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How can you keep abreast of the exciting ministry of Pacific Garden Mission? The PGM News takes you through the "doors that never close" to the very heart of the Mission. You'll enjoy the lively articles and colorful photos in this attractive monthly publication. Get a sneak peak of the latest edition here, then request your free subscription.
HOW FAR HAS GOD BROUGHT US IN A YEAR?
OCTOBER 13, 2007, DEDICATION DAY, TO OCTOBER 2008 |
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“Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” (Psalm 90:1-2). Though we were not completely moved into our new building by Dedication Day, the time was right and our Board of Trustees and president felt that the new building needed to be dedicated to God. “To God be the glory, great things He has done” was our theme—we created a banner and placed it above all the speakers in our new auditorium. Some 3,500 supporters, reporters, and dignitaries came out to celebrate with us, including Mayor Daley. “What a beautiful facility” rang out everywhere. “My, God has blessed Pacific Garden Mission.” They were right! Everything looked beautiful. The staff had worked so hard; it was worth it all. We appreciate President Dave McCarrell for his leadership in this monumental task. The next day was quiet; we packed some more and thought of the many events of the previous day. Could there be any more of an awesome responsibility than this one given to us? God had poured out His blessings, now…we had to put them to good use. Looking in retrospect over the past year, it is mind boggling to see what the Lord has done and is doing at Pacific Garden Mission. Including overnight men, women, children, one year Program men and women, and staff, we have never gone below 850 people since we began ministering in this facility—and some nights we have slept over 950. Our blessings have been too many to count but we will list some of them:
- Graduates from our one-year Bible Program—28
- Church services—21
- Weekly Bible Classes—15
- Weekly PGM Graduates currently enrolled in Bible colleges—5
- Average Daily Attendance— 850
- People Persons expressing faith in Christ—1,384
- Meals served—847,260 (translates into 2,353 meals per day.)
- Clothing received and used here—432,790 pounds
- Thousands have come and gone after brief stays
- Women and Children’s ministry has increased over 50%
- New Ministries and Accomplishments:
- New overnight guests classes meet 3 times a week
- “Self Sufficiency”, “Reformers Unanimous” and “Life Skills” have been added to curriculum
- Radio log, PGM News and PGM catalog all on line, once only a dream, now a reality
- iPod Casting—Now have 7,000 listeners —Your same iPod player or MP3 player now can download six “Unshackled!” stories
- “Unshackled!” stations increased to nearly 1,900 stations and outlets
“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people” (Psalm 105:1). A MINISTRY OF HOPE Although the new facilities have ushered in many new and exciting ways PGM can reach out to the needy of Chicago, our overwhelming commitment is to bring the lost to Christ. We pour out our souls in the sharing of the Gospel, knowing the time is short and the field is ripe for the harvest. As we see sinners come to a saving knowledge of Christ and lives changed for His glory, we experience firsthand the power of His Word on a daily basis.
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