Heartfelt greetings from Smithfield Rescue Mission!  We trust you enjoyed the beautiful soft snowfalls that made a view out the window look like a winer wonderland.  However, the cold temperaatures are very tough if you're homeless!  for over 31 years Smithfield Rescue Mission has provided shelter, food, and many other services to hungry, homeless and hurting men, women, and children.     

Among those helped were Grandmother Aida, young Mom Lina and little Matthew.  This sweet Christian family came to Johnston County looking for work, but found themselves without a place to lay their heads, except in their car.  When Lina called for help we could hear fear and desperaton in her voice. 

What a joy to assist them!  Soon Aida had a job at Butterball processing plant; Lina enrolled at Johnston Community College to continue her education; and Matthew stole or  hearts.  In about two months they had their own apartment close to Aida's job.  Aida and Lina have returned severlal times to serve as volunteers.    

These services would not have been possible without your prayers, volunteer services, financial support, donated supplies, fornishings and eqiipment.  As you know, times are changing and our nation is experiencing economic unrest, with a growing unemployment rate and the problems which accompany these conditions  It is crucial that Smithfield Rescue Mission be able to have doors open to the hurting souls caught in crises, including prople who have never had to ask for assistance before.  Please give generously and sacrificially.                                                 Sincerely,

Paul and Margie Olsen

Ben Joins the Team

Ben Olsen recently joined the Smithfield Rescue Mission staff as Director of Development and Client Services.  He shares this vision for the mission: "We see an overwhelming need for a faith-based drug rehab program.  The trend in our shelters, as you can imagine, is that 90% or more are or have been alcohol or drug dependent---not just illegal drugs, either.  Many of them have endured an abusive childhood and in turn are likely to abuse their children verbally, physically, or sexually.  Our vision is to provide a Christ-centered recovery program for Johnston County and surounding communities.  Funding for these much-needed programs is the issue at hand.  Grants, contributions, fundraisers, and faith-based partnerships are needed to get the job done."

Dan's Cross-Country Walk for the Homeless

Dan Pace, a friend of SRM, found it in his heart to attempt the feat of walking across the country in his frail humanity to show the power of faith in God and to raise awareness of the problems that are causing so much trouble across our country today.

Dan's walk, we hope, will bring attention to these social issues and help spread light and inspiration to the nation.  We hope it states that rescue missions are places of hope and change and a new beginning for hopeless, needy and hurting people.  We have a hope that surpasses any governmental answer, and it is found in what scrptures refer to as "jars of clay"--- those jars being frail bodies with souls who put their trust in God.

Dan, may God Himself walk with you to bring hope and healing for a hurting nation.

For updates on Dan's training progress go to www. danpacecomedy.com.

Needs List:

New or gently used 30-inch electric range

Dorm lockers

Men's socks/underwear (new)

Laundry/Dish Detergent

Paper products

Lysol spray

Deodorant

· Up-to-date new or gently used computer

· Vacuum Cleaners

· Washer & Dryer

· Laundry & Dish Detergent, Lysol Spray & Paper Products

Check out our website: www.smithfieldrescuemission.org

Hear “Smithfield Rescue Mission Report” on WTSB 1090 last Wednesday of each month at 3:15 pm