[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 97 (Friday, June 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E608-E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT OF MR. LARRY YONKER AT 
                         SPRINGS RESCUE MISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 4, 2021

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor the ministry and 
community impact of Mr. Larry Yonker at Springs Rescue Mission in 
Colorado Springs, Colorado.
  Springs Rescue Mission has become a pillar of the Pike's Peak region, 
not only by caring for the homeless but as a model of local business, 
government, and faith-based collaboration, for the good of the 
community.
  It was only one decade ago that Springs Rescue Mission was working to 
create its first shelter. The focus of its humble campus was still on 
feeding the homeless, men's addiction recovery, and some limited 
daytime services. Under Mr. Yonker's leadership, the Mission has become 
an expansive homeless resource campus--a Community of Hope for the most 
vulnerable men and women of Colorado Springs. With 450 beds, the 
Mission is now the largest homeless shelter in the region. The Resource 
Center offers case management and other essential services to help 
those in need to regain their health, return to work, and find 
permanent housing. Every day, hundreds of neighbors in need come to the 
Mission for a filling meal, a hot shower, a warm bed, and compassionate 
care. Just next door, 65 chronically homeless people have found a home 
at Greenway Flats. And in the middle of it all, a new 200-seat 
Samaritan's Kitchen, recently opened their doors to our community.
  As a Colorado native and graduate of the University of Southern 
Colorado in Pueblo, Larry is motivated by a deep faith in God and 
compassionate love for his neighbors. Larry's drive and focus is 
derived from Matthew 25:34-40, and has been the inspiration for Larry's 
tenure at Springs Rescue Mission,

       ``Then the King will say to those on His right hand. `Come, 
     you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for 
     you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and 
     you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was 
     a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed 
     Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you 
     came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him. saying, 
     `Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty 
     and give You drink? When die we see You a stranger and take 
     You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, 
     or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and 
     say to them, `Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it 
     to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' 
     ''

  Over the years, Mr. Yonker has been committed to bringing community 
partners both in the private and public sectors together, with a 
mission to provide lifesaving and life-building care for those most in 
need. He has been a champion for those trapped in homelessness, 
addiction, and poverty and for collaboration and partnership across 
every walk of life to ensure people receive the care they need.
  As Larry retires, it is my highest privilege to honor and thank him 
for being a ``faithful servant'' to Colorado's Fifth Congressional 
District.

[[Page E609]]

  

                          ____________________