For Immediate Release Contact: Phil Rydman
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816-519-0009 (cell)

John Ashmen Joins Ministry Serving Homeless

Kansas City, MO --- May 21, 2007 --- The Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM), one of the nation’s largest providers of service to the homeless and poor, has named John Ashmen executive director, effective July 1, 2007.  Ashmen will replace Stephen Burger, who is retiring.

Ashmen spent nearly 15 years in a Chief Operating Officer role at the Christian Camp and Conference Association, overseeing education, communications, and marketing for the Colorado-based national association.

Member missions of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions annually provide 42 million meals, 15 million nights of lodging and distribute 27 million pieces of clothing to homeless and needy people.  If combined, the 300 independent ministries of the AGRM would be among the top ten charities in the US, based on cash contributions.

In naming Ashmen to the position, AGRM President Rick Alvis said, “We’re excited to have John join us.  He has an extensive background in association management and many years of experience in working with people, plus a strong desire to serve those marginalized by society.”

“I look forward to my time with AGRM, not only because the work the member missions are doing mirrors the mindset of Jesus,” said Ashmen, “but also because there will be some great opportunities to position AGRM  to be a be a vehicle of service for future generations.  This outreach to the helpless and homeless in our society must never slip from the grasp of the Church.”

Ashmen has done consulting with several ministry organizations, including Christian Management Association and Torchbearers International.  He also served as the executive director for many years at Haluwasa Christian Camp and Outdoor Center in New Jersey, a ministry that annually served 15,000 people.  He is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University, and has a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.

Rev. Stephen E. Burger announced his retirement from the AGRM last year after serving the organization for 18 years as executive director.  Burger will have a very active retirement, as he and wife Delores will continue to work with Rescue Missions in North America and internationally. 

“As I come to the end of nearly 50 years of ministry to those in need, it’s great to know that the ministry that Rescue Missions provide will be in good hands with John,” said Burger.  “Delores and I love this ministry, and will continue to support it both in our prayers and in whatever way we can to help our friends and colleagues as they continue to walk people back into the community.”

“While we will miss Steve on a daily basis, we know we can count on him for wise counsel and direction,” said Alvis.  “The Burgers have lived and breathed Rescue for so long it is part of their makeup, and we will surely continue to take advantage of their experience and knowledge.”

Founded in 1913, the Kansas City-based Association of Gospel Rescue Missions represents 300 Rescue Missions in communities across North America that provide emergency food and shelter, youth and family services, rehabilitation programs for the addicted, and assistance to the elderly, poor and at-risk youth.

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For more information contact the AGRM website at www.rescuemissions.org or call 1-800-4RESCUE.