-Archived News!-

11-13-2008 One family is moving into their own home tomorrow.  Currently we have a twenty year old mother with her two year old daughter in the ladies side.  One man has a job interview tomorrow. 

We have had a couple who have been preparing meals for the residents and staff once a month.  This past week was the second meal and everyone now looks forward to the call that supper will be coming.  It is a nice break for the residents from having to prepare their own meals.

 This time of year seems to be the busiest time here in the main office of the Beacon.  Last Tuesday we had 23 people come to us needing help.  The situations range from simply being stranded to house fires to rape cases and everything in between.

Two men are moving into their own place.  We have a father and son here now trying to get on their feet.  So far this week two ladies and one man have checked into the shelter.  We currently have three ladies, and six men.

35 Year Old Thrift Store Still Raising Funds for the Lord’s Work

-Past News-

8/25/05  Right now one man is out looking for work. A family came into the The Shelter yesterday who had been sleeping in the bed of their broken pickup truck,  The husband has a good job and they only need a little while to get on their feet.  The son and his mother are in the laundry room washing all of their laundry now.

We currently have seven men here at the shelter one man has his son with him.  We have two families here, another mother with her son and two single ladies.

We have more people here than we normally are able to handle because of the family that came in yesterday, but after finding out about their situation we pulled two beds into the men's hall area and made room.  Last week one man moved into his own place. I saw him at church last night and he said, with a grin on his face, that things were going great!  A young man was brought to the mission two nights ago who had been stranded away from home by a group of friends.  He was here in NC with no ID or money and was on his way back to Florida on foot.  We were able to let him stay overnight and get cleaned up and gave him a backpack for him to put his things in for the journey.  He left with a sack full of snacks and drinks, a Gospel track, rested and ready for the trip. He was hoping to catch a ride south.

We have been putting a new steel roof on the Shelter building this past week!  Because of money raised through E-bay sales we have been able to purchase materials needed for the job.  Yesterday we ordered the second half of the tin for the roof.  We got several quotes from local roofers for the job and found out that we could save thousands of dollars by doing the job ourselves.  We are nearly half way done now.

6/30/05  last week two men moved into their own place.  Today one lady moved out this morning.  The air conditioner went out in the cafeteria and we have been trying to decide what to do to replace it soon.  We have been saving money towards a new room on the front of our building.  Earlier this year we were able to replace the back roof thanks to a donation by LBM Inc.  We plan to replace the shingles with a steel roof to decrease maintenance and eliminate leaks for decades (hopefully).  Thanks to "E-Bay Joe" we have over five thousand dollars towards this project.  We have a new hard working truck driver, Todd, who is happy to be a new addition to the Ministry.

5/3/05  Two of the ladies staying at the shelter with their children both prayed and asked the Lord to save them last Sunday. One of the ladies prayed in her Sunday School class before the morning service, and the other lady went forward to surrender to the Lord at the end of the evening service. We thank the Lord for allowing us to help Him in His work of reaching and saving souls!

(photo right) Doretha and her beautiful children. The future just got much brighter for them as God begins leading this family now that Mom has surrendered to Jesus as her Lord. Doretha now has a full time job, and her employers say she is doing great! Next comes finding a good home for her family.

4/29/05 Tomorrow the family of five will be moving to their new home.  The mother has a great job and the family has saved the money they needed to get a new start.

Late in 2004 the Directors of the Beacon Mission in Dunn began praying about and looking for a store location in the Clinton area to increase funds for the growing needs at the Mission. Gene Love, Director of the Mission, spoke to Pastor David Page at the New Life Baptist Church in Clinton about his goals. While Pastor Page was speaking to his congregation about this new ministry opportunity, a lady in the nursery listening over the intercom system said that she "almost fell out of her chair." It turned out that Mrs. Edna White and her husband had already been praying about opening a thrift store in the Clinton area to support a ministry, and had been looking for buildings to rent but nothing had come together. Mrs. White expressed her desire to help raise funds for Beacon Rescue Mission and charities in the Clinton area. All of us at the Mission were thrilled to find someone in Clinton who was willing to be a part of our Ministry. What evolved was a business that would raise funds for the Beacon Rescue Mission and also raise money for Clinton area Ministries.

In January of this year, Beacon Rescue Mission worked out a deal with Gene Parson and Dr. John Smith to help remodel and lease their building located at 80 Isaac Weeks Rd. in Clinton.

People in the Clinton area are happy to hear about the new Thrift Store opening in town which will help support the Beacon Emergency Shelter as well as other ministries in the Clinton area. It’s always amazing to see how the Lord can take people from different locations with a common desire to serve, and put them together in a way that works better than either one could do on their own.

(The Beacon Thrift Store in Clinton was closed in 2007)

- One of our minivans blew a head gasket this past week

Last week our Chevy van had to be towed from Central Baptist Church parking lot.  The van had  been patched up and taped together as long as possible but it finally gave up the ghost.  We are currently looking for a replacement van and trying to find money to replace it with.

- We have two great new Managers for the surrounding area Thrift Stores.

A few days after Christmas our main store manager, Charlotte Hayes passed away unexpectedly.  We weren't sure what we were going to do because we depended on Charlotte to manage six stores so we could focus on running the Ministry.   We were pleased to see how well Mrs. Doris, the assistant manager, stepped up to the task.  During the first few weeks, Doris' husband Bruce was off of work so he volunteered to help his wife get situated into the new position.  After those few weeks we realized that Bruce was nearly indispensable and we approached him about working with also.  Now Bruce and his wife, Doris are co-managers of the stores in this area and are doing an excellent job.

2/09/05 This week we checked in a family of five.  Yesterday another lady here with four children got a job!!  Today one man is securing housing.  This week two other men moved out already and are doing great and still attending church with us.  Right now we have three ladies, seven children and seven men.  THAT'S FIFTY ONE MEALS A DAY!!!       We are working on opening a Thrift Store in Clinton.  We hope to have it open by the beginning of March.  Our vision is to raise additional funds for the Mission and be able to support Ministries in the Clinton with part of the proceeds also!  Miss Edna White is a lady that lives in the Clinton area who will be running this store.  She is looking for volunteers to help her in this Ministry

12/23/04 today we have been cleaning and getting ready for Christmas.  Everyone is  excited and looking forward to Christmas morning.  All of the children here now have been adopted and have toys on the way!

12/7/04  Today we are enjoying all of the beautiful  Christmas decorations that the ladies auxiliary put up yesterday afternoon.  currently our men's division is full to capacity with men sleeping out in the hall area.  We have been surprised by the number of young ladies  with babies that have been coming to us for help.  Over the past three weeks we have helped about five ladies with small children.  These ladies (girls) range from seventeen to mid twenties.  We anticipate an exciting Christmas around the Shelter.  We are collecting information now to make sure that everyone here will have a special holiday.

What a day!

Today was far beyond anything that we ever planned.  We tried to over prepare just in case people came unexpectedly.  We had a list of needs that we were asking the community for.  Here is the list

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving!!

Volunteers and Beacon Staff have been busily preparing for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.  Starting around noon we will have a short service with anyone who wants to join us.  While the service is being held volunteers will get a head count and begin fixing plates in the cafeteria.  People from all over the community have responded in a huge way in an effort to provide this meal.  So far we have different people that have committed to bring ten turkeys, 20 pounds of stuffing, 5 gallons of gravy, 12 pies, 10 cakes and much more!

HERE IS WHAT WE HAD BY THE END OF THE DAY!

16 1/2 cooked turkeys,

45 pounds of stuffing,

10 gallons of gravy,

25 pounds of potato salad,

20 pounds of sweet potatoes,

25 cans of cranberry sauce,

5 gallons of corn,

5 gallons of peas,

3 gallons of green beans,

2 gallons of mixed vegetables,

10 pounds of rice,

192 deviled eggs,

150 rolls,

30 pies!

12 cakes,

42 gallons of tea

A total of about 30 volunteers came to help all throughout the day. 

At noon we had a service in the front living room while volunteers prepared drinks and plates.  Then a line formed down the hall towards the cafeteria.  We had a total of 85 plates served here at the shelter and 75 covered plates that were taken out to the community.  We also found out that the Holiday food at the police station had run out before everyone had eaten so we had volunteers drop off 10 plates.  Also 3 plates went to the rescue squad.  The rest of the plates were taken to elderly and shut-in's who could not come to us for a meal. 

Memorial Baptist Church came with a group of volunteers to help clean and decorate for Thanksgiving.  (Front row from left to right) Zach Avrette, Clayton Powell, James Mayo, Spencer Powell, Tala Davis, Taylor Soucy, Dominque Devone, (back row from left to right) David Gorlewski, Andrew Roberts, Mike Hall, and Keith Abernathy.

(photo on right) Amos Love’s daughter, Eden (left) and ten month old Tala prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast at the Shelter.

 (photo on left) Bob, Karla, Claire and Taylor would like to thank Mrs. Virginia Denton for giving their family a car this holiday season. Bob and Karla have both found jobs and are looking forward to finding a home for their family soon.

11/18/04  We are making preparation for Thanksgiving day.  We just found out today that the local soup kitchen will not be open so we are trying to decide if we have the recourses to help everyone who will be staying with us and many in the community that are in need.   Earlier today a truck driver called us with eight turkeys to donate.  Within minutes we had already given three to families in the area that we already knew of.

10/28/04 I (Amos) got back from a vacation last week.  All this week we have been replacing the flooring in the down stairs hall area.  where old stained carpet used to be is now a beautiful hard wood laminate flooring.  We are full of people here at the Mission.  One man started a job this morning.  One lady got a call yesterday afternoon about an apartment available for her.  She was very excited to hear the news.

 9/29/04 I just checked a family of four into the large family room.  Frisco City Club brought stuffed chicken breasts to the Shelter earlier today.  They were delicious for tonight's meal and the new family is in the cafeteria right now fixing a hot meal before bed.  We have been putting together a new news letter this week.  We have been trying to decide a good way to raise funds for the rest of the year.  Most of our budget is raised during the holiday season so we have been working hard to spend our time wisely.

9-24-04 So far today I have had one call for a man that needs a place to stay, Two men came by that we were able to give a change of clothes and a pair of shoes each. A man is in the cafeteria right now eating a hot bowl of soup that Miss Lena made this morning.  He has been on the streets and hasn't eaten in two days.  Miss Ann Marie is helping find crackers, bread and other things to make a complete meal for him.  One man staying with us is excited about a job that he starts Monday.  We have been working in the office this week trying to put together a news letter to send out that has some history about how the Shelter was started.  We have been busy this past week with people moving in and out of the shelter.  So far this month thirty people have been checked out of the Shelter.  This doesn't include the eleven people that are here right now or the people who are scheduled to come in.

9-17-04 Yesterday afternoon we cleaned out the small family room, steam cleaned the carpets and got it ready for use.  We also checked a lady in with two children.  She is in the large family room sharing with a lady with one child.  One man is moving into his own home today!  We have been trying to pull together a few pieces of furniture to go in his new, unfurnished place.

Happy about first day at work.

(9/14/04) Today was Miss Charlene's first day at work.  She came home and told us that she had a Great first day on the job and that she loves work.

9-14-04 I am about to check a man in who slept under a bridge last night.  He badly needs a bath, a meal and a change of clothes.  He will be well looked after and he will be told of the love of Jesus.  Yesterday a lady was checked in with her five year old son.  He has been here today playing all day with a fire truck and a battery operated train.  It is comforting to know that this precious child is in a safe environment today.  We have been adding to a growing waiting list over the last few weeks.  Even though we have a whole new group of people here than we had a week ago we are still getting calls every day.  So far today I have received calls from two families who have nowhere to go.  We have even considered putting more than one family in the family room at the same time.  That is not something that we want to do but with the volume of calls that we get with people in need we are grasping for options to help more people until we can get the back men's area remodeled.

 9/9/04 Yesterday a family of four came to stay with us who has lost everything from Hurricane Frances.  Their house was destroyed by wind and they are here looking for the Husband's brother who used to live near Erwin, NC. 

09/07/2004 Today I checked a man into the shelter who will be trying to rebuild his life.  He just came from prison and is preparing for a two year camp.  Miss Wallace moved out with her three kids over the weekend.  We have a whole new group of ladies that are starting the process of getting back on their feet.  We have contacted the ladies group from Long Branch Church.  In the past they have expressed interest in cleaning the Family Room after a family leaves and prepare it for a new family in need.

9/3/2004 This week Miss Maria, Dawn and Latrice moved to their own place.  Miss Wallace with her three kids have found a house and have been cleaning it preparing to move there this week!  I checked a man in last night and another man is scheduled to come in later today.  Tuesday I checked two ladies in.  One from an abusive relationship and one who lost everything due to cut backs at her job.  A lady is scheduled to move in today also.  We have been working on various projects around the Mission and the Thrift Stores.  We just put up a new sign at the Dunn Thrift Store and we put up a garage door on the back of the Mission building.  We have been talking to the fire inspector about helping us to install a sprinkler system here in the Mission Building.

We have a family with beautiful children staying with us.  We thank God for an opportunity to show God's love to each one of them.

(7-28-04) The Family is doing great!  The mother is now working nearby in Angier.  She asked Jesus to come into her life a few weeks ago and now the whole family has a new outlook on life.  Please pray for this family and everyone else staying with us here at the Mission. (including staff)!

9/1/04 The family has moved into their own home now!  We still see them at church and they stop by the Shelter often to say hi.

8-20-04 Eddie, Rick and Willie just came back from putting money down on an apartment.  Between the three of them they will split a large house on Ellis Ave.  The next several days they plan to do some repairs and fix minor problems.  The lights are scheduled to be turned on Monday.  They are very excited.

  8/19/04 The Fire Marshall of Dunn just brought by a case of frozen chicken tenders that were given to them by a trucking company.  The Lord always provides. It is now five minutes until lunch! Today the mother of three children is making a deposit on a house!  Her son, Bradley got his cast removed today.  Things are taking shape in her situation.  We have been working in the back area replacing the roof over the men's back entrance.  Right now Miss Ann Marie is vacuuming outside in the living room area.  She has had an answer to prayer with her mother improving from sudden health problems over the last few days.  Praise God!  Miss Maria, one of the other ladies here at the shelter will be moving in a very short time.

Today Jake, one of our employees added a personal page about himself. 8/13/04

08/12/2004 Today we have been working in the office today.  Updating paperwork and keeping up with food charts is always a time consuming process.  This week one man moved into an apartment and one of our ladies is preparing to move into a trailer within walking distance of her job.  She is very excited.   Miss Ann Marie just left to go back home, she has been a faithful helper in the ministry.  I just checked a man into the Mission who has a good job at Campbell U. but needs an opportunity to set some goals and save some money. 

8-5-04 One man staying with us got a job a few days ago.  One lady is moving into her own home this Friday.  Last night Kevin Tucker, our friend and head truck driver, took the men from the shelter went to see Judgment House at Central Baptist Church.  Nearly all of them made decisions to accept Christ!  Praise the Lord!!  This morning we are trying to get some paperwork done wile Miss Wilma is here.  Yesterday Kevin and I went to Champion to pick up a load of donated sports clothing.  We are always excited to receive a donation from them because that temporarily boost the sales of the Thrift Stores.  Maybe we can catch up on some bills that fall behind during the summer slump months.

7-30-04  This morning a lady came in with nowhere to go.  This afternoon a man was brought by that is stuck in Dunn for the weekend.  He is going to Texas Monday, he asked Jesus to save him with one of the pastors at the truck stop ministry not long ago.

7/29/04 Many thanks to a family that brought three turkeys by today along with some other food. Today I checked two men into the shelter.  One man is a veteran and is trying to get help from an agency in Fayetteville. The other man wants to go back north to be with his family.  A few days ago we had three cases of sliced turkey meat donated by WSE trucking.  We have been fixing great honey baked chicken sandwiches every day.  This past Monday pastor Tom Wagoner came by from Central Baptist Church and met with a man that had asked him to stop by.  By the end of their meeting the man had decided to give his life to Jesus Christ.  This month, three of the four ladies staying with us have made decisions for Jesus also!  Right now everyone (except for the two men I checked in this morning) here at the shelter has a job and are  beginning to save money for a place of their own.  Kevin Tucker, a former client of the Mission started as our head truck driver this week.  He has been on his own with his son for several months and we are thrilled to have him on staff here at the mission.  He has a real heart for the Ministry, right now (6:07 PM) he has been off work for an hour but he is in the cafeteria fixing supper for the children that are staying with us.  It is a thrill to see how God can change lives!

7/1/04 Everyone just went to bed.  A little while ago pizza was delivered from Papa Johns. Everyone was please to see an unexpected late night snack.  Today a man moved into his own home.  A new lady that checked in this week got a job starting Monday.  Another lady here starts a good job Monday also.  The Farney family moved to their home earlier this week and are settling in.  We were able to help them with some furniture and household things that have been donated to us.  I am almost done with the bathroom for our new staff members. Tomorrow I hope to be ready to paint.  One of our trucks was hit by a vehicle that ran a stop sign a few weeks ago.  We are not sure what we will do to replace it.  We have no extra funds and insurance will take a while.  I praise God that Eden, my daughter and Miss Edna, my mother in law are safe.  They were in an accident yesterday that could have been deadly.  So far we are only nursing bad bruises and sore joints.