COMPASSION CHRONICLES

RESCUE JOE TONIGHT

2012-01-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

I asked Lawrence how he could possibly survive outside for so long as the elements slowly kill him. He told me, “It's not bad at all. I have places I can go and get some shelter under some bridges or a make-shift camp”. Lawrence was a good-hearted guy. One time my brother was trying to talk him into coming to Mission Solano and get the help he needed. They were under a local bridge and Lawrence was cooking up a fish he had caught in the creek. As he was happy to have a friend to share dinner, a half-cooked carp was not that appetizing.

He politely said, “No thanks, Lawrence.” Somehow everybody knew, or at least had some serious doubts about Lawrence and his health out on the streets. The elements were indeed aging him, and being homeless on the streets was causing serious damage to his health.

Other homeless people have told me that at times, they could not get warm no matter what they did – even inside of cars. There was once a time when we walked out of our Community Outreach Center to find a mother and her two children shivering in their car. They had pulled in late the night before and thought the car would be warm enough until they got into the Mission.

She realized that she and her children would not be able to stay another night in her car and was so happy we were able to provide the safe, warm shelter and care for her and her children. My own experience tells me there is danger of hypothermia as the streets and elements pound against your very life.

There are others on the street who come to my mind that have not been seen. Those who frequent the streets and frequent Mission Solano. We have not seen some of them for a long time. This is odd. It could be that they left for another town or found family to take them in, but usually someone around the mission gets a tip when homeless people head out of town or get off the streets – especially when we know them pretty good.

My greatest fear is that some may have passed away undetected – under a bush or beneath a bridge.

Why did I tell you these true-life stories? It is because the need to save lives is important. Just to be clear - most homeless people DO NOT think it is just fine to live a life homeless out in the elements without hope!

Joe has a different view of life on the streets than Lawrence’s view. I see Joe bundled up all the time around the Mission even when the heat is turned up, and he has been drug free for a long time now. I asked him one time and he said, “I feel cold all the time, pastor. I think I would die if I had to sleep outside again for even one night!”

We see people shivering when they come in our doors and I know they have been without good, hot food and warm shelter for days - or sometimes weeks.

Right now is the coldest part of the winter. I know we get some warm days that seem like Spring is here, but some serious weather can hit anytime and that means trouble for many people.

When weather conditions get miserable, people are forced to look for overnight shelter in the mission. We open up more beds and put down mattresses on the floors to accommodate cold people. But when this happens, we also need to feed them and provide showers. Almost all of them have worn out, dirty clothes too, so you know what that means. And many are looking for a way to change their life-style.

We are “open for business” to provide a way for you to help people - especially people who want to change. Men who want out of bad habits and addictions. Women who want to know how to live a true Christian life and want stability for their children and a glimpse of hope again.

If you've never come down to the Mission, I would invite you to call the office at (707) 425-3930 and make arrangements to see what we are doing and meet some of the people we help! We host “Encounter HOPE” tours regularly at our Bridge to Life Center.

Serving the Poor, Hungry and Cold On Your Behalf,

Ron

2012-01-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

~A CRY FOR COMPASSION~

To the faithful who follow my blog, those who pray for and with Mission Solano's staff, Board, supporters, and most important...those our God sends us in order for us to heal the broken hearted with and by the compassion of Christ.

If I were to ask you right now, what is your passion? What would you say? Would this question make you stop and think? Would you wonder if there is a right or wrong answer? Would you wonder what answer I was looking for? J So, the question lingers…what is your passion?

I’m not asking what stirs your emotions or your intellect. I am not asking what gets you out of bed or drives your physical endeavors. I’m talking about that deep drive within your soul that cannot be extinguished. I’m talking about that drive that seems, at times, to come out of nowhere. I’m talking about that drive that will bring you to tears and joy at the same time. That drive that, if you did not cultivate it and feed it, you would feel your purpose in life is without substance, without significance.

Take a minute and think. Think some more. Don’t just think with your mind, but think with your heart. Think with your soul.

There are many “things” that stir our passion. Some are good and some are bad. Both come to mind, don’t they?

For those of us called to this remarkable, incredible, and Christ-infused ministry at Mission Solano, the curtains of our soul have been pulled back to reveal what we cannot deny. Our passion is our compassion! That undeniable and burning embryo that drives us to the broken hearted, to embrace the least, the lasts, and the lost among us.

This passion is driven and sustained from the very throne room of heaven. This, my friends, is the very heart of Jesus Christ; the heart of our Lord; the heart of our Savior and friend. And if we choose to walk in His steps, a passion for compassion will mold us and mark us for life. Listen to our Lord as He reminds us in John 5:4-5:

“I am the vine, remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Apart from our Lord, we can do NOTHING! That is, if our desire is for the fruit of the Spirit to flow in us, through us, finding its end in the hearts of those He sends us! Thereby, bringing the peace, purpose and passion of the One who holds our tomorrows and secures our destiny for eternity! This, my friends, is not “pie in sky theology” or “misaligned hope”…it is a promise and guarantee from the creator of heaven, of earth, and YOU!

Jesus Christ the greatest leader in human history, He was and is the greatest example of compassion the world has ever known, and He desires to flow through us. That my friends, is AMAZING!

And we must never forget that when we speak of the compassion of Jesus, we are speaking of (as Brennon Manning reminds us) “The compassion of the infinite, transcendent, almighty God. The sacred man, defined by the Council of Nicea as being co-equal, consubstantial, and coeternal to the Father. God from God. Light from Light. True God from True God. The compassion of Jesus is the compassion of the infinite, transcendent, eternal almighty God. And Jesus says to your heart and mine, follow me, learn from me what it means to be ‘moved with compassion.’ For if you have chosen to follow Me, cultivating and living a life of compassion will be the outward expression of your inward faith.”

This is our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit whose desire is to embrace us with His mighty power, peace, compassion and hope. The choice is yours! The choice is mine! What will it be? Your answer made by you, but seen by all…not heard. J What will they see? And then, and only then…what will they hear?

As we enter this new season, this new year, one sure to be marked by new challenges, pains, stress, doubt and disobedience, make no mistake, one thing is sure, we can rest in our Lord’s promises…He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us. He will uphold us and sustain us with His mighty right hand. And if we so allow, His passionate compassion will burn within us and compel us to live and give a life of faith, hope, and love.

Yes, Christmas is over, but not gone. You see Christmas lives in us everyday, every hour, every minute, of every day!

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

Then the work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among brothers,

To make music in the heart.

Derric Johnson

As I reflect on the journey God has placed me on, I could ask for no greater companions. No greater warriors. No greater friends to comfort and be comforted by. No greater workers in this field. No greater servants to rejoice with, to weep with, to pray for and pray with.

You are here reading this blog because His hand has directed you. The lines were drawn since the beginning of time. He tells us His mercies are new every morning, and great is His faithfulness.

Lets us stand together unified and ready for whatever comes. Knowing without a doubt that the battle is His! The victory is His, and therefore, it is ours! Be encouraged! He tells us in Joshua to, “be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” He is our Rock, and He is our stronghold.

The father in Princes Diaries said this to his daughter of the courage she must have: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you’ll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself to make the journey.”

Who you can be! We are not there yet. However, we are making the journey, and for this season, we are brought together for such a time as this.

He has assembled His army for Mission Solano. More will come. Some will leave. Pray the Lord of the Harvest will bring those to help along the way. Let us embrace and adorn His armor to empower, embrace, and engage the journey before us, overflowing with the compassion of Christ. Committed to the glory of God!

Thank you team. May our Lord find us faithful and obedient to His call. May this be a day, a year that burns with a passion for and with His compassion. The undeniable marks of one who chooses to follow Jesus.

Your fellow friend and companion,

Ron

“A Boy, His Dog, and a Wooden Cross”

2011-12-12T07:23:00.001-08:00

As we look at 2011 coming to an end, and 2012 just around the corner, the work of Mission Solano continues…24/7. However, this year-end would be different for me.

When a homeless person dies on our streets, it hurts. It hurts because I have lived, and continue to live my life doing what I can to bring men, women, and children, off the streets and into a safe, warm shelter…home.

In our community, the homeless population is very dear to Mission Solano. When one is in need of help, hope, and a friend, we are there. We do all we can to provide a way out, a way home.

Homelessness is not just a physical state of being…”not having a roof over us”…but also a mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Bringing someone “home” to Mission Solano means bringing them home completely…holistically. When understood this way, bringing them “home” takes on a whole new meaning.

Death is permanent, life is a gift, and when home and hope is gone, life and death become one, with each day, a day of just existing…not living. We see it every day in the eyes of those who come to our Mission. Those looking for what they have not found, but are looking for desperately…peace-purpose-love-hope.

As this day continued, I parked my car and began my journey to a makeshift memorial. It was the kind we all see on the side of the road, marking the place of the death of someone who meant something to someone. We typically glance at these memorials wondering how this person died, and then we quickly forget.

As I stood there, saying a prayer, thinking about how this person died, my mind went back to a time long ago. A time when the sidewalk I stood on was not even there. A time when the person this memorial reflected was just a boy. And so was I.

Logan Ray Biles was about 10 or 11 when I first met him. My brother who was the same age was his best friend. I was probably 13 or 14 at the time. The place was Suisun City, in the old low-income apartments that have long been torn down to make way for progress.

Logan lived with his grandmother, because his mom and dad were not around. He loved his grandma, and she loved him. Logan was a typical boy, who at that young age was filled with dreams of tomorrows, and no worries for the day.

Somewhere between the innocence of childhood, and the dreams of tomorrow, Logan’s world fell apart. That road he would soon travel would be one of brokenness and pain. No hope and no home. A road that led to that wooden cross that day.

Logan ended up losing what little security and hope he had. His grandmother passed away, and Logan began a journey that would take him far from the dreams of his yesterdays.

Somewhere, despite the love and security and the hopes and dreams nurtured by the love of a grandma, Logan lost his way and became homeless. He lived his life where death and life become one in a world of hopelessness. Where security and love become a fairytale, a dream, a hope lost…or never to be found.

Logan was homeless. However, like many of our homeless today, Logan was not only physically homeless, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.

His family tried to reach out to him, my brother and I tried to reach him, and Mission Solano and others tried to reach him…to bring him home, to no avail.

Logan was found dead at that spot in the bush where I prayed that day, where the only love around was his dog; a dog that had become his life, his friend, his family. They found Logan with his dog by his side waiting for him to awake, though he never would.

I stood there, remembering a time gone by, remembering a boy, and remembering the somewhat hidden of our community, our neighbors who live and die a life of homelessness, the disenfranchised of our communities.

I then became thankful. Thankful for Mission Solano, and a community that supports us. I was also thankful for the “Spiritual Home” I believe Logan found. A home of no pain, no sorrow, and no hunger.

Mission Solano will continue bringing that “hope” of restoration. A restoration with God, family, and community.

I will remember Logan Ray Biles. And though we could not bring him home, he is home now. The peace, hope, love, and security he longed for is now found. Rest in peace my friend. Where you once were lost, now your found.

You will not see an obituary with Logan’s accomplishments, his family, his short life laid out in print. No, none of that. But I will remember a boy, his dog, and a wooden cross.

Ron Marlette

Mission Solano

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. As I sit here, I can’t stop thinking about the Bridge to Life Center and all who have partnered with us to make it a reality. Even though we have more yet to do, there is much to be thankful for!

In President Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation Washington, DC—October 3, 1863, he spoke the timeless words appropriate for this day:

“The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.”

We are a blessed Nation, and the greatest example of this is the blessings we bestow on those who have not. It was Millard Fuller who rightly acknowledged that, “The measure of a great society is how it treats the least.”

My hope and prayer for all of you is that you will realize and grasp the legacy you are leaving, and that your partnership with Mission Solano is a partnership that is changing the lives of the poor and poverty stricken men, women and children, and providing hope for their tomorrows. This is our legacy. This is our shining example of how we indeed treat the least of our society. With honor, respect, compassion and hope!

And yes, in a little town called Fairfield, in Solano County California, many, for generations will find that honor, respect, compassion, hope, and home!

May this Thanksgiving be one of family and friends being grateful for God, our County, family, and friends. We are thankful for you!

Ron

Partners in Compassion and Hope...YOU!

2011-10-18T03:51:00.000-07:00

I read the words of today's paper without a flinch…”Solano County budget proposal poses challenges”…the overall budget is $761 million below the 2007-8 budget before the recession (depression) hit. These headlines are something we have gotten used to over the past few years, like the homeless on our streets with signs reading, “Will work for food.”

However, there is an area that we have not gotten used to. In fact, it seems we have stuck our head in the sand hoping the view will be better when we pull it out. What if the headlines read, “Mission Solano Budget Proposal Poses Challenges”? Would the community respond, react, or rejoice to this news?

I met with a local pastor yesterday and he asked how the Mission was doing. The question that gets asked more than any other question! “Well," I said, “It’s crazy times, we are building phase IV, we will have the capacity to house 208 when finished, and we have no funds to operate at that capacity…yet. We are no different than everybody else in these financially turbulent times.” Wait a minute. I thought we are different. Aren’t we?

What is different about your Mission? Well:

Your Mission is a Mission ordained by the creator of heaven and earth. Created from the foundation of time, for such a time as this. That’s what my theology tells me!
Your Mission therefore, is not our responsibility, Wait!!! Don’t stop reading thinking Ron has really lost it now. While it's not our responsibility, and it is God’s, we are responsible to steward God's Mission with:

Inspiration of hope in those we serve
Excellence in all we do
Leadership centered in servant hood
Respect for persons as individuals
Integrity and accountability
Moving our clients toward self-sufficiency
Commitment to spiritual, emotional, social and vocational growth

Let me add a few more… compassion, love, transparency, joy, and glory to God in all we do, think, and say.

So, do you think that sets us apart as different? It most certainly does. And as we continue to march forward, we will keep our vision crystal clear, as we draw our strength and power from the One who sustains us. Let us embrace our vision with purpose and power, compassion and care, unity and uniqueness, embracing the vision, given by the giver of all to:

Provide an economic and spiritual bridge for people striving to regain the basic necessities of life in order to restore hope in themselves and their future while achieving economic stability so that they are able to rejoin their community as full and active participants.

If we were to be transported back to May of 1998 (the birth of Mission Solano), and given a peek of the current Bridge to Life Center as that vision of long ago, would we say, “there’s no way?” Or, would we look to God (as we did) and say, “lead us, and we will follow, You indeed, are the Way, the Truth and the Life!”

There is, in closing, a concern that convicts me to the very core of my soul. A concern that fills my mind in the dark solitude while our community sleeps. A concern I don’t yet have the answer for (or at least not the answer I desire).

Yes, I am the eternal optimist. Some say I’m always positive, the Energizer Bunny, the never say never founder and Director of our Mission…and that’s not reality.

Well, at least I’m in good company. It was Winston Churchill who said, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”. Or another by the name of the Apostle Paul, "I can do all things by Christ who strengthens me”…all things being Christ filled, God honoring, community driven, compassion flowing, optimistic, one day at a time life. And so are you If not, you can be!

Therefore, we as the staff of Mission Solano, you our partners in compassion and hope, all who come to our mission field, pray for the times we find ourselves in.

Oh, that concern I briefly spoke of at the core of my soul? It would be the same one I hope concerns us all…simply put, will we have coming in what needs to go out? There are serious decisions we must make if we don’t. Making our incoming match our outgoing. Our staff has done some incredible work bringing in support and resources, but more people needing compassion and care continues to drain our limited resources.

In the wonderful disco era of the 70’s (I say wonderful, tongue in cheek, good old rock-n-roll was my cup of tea) Gloria Gaynor had a hit song that I bring to our mind as we lead this wonderful Mission into the future, “Oh, no, not I (us), I (we) will survive, Oh, as long as I (we) know how to love, I (we) know I’ll (we’ll) stay alive. I’ve (we’ve) got all my (our) life to live, I’ve (we’ve) got all my (our) love to give and I’ll (we’ll) survive, I (we) will survive, I (we)will survive.” Don’t you want to start dancing? I do as well!

Your partner in hope,

Ron

Somewhere there is a Rescue Mission...208 by 2012--WE CAN DO IT... WITH YOUR HELP!

2011-08-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in Fairfield, there is an alley where nobody will sleep tonight. In Vacaville, there is a car that will not substitute as a house for a young mother and her children. Or one of Solano Counties homeless camps where our Veterans are not alone…searching for help and hope.

That’s because somewhere in Solano County there is a Rescue Mission called Mission Solano. A Mission that provides food, clothing, shelter, and the physical, emotional, psychological, behavioral, and spiritual care for our most needy neighbors.

And this is because big and small businesses, churches, and individuals have dug deep and donated their time, treasure, and talents necessary to keep our doors open, and the hope, care, and compassion of Christ flowing.

And because of this, the cycle of homelessness and poverty is being broken, and hope restored!

Phase IV of Mission Solano’s Bridge to Life Center has begun---and by February of 2012, your Mission will be able to bring our holistic care to 208 men, women, children, and intact families---and the ongoing help, and hope to our growing population of homeless Veterans in desperate need.

Yes, we will continue to be that harbor of hope to welcome our neighbors in need!

Because of this, our operational resources must grow in order to keep meeting the needs of all those who come. Those who are looking for a place to find the help they so desperately need. Looking for a place to get back on their feet and be restored to God, their families, and their communities.

You can help us help them. Help us leave a legacy of compassion and care. A legacy of restored lives.

Please consider sending what you can today. I know times are tuff, and you have always been willing to give. We stretch every dolor that comes in to do the greatest good. You are a blessing to all of us and all those we serve!

Ron Marlette

Mission Solano

P.S. If you would like to come see how your support is being used, let me give you a tour of your Mission Solano and Bridge to Life Center. Meet the people your helping. You can call me personally to answer any of you questions or concerns. 707-249-1611.

208 by 2012...There is a Rescue Mission!

2011-08-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

And because of this, the cycle of homelessness and poverty is being broken, and hope restored!

Yes, we will continue to be that harbor of hope to welcome our neighbors in need!

You can join our Legacy Circle. You can be that group of supporters to stand with us, leaving a legacy of compassion and care. A legacy of restored lives.

Ron Marlette

Mission Solano

I Cant Do It Anymore…Or Can I

2011-07-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

There’s a term that elicits a dichotomy of confusion and concern. A term we toss around without (at times) the understanding of the root cause or the utter devastation it brings with it. The word I’m referring to is “Compassion Fatigue.”

Now, this might be the first time you’ve heard this term, or it might be that you find yourself in it right now. More concerning though, is finding yourself in it, not knowing it, and not knowing how to overcome it. Many fail to grasp the seriousness of this riveting new “cultural norm” and therefore, those suffering, poor, hopeless, homeless and hurting, continue to cry for help. Someone to bring the passion and compassion that instills hope for their tomorrows.

Compassion fatigue is defined as “the loss of sympathy for the suffering of others experienced by donors or caregivers as a result of the demands made of them.” Compassion=Sympathy…Fatigue=mental or physical exhaustion. With all the local, regional, national and worldwide needs on the rise, it seems like every time we turn around, someone is in need of help. Someone has lost all hope. Someone stands on the edge of an abyss, ready to end it all. With local newspapers, the Internet, TV, and magazines providing a daily dose of negativity, suffering, pain, and hopeless situations, it should not surprise us that compassion fatigue is rampant among our communities and nation.

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma points out that “the media has caused widespread compassion fatigue in society by saturating newspapers and news shows with often decontextualized images and stories of suffering. This has caused the public to become cynical, or become resistant to helping people who are suffering”. It doesn’t take long for one to get up in the morning, and if not careful of how much “news” we take in, to lay down at night wondering why everything looks and sounds so bad! It’s easy to understand why depression and anxiety medication has never been greater in our country. Hook us all up to a steady drip of happy juice and we will make it through…or will we?

Now, there is a verse in the Bible that encompasses the past and present in dealing with CF and overcoming it. I love they way the NIV translates 1 Corinthians 15:58-59…”Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” What you do makes a difference for eternity, and look closely at how you will avoid compassion fatigue because you know…you know, you labor is not in vain. Or do you?

The statistics are staggering. One in every eight Americans age 18-54 suffers from an anxiety disorder. This totals over 19 million people! Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health has shown that anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem among American women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse by men.

Women suffer from anxiety and stress almost twice as much as men. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America, surpassing even depression in numbers. Anxiety is the most common mental health issue facing adults over 65 years of age. Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. $46.6 billion annually. Anxiety sufferers see an average of five doctors before being successfully diagnosed.

The question that should be begging for an answer right now is, how do we recover and or come out of compassion fatigue without stilling our compassion from others and our community. How do we overcome compassion fatigue?

Elain Creasman, in her article, Overcoming Compassion Fatigue, gives us the answers that have helped me, and I bring these timeless truths to you:

• See them as your own. One day I couldn’t seem to care about a young man the Lord had sent to me. God gave me these words: "See him as your own." Once I started viewing him as my own son, my compassion began to grow again.

• See them as better than you. "In humility consider others better than yourselves," states Phil. 2:3. Jesus was God, the creator and sustainer of the universe, yet He didn’t look down on people. As I keep humbling myself, and asking God to humble me, pride no longer blocks compassion.

• See them as Christ. Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Mt. 25:40). Often, God calls me to serve those on the bottom rung of life’s ladder. When I resolve to treat these people with the same tenderness I would extend to Jesus, my compassion level soars.

• See yourself in their shoes. We all know the command to "do to others what you would have them do to you" (Mt. 7:12). But living it out can be difficult. When I remember times I have struggled and needed help, I can extend more care to others.

• See God’s grace at work. One author defined grace as "God’s help." As I see myself as a conduit through which God’s grace flows, I’m reminded that ministry is not about me but about what God wants to do through me.

• See the importance of mercy. When you start thinking, They don’t deserve . . . you know you’re nearing a mercy meltdown. To renew your mercy, think of all God has forgiven you for—both before and after salvation.

• See withdrawing as essential. Sometimes my compassion is depleted because I need to heed Jesus’ example: "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Lk. 5:16). You can’t always withdraw for entire days or weeks, but even praying on a walk during a break or in the bathroom can work wonders.^{^[1]}

Today is the first day of the rest of your life…make a difference with it. You will be glad you did, and so will all who cross your path.

Blessings,

Ron

^{^[1]}Paul Westervelt, Publisher: Discipleship Journal, Issue 141 (May/June 2004). NavPress, 2004; 2006

No One Else Would Take Sandra In...

2011-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Story's at Mission Solano are what drives us. Story's of changed lives. Story's of reconciliation's. Story's of the compassion of Christ, lived in and through the lives of all who would say, "yes Lord, I will step out and be your hands. Your eyes, and your feet to being hope and help to the brokenhearted.

Sandra was one of those brokenhearted who came to Mission Solano looking for something and someone to help her through the day. She found someone who would help her for today and for eternity...Over the last several years, Sandra has exhausted all the public programs and resources available to her in Solano County. She’s also been in and out of Mission SOLANO. But five months ago, we became her only hope. When she’d been turned away by everyone else, Mission SOLANO took her in.

“Before I came to live at the Mission, I wasn’t going to any of my medical appointments, and my doctor said, ‘I’ll give you one last chance. If you mess up one more time, I’m going to discharge you.’”

Now, thanks to dedicated Mission staff who load Sandra and her wheelchair into the van, she makes all of her appointments.

“My doctor would never look at me before. I think he felt I was just another junkie. Now that I’m clean and not using drugs he talks to me and shakes my hand. I can tell him what I need and he’ll listen.”

Mission staff members are working hard to find Sandra a permanent place to live. In addition to life-saving help, Sandra has also found faith in Jesus at Mission SOLANO.

“The Holy Spirit has come into my heart. All I had to do was ask!”

THEY NEED US...WE NEED YOU!

2011-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Let me start by what I always try to communicate verbally and in written form…THANK YOU! If you have not heard this, I apologize and say it again, THANK YOU! Mission SOLANO and all who come for help, hope, and another chance, thank you too!   You are the behind-the-scene partners who continue investing in the lives of all who come. Your ROI on this investment is off the chart!  

As I walked out in the backyard this morning, the chill took me back to winter, not summer. This season is crazy! Where is our beautiful California weather I was raised in?   While the weather is definitely not normal this time of year; something is normal…the “summer slump”. In fact, the “summer slump” has come even earlier than ever before.

You might be saying about now, “what is a summer slump?” Ask any nonprofit that question and a smile will quickly fade.   You see, “summer slump” is the time of year funding dries up! Not totally, but enough to cause serious hiccups in our services.

Being a relatively new nonprofit, Mission SOLANO does not have the blessing of a reserve to get us through the dreaded “summer slump”. We have put every penny we raised back into the vision.  

This early “summer slump,” added to the increased needs, decreased giving, City, County, and State programs depleting, has caused the perfect storm where more is being asked from your Mission.  

One thing is for sure, we will stand in the gap for those who cannot. We will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. The men, women, children, families, and Veterans who come looking for a place to call “home” will find it at Mission SOLANO. Not only a home, but also holistic services and programs that will restore them to:  

* God 

* Their children 

* Their spouses 

* Themselves 

* Their community  

Let me say it again, we thank you for all you have done and all you are doing. You are the conduit making this happen. You are the ones who can make the difference between, literally, “lights on” and burning bright or the darkness of “lights off”.   

I don’t know what the results of this perfect storm will eventually bring. I don’t know what services or staff we will need to seriously consider. We are like any other organization who must make revenue match the expenses.

However, two things are different…we have a God whose heart beats for the homeless, hungry and hurting, and we have you! Will you consider a special “summer slump” gift today to make our tomorrows brighter?

Ron  

P.S. You can give right now on our secure giving page at www.missionsolano.org

You will be glad you did, and so will our guest

In Honor of our Mom's

2011-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

To honor Mothers Day, this post was a must. Enjoy.

Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION:

Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and this wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

We love you mom's!

Ron

Compassion Has a Face...

2011-04-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

Compassion has a face…

“Everyone has the power of greatness. Not for fame, but greatness. Because greatness is determined by service.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King

You, yes you, are who can make a difference in a brining hope, to a hurting and broken world. It starts right at home! Thank you to Lee Colan, for sending these wonderful reminders…I now share with you!

~Mentor a Child

· In the U.S., an estimated 15 million youth are in need of mentoring.

· Nearly 70% of inner-city 4^th- graders are unable to read at a basic level

· One out of 3 public high-school students won’t graduate.

~Donate Blood

· 38,000 pints of blood are used every day.

· One pint of blood can save up to 3 lives

· 60% of the population is eligible to donate but only 5% do.

~Write a letter to a U.S. Military Hero1

· There are approximately 2.1 million active and reserve men and women in the U.S. military

· Hundreds of thousands are in remote parts of the world.

· The most requested item is… a letter with words of appreciation and support, even from total strangers.

~Help the Hungry

· 35 million Americans have limited access to enough food due to a lack of money and other resources. 12.4 million are children.

· 30% of families are forced to choose between buying food or paying for medical care.

· Many soup kitchens serve up to 1,000 meals a week. They need volunteers year-round.

~Donate Clothes

· Over 35 million people live in poverty and have limited money to purchase clothes

· An estimated 20 BILLION pounds of clothing are thrown away every year.

· 1.5 BILLION pairs of unworn or barely worn shoes are lying in closets.

~Support a Global Cause

· 1.08 BILLION people live on less than $1 a day.

· 5 million are living in refugee camps

· 1 BILLION people have no access to clean water.

· 11 million children die before they reach their 5^th birthday…

Compassion has a face…it is in your mirror!

Start today!

A lot of little things can make a big difference!

“So…How Big is Your Compassion?”

Many of the things listed above-- mentoring, feeding the hungry, and clothes donation--are the activities of your mission, Mission Solano. Have you thought about becoming a volunteer? (Call 707-425-FOOD (3663), or go online at www.missionsolano.org for more information.

Blessings,

Ron

Optimistic Compassion

2011-04-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here it is almost May of 2011 and it feels like we just celebrate the New Year! This month runs into the last with two ongoing pressures at the Mission Solano…do more, and do it with less! I don’t need to tell you of the need, you see it every day.

I was reminded recently of how much is taken for granted when we are so deep in the work of taking care of the homeless. How much we forget to see the forest through the trees! Taking an optimistic view of your Mission helps to realign us to the purpose we do what we do, and the reason you give. Effectiveness and efficiency!

Jennifer (my wife) and I were feeding the homeless with our small group at our church this last Sunday night. I don’t do this as the Mission Director, but as my service with our church. One of the couples in our group was amassed by the amount of people we were sheltering, and the fact that we have been doing this for 13 years…every night! They asked me if Mission Solano is a full time job for me. At first I laughed…then as I shared all we do at the Mission, I too was amassed by the depth and scope of services that are provided every day of the year through your Mission. This was one of the recent lights that shone down to help me regain that optimistic, positive, never give up attitude that will continue to shine if we but see the forest through the trees.

It has been this optimistic, positive outlook that we have needed as a Board, as a staff, and as a community to keep our vision strong, alive and burning red-hot! In fact, it has been this God given, Spirit empowered, and community embraced vision that has empowered us to withstand many sad times when the support is far less then the need. What is our Vision that has kept us anchored in the eye of the many storms? That which has guided this vessel for 13 years? As we begin this New Year, let us look, once again:

Our Vision

To provide an economic and spiritual bridge for people striving to regain the basic necessities of life in order to restore hope in themselves and their future while achieving economic stability so that they are able to rejoin their community as full and active participants.

We are doing more then we have ever done in our 13-year history. By this summer, we will have the capacity to shelter 208 men, women, children, and families with our Bridge to Life Center alone! We need your help to close the gap. With the incredible growth, and the ongoing Nomadic Sheltering with our Churches, we are realizing we must once again open our overflow shelter to help so many men, women and children that keep coming.

They need us and we need you, and the need has never been greater!

Your partner in hope for the homeless,

Ron

PS. We are very excited with our new partnership with the VA. We now have more resources coming our way for our troubled Vets! Visit us now at www.missionsolano.org---make an online gift!

Compassions Result… a Life Resurrected

2011-04-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Crystal knew she could not continue – that her life was nearly over. Her choices had guided her to a series of dead ends. Her local family was not able to serve as a critical lifeline. She successfully separated from places and things that caused her to stumble, but the people in her life kept on walking with her down the wrong path.

When Crystal was at the very bottom, she came to Mission Solano. That is when her life began to change. That is where she found compassion.

A life spent in Fairfield – from childhood to street life, to dead end after dead end eventually brought her to Mission Solano’s Community Outreach Center, and eventually to the Bridge to Life Center program.

“Without the mission, I am sure that I would be dead now, “ Crystal says.

The Easter season defines rescue mission work. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the message of compassion and hope we live and breathe every day. And because of that message, we see people like Crystal, whose own life has been resurrected, transformed and restored to God, family, and her community.”

Crystal anxiously awaits her reunion with her 1-year-old son, who will soon be returned to her care from the Department of Social Services. Upon completion of the mission program, Crystal plans to move into her own apartment, away from the people, places and things of her past.

Easter is just one of the many ways we can reach out to this community, the message of Easter is one of renewal and changed lives, which is exactly what Mission Solano is all about. We celebrate the hope offered by the risen Christ to those who are broken.

Mission SOLANO offers both long-term rehabilitation residential programs and emergency shelter for those with immediate sheltering needs, providing emergency shelter for up to 98 people each night, in addition to transitional housing for over 70 men, women and children.

What a blessing to see lives changed by Mission Solanos’s programs!

Is Compassion is worht the price, just ask Crystal!

Blessings,

Ron

Recycling People

2011-04-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Some people have asked me: What is Mission Solano doing by being involved in an Earth Day event? How does this fit our mission and vision?

These are good questions, and this lover of Earth is about to give you an answer.

When we were approached to be a part of this annual community event, we realized we were the largest recyclers in Solano County.

Yes, that's right ... we recycle cardboard, food, autos and -- this might sound kind of crude -- we recycle people.

If we consider our mission with this definition or recycling in mind -- save for reuse ... process for reuse ... use again differently -- then this is the greatest recycling project that can take place for now, and for eternity.

You see, we get people ready for the journey of their life, their eternal journey. Best of all, the community benefits in the process, as the byproduct of this "people recycling" are individuals reunited to:

* God

* Their children

* Their spouses

* Themselves

* Their community

Through all of this, they find new ways to live, love, learn and leave a legacy ... a legacy of recycling others. You might say their whole life has undergone a transformational "climate change."

Yes, this clearly fits our mission and vision. Join us on Saturday at the Suisun City waterfront for a full day of events and recycling activities.

(If you can't make it out, please consider supporting the "Buy a Book -- Give a NOOK" book fair at Barnes & Noble, in the Fairfield store Thursday through Saturday and online through April 28. These Nooks will be used for our Bridge to Life residents.)

Ron "The Recycler" Marlette

www.missionsolano.org

Good Kids, Bad Kids?

2011-04-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at all the philosophies offered on raising children. As a father of four, I am qualified to comment on what I see in this culture of confusion. I am shocked as I read these different thoughts from my perspective in the culture and compassion in the Christian home.

Being a Christian father, and utilizing this knowledge with in Mission Solano, and the children there, I am very concerned. Not only for the children and young adults who are being sucked into the lifestyle of drugs and crime, but for the parents who have a clouded perception of why kids go bad.

I am involved in adolescent and addiction recovery counseling. There I hear far too many parents say “we gave them all the support and love they needed…why did this happen?”

Well:

A “Christian home” does not guarantee freedom from the darkness of this world. In fact, I am not even sure we should use that term “Christian home”. There are no Christian homes, only followers of Christ. To parents who claim the protection of Christianity, I ask, If Jesus was welcome in your home, and was there as you raise or raised your children, would he say to you, YES, they have followed me with all their heart, with all their mind and with all there soul? Would He say “you have loved your children as I love them”?

Would Christ note that you have prayed without ceasing, and disciplined your children in a way that is honoring to Him? When your children look at you, do they say, “that’s how Jesus would live if he were here”? Does your life flow with grace mercy and forgiveness? Do your words matched your actions?

Imagine if we lived and raised our children in such a way that they knew that what we said is what we believe. It’s always easy to blame someone else or something else.

Imagine a society where everyone took responsibility for our decisions. A society were character, integrity and love were the hallmarks of who we are. Where doing unto other as we would have done to us was a lifestyle lived and not just talked about.

Imagine if our children believed us not because of what we say, but because of what we do.

We see before us a generation of kids who have few examples of true sacrificial love, true compassion and character. However, we can change that today; the choice is up to you. Your choice and actions will speak louder than any words you could ever say.

Our children are dying to see examples to follow, and dying with out one.

Imagine!

Blessings,

Ron

Your Mission of the Future

2011-04-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

As I think back on my life, I realize that life is a series of stories. Stories of joy, stories of pain, stories of compassion that shape, and mold us. How we respond sets in place the legacy we leave, and set in place our future destiny.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”. Anonymous

A friend of mine, Lee Colan sent me the following:

Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; It becomes your destiny.

So, what’s this have to do with Mission Solano? Since my life has been, is, and will be about this amazing Mission, it has everything to do with it. From the first thoughts God placed in my heart long ago, to the destiny it has set in place for thousands of souls, it is a story that must be told. It’s my story…it’s your story!

If you have not seen this amazing holistic “Mission of the future” you can see it now at www.missionsolano.org . I dare you, take a look! You’ll be excited to see a Mission worthy of your support and prayers. Be a part of the movement of God.

Blessings,

Ron

Remember

2011-04-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings, some of you know of the missions trip I’ve been on, some do not. I needed a time to get away and think. Get away and pray while ministering in His name to the poor of the poorest.

The picture you see is of my new buddy El Pollo Loco…my little crazy chicken! We have found a wonderful friendship and we can’t even understand each other. Or at least not by words. Our actions understand each other’s just fine! His house is one of the homes we are building.

Before we came, His home was one room, for 10 people. Yes, one room. If you were to see it, you would think it was not fit for even an animal. It is very sad, and very dirty. However, as sad as it is, we found a joy that transcended our sadness into smiles and joy. Lots of smiles and joy, that flowed from hearts of compassion and care. It was received in the same manor.

Needless to say, I have many lessons God has wanted me to learn. Of course, there are many learning experiences God has provided here in Mexico as well, but these rise above the rest.

1. To remember that, He (God) is sovereign over all. There are no geographical boundaries to His grace, compassion, and mercy. Only the boundaries we put in place.

2. To remember that no one, NO ONE is beyond His far-reaching hand of compassion and grace.

3. To remember that peace, love, and happiness are realities from His hands, His grace, His mercy, and His compassion. He wants to use us to distribute all this. Wealth, prestige, and power cannot bring any of it, but you can have it, and posses the wealth, prestige, and power if you hold it as His, and it means nothing to you in light of your cross! Use it for His glory.

4. To remember that missions it not a one-time event that allows us to put a notch in our belt of Christianity, but a life of compassion, care and contentment. As my Missions Professor put it, “every heart with Christ is a missionary, every heart without Christ is a mission field!” The mission field is when you step out of your bed; take up your cross, and into your world again. That is the mission’s field.

5. To remember that the joy of ministering together, and the unity we experience is not from the task at hand, it’s the hand (His hand) of that task. The unity of believers brings the power of His Spirit upon us. There is no greater joy than to realize Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit is working through you to reflect the image of God to the broken and lost.

Now, whatever you do from here on…don’t forget!

REMEMBER! You might be the compassionate hand that touches someone’s life today!

Blessings from the streets of Mexico,

Ron

On the Road with Parkway Community Church

2011-03-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog. I am honored that you are taking a chance to see if I have anything worthy of your time. It is my hope, that you will invite others to join. My editor has not looked at this so be patient if you find some errors. I am currently out of the Country.

You have arrived here because you are wondering what this is all about. Well, It’s about compassion…compassion as a way of life. Living the compassion that Christ himself lived and expects those who have chosen to follow live it as well. However, even if you are not one who believes in Jesus Christ, I hope you will find stories that will give you a glimpse of authentic Christianity, and stories of hope! This is my prayer.

“It’s not hard to create a ghetto,” said Bob Lupton, Atlanta Community Developer. “Just remove the capable neighbors. To produce a substandard school system, withdraw the students of achieving parents. To create a culture of chronically dependent people, merely extract the upwardly mobile role models from the community. That’s what happened in thousands of communities across the United States.” We can…we will…we are changing this one life at a time.

Compassion is what drives me, and all at Mission Solano (www.missionsolano.org). And compassion, and maybe a little curiosity, is what drove you to this site. I hope you will continue the journey by reading this, applying compassion wherever it finds you.

As I write, I am in the middle of poverty like I have only seen in pictures and TV. Some of you know that I embarked on a Mission trip to the poor of the poorest in Mexico. Our Church has taken this journey once a year for over 20 years. You probably wonder why I’ve taken so long to join them. Well, for the past 13 years, we have been building this local ministry called Mission Solano! Yes, thirteen years and it seems like it was yesterday. Take a look at www.missionsolano.org .

We will be posting through words and pictures this journey from afar. This is a short one today. After a day of helping to build a home for a family of 8, it was intense. Tomorrow we will finish this and off to an orphanage to help many children and bring compassion to they’re little lives, if only for a short time.

Your partner in compassion,

 Ron Marlette

Whats Really Important

2011-03-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

Often in life we are given opportunities to look into the soul of humanity, to get a glimpse, if only for a short time, and learn of life at its fullest. And if we look close we will be amazed at who will reveal these lessons and remind us what we, as a society, often forget.

I spent some time volunteering one day with some very special people. I thought I would be helping those who were considered the physically and mentally challenged of our society. Little did I know, I would be the one helped that day.

I learned lessons I have learned before, but desperately needed to be rekindled again - the lessons of living for today, loving sacrificially, and giving of ourselves without prejudice.

Jerry would be that compassionate soul that would be used this day to remind me of what is important in life. Jerry would not be one our society would typically see as having the characteristics for future success in life. But if you look closely and see beyond the outward appearances, maybe, just maybe you would see a different kind of success.

You see, Jerry is considered handicapped. Handicapped is defined as one being physically or mentally challenged. But if you look closer, and listen with your heart, you will see that Jerry lives with a profound simplicity of life that many of us today long for. A compassionate spirit that our society so desperately cries for, a joyful spirit that is contagious and a sacrificial love that humanity has often forgotten.

This simplicity of life is that which breaks the chains of materialism setting us free to live life to the fullest, to love our neighbor without prejudice, and to give of ourselves without expectations in return.

This simplicity of life forgets the trouble of yesterday, lets go of the worries of tomorrow and passionately lives for today. What a society and community we would have if we lived theses simplistic principles Jerry and his friends lived this day and every day.

It has been said that the moral test of society is how that society treats the children who are in the dawn of life, the elderly, who are in the twilight of life, and those who are in the shadows of life - the sick, homeless, needy, and the so-called handicapped.

Thank you, Jerry for brightening my day and welcoming me to enter your world and get a glimpse of Heaven. Maybe God has given us these beautiful ones to remind us of what we often forget: Living for today, loving sacrificially, and giving of ourselves without prejudice.

I see much clearer again. I am honored to be one of Jerry's friends. Maybe, just maybe we are the ones handicapped? Helen Keller said it well: "I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God."

I hope you find the time today to remember what's important in life. You'll be glad you did, and so will all who cross your path!

Ron