Welcome to . . .

Union Gospel Mission of Grays Harbor

Welcome to . . .

Union Gospel Mission of Grays Harbor

As you prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas, please remember our hurting neighbors. It’s been another really tough year for so many in our community – and the very best gift you can give them is the help they need right now!

Just $2.35 provides a meal and care for one person. That meal is often the first step toward a new life through God’s love.

Jacob was raised by an elderly relative because his parents, who battled addiction, were unable to care for him. Although she provided for his daily essentials, the older woman simply couldn’t offer the guidance and direction a young boy needs.

At 17, he struck out on his own… picked up self destructive habits… and often found himself homeless. “I hitchhiked from place to place and struggled to hold jobs,” he says. After years of an unstable existence, “I thought maybe I was meant to be on the streets my whole life.” But God had another plan in store.

Eventually Jacob was arrested and sent to jail. When released, he felt God calling him to Union Gospel Mission. In the care of our loving and compassionate counselors, he learned to deal with the issues that had prevented him from developing a purpose-filled life. Most importantly, he began to build a relationship with the Lord.

“I knew God existed, but I was trying to live within my own power,” he says. “Now when I have a problem, I take a step back and try to see it from His eyes.”

After graduation he stayed on to work at the Mission and he now serves as the men’s director, helping others learn of God’s love and Word and finally realizing and embracing the Lord’s plan for his life. “I always knew I wanted to work with the homeless since my time on the streets,” he says. “I came from that life… I understand how it works.”

It’s going to be a Christmas filled with joy for Jacob – and he’s grateful to you for this wonderful gift of a new beginning. “The best part about it is that I’m open to new things… new responsibilities… new focus in my life. I now have a purpose.”

Dear Friends:

In Luke 2:10, the angel says, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

During the Christmas season, we hear a lot about joy. It has me thinking about how joy is something all people can have in their hearts. This time of year, our greatest joy is celebrating the birth of our Savior and the eternal life we have been freely given. That joy is what fills our hearts Christmas morning… and, hopefully, every day of the year. It’s the same joy I see on the faces of the children, women and men that have come to Union Gospel Mission of Grays
Harbor and experienced God’s lifechanging love up close and personal. The joy YOU help them experience through your heartfelt prayers and support.

This Christmas, as you reflect on the “reason for the season,” I hope you will remember our neighbors who are hurting. As Jacob’s story shows (read the newsletter), your generosity offers help. Healing. And a chance to be held in the arms of a loving God.

I am continually humbled by the faithfulness of friends like you who joyfully bless others. Thank you, and may God fill your heart with peace and love.

Gary T. Rowell
Executive Director