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.

Hope for Men & Women - More than just classes

While Bible studies, life skill classes, and recovery classes are an integral part of this Christian recovery program, the Hope for Men and Women programs offer a new way of life. Through activities that build relationships, participants come to experience a whole new way of living. Praying together, learning together, working together, and having fun together are all parts of these recovery programs.

Hope for Men recently spent a weekend camping together at McConnel State Park. Together with staff, the men built stronger relationships as they started their days with devotions around a warm campfire, went swimming in the river during the day, and shared stories around campfires in the evening. Through opportunities like this camping trip, God works in the lives of our participants to bring them closer to Him as He prepares them to become self-sufficient, God-fearing people.