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Recommended Books
Here are some great books that you can order online or locate in your local bookstore. Scroll down or click on one of the books above to go to a descriptipn of the book. Click on the title to open an outside link to sales sites. Discussions are periodically held on our Facebook Fan page or in classes about 3-4 times per year.
Under the Overpass, by Michael Yankoski
Yankoski challenges the reader to learn about faith, identify with the poor and find "more forgotten, ruined, beautiful people than we ever imagined existed, and more reason to hope in their redemption."
Classes
Training and Orientation classes are designed to equip you in ministry to our residents and guests.
For the following classes, email us to register or to get details.
Men's Sponsor Training - TBD, 101 Sixth St, Santa Rosa.
Men's Mentor Training - TBD, 101 Sixth St, Santa Rosa.
The Genesis Process - January 19-21, 2012 and June 28-30, 2012. Snacks provided on Thurs/Fri and lunch on Sat.
For the following class, email Becky Hays to register or to get details.
Women's Orientation - For Women's ministry of all types: jail ministry, prayer partners, mentors, class facilitators, etc.
Saturdays, April 21, July 21, and Oct 20, 2012.
Chapel Partners – For ministry in the Chapel, contact Gil Reyes 542-4817 x19
Testimonies and experiences.
Bible Studies
Click on a bible study above to download the PDF. These resources will point you to a portion of what the Bible has to say on these topics.
More Books
Women Who Changed the Heart of the City, by Delores T. Burger
Biographical sketches that explore the lives of 18 women and one man whose lives were inextricably bound up with the City Rescue Mission Movement.
Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent
A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery.
An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel.
A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream.
A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it.
Renewing American Compassion, by Marvin Olasky
This book discusses faith-based welfare vs. government welfare. Pointing out that private religious agencies, and their individual partners, have compassion or "suffer with" those they help. This involves making very personal investments of time and companionship (e.g., such as taking an unwed mother to live in one's home).
Doing Well and Doing Good: Money, Giving, and Caring in a Free Society, by Os Guinness
What motivates one to give? Why should someone care for those outside his or her own social circle-especially for the poor dwelling on the fringes of society? This book explores the ideas that shaped the rise of the unique Western tradition of giving and caring by examining selected writings from some of the most influential thinkers of Western society.
“I have to warn you: don’t read this book unless you’re ready to have your life changed!” —Jeff Gilman
What Difference Do It Make: Stories of Hope and Healing, By Ron Hall and Denver Moore, with Lynn Vincent
If you read the last book, Same Kind of Different As Me, you know how powerful it can be to step outside our own lives and become involved in the lives of others. This sequel to Same Kind of Different As Me shares Ron and Denver’s journey as they share their story and mobilize others to help the homeless, but it also takes a wider look at how people can impact their world for the better.Woven throughout the book are moving stories of people who are making a difference in the lives of others.
You’ll quickly find yourself wanting to jump in and begin impacting your world for the better. Don’t wait to pick up this amazing book . . . and don’t be surprised when your life gets turned upside down!
The Hole in Our Gospel: The Answer that Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World, By Richard Stearns
According to Richard Stearns, CEO of World Vision, there is a hole in our gospel. Many Christians today ignore the plight of the poor, despite God’s commands to minister to them as unto Christ. This creates a tremendous hole in our own lives as well — we miss out on being a part of what God wants to do in the world. We also miss out on understanding His heart for humanity in a deeper way.
Stearns shares his own quest to fill that hole in this highly personal account of how he left his position as CEO of Lenox, Inc. to run a nonprofit that cares for poor and needy children worldwide. His story could easily be your own story, and I urge all of our friends to make time to share his wonderful journey!