Devotionals: ITs time

Bremerton Rescue Mission Newsletter

Meet the New Staff of the Mission

August 2010

Dear Dr. Willis Henry,

We want you to know a little about the new staff at Bremerton Rescue Mission. We are excited about what God is doing through the Mission and we are delighted to know that we already have a large group of prayer partners and friends. Our mission remains the same, to take 'Help and Hope' to the poor and homeless of Kitsap County. Please know that we value your prayers, encouragement, support and time. Feel free to make your comments at any time.

Walt Le Couteur - Executive Director

I am honored and humbled by the invitation to serve as the Director of this important outreach. I have a heart for the homeless and a desire to see real changes made in their lives. I have over 6 years of rescue mission experience and was the director of my own outreach ministry to bikers from 2001 to 2006 called Wide Turn Ministries. My focus in life is to share the love of God with those who do not share my hope.

I earned my Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota in 1984 and am nearing completion of a degree in Urban Ministries from the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). I was ordained in January of 2001 and have served in several ministerial capacities.

My greatest desire is to see us develop a program where men and women can recover from addictions, clear up financial and legal encumbrances and work toward a position of dignity in the community with permanent housing, jobs and hope for the future.

I have a passion for the lost, hope for the down trodden and respect for all people as children of God. God has called me to this ministry and I look forward to serving you and the poor and homeless of Kitsap County.

Mike O'Shaughnessy - Operations Manager

Mike brings a unique aspect to the Mission. He was homeless for a time and has a very real understanding of the needs of the homeless. Mike will be responsible for the Mission Guy Truck and all of our meal sites. His background in inventory management provides him with the skills he needs to handle this multifaceted position. Mike brings energy, a servants heart and a desire to help others find his hope in Christ. Mike shares my vision for establishing discipleship homes where we can help men and women put their lives in order and have new hope for the future.

Amy O'Shaugnessy - Volunteer Coordinator

Mikes wife Amy will be taking over the role of Volunteer Coordinator. She married Mike in 2005 and went through the homeless ordeal with Mike. Her skills in computers make her an excellent addition to our development team. Mike and Amy make a great team and we look forward to the new prospective they bring to the Mission.

Discipleship Homes

Discipleship is one more solution to homelessness. This involves a decision by an individual to make a change in their life. When this decision is made, then it is up to us, the community, to give that person the help he/she needs to make the change. Not a hand-out but a hand-up.

We are currently looking at three possible homes to provide that helping hand for men and women who want to make that change. These homes will provide food, shelter, clothing and other necessities of life while helping the individuals clear up encumberments to success like, addictions, financial problems and legal issues. We also assist the individual in rebuilding the skills needed to be successful in work, life and relationships. This is all focused on a Christ centered life because we believe that with God at the center, everything else works correctly.

Here is the catch, this all takes a great deal of financial, personal and material resources. You can help. Here is your chance to be part of the solution and follow the Lord's desire to help the poor. When you get an opportunity, read Matthew 25:31-46, and let God lead you in how best to serve him. There are many ways you can help, come and be part of our team through prayer, volunteering and donating. Help us to bring 'Help and Hope' to these individuals.

The Bremerton Rescue Mission is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Corporation and all contributions are tax deductable.

Our phone number is (360) 373-3428.

God bless you!

Walt Le Couteur

Executive Director
Bremerton Rescue Mission

In This Issue

New Directror

Operations Manager

Discipleship Homes

Safe Tent Camps

Safe Tent Villages

The number of unsheltered homeless in Kitsap County, according to the latest homeless count, is over 1800 indivduals and rising. These men, women and children are living in cars, abandoned buildings or in the woods in very unsanitary conditions. Many of those living in the woods don't even have tents. What is the solution? How do we get these folks out of these unsafe conditions and into suitable housing?

There is no one solution to the problem but a tent village is one of many ways to help solve the problems of homelessness. It is not the end to the porblem but one more step toward meeting the needs of the poor in our community.

In a recent visit to Camp Quixote in Olympia we discovered that for a small part of the homeless population, a safe tent village is a step in the right direction. This camp is occupied, directed and maintained by 'Houseless' individuals working together to solve their problems. Many of the residents of this camp have gone on to more permanent housing.

It is not the solution for all but can provide some of the homeless a chance to change their position. We support this and are working with the Kitsap Continuum of Care to bring one or two safe camps to Kitsap County. Join us in bringing 'Help an Hope' to the poor and homeless in our county.

Special Needs

Camp Site:

Sleeping Bags

Tents

Blankets

10x8 Tarps

Propane Bottles

Clothing:

Coats

Shoes

Gloves

Socks