May, 2012
In the main building, the kitchen has a new dishwasher, a refrigerator, and triple sinks in place and can be seen to the right. The new stove is shown below. As soon as the hood has been properly connected and inspected, the kitchen will be ready for use.
April, 2012
Youth Restoration Corps (YRC) and Friendship Mission are pleased to announce their collective partnership in building staff housing for the Friendship Mission. This project will provide hands on job education for local youth in the construction trade industry. For the past sixteen years YRC has been mentoring youth 16 to 19 years of age while instilling a good work ethic, respect, leadership skills, stewardship, and motivating positive self-esteem and responsible action in teens. Friendship Mission has been providing shelter for homeless men since October, 2005. Both agencies, working together, hope to use their combined strengths to continue the goals of each organization by advancing vocational trade education opportunities for high-school students with the support of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD).
Would you, your corporation, agency, or organization be interested in supporting this worthy effort that will educate our teens in a structured environment while helping the homeless? A mission housing account has been established at First National Bank Alaska in Kenai under “Mission Home Building” account number 30939995. You may also contact Youth Restoration Corps (907-262-1032) or Friendship Mission (907-283-5277) for additional information and budget breakdown. Addresses and phone numbers are listed below. The overall expense of this house is projected to be at $181,600.00. Both organizations are 501©3 nonprofit so all contributions are tax deductable to the full extent of the law.
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Today, April 9, the dishwasher is being installed in the kitchen. It won't be too long before the new kitchen becomes fully operational.!
On April 3, the Mission had received the full amount needed to pay for the new natural gas stove. God is certainly faithful as His servants heard His voice and responded to the need. We are thankful for those who helped carry out His plans.
A commercial natural gas stove was needed for the new kitchen. The desire was to have one with double ovens and a grill in addition to the four burners. After looking in various catalogs we found what we thought would be best at about $5,900. So we ordered it March 30 on FAITH -- with only $2,450 in the bank designated for its purchase. Since then, $1,430 has come in and $1,500 has been promised leaving only $520 to reach the goal. God is AWESOME in the way He works through His people.
March, 2012
A $2,000 grant has just been received to help with the purchase of a commercial stove with double ovens for the kitchen in the main building.
Mary Anne went to North Pole, Alaska where she visited her daughter and family and then returned to the warmer climes of Kenai in mid-March.
February, 2012
For the past several months the Missions Team at the Kenai Christian Church has been providing the evening meal on the second Friday of each month. This gives Mary Anne a break from cooking. Because the people preparing the meal bring their familes, including their children, this gives the residents an opportunity to socialize and get to know the church family in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
On February 2, The Star of the North Lutheran Church began bringing dinner to the mission. The residents appreciated this and hope they will plan to continue this each month.
January, 2012
Last week the kitchen fire supression system (ANSUL) was installed in the hood over the commercial cook stove. We also received the deed for the additonal 1/2 acre of land for the Director's home.
So much has happened this past year to further our ministry at Friendship Mission. The churches, individuals, businesses and organizations that have supported us through their financial donations and volunteering has been so encouraging.
During the holidays, people brought all kinds of good food and sweets. A girls’ missions’ class made cookies three times for our residents who really enjoyed them. Also, several groups brought gloves, socks, toiletries, caps and slippers. Many of the men said it was the best Christmas they had had in many years.
All of us from the Mission attended candlelight and Christmas services which we enjoyed, and we had the opportunity to be drawn closer to our Lord Jesus Christ through the music and the scriptures which were read.
December, 2011
The vent-a-hood received approval by the city fire marshall and city inspector so that installation can be completed.
Dave Bateman recently joined the staff and will assist in preparing meals, aid with mechanical problems, do some carpentry work, and help with the residents. He moved to Alaska from Fort Collins, Colorado in 1966. From then until now, he has been a logger, a commercial fisherman, a pipe fitter, and a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. Then earlier this year, he stayed at the Mission for 3 months, found Jesus as his savior, went to Homer to help a couple, and now has decided to move to Kenai to help with the Mission.
Work has begun on the main kitchen with the installation of the vent-a-hood which will be above the stove. Miller Sheet Metal and Heating, Inc. built and installed the unit. The lower picture shows the installation in progress and the upper one shows the unit completely installed. This is a major step in getting the kichen up and running.
