History
Reprinted from Introducing the "Rescue^® Spirit Bar" (June 2004 issue of FRM News)
by Kristen Harlow & Janet Steinhauer

Fine Milk Chocolate That Serves a Purpose
The Fresno Rescue Mission has teamed up with DeBas Chocolatier to distribute the new "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar", a fine milk chocolate almond bar that will be sold to benefit the homeless.

Larry Arce, FRM CEO & Guy DeBas, Chocolatier

We have been given the opportunity to work with a local Christian-owned company in developing the "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar". The creation of this chocolate bar has been a long-time vision of Rev. Larry Arce's. As he says, "I believe it is something the Holy Spirit has directed me to." When asked why the "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" was developed, Rev. Larry Arce replied, "To provide another avenue of revenue for resources, not only locally but nationwide, because homelessness is pervasive and epidemic throughout the country. Scriptures tell you that we will always have the poor. We are here to give them a hand-up, not a hand-out."

Divine Appointment

Gilbert Gallegos, pictured with the FRM's new "RESCUE® Spirit Bar," is a graduate of the Academy, the Mission's Christian rehabilitation program. Gilbert works for DeBas Chocolate.

The Lord set this divine appointment between DeBas Chocolatier and the Fresno Rescue Mission; two like organizations working to improve the lives of the needy. DeBas Chocolatier is a wonderful organization to work with. Of DeBas Chocolatier, Rev. Larry Arce says, "I have heard his [Guy DeBas] testimony. What better relationship than to work with someone guided by the Lord." Not only is DeBas Chocolatier Christ-centered, this company is locally owned and world famous for its delightful concoctions of premium chocolate treats. Guy says his motivation in producing the "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" is "to give people an opportunity to help each other and to get the good news out… without Christ we are helpless; we can only do our best and God does the rest! The Mission is a good example of complete unselfishness and I am pleased to be working with them."

"RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" Launch
The "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" was launched at the recent Association of Gospel Rescue Missions National Convention held in Fresno in May, 2004. The "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" was offered as a fund-raising tool to Rescue Missions located all over the United States.

The proceeds of the "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" will be directed to the "Foundation at the Mission." The Foundation Board will then disseminate these funds to help the homeless.

How Can You Help?
The "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" can be purchased from the FRM website or directly at the Fresno Rescue Mission. If you are a business, church, etc., we encourage you to purchase the bar to sell to people who frequent your organization, or we would appreciate it if you would advertise the bar for us in any publications you may have.

We hope to partner with like organizations, donors (individuals and businesses), Christian bookstores, small gift shops, churches, and the public at large to make the "RESCUE^® Spirit Bar" a success. In the future, we will offer other types of DeBas chocolates geared towards holidays, gift giving, etc. Stay updated by visiting our website (www.fresnorescuemission.org).