by Terry Jaurena & Paul Marr

   I (Terry) started attending FPC in 1983 as a young adult with a new relationship with Jesus. As an active member of the College & Career Group (Seekers), I got my first introduction to what was then called the Fresno Rescue Mission when we went to lead a service there the first Sunday of some month. I don’t know when it started that FPC took responsibility to do this the first Sunday of every month. I do know that the connection was formed by Dr. Dwight Trowbridge, an FPC member and local ophthalmologist, who was instrumental in launching the Mission (and the Eye Medical Center of Fresno).

   I have fond memories of taking group of High School students and miscellaneous folks every now and then to facilitate a worship service there on G Street. One of them involves Patsy Cooper bringing hand bells and engaging the guys in playing a song. When I assumed the Mission Director position here at FPC in 1993, it became one of my responsibilities to coordinate someone keeping that commitment. I recruited Peter France to organize groups and gather folks to fulfill our commitment. He did that faithfully for a number of years, as did Gary Sells after him. Most recently Paul Marr has served as our coordinator.

   The Fresno Mission is making big changes and dreaming new dreams. Paul Marr has some reflections about our changing and yet continuing commitment to the Fresno Mission.


    I (Paul) have listened, sang, testified, and taught at the Fresno Mission in Fresno on behalf of First Presbyterian Church for about 8 years now. In this last year, on the heels of Gary Sells, I served as the FPC coordinator. I’m now handing over the reins to FPC’s Paul Braswell, our brother with a big heart for the guys at the Mission’s Men’s Academy. FPC’s service to The Mission has spanned 30 years or more, and has been very meaningful and fruitful, for them and us. Many different FPC members have served at The Rescue Mission/Fresno Mission, and several graduates of the Men’s Academy program (where FPC provided a monthly chapel service) have been of great influence at FPC.


   The Mission has been evolving and moving around over the last few years, and Paul Braswell and I recently learned of changes in programs and location as they prayerfully implement their City Center vision in 2022. Ministry opportunities abound, but all Sunday evening formal chapel services at the Men’s Academy, where FPC has long served, have been cancelled. However, many new ministry opportunities abound in the Mission’s new location on Dakota Ave, near HWY 41, as well as the Men’s Academy. 

   For me (still Paul) personally, the guys we met in the Men’s Academy program struck my heart with their stories of hardship, their determination, faith, and hope for change. Those of us serving there came to know several personally and regularly prayed with and for them. These were men who, if I saw them on the street, would send me scurrying the other way. But I saw them change and grow in faith and joy as we watched, some becoming successful citizens again, other’s moving on into full-time ministry, and unfortunately some leaving and falling back into their old neighborhoods and relationships. But overall, it was amazing to watch and to worship and praise Our Father together for these redemptions and transformations! 

   I also saw FPC men step into ministry as they added their testimonies, prayers and presence to the chapel services. Some also preached and taught, using their gifts to build up our brethren in the faith there in the program. Seeds were also sown in many men who did not stay in the program, as well as in street people who were provided, “a hot and a cot” (hot meal and a bed for a night). The Gospel went out in those meetings, whether on the south side of G Street, where they are now, or on the north side where high speed rail displaced them. And no doubt it will continue to go out as they move their Community Center, Family Outreach and administration to their new location, hopefully within the year. The Men’s Academy continues at their current G Street location as they prayerfully seek The Lord’s guidance and timing on when and where to move and to eventually vacate their current location. 

   May God continue to richly bless this relationship of spiritual service and worship in Jesus’ name!


   February 6th was FPC’s last 1st Sunday chapel - a commitment that was maintained for 36 years that I know of and probably more. Fear not, the new commitment is to do chapels for the Men’s Academy program the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Chester Goodale plans to continue to lead the worship. Paul Braswell coordinates. You’d be welcome to join them any month. Contact Paul B., 801-4167.  Find out more about the Fresno Mission via their website.