I am pleased to introduce the Jesus Center to you. On a daily basis we provide food and shelter for people in the Chico region - in 2008, hearly 93,000 meals were served. Anyone can come and eat breakfast and dinner at the Center between 7:30 - 8:30 am and 3:30 - 4:30 pm each day. We also have a ministry called Sabbath House that houses up to 24 women and children.

I am English and have lived in the north of England, New Zealand, the United States, Scotland and Africa. I have been in teaching and ministry for over 20 years. In Scotland I completed a Ph.D. in New Testament and then taught biblical studies in Swaziland in Southern Africa, where I became involved with AIDS awareness and a UNESCO program to stop children living on the streets of one of Swaziland's major cities. From Africa I came to Chico and the Jesus Center.

I am amazed at how the Center is a meeting place where people come together to eat food or to volunteer serving food or to put on orange jackets and patrol the neighborhood as the Center's ambassadors. The Jesus Center is a focal point for people who want to help the homeless among us. I want to encourage you to come down to Park Avenue and 13th Street in Chico and let me show you around our facilities. I also want to invite you to come and serve meals or work in the warehouse, in fact, to support our ministry in whatever way you can.

All cities and towns have poor folks somehow to relate to; the spirit of that effort speaks to the heart of a city or town. The heart of Chico is alive and well. The Jesus Center is in the midst of that heartfelt desire to serve.

I have lived in Chico for over 40 years and feel privileged to now be part of the team with Bill and the staff of the Jesus Center. It is a lively and amazing place. My wife Liz and I have three grown children and enjoy them and the company of their collective six kids here in this great city.

I started work at the Jesus Center at the height of the Christmas rush. So many people were streaming in the doors to volunteer, donate money, or give tangible gifts to the clients we serve here. I was completely amazed at the overwhelming support for the Center and the care and concern our community members felt for the needy. In fact, the day I came in to interview for the Office Manager position, I met a young girl who, with a beaming smile told of how she did extra chores and recycled cans and bottles to be able to give the dollar bills and change she donated. Even though things have calmed down considerably since the holidays, I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of the giving nature of the Jesus Center.

I know that each donation of time or money comes at a personal cost to the giver, and I do so appreciate all the help we receive from our supporters.