Bennett
Wendy Little, Judy Simpson and Monica Paul & Ellen Bissiri
2 PM. The success of this meal is depend-
Stahl selected the theme of “Diamonds in the Glen & Vicki Caine
ent upon your involvement in cooking,
Rough”, and adorned the tree lavishly with Keith & Amy Crain
serving, decorating, cleaning, and sharing
beautiful jewels and decorations. The tree Eleandra Groom
the love of Jesus with those around us. Your
reflected the beauty of a life changed by the Wayne & Sally Lovejoy
hour or two of service can have an impact Kenneth & Alice Moore
hope and restoration found only in Jesus
Betty Partridge
Christ. Todd Trimm, of Above & Beyond on someone’s lifetime.
David & Susan Pearson
Auto Detailing, purchased the tree, and Susie Jack & Helene Putnam
Whitten won the earrings in a drawing. TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE DAY OR
Ray & Dorothy Scott
Shelley Venema donated two hand- PROVIDE FOOD, PLEASE CALL L.F. & Joan Simons
painted platters sold in the live auction. ANGELA AT 733-2231, EXT. 18. Laura Spalding
Altogether, more than $16,500 was raised Mabel Sparks
John Tallentire
for the Mission. Thank you to all of our FOOD NEEDED:
friends who gave so generously to bless the Cooked ham, mashed potatoes, corn, Frank & Ruth Van Gilluwe
David & Janet Williams
homeless and hungry of Visalia. rolls, dressing, pies, ice, and beverage mixes.