Second Chances

By Executive Director, Dr. Bruce Metcalf

Part One: God’s Love and Second Chances

At the beginning of a new year, it is not uncommon for people to make resolutions to make changes that will help them live a better life. Some examples of these resolutions might be to exercise more, have a healthier diet, build better relationships, or to spend more time in prayer and reading scripture. Following through with these resolutions takes time, discipline, and motivation. The support and encouragement of friends and family can be very helpful in sustaining that discipline and motivation. When trying to make deep life-changes, having a support system is even more important. At the Rescue Mission, we strive to provide a supportive environment in which people can meet our God of second chances as they find hope and faith, and can choose to create positive changes in their lives.

The approach at the Mission is based on the belief that God is a God of second chances. God sent Jesus into this world so that everyone of us might be rescued and have a new beginning. When we were lost, God made a way to save us all through Jesus. Here at the Rescue Mission, we strive to light a path for the people we serve to discover and live out their second chance.

Our goal is to create a supportive environment where, step by step, people can grow spiritually to develop a personal relationship with Jesus and build positive relationships with others. We try to build up HOPE in the lives of the people we serve by giving them a vision of what their lives could be. We work every day to help people make choices that will help them chart a new course for their lives, one that will put them on a new path. This new path may include finding a job and housing. It may also include reunification with family. The most important part of this new path is the hope that each person will find and develop a strong relationship with Jesus. As you read the testimonies each month of people who have gone through the Mission programs, you can learn how God has worked to help each person find their way on a new path. (See Monica’s story in this issue and other stories at our website: www.mercedcountyrescuemission.org under “Stories”.)

Just like the resolutions so many of us make at the beginning of each new year, time, discipline, and motivation are needed to make permanent life-change. Our hope is that we at the Rescue Mission can support, encourage, and guide the people in our programs to find their own unique path forward to a better life, surrounded by God’s love and the second chances He offers us through Jesus. It is exciting to be a part of what God is doing to change lives! Through your support of the Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs, you are also a part of what God is doing here at the Mission to provide second chances to the people we serve. What a privilege for us all!

Part 2: Second Chances, Pathways to Hope

A second chance is like hitting a reset button. It is a restart that requires hard work as people seek healing, housing, jobs, and, life change that can bring a new purpose to their lives. Many times, people in need do not have the resources or support system to help them through this process, and they can lose hope. This is where the Mission can help by providing an environment of love and safety in which mentoring and guidance can help them experience God’s love, find hope, and give them the strength to move from brokenness to productivity.

Pathways to Hope is a central theme for the Merced Rescue Mission. The Mission recognizes that each person’s path to healing is unique, and, for this reason, the Mission offers multiple entry points for people who have lost hope. We offer many programs that will provide the opportunity for them to find a pathway that best fits their need. The Mission is committed to helping people along every step of the way, whether their path is long or short. I invite you to follow the sample journeys of Tom, Sonya, Chelsea, and Luke in the diagram, here, to help you have a sense of how the pathways from hopelessness to healing, housing, jobs, and life change can be varied and unique to everyone.*. What a privilege it is to be a part of God’s plan to help people and spread the good news about God’s love. Other testimonies, Stories of Hope, can be found here.

Part 3: Coming in May

Year End Goal $100,000

Dear Friends of the Mission,

Thank you for partnering with the Mission and making this ministry your own through prayer, volunteering, and contributions!

The heart of the Merced Rescue Mission’s ministry is the Hope for Men and Women program. It is our purpose to provide men and women with an environment where they can discover Jesus Christ and a whole new way of living. Men and women who have experienced homelessness are receiving HOPE and care in a loving atmosphere. These programs are dependent upon your prayer and your financial support. Our Year-End Goal is to raise $100,000. These funds will be used to cover the costs of discipling, mentoring, and training men and women, as well as providing food, clothing, and housing for participants while they are in the Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs - life transformation programs. The Mission is a grateful partner with you in transforming lives through the power of Jesus Christ.

During this past year, the Mission has served 1,240 people. 81 people participated in the Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs. We presently have men and women on a waiting list to get into these programs.

As you prayerfully consider a year-end gift, we invite you to consider including the Mission in your estate planning. For those of you who give so faithfully, on a regular basis, this ministry is part of your legacy. By including the Mission in your estate plan, the ministry of the Mission that you believe in will continue to live on for many years. Thank you for your consideration.

May God bless you for all that you do to change lives!

Sincerely,

Dr. Bruce Metcalf

Executive Director

Merced County Rescue Mission

Donate today!

https://www.mercedcountyrescuemission.org/

The Greatest Gift of God's Love

A message from Dr. Bruce Metcalf, Executive Director, Merced County Rescue Mission

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace".

These prophetic words from Isaiah foretell the gift God will give to his people. The familiar words in John 3:16 speak of God’s gift realized. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.”

During the Christmas season, gifts are often a focal point. Children are always eager to open the gifts they receive. As the wrappings are torn away, it is wonderful to witness the joy in a child’s eyes as the toy they hoped for comes into view. Even as adults, being the recipient of a gift makes us feel special.

But not every child, and not every adult, is fortunate enough to receive what they wish for. Some children will spend this season sleeping in a car with their family because they have lost their home. Some adults will wrap a soiled blanket around them as they try to sleep on the hard cement under a bridge.

Being cold and wet, while wondering where the next meal is coming from, is the harsh reality for some who find themselves homeless.

The Merced County Rescue Mission, with your help, reaches out to adults and families with children to offer the gift of hope and a place of refuge where they can have a warm bed and three meals a day. It is the Mission’s desire to share the gift of God’s love with the people we serve. We often begin by providing basic needs, but the gift we share is much greater. Because we have received God’s gift of love and salvation through Jesus Christ, we strive to share that gift of love by caring for each person.

May all of you who have shared your gifts with the Mission receive God’s blessing during the Christmas season as we celebrate the coming of Jesus into this world.

Thank you - Doc’s Creations

Thank you, Doc’s Creations, for your donation of toys for the children in need in our Hope for Families program, and supplies for our programs.

Testimony in Church - Saved by God

Christian Life Center invites the Rescue Mission to make a presentation on a Sunday morning in August every year. This year, Pastor Bruce was accompanied by Trevor, who shared the story of how God saved him and gave him a new purpose in life.

Landscaping for the Mission Facilities

The Mission recently hired two graduates from the Hope for Men program to provide landscaping services for our facilities. They mow lawns, trim shrubs, weed, and pick up leaves. They take care of about six locations, five days a week.

Staff Development - Fall 2025

Along with others, Samantha, Misty, and Hannah, from our staff completed the Behavioral Health Ambassaor Training. They reported that it was an inspiring and enriching experience as they were able to learn valuable tools for promoting mental health wellness and reducing stigma. They were also able to build some meaningful connections with other dedicated professionals and community members who share the same passion for supporting others.

Twelve members of our staff traveled to the Fresno Rescue Mission conference. It was a great learning experience and an opportunity to make connections with leaders from neighboring Missions.