volume
f ifte e n
•
number
one
East e r I s s ue 2015
When I first arrived at MorningStar I felt afraid
and ashamed . . . but now I see the Mission as a blessing.
An Encouraging
Word from Marilyn . . .
Pg. 2
I would recommend the
Mission’s program . . .
Pg. 3
In Memory of
Pg. 4
M
y name is Dwana. I came to
MorningStar Mission because
I couldn’t find work. I had to
move out of my place. After staying with
relatives for a while I had to move on,
but I had no place to go. When I came to
the Mission I felt ashamed. Afraid. I felt
I had not done well for my family. I’m
an educated woman with a degree in
psychology, but here I am, temporarily
unable to care for myself. I have tried so
hard to get work, but I couldn’t even get
a job at McDonald’s. Even though this is
not where I want to end up, I’m grateful
to God, the Mission and to you for
keeping these doors open for someone
like me who’s going through hard times.
I especially want my children to be happy,
safe and secure, and I feel the training
they are receiving here at MorningStar
is vital for their young growth. I know
God is with us all, especially during the
difficult times. I’m also learning all things
work together for good for those who
love God and who are called according
to his purpose.
been touched by so many people, and
even at this moment I believe God is
about to bless me once again. My next
goal is to get my MA in counseling and
begin full-time work in social service.
I don’t know where you are in your
Christian walk, but I hope you’ll
remember always that whatever you’re
going through, there is always hope
in God. Hold on to your faith, and
He will see you through. God bless
you at this Easter season.
Sincerely,
One of my dreams is to open a battered
women’s shelter. When I see the women
here and the trials they have endured,
it makes me want to do all I can to reach
out to them with a servant’s heart. I’ve
MorningStar
Mission Ministries, Inc.
350 E. Washington Street
Joliet, IL 60433-1150
815-722-5780
www.morningstarmission.org
“I’m an educated woman with a degree
in psychology, but here I am, temporarily
unable to care for myself.”
Dwana
Marilyn . . .
An Encouraging Word from
D
MorningStar Mission
recently celebrated our
7th annual Box City of Hope
event (September 19) and
would like to thank our
generous sponsors:
KeHE Foods
Hope Sponsor
D’Arcy Motors
Shelter Sponsor
NRG Energy
Safe Haven Sponsor
Box Sponsors:
• Bill Jacobs Auto
• Harrah’s Casino
• L. DeGeus & Associates
• Rodgers Construction
• Majestic Steel Erectors
• Wight & Co.
• J. Adler Roofing
• Hollywood Casino
• Old Plank Trail Community Bank
• Larry Walsh, Will Co. Executive
• Dr. Michael & Susan Lee
r,
ear Friend of MorningSta
ors afraid, impoverished,
They come through our do
Some tell us they are dead
addicted and in despair.
y have
ve been down so long the
people walking. Most ha
al life.
what we might call a norm
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lik
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couraging “You are a
the Easter message — en
ar
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Jesus loves them and tha
blessing to us
words from our staff that
g, our guests have been
lon
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Fo
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liv
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the
for
special plan
drinking
every day, and
ey have said they can quit
telling themselves lies. Th
t
; tha
n’t really have a drug habit
on their own; that they do
s our prayer
can live life according it’
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the
t
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they can sur vive
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our ministry is
the end, however, they rea
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ly through the powe
of this is possible. It’s on
also a blessing
life worth living.
a
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ab
be
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Lord that they will eve
to you.”
rnity
ng to change lives for ete
Your involvement is helpi
it the Mission to see your
And when you come to vis
assion is
quick ly see how your comp
generosity in action, you
joy it when you
le’s lives. We especially en
op
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an
ch
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playing a major
ission is doing to
see firsthand what the M
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ts tell us it’s part of their
ren
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provide people that ete
out to those in need — esp
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lea
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n
spiritual formatio
to thank you
this Easter season, I want
ach
pro
ap
we
as
So
ss.
tre
children in dis
and for believing in the
your ongoing generosity
for
ain
ag
ce
on
ily
fam
and your
and
a blessing to us every day,
are
u
Yo
r.
Sta
ing
orn
M
of
work
God
is also a blessing to you.
it’s our prayer our ministry
of year.
ones at this special time
bless you and your loved
Your ser vant,
Marilyn Farmer
Executive Director
God bless you for being a friend to
the homeless . . . and for celebrating
Resurrection Day with our Mission guests
T
he old cliché has it that behind every successful man there is a surprised
mother-in-law. While there’s plenty of humor in that thought, it’s true that
life moves in a positive direction when the efforts of an individual and the
encouragement of others come together. When it comes to Mission work, our guests
learn two things: that a loving God is their ultimate supporter, and that the Mission
staff is here to provide the ongoing encouragement needed, as our friends learn to
walk in the ways of the Lord. To our guests, it’s often surprising how quickly God
turns their lives around. But after all, this is what resurrection power is all about.
I would recommend the Mission’s program to
anyone who wants to turn his or her life around
M
y name is Ron. I don’t think anyone could be more grateful than I am
for MorningStar Mission. Before I came through these doors I had been
homeless for four and a half months. Many were the night when I would sit
on a park bench asking the Lord what will I eat tonight? And God, in his great mercy
always sent someone by to give me what seemed like manna from heaven. Years ago
I had a drinking problem, but I quit, and I haven’t had a drink since 1998. That’s the
good news. But I’m still recovering from my rough-and-tumble life. Fortunately I was
raised with good, old-fashioned country values. And even though I didn’t always follow
those principles, I always knew there was a God, and that He had a son named Jesus.
And even though I’m a biological mess, loaded with arthritis and still paying the price
for a fight long ago, I know God will take care of me and that He has special
plans for my life.
People You
Should Know —
Big Hearted Bikers
Thank you for coming to the Mission just to talk to us
So many people come through the Mission, and
yet we are all treated as individuals who are
living with our own issues. The staff is
so great and I, for one, am so grateful.
Whenever I need to talk to someone, that
person is there to listen to me. This is the kind
of love and compassion you don’t see on the streets.
I’m also grateful to you for your personal support,
especially when you come to the Mission and talk
to us. I’m thankful at this Easter season to
be serving a risen Lord.
Your grateful friend,
Ron
“Many were the night when
I would sit on a park bench
asking the Lord what will
I eat tonight?”
Your gifts mean more to our guests than you might imagine
The good news is your prayers, influence and financial support are what give
us the opportunity to minister to the whole person — body, soul and spirit. Your
involvement in this ministry is doing more good than you could ever imagine.
It’s hardly headline news that it’s always a challenge for the Mission to
meet its financial obligations. But with God’s help and your continued generosity,
the Lord always provides for our needs. To send your Easter donation today, please
use the enclosed remit slip. You may also give your special gift on our secure web
site, www.morningstarmission.org. Thank you for being a partner with us in
reaching out to the homeless during the Easter season and throughout the year.
Our entire staff thanks you for your kindness to so many in need.
MorningStar Mission would like
to thank Big Hearted Bikers
and Randy Jones for organizing
the 4th annual Toy and Food
Run. 2014’s Run is dedicated to
Karin Kirchman and her family.
Thanks Big Hearted Bikers.
“ Thank you for
being a partner
with us in
reaching out
to the needy
during the
Easter season
and throughout
the year.”
3
in memory of
Edward Cain Marcie & Andy Bebar, James & Joanne Byrne, Lisa Byrne & Family, Glenn Cain & Family, Mark & Becky
Finn, Barb & Don Garrett, Alice Henderson, Don & Carol Kodrick, Mary Alyce Koren, Gloria J. Moss, Ron & Cheryl Noble,
Don & Linda Parr, Don & Rosemarie Smith, The Dorothy Turner Family, Ron & Mercia Vironda •
Robert Cox James
& Diane Birkey, Kathleen Boroni, Frances & Vincent Cerri, Robert & Linda Charley, Catherine Collins, Joseph & Sue Cox,
Len & Peggy Cox, Robert & Michelle Cox, Paul & Karen Drew, Scott & Gina Filippelli, William & Marcia Fitzgerald, John
& Nancy Futterer, Eldon & Barbara Fraser, Leonard & Martha Hohisel, Arnold & Carol Kump, John & Barbara Lausch,
Karen Lowry, Rose Mancuso, Debbie Martincich, Aaron & Sara McCain, Mary Ann Murphy, Dale & Karen O’Connell,
Melanie Postel, Joyce Reliford-Parker, Kristine Ragusa, Antonio & Delores Rosado, Robert & Ammie Sue Ruettiger, Karin
Carrie Demski
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Harris • Jack & Zelda Ellis Linda S. Aguilar • Daniel Ganser Marla Ganser • Ronald,
Jeffrey, Patricia Giacomi Joni Giacomi • Marilyn J. Haggerty Frank J. Arbanas • Leonard Kiernan
Rita Kiernan • Diana Lutes James Cryer • Wilburn, Mable, & Sherry Huckaba Robert & Betty Hoerner
• Dennis Hunke II Melissa Barnhart, Brumund, Jacobs, Hammel, Davidson, & Andreano LLC, Kyle Hunke, Lois
McCormick, John Renzi, Shirley Scott, Searls Windows & Doors, Inc • Mathew “Mammo” Mammosser James
& Susan Mammosser • Terri Micetich Carl & Carolyn Carlson, Frank Grimes • Helen Michalak Diana J. Maza
• James P. Murphy Lillian P. Murphy • Tom Murray Marimonica Murray • Harold Relyea Marcus Taylor •
Joseph Sterioti (for his birthday) Mr. & Mrs. Stephen G. Keller • Marylynn Allan & Pamela Stromsta
Scheidt, Karen Sorbero, Sunny Hill TB Clinic, James & Sharon Waxweiler, John & Paula Waxweiler •
in honor of
Mark & Amy Burnam (marriage) Nick Ahrens, Noreen Vogt • Donald Pierce Joan Ruether
Gordon & Emma Smith (their 55th wedding anniversary)
My Easter Gift
YES, Marilyn,
You can count on my
continued support of
the Mission at this
Easter season.
ACCOUNT NO. NAMESIGNATURE
ADDRESS
EXP. DATE
RM_45-0203_H01JO
Here’s my donation of:
m $20.50 to provide 10 meals and other assistance
m $30.75 to provide 15 meals and other assistance
m $61.50 to provide 30 meals and other assistance
m $________ to provide as many meals and as much care as possible
m Please bill my credit card: m VISA m MC m DISCOVER
MorningStar Mission Ministries, Inc.
350 E. Washington Street
Joliet, IL 60433-1150
CITY / STATE / ZIP
EMAIL ADDRESS
A Please use this completed form and return it with your generous Easter donation, or donate online at
www.morningstarmission.org. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law. You will receive a receipt.