Perseverance In the Heat
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians C:S
At the Mission this is a needed encouragement for both our residents and staff, especially during the dog days of summer. In summer’s heat, both physically and spiritually, we can grow weary. But God promises that if we remain steady, our efforts will bear fruit. For us perseverance looks like showing up when tired, serving when unnoticed, and believing that today’s obedience prepares tomorrow’s harvest.
Anyone can start well, few finish well. Perseverance is proof that God’s strength is working in us. When we refuse to give up, we not only complete the task, but we also grow stronger for the next one.
For Mission residents it can be challenging to keep their focus on the goal of true independence, particularly during the long, hot seasons of life.
We try to encourage them by acknowledging their good efforts and reminding
them that consistency at doing good matters far more than speed.
In places like their job training sites it looks like finishing our shifts strong. The writer of Hebrews said, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” In other words, you don’t have to be fast, just faithful.
Whether it is the excruciating heat of August or just a season in our lives that feels long, hot, and dangerously dry, everyone can use a little motivational pick-me-up now and then.
God always rewards perseverance even when results are slow to appear.
We should remind each other to look back and celebrate progress no matter how small and to give thanks for all that God has already done.
God doesn’t just work through our victories; He works through our endurance. Sometimes the greatest miracle is not a door opening, but a heart that keeps trusting while waiting. Perseverance is proof of faith. When you refuse to quit, heaven applauds.
James 1:12 — “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.”
– Brian Bouteller, Executive Director
Connection, Partnerships, and Powerful Stories at the Fair
What a joy it was for our staff and resident volunteers to represent the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission at this year’s Josephine County Fair! Set up in the commercial building, we had the privilege of engaging with hundreds of fairgoers, answering questions, and sharing the real work happening every day behind the walls of our facilities. The warmth and support from our Southern Oregon community were deeply encouraging, with many neighbors stopping by to say, “I love what you guys are doing,” or “Here’s a group that does it right”.
From local business partners stepping up to sponsor tables at our upcoming fundraising dinner to a local hairdresser offering her
time to donate haircuts for our residents, the fair proved once again that when our community gathers, God opens doors for remarkable connection and service.
At the core of our mission are the transformed lives that display God’s redeeming grace, and the fair offered several powerful reminders of why we labor in this ministry.
One highlight was watching current resident Jason articulate the Mission’s vision with total clarity and conviction to a curious fairgoer, filling our staff with immense pride.
We were also deeply moved when a woman stopped by to share that she had gone through
our program six years ago; today, she is stably housed, gainfully employed, and raising her 13-year-old daughter. Equally inspiring was connecting with a gentleman who had come to the Mission 15 years ago as a raging alcoholic. Today, he is married, working, and walking joyfully with the Lord after discovering the freedom of the Gospel.
This week at the fair reminded us of the vital importance of simply showing up, listening, and sharing the truth. Thank you for standing with us as we continue proclaiming Jesus Christ and guiding our neighbors out of homelessness and into lasting independence.
We Invite You to Our Fall Fundraiser!
Join us for an encouraging evening featuring a wonderful dinner,
uplifting live music by the Mercy Duo, and deeply moving personal testimonies from residents whose lives are being transformed by Christ. We will also share vital updates on our MissionView
Village project, an affordable 55+ community designed to restore housing dignity to our seniors.
Because this is our premier fundraising event of the season, the evening will culminate in a direct ask for funding and an exciting, auction-style “paddle raise.” Every dollar directly funds life-changing restoration right here in our community. Doors open at 5:00pm. Registration required, and tickets are FREE. We look forward to seeing you there!
Walking in Faith: Steven Payne’s Journey from the Interstate to Intentional Service
Walk into the Resident Assistant office at Wagner Hall on any given afternoon, and you will find Steven Payne—a man whose calm, grounded presence and genuine warmth immediately set those around him at ease. To see Steven today, keeping the facility organized and serving his fellow residents with quiet humility, it is hard to imagine that only a few months ago, his entire world was contained within the worn soles of his shoes.
Steven’s arrival at the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission was the culmination of a long, weary journey. In January, he set out on foot from San Diego, California, walking nearly 1,000 miles north over the course of three months. By the time he reached Grants Pass on April 1st, he was physically exhausted and deeply eager to leave the streets behind. The very next day, April 2nd, he checked into Wagner Hall.
A Cry in the Dark
His path to the Mission was marked by heavy sorrow. Following a painful divorce a decade ago, Steven lost his desire to live and began drifting from city to city across the western United States. Living outdoors and eating out of trash cans, he spent years in survival mode. Yet his ultimate turning point occurred three years ago on a dark, freezing night along a desolate stretch of interstate. Broken, hungry, and at absolute rock bottom, Steven cried out to God in desperation. In that dark hour, the Lord met him with overwhelming peace and joy. Desiring a closer walk with Christ, Steven surrendered his long-standing struggles with drugs and nicotine, and God completely removed the cravings from his heart.
Work as Worship in the Mission
Upon arriving at the Mission, Steven embraced the structure of the Pathway to Independence Program as an answer to prayer. Assigned initially to kitchen duties, he poured his passion into washing dishes and cooking meals for his neighbors.
“I believe that whatever I do for anybody here, I do for God,” Steven reflects. “When I work, I work for Him.” Recognizing his integrity, work ethic, and attention to detail, Mission leadership soon appointed Steven as a Resident Assistant. In this leadership role, he uses his strengths to keep the front desk running smoothly while paying close attention to past pitfalls so he can lead by example and support men newly arriving off the streets.
Looking Forward with Hope
Steven guards his spiritual walk through daily morning and evening prayer, and he regularly attends First Christian Church in Grants Pass. Through the Mission’s support and guidance from a local community navigator, he is currently awaiting vital birth documents from his home state of Idaho so he can obtain his Social Security card, re-enter the workforce, and eventually secure his own housing in Grants Pass. Above all, Steven holds out patient hope for eventual reconciliation with his three grown children, whom he hasn’t seen in ten years.
Steven Payne’s life is a living testament to the transforming power of the Gospel. He arrived at our doors tired from the road, but through faith, discipline, and community, he has found a firm foundation, a quiet peace, and a lifelong calling in joyful service to others.
