April 2021 Newsletter

Peninsula Rescue Mission

I Didn't Expect This!

“I had such anger in my heart. And when I came here I didn't expect this...I didn't expect what I was welcomed with and the peace to take care of my business.”

Lots of faces come through the doors here at PRM. Most of them depressed or lost. Some relieved. Very few joyful. While there are many similar expressions, behind each face is a different story. Recently, some of the mission staff got to spend time working alongside Andre (alternate picture used for privacy). There was some work that needed to be done in a couple of our facilities, and Andre willingly offered to give us a hand with some manual labor. Over the next two days we got to hear his story.

Andre, recently coming out of incarceration, shared, “No one wanted to give me a place to stay. When every door seemed to be closed for me, PRM's door was open.”

Drugs, alcohol, adultery, and racism were all part of Andre's riddled past, and they seemed to be contributing factors to his anger. The “business” that Andre needed to take care of most was his relationship with the Lord.

“What I discovered here at PRM is God. This experience has taught me to allow God to be first. It has been humbling.”

As Andre continued to share his testimony, he owned his past mistakes. “I take full responsibility for doing drugs and drinking. This place has helped me to find peace in all that has happened to me. It's opened my mind and my heart to the idea that God has a purpose and a calling on my life. I felt God telling me that when you go to the next place, you won't have to worry about drugs and alcohol hindering you from my purpose.”

The two days we spent working alongside Andre were a kind reminder from God that He is in the business of transforming lives. Andre later said, “I have learned who I am through Christ, and I will NEVER go back. I never would have thought this could be the happiest time of my life...it doesn't make sense.”

Andre is absolutely right. How does a man who is going through so much and who came in so angry, leave just a few short days later with this kind of joy? Apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ it really doesn't make sense.

Andre asked us to thank each of you who help keep the doors open for men like him. Your giving, praying, and serving are so important! He shared, “God is seen in this place unlike any place I've been to in my life. God is here, and He is changing lives.”

On behalf of the entire PRM team, we thank you for your continued support. May the Lord bless you, keep you, make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you (Num. 6:24-25)!

"God is here, and He is changing lives."

Click here to provide an open door for more men like Andre

Mission Needs

Thrift Store

As you get into Spring cleaning would you consider donating any gently used items to our thrift store? 100% of our store profits help to serve, shelter, and share Christ with those in need. We even come pick it up! Give us a call if you have any questions!

For donation pickups, call 380-6909 or schedule online!

For store questions, call 870-0517.

Stamps

Over the course of a month, we go through hundreds of stamps! Paying bills, acknowledging donations, and other mail pieces really add up. One practical way you could help is by sending us a book or roll of stamps. You can drop them off at the front desk (we'd love to say hello) or you can order online (www.usps.com) and have them delivered.

'Mission Needs' Email List

If you would like to help meet immediate needs that arise please consider signing up for this new email list here.

A Note From Alan

OVERWHELMING GENEROSITY

We have been impressed over the years to watch our residents be so generous with one another. If someone has 2 coats they are quick to share one with a guy that doesn't have one. Over and over we've seen this type of kindness. But recently, one of our residents was incredibly generous to PRM.

Mr. Austin came to the front window early on a Thursday morning. The mask makes it more difficult to understand him so I had him come around into the office. He sat in a chair beside the main front desk gripping a tightly folded twenty dollar bill. He explained that he had managed to find a hustle (cash under the table work), and had made some money. Holding up the $20 bill he said, “I want y'all to have this.” Overwhelmed, I explained that it was very kind, but we understood that $20 bill was precious to him in his current time of need. He replied, “I just want y'all to know I'm trying. Y'all are working so hard to help me. I need to try and help y'all.”

Once more I thanked him and told him we did not require or expect any type of gift from those we are serving. Once again he replied, “I don't have all that I want to have, but right now I have enough. I feel like this is something I need to do.” I was truly overwhelmed at his willingness to give so much to us from a position of so little.

Join us in praying that God would honor Mr. Austin's generosity, and that He would continue to meet his needs.

Memorials / Honors

Moving forward, honors and memorials will be listed on our website (www.prm.info/memorials). We know how special these gifts are and we desire to add an even more personal touch to your generous contributions. If you provide us a name and address of the designated individual or family, we have a variety of PRM cards for notifying them of your gift. You can even include a brief message if you like. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to sharing more ministry updates with you in our newsletter.

Ways To Pray

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, pray for men to experience new life in Christ

Overcomers Program Men – Charles G, Mike W, Mike H, John H, Eric S, Eric H, James L.

Pray for the continued safety of our guests and staff amidst COVID

Pray that God would fill our employment needs: Kitchen Manager and Part-Time Maintenance Man (visit prm.info for more info)

Camp Open Arms – Pray that restrictions would ease up and we will be able to share the love of Christ to our campers this summer.

Ideas for Charitable Giving

Oscar Alvarez, CFP® | Pathway Financial Planning, Inc.

With the tax deadline fast approaching, some of us may be reflecting on whether we may have missed some new strategy for reducing our taxes. When it comes to charitable giving, there are some very common practices taxpayers have traditionally used to provide for others, while also gaining some tax advantage. One not so common practice that may be of interest to you is called a Charitable Remainder Uni-Trust (CRUT). With a CRUT, a donor may contribute a gift to a charity while taking an income stream for himself/herself or any other non-charitable beneficiary. Let me explain.

Suppose an owner of a fully depreciated rental property would like to sell but is concerned about the tax implications. If the property is gifted to the CRUT before being sold, then the donor of the property will not be taxed. Plus, in the year of the gift there is usually a significant tax break due to the gift of the entire value of the property.

If the owner wishes to make an even bigger impact, the income stream created by monies in a CRUT can be given to a charity and also deductible (taxed as ordinary income if not donated). In one case, the income was used to purchase life insurance. The charity owns, and is the beneficiary of, the life insurance. The premiums would be deductible. The charity has access to the cash value of the insurance and will receive significant funds later upon the passing of the donor. Life insurance is one of the best vehicles for donating to a charity. It is a win-win for everyone involved.

These are VERY simplistic examples with many details not covered above. The CRUT is a legal document and is prepared by a lawyer familiar with this type of work. Please seek legal counsel and advice from a Certified Financial Planner® if you are interested. As with any giving, you should plan thoughtfully and carefully to ensure your contributions receive their full tax deduction. Oscar can be reached at 757-595-4588 if you have any questions.

3700 Huntington Ave., Newport News, VA | 757-380-6909