The following is a letter I've just sent to the Friends of The Lord's Rain -- people who have supported the facility over the years with money, labour, resources and prayer.
Dear Friends of The Lord's Rain,
Today -- December 15 -- is kind of an important date for Gospel Mission. It's the ninth anniversary of the day Amelia and I met Greg Bromley, the owner of 325/327/331 Carrall Street to pick up the keys for 327 -- the eventual site of The Lord's Rain.
Many of you know the story -- that this was just one of a series of steps of faith that were taken up to that day and after. They led to the building of a facility that was initially intended to provide showers to the "street people" of Vancouver's Downtown East Side, but has really become a gathering place, a source of hope, a "real life" ministry and a beacon of hope in a hope-challenged area.
It has been what our late brother and longtime director of Gospel Mission, Barry Babcook, called "Jesus with the skin on".
Over the years (with a couple of exceptions), I have avoided making an overt appeal for money. I have sent you stories and vignettes of the scene, mainly the people we've met, befriended and served, so that you can see how your contributions are having a positive impact.
This is not one of those times.
I mentioned in my last email (a couple of months ago) that The Lord's Rain and Gospel Mission had to be closed due to structural damage done by demolition work next door. The Mission has since re-opened, but The Lord's Rain is staying closed for the time-neing. Some issues have been identified, which need to be addressed before we can resume letting people in to take showers or wash up.
Simply put, the place needs to be upgraded to ensure it still complies with regulations.
This work requires funding, so I am reaching out to ask if you would consider making a donation.
Over the years, we have been blessed to receive big-ticket donations from various foundations and organizations; but it's been contributions of any size, given by people who donate what they can, that have imbued a spirit of "communal caring" to the place. The people we serve had picked up on that, although they may not have described it in as many words. It is, without a doubt, what makes The Lord's Rain special.
So if you can make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit the Gospel Mission website: http://www.
If you can contribute time or labour, please contact the Director and lead pastor, Wesley Chadwick, at wezchadwick@gmail.com.
To my friends in the media: you have played a huge role in the progress of The Lord's Rain. I hope you'll consider giving this situation some publicity. You can contact Wesley regarding the current situation or contact me for background.
On behalf of the folks at Gospel Mission and The Lord's Rain -- the servers and the served -- Amelia and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year!
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