A Little Girl's Christmas Gift Wish Answered

Today, at the Mission's Christmas Store I was blessed to witness God answering a young girl's specific Christmas gift wish.  Peggy Ramsey, Family Center Administrative Assistant, was on a quest at our Christmas Store to find the donated gifts that would best fit the wish list of our VYC kids (Vanderberg Youth Center). 

One little girl had asked for a ‘Baby Alive’ doll. We had several dolls that Peggy had looked at, unsure if this little girl would be happy with just any baby doll.  We both had the same thought -- that this little girl was so specific about the type of doll she was hoping for, and that was what she should get.  So, Peggy continued searching through the gifts. 

After a prayer breathed to God, Peggy looked in a bag just delivered that morning by Maranatha Academy's 6th grade students.  She reach in and pulled out a ‘Baby Alive’ doll!   There certainly was a "hallelujah" lifted up to the Lord for answering this little girl's specific wish, not only for that particular doll, but also that the skin color matched that of the little girl!  The student and his family that donated this particular doll I am sure had no idea how they were going to be a part of God's plan to answer this specific Christmas wish.   Their gift was right on time - God's time!

(Submitted by Sandy Baldwin, Donor Connection Specialist at City Union Mission)

A Card Game Opens Door for Discussion

A few days ago the Men’s Shelter staff approached 'Carl', a man in the day room who was playing a card game that had strong demonic emphasis. The gentleman became very upset that he couldn't play his game and demanded to speak with me, the Shelter Administrator.

The next day he came into my office and vented his frustrations on how we were unfair to him for not letting him play his card game that was associated with black magic and other occult type activity. I informed him that it wasn't card playing that we were against, but rather the type of game it was and what it stood for, and that we, as a Christian organization, stand upon Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Carl still didn't seem to understand, even though I tried to minister to him as clearly and lovingly as I could.

Staff members knew that this gentleman was a professing atheist and had been specifically praying for him. Three days later Carl came into my office, looking quite different (like he was beaming). He told me that on this particular day that something told him to go to our Meeting Jesus Ministry class (in which he had not a part of). He began to listen to Anthony, the class facilitator and daytime Shelter Manager, as he was ministering the Word.  Carl told me that "something hit him". He shared with me that he received Jesus as his Savior before everyone!

As we sat in my office today and I listened to him describe his conversion experience, I could tell it was genuine. Please join with us to lift up our new family member in prayer and also that the Father would give us the tools and the wisdom to continue to assist Carl in his walk with Christ.

(Submitted by Greg Miller, Men’s Shelter Administrator at City Union Mission)

One Who Came Back To Say “Gracias”

Though staff and volunteers who work in Community Assistance love to assist the women and families we serve, during the busy holiday season the numbers of clients we see can be very draining. Among those we serve are Latino families and women who often speak very little English. We are thankful for bilingual volunteers and also Google Translate that allows us to communicate with these clients. Often there is someone in these households who is working, but the income is simply not enough to meet their needs.

Hilda came for Christmas assistance. Hilda works as a maid at a local motel making $3.75 an hour.  We are aware that they sometimes earn tips in addition, but how many of us remember to leave a tip for the maid who cleans up after us? With the aid of Google Translate, I was able to have a conversation with Hilda and offer her more than simply the Christmas gifts she was seeking. After completing intake, Hilda left my office to wait for the spiritual conversation with our volunteer. Then Hilda remembered and turned around, coming back to my office to express her thanks. It nearly brings tears to my eyes as I think about her.

(Submitted by Lydia Allen – Community Assistance Administrator at City Union Mission)

Christian Life Program – Fall Retreat 2012

This last Wednesday evening through Saturday afternoon, approximately 25 clients from the City and Farm Christian Life Programs participated in a retreat at the Mission’s camp facilities in Warsaw, Missouri. The topic for the retreat was “How to biblically handle our emotions”, covering topics such as guilt and shame, sufferings and trials, depression, fear and worry, and anger. Many comments from both participating staff and clients indicated the teaching and discussions were very helpful and valuable for their encouragement and development.

One meaningful discussion involved a couple of the men expressing that they were afraid of the reaction of some of their family members, as their families were not supportive of their Christian faith and their attempt to recovery toward sobriety. They were afraid of judgment, criticism and possible rejection by these family members if they continued to move toward Jesus Christ. They were in fear of failing in their commitment to Jesus and commitment to their personal life change and recovery.

It was encouraging to hear other men acknowledge the same fears and offer words of support and prayer. A focus was made to remember that when Jesus calls us to follow him, he will not leave us without his support . . . “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. Nothing is more meaningful than to be with other men who know their weaknesses, but also experience fellowship together as they trust their lives and transformation into the care of the Father God who promises His care for them!

(Submitted by Bret Kroh, Assistant Administrator of the Christian Life Program at City Union Mission)

A typical day as Shelter Manager . . .

A typical day as Family Shelter Manager at City Union Mission begins with setting up for the busiest time of the day. Making morning wake up calls to our guests, distributing medications, catching up on my emails and making sure chores are done. I'm the only Shelter Manager in the morning so I have to make sure our overflow guests are up so that I may assist them to the areas where they need to be. An option for our shelter guests is to attend life skills classes. Once class starts, I complete room checks to make sure that our guests are following the policies by keeping their rooms clean and free of food. If a guest has left the shelter, or if they have reached maximum time allowed, I have to pack their belongings, label them and stow them in a designated area.

Recently, we had a guest named ‘Sally’ who was ill and unresponsive to her roommates. I went to check it out and found her slightly breathing and unable to respond. I called for assistance to her room and Security called 911 and I prayed.  Several days later Sally returned to the shelter.  She was so grateful that I had been responsive to her need and apologized for scaring me. I told her my fear was not death, but that she would perish without knowing Jesus. After that, we often times fellowshipped together until she found shelter elsewhere.

God has spoken to me in so many ways. When opposition comes against me, God enables me to endure and continue His will. I pray before I go to work daily as to how to run the Shelter effectively.  He always answers me through Scripture and the Holy Spirit and has given me grace and mercy to carry out His will. He has given me wisdom to fellowship with the Shelter Guests and those in our New Life Program (NLP) every chance I get. Most of all, to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding; but in all my ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct my paths.

I've seen one guest (Beth) who asked for prayer, but she refused to acknowledge God's Word. She had hardened her heart. I would minister to her daily. Now Beth is studying the Bible and has joined the NBC Program (New Beginning Covenant). Just a couple of days ago she even sat through lunch with our Shelter Administrator, Mr. Dan Dickey, to gain more knowledge after attending his class that morning. I see the Holy Spirit working and it is such a blessing.

I also have seen a very social lady leave and come back to the program with a sincere and grateful heart for the Truth. I see transformation often. The Holy Spirit ministers to me and refreshes me with new insight of how mighty GOD is -- THE GREAT I AM!

(Grace is a Shelter Manager at the City Union Mission’s Family Center.  Grace was a former client who graduated from the Mission’s New Life Program and went on to also complete and graduate from our Servant Leadership Institute.)

Encountering a Beautiful Captivating God together!

For 50 days the Vanderberg Youth Center halls were filled with the joyful hum that comes from City Camp, but on August 10th the hum was somewhat bittersweet. That's the day we said goodbye. We said goodbye to 16 interns, 85 campers and City Camp 2012. As 4:00 pm rolled around and parents started picking up their children for the last time of the summer, we gave our last hugs, exchanged phone numbers and wiped away tears. Saying goodbye is always hard.

When you've spent 350 hours with a camper over the course of 10 weeks, you hear their stories, you see the power of the Gospel at work transforming hard hearts, and you feel that same power cleaning out the ugly places in your heart too. City Camp starts to feel like one big family living life together, sharing meals together, going on adventures together, learning to love and forgive each other, and encountering a beautiful and captivating God together.

As we made the final page over our walkie talkies for our last end of the day staff meeting, we walked to the classroom to say our final goodbye to an incredible summer. We walked in with heavy hearts having said goodbye to campers we may never see again, but an aroma in the room lifted our spirits. A mom of one of the campers had set up a feast in the classroom to honor our staff. This is a mom who we met because her family found themselves homeless and living in our Family Shelter. When the mom went to classes, the daughters came to City Camp.  They apparently loved us as much as we loved them, because when they found a home and left the shelter, the mom still made sure to get her girls to City Camp every day.

So there we sat, exhausted from a summer of pouring out and the very person God sent to be a blessing, is the person we existed to serve. The person that came to feed us, was the women we fed. When our hearts were heavy, it was the heavy-hearted women we had served that came to return the favor. The once homeless women and her children brought us a meal to say thanks. Now the tears were not from saying goodbye, the tears came from an overwhelming sense of God's mercy on us. As our pride crumbled and as we gave thanks for God's provision we reflected on a summer full of tangible reminders of the goodness of our King. 

(Submitted by Kalie George, Youth Ministry Asst. Administrator at City Union Mission)

Churches for Clients

Within the Christian Life Program we have several key parts to restoring men to wholeness in the Lord.  We spend great sums of time in teaching the scriptures, in counseling, in helping them manage their legal issues, physical and mental health issues and in building relationships in the Christian community. 

The Christian community and their local churches are really critical to success for the men, especially once they move along from here into their new world.  Without those solid relationships they tend to slide back into old relationships and patterns.  So we require that men attend and get involved in as much as possible a Bible believing, evangelical Christian Church. 

This is not easy though for them and for the churches.  The men see themselves as different than the rest of the congregation especially if they hang together with other clients at the church.  In isolation they don’t meet and develop warm relationships with others.  The church also may struggle with not seeing the men as just other sinners seeking a sanctuary with other sinner/saints.  When they do get together it is really good and as it turns out it is no different than most folks becoming at home in a church group.

We really need churches to take up this mantel and do it wisely.  These men need the resources of the saints who are ahead of them and the help to grow in the Lord.  These are intentional actions marked with constant growing pains and great joys.  Men getting baptized.  Men celebrating anniversaries of sobriety.  Men maintaining work and healthy relationship.  The joys are there for the mature who can give of themselves to help guide men who have chosen to be disciples of Jesus.  You don’t have to go into the world to find them, they’ll come to you and you can shepherd them to their next level in the Lord. 

(Submitted by Gary Mountz, Director of Men's Ministries at City Union Mission)

Family Center staff shares of special moments with clients & volunteers --

(From Grace) A guest came into the office to tell me her testimony. It is normal to hear her voice goes in and out when she speaks and she also suffers from severe anxiety. She was sharing with me how good God had been to her, but every time He lifts her up, she tries to go it on her own. She continues to fail even the easiest of tasks. Now she acknowledges God's presence in her life. She's willing to let GOD use her for His will. As she was giving her testimony, not once did her voice crack. That's the power of an almighty God! As she spoke I felt the presence of the Lord in the office. He said that when two or three are gathered in his name that He will be in the midst, and he certainly was!

(From Jonathan) One day a man came to serve lunches at the Family Shelter, as he does every month. There was an event going on that took many shelter clients off campus and it ended up that he was only able to provide lunches for a small number of our guests. This did not upset him. In fact, he was thanking God for the mouths he was able to feed. I thank God for our volunteers, especially ones like this man, who are still willing to praise God when things don't go as planned! 

(From Jeanie) There is a client here who has quite an amount of medication she takes on a daily basis. Her container that holds her presorted pills was not in the best condition. I felt a prodding that I should get her a new one. After about 2 weeks with this on my mind, I finally went to Wal-Mart and purchased a new pill container for her. It was only a few dollars but when I gave it to her, the joy on her face was worth so much more. I'm glad I followed through with what God placed on my heart because He was able to bless someone through me.

I Made it Home

Early on a Thursday morning I drove North on Troost and as I neared the City Union Mission I passed a client who recognized me and we waved.  I pulled into the parking lot and once I was parked and heading toward the Men’s Center I heard, “Hey Gary, hey Gary!”.   I stopped and waited while the gentlemen who had just waved at me came across the lot.  He came with a big smile and hand stretched out to shake my hand.  “Gary, I just have to tell you how great this day is and how wonderful the Mission is.”  He has been around here for a couple of years getting his life back.  He went on to say “I’ve been clean now for over a year and I have two PT jobs while I get some stuff done (bills paid and getting his license back) so I can begin a full time job I’ve been hired for.  You know I was gone for a while and got back the other day."

He continued, "As I came up Troost at about 11^th Street I saw the Mission and as I got closer I said to myself, ‘I’ve made it home.’  It was like huge to me to have made it back.  This place is like no other place for me.  I needed a bed and you guys gave me one.  I needed food and it was here.  I needed clothes and here they are,” pointing to the clothes he was wearing. 

What a blessed encouragement that was to me.  He shook my hand a second and third time, smiling ear to ear, clean, sober walking with the Lord.  My how I love this job.  My how I love this Lord of ours. 

(Submitted by Gary Mountz, Director, Men’s Ministries, City Union Mission)

God Has a Plan

A co-worker and I went to court in Warrensburg, Missouri last Monday to witness on behalf of a client, currently in our Christian Life Program. We sat through all the court cases only to find out that my client, whom we were there for, was being held over until the following week to see a different judge. At that time, we didn’t see the purpose in the time spent traveling and waiting in court, all for nothing.

This Monday we made the trip again to Warrensburg for the same client as the week before. As we sat there waiting for court to start late and then go long, with my guy being next to the last person to be called before the judge, we witnessed and ministered to another young man. The judge was tired of this 23 year old drug addict and was ready to send him to prison. The young man, named Anthony, told the judge that he would see about checking into a 21-day program. The judge told him that wasn't good enough; he needed more help than that.

The Public Defender representing Anthony remembered me from the week before.  She turned and made eye contact with me and raised her eyebrows.  I knew what she was considering and I smiled back at her in affirmation.

As the Judge asked Anthony to sit aside for a while, the Public Defender came to ask me if he would be a candidate for our program. I said, "Yes, I'll take him back with me today". She repeated me to make sure what I had offered. Excited about the alternative, she spoke to the Judge, who then called me up to explain our program. As soon as I told her it was an in-house, 12-14 month program, the Judge said to offer it to Anthony. The Judge said that she knew of City Union Mission and even made the comment that "we need one of these in Cass County"!   Anthony was hesitant, as he was fully expecting to have to go to jail.

When it came time for me to speak on behalf of my own guy, the Judge, the Public Defender and I were all advocating for him. This was truly an act of God! It was beautiful!

 
Needless to say, we came back to Kansas City with two guys, when we had gone for only one.  Today Anthony thanked me. He knew without us being there for him that day, he would be spending the next 7 years in jail.

God had a plan.  He knew that we needed to be in Warrensburg THIS Monday, for THIS purpose.

(Submitted by Pat Johnson, Case Manager at City Union Mission’s Christian Life Program)

Volunteer Project Leader Position Available

City Union Mission is seeking a volunteer to serve as the Volunteer Project Leader. This volunteer will lead, organize, and direct volunteer groups working on various projects through out the mission. The projects range from cleaning to construction to retail training.

This person must:
  1. be a Christian who is able to share the Gospel,
  2. love volunteers
  3. have leadership skills (Supervisory experience is helpful)
  4. be available on Saturdays

Any interested person may apply by completing a High Impact Volunteer application HERE.

Society’s Landfill

When I start investigating a purchase, I will definitely consider buying something that isn’t new. I’ll buy it if it is previously used, but I want it to be in “gently-used” condition. I don’t want something that has taken serious abuse during its lifetime. I want to know that I am not inheriting someone else’s problems. The last place you’d find me shopping would be at the local landfill. Items that end up there are there because someone has given up on them . . . the headaches and problems they are causing. I don’t want to buy someone else’s headaches.

I was recently thinking about the expectations that people sometimes have for the men that “end up” at places like the Mission. Even the word “end” in “end up” implies there’s not much further down a man can go than to a mission. It’s either “on the street, under a bridge, in a homeless camp . . . or to the mission.”

Ministering at the Mission is like a double-sided coin. On one side, most of the men who end up here at the Mission are seen as beyond repair, “not repairable”; therefore, they are deemed dispensable . . . “throw away” condition. For them to remain in their family, work or societal relationships creates too many problems anymore, and people are not at a place where they want,  or are able, to invest anymore time or money trying to “repair” the person so that the man will “work right, like he’s supposed to”.

This is not to minimize the problems these men are causing others . . . they very well might need to be told to leave those environments of which they were a part so as to allow peace, health, safety and sanity back into those same environments. Most of the men who end up at the Mission do need a sincere moment of clarity when they begin to understand the gravity of their condition, and the problems, pain and hurt they are causing other people. They do need to see that they are not “working right”. They do not possess peace, grace, hope or health, so it is no wonder that they have none of those to offer others.

But the other side of the coin is this . . . because the men who come to the Mission can be tremendously problematic and dysfunctional, it does not mean the only “end” is to be thrown away. To think that “ending it” is the only solution is not a thought from God . . . that thought is from Satan.

Most of the men who end up at the Mission will admit, in moments of transparency and honesty, that the thoughts playing in their head like a continuous CD are, “You’re a failure, a loser. You’re stupid and idiotic. You’re trash, worthless, and of no value to anyone. Just stayed blasted and wasted with your drugs or alcohol so as to escape that reality. Or better yet, go ahead and just end it all so you can get the pain over for yourself and others.”  When a man gets there in his mind, he has found himself at the gates of society’s landfill.

It is in that moment that he needs to hear a message and vision from Jesus Christ as found in the Good News of the Gospel. “You may have been a serious problem for yourself and for others. You may think you are beyond repair . . . but, hear this . . . you are not trash. The landfill is not the final plan I have for you. Others might think that, but not me. I have a vision for you that is beyond what you can possibly imagine for yourself! If you need to know how much you are worth, even as a sinner, look at the cross.”

That is what I like about working at the Mission . . . seeing the change that a man can undergo from hopelessness and despair, to a countenance that communicates his hope and possibility. A man may think that the circumstances he has created for himself can only mean life without love, purpose or meaning. But here, he can begin to find that God can create meaning out of meaninglessness, purpose out of purposelessness, hope and joy out of darkness and despair. To see that transformation and miracle in a man’s life, even in the smallest of increments or steps, is a delight beyond description!

Please don’t ever think that your investment in a ministry like the Mission is anything less than an offering of the grace and hope that you have. It is a statement that you believe in miracles! No matter how dark it may look, you are saying that you believe the Light ultimately wins! Thanks for being a part of City Union Mission.

(Submitted by Bret Kroh, Asst. Administrator of the Christian Life Program at City Union Mission)

Ministering to the homeless as we also seek growth and edification for ourselves --

Not wanting to shock everyone who looks upon the City Union Mission as hyper-spiritual, but the staff at the Mission are people just like every local congregation has.  The amazing thing is that all of us come here pretty clear that God has called us to this ministry and fully engaged to minister to the needs of our guests on mostly a spiritual level, i.e., Salvation and Sanctification (growth into Christ-likeness) as well as the physical helps of food, clothing, medical needs, job hunting, temporary housing, counseling, document help and other such things like pastoral helps.  As time passes we all soon realize that we are really first here for our own growth and edification.  This comes through continuously challenging situations, with clients, circumstances and the enemy himself. 

Therefore, we need to honor God's leading and take the time to live in the disciplines He has always used like prayer, fasting, alms giving, loving the unlovely, lend hoping for nothing in return, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness as well as spending private and precious time with the Lord in solitude and as believers together. 

On a Tuesday and Wednesday recently the leadership team (8 of us) of the Men's Ministries went to Warsaw, where we have a great camp center, Christian Life Program and retreat center and, using a lodge there spent time in community and gained great refreshment in the Lord.  We focused our energies on Scripture (II Corinthians) fellowship and in an isolated environment.  It was wonderful and energizing.  He further opened our eyes to helping each other, ministering more clearly and slowing down to make more room for Him.

We thank God for the opportunity, facilities and the encouragement to do this.  God is Good.  All the Time.  Every time.  Forever.  Amen. 

(Submitted by Gary Mountz, Director of Men’s Ministries at City Union Mission)

On To A New Endeavor

Alfred and Johanna Horstman are the first couple that I processed as High Impact Volunteers. Since May 11, 2010 they have served together as Learning Center Academic Assistants in our Christian Learning Center. Both of them volunteer on Tuesday evenings and assist the LC Supervisor in multifaceted exercises to improve and enhance the reading, writing, math and computer skills of the men in the CLP. They are a highly valued volunteer team!

Recently they were accepted at Dallas Theological Seminary and will be moving there in the summer to pursue additional degrees in Christian Education.  They will be greatly missed as they have been a blessing to Mission staff as well as to the men in our program.

We wish them well in their academic endeavors at Dallas Theological Seminary! 

(Submitted by James Smith, High Impact Volunteer Administrator at City Union Mission)

Sewing Groups Bless our Guests

Katie is wearing a sunny yellow
dress made by a talented seamstress
from Lenexa Baptist Church.

We have wonderful volunteers who participate in sewing groups at their churches to sew for our guests at the Mission. One of the many hand sewn items we receive are women's dresses. Recently, two of the happy recipients showed off their new dresses.

Thanks so much to the talented seamstresses at Lenexa Baptist Church and Village Presbyterian Church for blessing our guests in this special way. 



Erin is wearing a classic black and
white checked dress made by
another gifted seamstress from
Village Presbyterian Church.


If you are interested in making different sewing items for our guests, please contact Dennis at (816) 329-1466 to find out how your church can be a part of this vital ministry.

 





Work Injury Leads Volunteer to the Mission

Mark Green (3rd from left) is pictured here with Mission staff
and James, a Christian Life Program participant (far right).

Mark Green began volunteering at City Union Mission in October of last year.  He had sustained a work related injury to his fingers that September and had subsequent surgery to mend them. When Mark began to feel well enough to be up and about, he told his employer he didn’t want to just sit at home and do nothing. He had a desire to be doing something productive to keep his mind busy, knowing that staying busy would be therapeutic as he recovered.  Mark’s employer put him in touch with the Mission.

Mark helped process books donated to the Mission by using a program to assess the value of a book and determine its next destination. He also helped box up books after they were sorted and then labeled the box to get it ready for delivery.  Mark has worked alongside one of our Christian Life Program participants and has been an encourager to him as well.

At various times Mark would help with other projects as they came up, such as sorting donations and organizing them into categories. He also assisted with Christmas projects.

Mark shared with us, “It has been a blessing for me to be in the surroundings of a Christian, faith-based organization the past four months. This experience has helped me stay in a positive frame of mind during my recovery.  I will treasure these months I’ve had to work with the staff of City Union Mission.”  

Mark’s presence has been a great blessing to us and the staff has enjoyed having him here.  We were pleased to hear that he is interested in volunteering with the Mission in the near future. 

(Submitted by Tammy Sharp, CORE Volunteer Administrator at City Union Mission)

Volunteer Chaplain Receives Certification

On January 30, 2012, the United Association of Clinical Chaplains and Counselors International, conferred upon  Howard McFarland, one of our volunteer Chapel Speakers, the professional title of Licensed Clinical Professional in Addictions Recovery/Biblical Counselor - Minister.

Dr. McFarland received this honor upon his completion of all course work and supervision required by the Division of Professional Counseling Ministries Endorsement of the UACCCI.

Congratulations are extended to Dr. McFarland for the successful completion of the course work and training!

(Submitted by James Smith, Development High Impact Volunteer Administrator at City Union Mission)

Residential Camp Internship Opportunities with Youth

Residential Camp Intern

4 Positions

Deadline to Apply: May 30, 2012  

Description:

Serve low-income and homeless children through six week-long overnight camp sessions at Camp CUMCITO. (Residential camp near Warsaw, MO). One week: training and prep; six weeks: camp sessions; one week: home visits and packing. Interns are trained in multiple positions and get to enjoy being out-of-doors in our beautiful Ozark setting with campers from 4 years old to 16 years old. Interns live on site, facilitating camp with a new group of volunteers and campers each week. Responsibilities vary weekly by assignment. (Selected from: cabin, recreation, crafts, chapel, food service, housekeeping, administration, and medical services. Interns will learn to implement programming and create a safe, structured environment for urban children to learn and grow. This is an ideal experience for those who enjoy children and the out-of-doors, especially those who desire a career working with children in the fields of social services or education with an emphasis on clients from an urban poor setting. Often meets requirements for college internships.

Qualifications:

•  Ability to work well with others as a team player
• Abide by established rules, respond well to authority
• Desire to be spiritually challenged
• Good communication skills
• Kid experience
• Lifeguard certification strongly preferred
• Relevant experience is beneficial (recreation/music/camp/teaching lessons/drama)
• Patience and poise in irritating situations
• Interest/experience in interpersonal relationships with Mission clients, beneficial.

Also CiUM employee qualifications:

• Be a genuine believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as expressed by personal testimony and Christian conduct.
• Be a member in good standing of a recognized Protestant, evangelical church for one year.
• Have a genuine concern for the ministry of the Mission.
• Read and agree with the Doctrinal Statement of the Mission.
• Have had a minimum of 1 year of sobriety from alcohol and/or drugs and 6 months from tobacco for, and agree not to use alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or tobacco while in the employ of City Union Mission.
• Have a lifestyle that is free of sexual sin (including homosexuality).
• Have high standards of personal hygiene and housekeeping relative to personal appearance and work area.
• Have the ability to work in harmony with other staff members.
• Agree with City Union Mission’s Statement of Faith.

Duration and Dates: 8.2 weeks; Thursday, June 14 – Friday, August 10, 2012

Compensation: Lodging, meals, training, and $1,000.00 gratuity for the summer.

Application:  Apply online here.

Questions:
Contact Peggy at peggy.ramsey@cityunionmission.org or 816-329-1425

City Camp Internship Opportunities with Youth

City Camp Intern

12 Positions

Deadline to Apply:  May 11, 2012 

Description:

Serve low-income and homeless children through City Camp (summer day camp) during this 10-week insider experience at City Union Mission. Interns are exposed to the complexity of the issues of the urban poor and to the compelling beauty of God's mercy and justice. Interns live on site, immersing them in the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with Mission clients and staff. Interns serve at City Camp as lead teachers for their assigned campers and will learn to implement programming and create a safe, structured environment for urban children to learn and grow. This is an ideal experience for those who enjoy children and the out-of-doors, especially those who desire a career working with children in the fields of social services or education with an emphasis on an urban poor setting. Often meets requirements for college internships

Qualifications:

• Ability to work well with others as a team player
• Abide by established rules, respond well to authority
• Desire to be spiritually challenged
• Good communication skills
• Kid experience
• Recreation/Music/Camp/Bible Lesson Teaching/Drama experience, beneficial
• Patience and poise in irritating situations
• Interest/experience in interpersonal relationships with Mission clients, beneficial.

 Also CiUM employee qualifications:

• Be a genuine believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as expressed by personal testimony and Christian conduct.
• Be a member in good standing of a recognized Protestant, evangelical church for one year.
• Have a genuine concern for the ministry of the Mission.
• Read and agree with the Doctrinal Statement of the Mission.
• Have had a minimum of 1 year of sobriety from alcohol and/or drugs and 6 months from tobacco for, and agree not to use alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or tobacco while in the employ of City Union Mission.
• Have a lifestyle that is free of sexual sin (including homosexuality).
• Have high standards of personal hygiene and housekeeping relative to personal appearance and work area.
• Have the ability to work in harmony with other staff members.
• Agree with City Union Mission’s Statement of Faith.

Duration and Dates:
10.5 weeks; Tuesday, May 29 – Friday, August 10, 2012

Compensation:
Lodging, meals, training, and $1,250.00 gratuity for the summer.

Application: Apply online here.

Questions:
Contact Kalie at kalie.george@cityunionmission.org or 816-329-1430

"You helped me turn my life around and I can’t say thanks enough.”

We were blessed to visit with a past client, Merrill, recently.  This young man did not complete the Christian Life Program here at Opportunity Farm.  He actually was released from the program twice.  He served some time in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and yet because of the impact the program had on him, he got his life turned completely around.
  

No longer on drugs, Merrill is attending college, working out – getting healthy in spirit, mind and body.  He has lost about 65 lbs and has a great outlook and stops by from time to time to say, “Thanks, I needed the discipline you gave me. You didn’t let me get by with my manipulations and you held me accountable and responsible.  You helped me turn my life around and I can’t say thanks enough”.

We are grateful to have our past clients check-in with us to share how they are doing.  They not only encourage us as staff, but also are an encouragement to the other men currently enrolled in the program.  

(Submitted by David Busick, Administrator of the Mission's Christian Life Program at Opportunity Farm in Warsaw, MO)

Sometimes We All Need a Refresher!

Because of my position at City Union Mission I had the opportunity to remain in contact with a graduate named Eric, who was really struggling.  He kept coming around and God allowed me to minister to him physically by helping him get money for a bus pass and some medication he needed.  God also used me to speak words of truth to Eric.  He left, but God kept those words going through his head. 

The next time I saw Eric he said that he had spoken with the Christian Life Program Administrator and he was able to come back to the program on a refresher basis.  God has definitely changed him.  He is becoming more humble and submissive.  Through this process God has provided him with a job after several years of searching.  He is now choosing to stay in-house on the weekends rather than going back to the lifestyle and choices he once knew.  I am so proud of him.  It is such a blessing to be a part of the Mission and witness such changes in these men on a daily basis. 

(Written by Donna Oster, Administrative Assistant for the Men’s Emergency Shelter at City Union Mission)

Hope is Ageless

It’s true; the City Union Mission is where men, women, and children go when there is no where else to go.  But, the Mission is so much more. We don’t want anyone who comes through our doors to return to a life of homelessness and hopelessness. One of the ways we make this assertion come to life is by way of Career Development. 

When a client of one of the Mission’s long term recovery programs is close to graduating, they begin to work with the Career Development Department.    The Mission does more that just help clients find a job, we help them chart a new life.

Case in point:  Mike, a recent graduate of the Christian Life Program.   At 50-something Mike was ready for a brand new start.  Bright, enthusiastic and friendly, Mike wanted to work with people in an organization that matched his enthusiasm and develop his gifts and talents.

We all know today’s job market is tough but there are bright spots.  Call Centers are springing up nationally; and TMG is such a start -up here in Kansas City.  Working with the Full Employment Council, Mike recently interviewed with TMG and was hired to join the young company.  Mike is excited to help build the business, eager to contribute to society, and add his positive effect to the workforce.  Truly, a new future filled with both hope and purpose.  

(Written by Steve Sahl, a Career Development Specialist at City Union Mission)

The Price of Change

I meet men every day who regret the choices they have made in their lives. Some of these men are in their middle years whose lives are in shambles. As a counselor, I hear their stories of opportunities squandered and bridges burned. My heart aches for these men. I seek wisdom from God’s Word and all of the creative energy that the Lord gives to me to assist them to recognize choices and behaviors that will bless them and honor God. For those men who are ready and willing to do the things that are necessary for true, lasting authentic change I am overjoyed by being an eye witness to God’s redeeming grace!

I have had the privilege for serving in the Christian Life Program for a few years now and have come to see particular characteristics in the men who come to us.

Men who move on in their lives with peace and purpose came to us with a true desire for change. They have come to a place in their life where they have their fill with the consequences of the poor choices they have made in their lives. These men, as it turns out, are teachable and submissive to instruction. They recognize the wisdom that the Word of God brings to their world. They are willing to be candid with Program Staff who have shared from their own experiences of progress and failures. These men recognize that they themselves must read, accept, and put Truth into practice.  This is what has brought them to a place of blessing and satisfaction. Last, but not least, these men have been assimilated into the local Church!

It is almost predictable that the men who leave us prematurely and go back to the lives they were living, do so for the very opposite behaviors the other men had adopted.

These men were not yet ready, nor had a real desire for personal change. These men were not teachable.  They were not willing to allow themselves to be disciplined or instructed. The Bible had no place in their life; they did not recognize the value of its instruction for life. And – these men merely attended church and did not integrate with the community of faith.

For those who are willing to pay the price for a changed heart and a changed life, God will bring blessings of strength, resolve, and peace.  I cannot help but think of the man who sold ALL that he had for the ONE Pearl of Great Price.

'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.' -- Matthew 13:45-46

(Written by Kelly Dunn, Case Manager/Counselor for the Christian Life Program at City Union Mission).