Spring 2012 Update

Dear Friend of the Mission,

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Signs of an early spring are popping out daily- bees, flowers, and warm sunshine are abundant blessings from our loving Creator! Even with a mild winter our numbers stayed up this year, as we accomodated an average of 22 people nightly- men, women, and children. Our 12 Baskets operation continued to serve families, elderly, and disabled people in need with the help of the men and women in our Life Recovery Program and caring volunteers by delivering baskets of food and a warm visit.

This wouldn't be possible without your help. We thank those of you who stand with us regularly and extend an invitation to folks who are looking for a ministry to support. If you are interested in learning more about us please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set up a time for a tour.

Thank you and may God richly bless you!

Margie Olsen

January-June 2011 Statistics

For the first half of the year, the mission was blessed to receive and help a record number of people. Lodgings per night have averaged 18 men, women, and children. Each resident receives three meals a day, a shower, hygiene items, and other amenities. Five staff persons and many volunteers serve as teachers, counselors, medical advisers, greeters, maintenance, and clerical workers.

As of August 1, the Smithfield Rescue Mission needs $10,000 for bills due and payable. Extreme weather conditions including tornadoes and record heat, along with the implementation of the Life Recovery Program, have resulted in a large increase in residents. We know that many people are living with less during this weak economy, but many are still abundantly blessed. We invite you to count your own blessings and share generously so the Smithfield Rescue Mission can continue serving and helping restore broken lives. May God bless you and your family!

Summer 2011 Update

Randy, Tony, and James recently completed Smithfield Rescue Mission’s Life Recovery Program. For six months they participated in classes and activities geared to healing the Total Man, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They have been involved in hands-on life skills training. Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matt.10:8). This passage has become an integral part of their lives as they reach out to help new program residents adjust. They also reach out and give back to the community, whether it’s cleaning up tornado damage or taking a box of food to a senior citizen in need.

*Roxanne, who was abandoned by her husband of 27 years, lost her home to foreclosure and was facing a winter of sleeping in a city park. She was initially upset about group living, but soon realized that the Life Recovery Program had literally saved her life. Roxanne completed the classes and had a personal, life-changing experience with Jesus. She moved to her own apartment, having finally received disability benefits.

*Mandy, a mom of two toddler boys was expecting a baby girl. She set a goal to get her GED before the baby was born. This she accomplished, as well as completing the courses taught during her stay at the Good Neighbor House.

*Lori recently called to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy. Lori had planned on getting an abortion, but changed her mind after a prayerful intervention at the Good Neighbor House and the message on a pro-life billboard spoke to her heart!

*Real names are changed to protect confidentiality.

New Urgent Needs

Current Urgent Needs:

• Toilet Paper
• Sectioned carry out plates
• Salt and pepper
• Plastic wrap and aluminum foil
• Printer paper

Recurring Needs:

The following list are things we are always in need of.

• Trash bags
• Bottled water
• Milk
• Plates, cups, napkins
• Cooking gloves (plastic/vinyl)
• Trash bags (13 & 33 gallon)
• Facial tissue
• Wet wipes, diapers, feminine items
• Antibacterial spray
• Beverages (tea bags, coffee & filters)
• Sugar (brown & white)
• Cooking oil, olive oil, non-stick spray