Introducing the "Rescue^® Spirit Bar" —
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. The creation of this chocolate bar has been a long-time vision of Rev. Larry Arce, CEO of the Mission. 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 make 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."

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. It is a wonderful organization to work with. Not only is DeBas Chocolatier Christ-centered, this company is locally owned and world famous for its delightful concoctions of premium choclate treats." DeBas Chocolatier has been influenced by a great heritage of Byzantine art, history and culture, and is dedicated to an ageless tradition of excellence. They have been producing premium chocolate confections for more than a quarter century, continually perfecting the masterful art of chocolate making. To this day every piece of DeBas chocolate is crafted by DeBas artisians.

The Fresno Rescue Mission Inc. is a non-profit evangelical Christian organization working with the homeless, impoverished families, runaway, throwaway, neglected and abused children, and single transient adults in the greater Fresno County area. They are the largest service provider to the homeless in the San Joaquin Valley and have been instrumental in establishing 22 other missions around the country. The Mission provides emergency shelter, food, youth and family services rehabilitation for the addicted, education, job training, and spiritual assistance. FRM ministries include:

• FRM Academy (recovery and alternate-sentencing program)
• "New Start" Transitional Home
• Overnight Shelter for Single Men
• Emergency Family Shelter
• "Rescue the Children" Craycroft Youth Center
• Sonshine Ranch for the CYC children
• Outreach Street Ministries
• Food and Clothing Warehouse

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 the Fresno Rescue Mission, as well as other organizations helping the homeless. The "Rescue^® Spirit Bar" will be marketed through other Rescue Missions after its release at the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions National Convention, which will be held in May, 2004. We are expecting approximately 900 attendees at the convention.

How Can You Help?

The "Rescue^® Spirit Bar" will be sold for $1.00 and can be purchased from this website, the FRM website or directly at the Fresno Rescue Mission. Businesses and churches are encouraged to purchase the bar to sell to people who frequent their organizations. We hope to partner with Christian bookstores and small gift shops to make the "Rescue^® Spirit Bar" a success.

In the future, other types of DeBas chocolates will be orderd, geard towards holidays, gift giving, etc. For more information, contact Janet Steinhauer at (559) 268-0839, Ext. 204.