Thanking Our Teachers

The Rescue Mission would like to thank the many men and women who come on a weekly basis to teach courses and lead Bible studies at our Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs. The volunteers give their time preparing, and then teaching, and mentoring. But the value given by these teachers far exceeds the time that they give.

These teachers are building relationships and serving as role models for the men and women in these programs. Lasting relationships have been established, and men and women have come to know Jesus because of the modeling of faith exhibited by these faithful servants. The Life Transformation program would be just another program if it were not for the compassionate human touch displayed by our teachers.

Our teachers are putting the love of Jesus into action through this great service that they are giving. May God bless each one of you!

Hope for Women teachers: Rachel Coronado, Kris Eslick, Rose Guerra, Roslyn Johnson, Patricia Padilla, Gina Thomas

Hope for Men teachers: Michael Briggs, Paul Cauwels, Paul Fregene, Tim Grever, John Morgan, Dave Ogilbee, Westley Pearson, Don Peterson, Ken Stinson, Ken Sullivan, Richard Weikart

"Called to Serve" - A Calling Not a Job

"Called to Serve" - A Calling Not a Job

By Ron Croft, Hope for Men staff

Joy means the perfect fulfillment of that for which I was created and regenerated, not the successful doing of a thing. The joy Our Lord had lay in doing what the Father sent Him to do, and He says – “As My Father hath sent Me, even so, am I sending you.” (Oswald Chambers)

Am I working a job or fulfilling a call from God? Am I finding joy in my work, because I am called of God or because things are going my way?

These are important questions to ask ourselves when our work involves ministry!

What is ministry?

Ministry in a Biblical context, essentially means service. It encompasses any activity where individuals serve God and others, often in the name of Christ, to meet needs and spread the Gospel. God doesn’t call us to a job but to a ministry within our job. The Merced County Rescue Mission at its core is a ministry serving the people not only of Merced, but in communities throughout California.

Oswald Chambers said, “If you have received a ministry from the Lord Jesus, you will know that the need is never the call: the need is the opportunity.” Here at the Mission, we have a marvelous opportunity because the need is great!

What do you find joy in?

Paul says, “That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus.”

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. (Phil. 4:1)

Paul the Apostle learned to find his joy, not in the circumstances whether good or bad, but in his Savior and in the calling. He had placed upon him. So it can be with us! Strive not for the treasure which passes away, but for the glory which can never fade.

My prayer for all of us is that we might truly find the joy and fulfillment that can only be found in the calling of God as we minister life to those seeking life. May they come to truly know the Author of Life.

Merced County Sherrif's Posse Blessed the Mission

The Merced County Sheriff's Posse blessed the Rescue Mission by bringing an incredible meal of steak, salad and dinner rolls to feed over 100 recipients at the Mission.

The Merced County Sheriff's Posse was formed in 1948 and has been serving as goodwill ambassadors since. They are an all-sterling silver mounted parade group, proudly riding American Saddlebred Palominos. The group has had the honor of serving not only locally but also as far away as Washington D.C.

Thank you for blessing the Mission!

Feeding with Purpose

As part of Mission 2 Merced, Christian Life Center is committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. While we serve in many different ways throughout the week—from helping local organizations to caring for our church home—one of the most meaningful ways we show up is by feeding those at the shelter. We don’t just come to provide a meal; we come to offer dignity, compassion, and a reminder that they are loved. Serving food is a simple act, but through it, we share the heart of Jesus, and the hope found in Him.

Oasis Fundraiser 2025

When you give to our faith-based, life-transformation program - Hope for Men and Women - you give HOPE to men and women in your community. Men and women who are hopeless, find that God “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3).

When you read testimonies of the men and women who have gone through our Hope for Men and Women programs, you see that the Mission shows them God’s unconditional love. So many men and women have found Jesus, healing, jobs, have been reunited with their families, and have found HOPE.

All of this is possible with your help. It takes a village, and your donations keep this community-funded program alive!

Thank you to everyone who will be joining us at our annual Oasis Fundraiser on Friday, May 9th, at Gateway Community Church. We are ready and excited to host you!

It’s not too late to donate toward our Oasis fundraiser! Donate online now through the end of May to keep our faith-based programs going strong throughout the year! Choose Oasis Fundraiser as your gift designation at the time of your donation. It takes YOU to help HOPE GROW!

Congratulations, Graduates!