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.