Testimonies

Testimonies

I Give Thanks Every Day

“Maybe I have more to offer than I thought.”

That statement from Jesse, a resident in our New Foundations Program, is a far cry from the way he felt about himself a few short months ago.

When Jesse stepped off the bus in Aberdeen, he saw Union Gospel Mission and decided to check it out. As he came through the door, he told the greeter at the desk, “I am looking for someone I can trust.” Jesse had spent five years struggling with drug addiction. After managing to stay clean for a year while homeless, he fell back into addiction. That’s when he decided to try our program at UGM.

Since coming to the Mission, Jesse is “getting back to God.” He has found comfort because he knows he can trust the people here to help him in his journey. Most importantly, he is growing in his relationship with the Lord and finding the healing and hope he needs in Jesus.

Jesse finds himself looking forward to each new day. “Before coming to UGM, waking up every morning was terrifying,” he recalls. “I was fearful of everything. Now it is exciting.”

Jesse joined our New Foundation Program, and he is moving forward with his life. He is growing in his faith and getting the help and healing he needs to overcome the difficulties in his life. “I’m not the same man I used to be,” he says.

Jesse is grateful for the donors who made it possible for him to find help at Union Gospel Mission.

“I’m really, really thankful,” Jesse says. “I give thanks every day in my prayers for them.” We are thankful for you, too!

I’ve Traded Shame for Confidence

When other little girls were enjoying playing with toys and getting lots of hugs, Marcy’s childhood days were filled with fear and trauma. “I remember sitting in our yard when I was in fifth grade, crying and wanting to hurt myself,” she recalls. “But I always knew Jesus and that day He told me, ‘Don’t do anything to yourself. This is not something we can’t get through together.’”

Often Marcy used drugs to escape her situation. As an adult, she continued to medicate herself as way of coping with her world. Lost and sad, it was in jail where she found a Gideon Bible and reconnected with Jesus.

After being released from jail, Marcy was dropped off at Union Gospel Mission’s Friendship House for single women and moms with children, funded by your generosity and love. “At first I was terrified,” she says. But the kindness of our staff and volunteers broke through her fears, and she began to realize how much God truly loved her.

“I’m not ashamed to be in a shelter. I’m one of the ladies!” she says with pride. Marcy’s future is filled with hope for the first time. “When I was in jail, I didn’t have anything—I was empty. Today I have more confidence because I’m able to ask for help. UGM has changed my life!”

Edward’s Story

Edward’s health had been a challenge since birth. With a compromised immune system and serious heart condition, life had never felt “normal.” As Edward got older and his heart condition grew worse, he wondered each night if he’d even wake up in the morning.

Edward worked at Ocean Spray for several years but then lost his employment and his home. When his brother learned Edward was living in his truck, he encouraged him to find shelter. “I’d burned all my bridges,” Edward admits, “so I ended up here at the Mission.”

But ending up at Union Gospel Mission has been a life-changer for Edward—he’s no longer afraid to go to sleep at night! “Being at UGM has kept me alive. And the Bible study helps my mindset,” he says. “It makes me think differently when I go out the door in the morning.”

For men like Edward who suffer with severe health issues, life on the streets can be brutal. His health is still a challenge, and he needs appropriate housing to keep him safe. Meanwhile, Edward takes life one day at a time, thankful he is warm at night and able to sleep.

Brian’s Story

When Brian’s partner of 22 years passed away three years ago, his life fell apart. He had served eight years in the Navy as an aviation technician, had struggled with alcohol off and on, and had been homeless at times, but the loss of his friend and home was shattering.

“I lived in a storage unit with 25 other people, some drug addicts, for a year and a half,” he explains. “Every day was a challenge. It was terrible. I felt like a lost little puppy.”

Finally last spring, Brian decided to come to Union Gospel Mission. Here, he discovered the staff took time to listen to him, and he appreciated the fellowship with other guests. “It’s been a lot less stress. I’m calmer,” he says. “It’s been a good experience.”

Brian is finding his way again, participating in Bible study and learning new ways to cope. “I’m learning I can say ‘no’ to things and people, and I’m learning to control my words better.” He’s also seeing a doctor about health issues he’d been neglecting. “That’s a miracle,” he smiles.

Though Brian is hoping for a place he can call his own someday, he’s grateful for the safety, help and kindness he’s found here. “People who don’t know about the Mission should come and check it out,” he says.