Hi friends, I recorded a video interview with Robert, a New Life Program Student who is successfully in recovery for the past 7 months.  By his own admission, Robert has struggled with alcohol and crack addiction, lost his family and his business and made a mess of things.  Now he is clean and sober, going to seminary and building a great life with God’s help.  I think it will be an inspiration as you hear all the great lessons Robert is learning.  He has experienced a lot of pain and disappointment, but he is an example of how anybody can turn it around.  Audio quality is poor, so turn up the volume.  Click Here.  Lenght: 5 min. David

The coming weeks will bring changes to our Challenge Learning Center.  Primarily, the changes will be based around a a shift in our teaching philosophy.  Instead of the “Lecture” format of teaching, we will be designing our Learning Center around the different ways that people naturally learn, (Audio, Visual, Active Participation).  Since many of our students did not thrive in typical classroom settings, we have to become more creative in how we help them break down the walls to learning.  This will enable more students to get their GED’s, become readers, and get more excited about being a “life-long learner”.  I started thinking about this after reading a book called, “The Way They Learn” by Cynthia Tobias.  Cynthia is the expert on this subject and knows many different ways to help break down the fears people have about school.  Fortunately, Cynthia lives in the Pacific Northwest and graciously agreed to come give us free consulting advice.  Check out her website and look forward to some very positive changes in the Challenge Learning Center.  David

Several years ago I saw Benjamin Zander speak and I’ve remembered it ever since.  Recently I ran across this video and I highly recommend it to you.  Why do I recommend this?  Because we have to fight all the negativity and doom.  You’re not going to get a lot of uplift on talk radio, network news or from Hollywood so you’ve got to go find it yourself.  I recommend that you take a few minutes to watch this….you’ll be totally inspired.  DC

One of the lessons we should be striving to example for the clients of the Tacoma Rescue Mission is to be a “life-long learner”.  Once a person graduates from high school, they often no longer have a impetus to continue to expand their brain power, learning and understanding.  This becomes a problem because life doesn’t stand still  and we quickly find ourselves “out of date” with what’s happening.  As a regular habit I try to read books, listen to audiobooks, podcasts, watch plays, go to museums, go to church, go to hear authors, and other things that stretch my comfort zone and help me to learn.  I hope you’ll make a habit to do the same.  So the question is, What am I looking at right now?  A couple weeks ago I was turned onto two websites that have interesting video segments on a variety of subjects, from science to politics to genetics and more, from the smartest minds in the representative fields.  As a habit, I try to watch a video on a subject that I know nothing about – to expand my understanding and learn something new.  Try TED.COM or Poptech.com and see what videos might be interesting to you.  Here is one of the favorites that I’ve seen recently from Malcolm Gladwell.  DC

A while back radio jockey Tony B. from KUBE 93 interviewed me on his Street Beat program.  He is a good man who really wants to help the community.  Here is a link to the KUBE STREET BEAT podcasts.  Scroll down the page to the “Safety and Shelter” segments.  Its in three segments.  DC

Today’s News Tribune has an article on the growing demand upon Pierce County Food Banks during the recent economic crisis began.  We’ve certainly noticed our demand for Food Baskets and in the numbers of people being served during three meals each day being served at the New Life Sq. and Family Shelter.  It’s important to take note of the reality of people’s pain because it motivates us to do more good and offer the love of God to those in need.  But always remember, DON’T LIVE IN DESPAIR and don’t let these kinds of stories convince you that there is no hope.  In all the years that we have been working with the homeless, broken, addicted, and lonely was there every a situation where we couldn’t help someone if they were willing to change?  NO.  Has there ever been a problem so big here at the Mission that our Faith in God was shown to be insufficient?  NEVER!  More hungry people, more people in need, more opportunities to show the love of God regardless of circumstances and social standing.  More chances to change lives.  David

Tomorrow, Thursday Feb. 12th, I’m going to attend the Operational Leadership Meeting to lead a discussion on two major areas of potential growth at the Mission: Volunteerism and Alumni follow-up.  Please watch this 4 min video to get some idea what I’ll be talking about.  DC

Here is a link to our 2008 Annual Report online.  Please click through and look at all the great program and financial data on the Tacoma Rescue Mission

This weekend several department leaders of the Tacoma Rescue Mission went to a seminar on the Celebrate Recovery Program to learn more about how we can facilitate New Life Program Graduates getting involved in these group after they leave our facility.  Celebrate Recovery was started out of the Saddleback Church in California and has now spread across the nation.  Our New Life Program has been plugging into CR groups here in the area, and now we are looking for even greater partnership.  Why?  Because people who are in recovery need regular encouragement and support to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle. (Podcasts Here)  Celebrate Recovery is a great option for people who have tried AA, but want a more direct spiritual support in their recovery.  Check out the Celebrate Recovery website and where some groups are meeting in YOUR AREA.  DC

I’ve been saying for month’s now that (I’m not the only one) that the national mood is too negative and pessimistic (USA has 93% employment, wealthiest people to every walk the face of the earth).  This is particularly true in the economic sector, real estate and industries tied up with building.  People forget that economics are built on TRUST and FAITH.  If everyone is talking down the future, there will be no economic recovery.  Economies and budgets (even personal budgets) are driven by FAITH and HOPE.  Here at the Tacoma Rescue Mission we have been working with the poor, homeless, addicted and forgotten for a long time and this isn’t the first negative financial situation we have come up against.  Maybe that’s why we are more optimistic and encourage people to have faith, especially people who follow Jesus (who aren’t supposed to put their faith in money anyway).  Our experience tells us that when you stay optimistic you are more open to opportunity, can see possibilities, have a better attitude, attract more friends and more positive relationships and eventually good stuff happens.  I received a note from a donor Friday that gives just such an example of faithfulness and hope through this difficult time.  Here it is:  Dear David, Two years ago my husband had been laid off form his job.  God had impressed upon us not to stop giving to charities, even though our income had dropped tremendously.  With every check to the Tacoma Rescue Mission I would write in the memo area “pray for B—-’s job”.  (recently) My husband received the best job even in a tight economy.  His job is secure and growing.  We learned so many lessons during that time and not giving to charities that are responsible is not an option.  My daughter works for an accounting firm that audits many charities and she said you’re the Best!  Thank you for being so responsible with the funds that God has given the Mission.  Signed J & B