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Sunrise Mission has been serving the homeless and poor in Alpena since 1989. During most of that time the state has been a welcome and willing partner in our efforts to help others.

One of our main goals has always been to be our own stewards and as much as we liked government help, we desired to be independent of it. Our efforts in this have whittled the percentage of government fund-ing from about 90% down to 30% of income, or in dollars about $100,000 a year.

With all due respect to the state, a recent directive concerning operation of the Mission has pushed us to end our partnership, that being that we run what they call a “low barrier” shelter.

In layman’s terms, this means persons can come in under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not be asked to leave unless they are disruptive or threatening. This runs contrary to everything we believe, based on experience in these matters, that is detrimental to the person involved.

Anyone with any familiarity about recovery programs knows that one cannot continue to use and expect to be successful. I have people come to me all the time and say “as long as I stayed here I knew I couldn’t use and would be held accountable and it really helped me with my sobriety”. It also helps the person in the next bunk who may be in recovery to not be exposed to someone using. Some people can be tempted just by the smell of alcohol. Lastly, drugs & alcohol are notorious for behavior changes—you can go from sedate to an inferno in short order. Nobody—not staff or guests need that type of exposure.

That said I’ll add a little historical perspective on help for the poor. Since there have been churches, one of their basic functions is service to the poor. This arrangement worked for centuries. Modern day govern-ment has since the 1960’s taken over many roles the church used to fulfill. There were always “strings” attached but they were always something we could live with ……. until now.

With our funding down by 30% the prayer is that our community of givers will take note and respond so that we can maintain our present level of services. Most people I think have some regard for the poor and homeless, yet few could or would take someone into their own homes, nor would I recommend this in most cases. The safe way is supporting that which already exists. Sunrise Mission knows how to help people and where the resources are, this is a excellent place to get a fresh start!

They say there’s a price for everything and maintaining our program integrity we feel is well worth giving up the government money. A person’s recovery can never be sacrificed for a government experiment, no matter how well intentioned.

Seasons Greetings and Glory to God in the highest. Luke 2:14

Sincerely,

John Ritter

Director

Fall 2017 Issue 28

Parting ways with the Government Funding

Director’s View Fall 2017 Issue 28

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Every person lives their life by some sort of guidelines, whether they realize it, or not. Our own personal

“rules” guide our decision-making. Is this going to be good for me? Will this make me money? Is this

gunna be easy? Okay, I’ll do it. Even “having no rules” is a rule.

As we are growing up, and into maturity, we are establishing our rules for living. “If he kicks me, I’ll

kick him harder.” or “I’ll tell the teacher.” or “I’ll just let it go.” We have rules for everything—what we

will eat, who we’re gunna like (or not), where we’re gunna go, what we’re gunna do. Our lives, and

WHO WE ARE, are determined by our own personal set of rules.

Here’s the problem. What happens when my set of rules conflicts with yours? My rules say I can sleep

with your girlfriend, whiles yours say you’ll kill me if I do. Murders, fights, divorces, wars — the world is

full of conflicts because we’re all making our own rules!

But what would the world be like if we all played by one set of rules? Better yet, one set of rules that

worked?

Well, there’s good news! God loves us, and has clued us in on how to have

a peaceful, productive, satisfying life. Here’s how:

Get humble. Admit your mistakes to God.

Ask him for help.

Get a Bible and find out what he says.

BELIEVE that Jesus died to clean up your act and make you fit to live

with God forever.

Start doing what he says. Treat other people the way you’d like to

be treated.

Thank him every day for loving you, and taking such great care of

you!

I promise you, your life will be sweeter than it has ever been.

Mike Cornelius

Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner

Who Makes The Rules?

Today’s Thought:

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the

desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 13:4

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Our Community without a Homeless Shelter

The question was posed to me recently “What would our community be like without Sunrise Mission?”

and I will attempt to answer that today. As we strive to serve as many homeless people as come to our

door we are incredibly thankful for the generous giving communities in our service area of Alpena, Al-

cona, Montmorency and Presque Ilse counties. It is impressive how willing the people of these communi-

ties are to extend a hand to help others in need. We are thankful for this generosity, which without we

would not be able to serve.

When a person is homeless they may stay with family or friends until their welcome is worn out. Some

sleep in their car or in the woods. Some find shelter from the cold in doorways, once everyone has left

the building for the day or is sleeping. Some find refuge in businesses that are opened 24 hours, until

they are asked to leave. When it is very cold, it may be necessary to keep moving so as not to get frost

bite. It is a terrible plight for any human being and the truth is that it could happen to anyone.

As I picture Alpena without a homeless shelter, I think about what other options exist. The options in-

clude Emmanuel Mission in Oscoda – 49 miles away, Nehemiah Project in Petoskey – 96 miles away,

Lydia’s Gate in Mio – 60 miles away, Room at the Inn in Marquette – 262 miles away. It is our experience

that most homeless people do not have cars, so it is quite a grim picture for individuals and families who

become homeless.

People are referred from a variety of sources, churches, Department of Health & Human Services, North-

east Michigan Community Mental Health, schools, Catholic Human Services, families, police agencies

and private citizens. Each of these organizations would be required to seek out other solutions. As we

are the last stop before the street, without us, the street is all that is left.

In conclusion, I again say THANK YOU for being the generous people that you are in caring for those

who are in need!

Jesus said: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something

to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and

you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

37 Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and

give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes

and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

40 The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters

of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25: 35-40

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Leslie Scheen

Assistant Director

From the Assistant Director:

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THANKS

We are sending a big THANK YOU to Craig Brownridge of CTS (Complete Technology Solutions) for donation of his services to keep our computers and phone operating smoothly. Craig has been very good to us as he comes promptly and donates this professional services each time. Our equipment isn’t the newest version, so there are many challenges to keeping it going but Craig always has a smile as he assists us. THANKS Craig!!

Craig can be contacted at 989.255.6496

How to send a gift:

• BY CHECK made payable to Sunrise Mission

• BY DONATING ONLINE at www.sunrisemission.com

• BY CREDIT CARD (please fill out the information below)

Charge my: □ VISA □ MC □ Discover

Name (as it appears on card): _________________________________

Card #: ____________________________________________________

Card Security Code: ________________ Exp. Date: ________________

Phone: ___________________________ Gift Amt $: ________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________

Your gift to the Sunrise Mission is really an investment in people. You may direct funds toward special projects, building needs, shelter expenses, staff salaries, or endowment programs. Regardless of the specialty area designated, your gift is used to demonstrate Christian love to people in need. You should also know that your investment enables the Mission to provide services without discrimination in regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, or physical handicaps. We count it a privilege to express your concern to people in need. We make every attempt to keep all aspects of the Mission’s operation totally accountable to our supporting public. We welcome the opportunity to respond to any inquiry of any aspect of our work. Further, the Sunrise Mission stands open to your inspection 365 days a year.

—-We never sell, trade or give out our mailing list—-

CAR DONATIONS

Sunrise Mission is always accepting used vehicles in most any condition. As you may know donated cars were always passed on to our guest free of charge in the past. Current economic conditions dictate that the funds generated from donated vehicles maybe added to our general fund to help pay our bills. This is a good way to support the Mission if you find your no longer have use for your 2nd or 3rd car, can no longer drive or its just taking up garage or yard space. You can also designate your preference for your donation. To be a donor call

the Mission at (989) 356-1277.

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Thank You to our Board

We are blessed at Sunrise Mission by having a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, who lead us to accomplish

our Mission of “Sunrise Mission is a Christian Homeless Shelter that serves the Alpena area by helping homeless

adults and families obtain and maintain affordable housing. We glorify God by assisting them to transition back

into society as healthy, productive, and independent community members. We assist their transition by providing

temporary shelter and support services to rebuild their current physical, spiritual and emotional brokenness.

• David Meyer - Has served on the Board since 2005. Dave is a former educator who faithfully does our meet-ing minutes. Dave is very involved in his church affairs, he is also retired.

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• Kevin Englund - Has served on the Board since 2006 and served as chaplain for the Mission for the first few years. He is a nurse anesthetist, on staff at the hospital in Alpena and serves in various community and church

organizations. Kevin is passionate about people and loves spending his free time fly fishing, (as well as telling

anyone who will listen to him about his adventures on the stream).

• John Feys - Has served on the Board since 2006. John and his wife Doris moved to the Alpena area in 1983 from Detroit. John is a retired social worker who worked 13 years for Catholic Human Services and 20 years

for AMA-ESD. John cares deeply about the ministry of Sunrise Mission and believes we are all called to love

and serve those in need.

• Paula Welling - Has served on the Board since 2009. Paula is a retired pediatric nurse practitioner and moth-er of two. She said “There are many reasons that people find themselves without shelter. It is especially heart-

breaking when children are involved. Within the Mission the family is safe as they work with staff to find a new

place to live. I am fully aware that there, but by the grace of God, go I.”

• Robian Durdik - Has served on the Board since 2011 and serves as the Treasurer. Roby is a native of Alaska who moved to Alpena with her husband Greg, daughter Marisha and two miniature daschunds, Jerry Lee and

Jasmine, in 2008. She brings a personal story of God’s redemptive grace in her life and has a heart for all those

who are hurting bust most especially for those who are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol addiction. She

says “I have loved every minute of my service at the Mission and look forward with confidence, trusting in the

Lord for whatever comes next. To God be the glory!”

• Bryce Collman - Has served on the Board since 2011. Bryce’s life was changed after a three month stay at a Christian mission in 1994. He wants to extend that same helping hand to others in need.

• Robert Currier - Has served on the Board since 2014. Dr. Bob, as we call him, is a local eye doctor. A person with a lot of energy and positive outlook, he brings much enthusiasm to the Board Meetings.

• Laura Kowalski – Newest member of our Board, serving since March of 2017. She has been married to Ken for 19 years and they are both retired. Laura loves to garden, knit and do home improvement projects with

Ken. She is serving in several ministries involving children and has a passion for helping people. Laura says

that being a Board member is truly a blessing and looks forward to serving God

and our community.

Combined our Board members have served more than 57 years. We are grateful for their knowledge and expertise that they have utilized to guide the Mission for all

of these years!

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* Most used & desired items

Deodorant, razors, shaving cream, hand soap (liquid)

Queen & single sheets & pillow cases

Meat for the freezer, or canned meat: beef, chicken, venison or fish (processed please)

* Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex and garbage bags

* Dial-a-Ride money. To assist our guest in getting to inter-views and appointments

* Laundry soap, fabric softener and dish soap

* Towels and wash cloths

* New Pillows

Feminine supplies

Shampoo

Funds are always welcome for our general fund

Diapers of any size and wipes

Coffee and creamer

Ongoing Needed Items Board of Directors

Paula Jane Welling President

John Feys VP

David Meyer Secretary

Robian Durdik Treasurer

Kevin Englund Board

Member

Bryce Collman Board Member

Robert Currier Board Member

John Ritter Director

Leslie Scheen Assistant

Director

It ‘s a pleasure to introduce you to our NEWLY

REMODELED website and our NEWLY CREATED Face-

book page. Use these pages to stay up to date

on our activities, learn more about us and

discover the ways you can help the homeless in

your community. www.sunrisemission.com