A Basketball Challenge

A couple of years ago some young men on the program really loved playing basketball and the bragging and boasting (playfully) started and the challenge was given to staff to take on the program members. Mind you, the staff, though experienced, are not young anymore but took the challenge. We had some exciting 4 on 4, half court games over the next few months with the young men pretty much dominating. Participating staff included administration as well as program staff. These are blessed times with laughter, lots of shoving and sweat but always with great sportsmanship, until the staff finally prevailed...once! God gave us good bodies for this stuff, hearts that care and a willingness to be close. It is all good and we thank the Lord for these great moments with the men.

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

Mission Guest and Staff Assist a Stranded Student

Kezia, a college student from a community college in Concordia, Kansas, was stranded at Greyhound Bus Station.  Carlton, a long time City Union Mission guest, led her to the Mission .  He was afraid that thieves or rapists may attack her if she remained on the streets.

KCI lost Kezia's luggage, and her flight was delayed.  By the time she arrived, her soccer coach had left Kansas City, and was not planning to return.  She was stranded.  Caleb, a new Mission volunteer assistant chaplain, and I allowed her to make long distance telephone calls to friends and teachers for help.   No one was available, and her family was in the Virgin Islands.

We called the Hotline for the Homeless for advice and assistance.  An operator named Kim was very helpful and professional.  She contacted her supervisors, and made arrangements for Kezia to stay in the overflow section at the Mission’s Family Center.

Meanwhile, we prayed, and asked God for direction.  We considered asking Greyhound for compassion fare assistance.  Kezia said, "I don’t think this is possible, but we can try."  Caleb and I reminded her that with God all things are possible. 

When we arrived at Greyhound, a manager was standing outside.  We explained the situation, and he approved a $25 voucher for Kezia.  Kezia had $13.00 available, but the ticket to the nearest station in Salina, KS (with discount) was $52.50.  Caleb paid the balance, and gave Kezia some spending money.

Kezia smiled brightly as the Greyhound clerk handed her the ticket.  Kezia was very thankful to God and City Union Mission.  She gave us all a round of hugs.  She knows now that with God all things are possible.  Please remember her in your prayers.  Keep praying for long time Mission guest, Carlton too.  I believe someday, he will admit that God is real!  Amen?

  

(Submitted by Charles McField, Evening Chaplain at the Emergency Men’s Shelter at City Union Mission)

Long-term Program Men Retreat to Warsaw, MO

Every year, the Christian Life Program takes two retreats to the Mission's property in rural Warsaw, Missouri.  The retreats provide a time of relaxation and learning, where the men on the program can interact with staff and with each other in a more informal setting.  From softball games to team-building exercises to fishing on the lake, the men enjoy a break from the normal routine and a time closer to God's Creation.

The theme of this year's spring retreat was "Biblical Manhood."  In chapel sessions and break-out groups, we discussed the roles and responsibilities that God has given to men, as described in the Bible. Our topics included discipleship, leadership, work, and marriage.  In the lives of many men, these important topics were either mis-taught or not taught.

In a Christian recovery program, part of "recovery" involves dealing with the issues connected to addiction.  Addiction has prevented many men from fulfilling their God-given roles and responsibilities.  At the same time, only through a relationship with God and the grace He provides can anyone become the person God wants them to be.  For the members of the Christian Life Program, I believe that God used the retreat to provide some meaningful encouragement, direction, and healing as the men grow in their relationship with Him.

(Submitted by David Phillips, Counselor for the Christian Life Program at City Union Mission.)

"You've got to help me. I can't do this"

One of the men on the recovery program recently stepped into my office and spoke my name. When I turned around to face him, I immediately saw that he was crying. He said, "You've got to help me. I can't do this."

This is his third time to try the program. He never got very far into the program the previous two times before he succumbed to his temptation to alcohol and drugs. Oftentimes, the temptation came from various members of his family, and old friends. It took a lot of despair and courage for this man to get up and try again.

But this time, he has been doing so much better in believing God can help him experience a changed life. He's been so much more open this time to receiving help from his case manager, counselor and teachers. With the help of the Learning Center Supervisor and volunteers, he is doing much better with his academics, increasing in his ability to read and comprehend at levels he's never before achieved. He's tasting a changed life and beginning to grow in the belief it can truly happen for him! Whereas he used to walk around in life, not believing that change can be in his future, he is believing it now. He's laughing more and smiling. It's such a delight to see the transformation!

It was this man, who was in my office crying and saying, "You've got to help me. I can't do this!" He found himself in a situation where he was being tempted with tobacco and marijuana. He made it priority to find a staff member to get the support he needed . . . "When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure" (1 Cor. 10:13). He humbled himself, acknowledging to himself and another safe person that he needed help, and that's where he found grace. "God gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). His case manager was brought in to assist and we told him how proud we were of him for what not being afraid to ask for help. We walked him through his response to the temptation. It was amazingly wonderful to see God's Spirit bringing him hope, confidence and peace where there has been despair, darkness and bondage! God wins!

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

Field Trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum hosted a field trip in March for the men in our Christian Life Program and they had an incredible time!  The history represented in this building is captivating and thought-provoking as individuals not only revel in America’s favorite past-time and learn about some incredible athletes that many people are not aware of, but also forced to see some of the more discomforting aspects of the American experience. 

As if this were not enough, this particular evening was made more special as Frank White, 5-time golden glove winning second baseman for the Royals, shared some of his experiences as a player and some life-lessons he’s learned along the way. 

There were several lessons he shared, but here are just a few.  Accountability – Being held responsible by others to do what we’re supposed to do and do it with excellence.  What a testimony as Frank shared how Cookie Rojas told him as a rookie player that he was not to make excuses for not making plays.  Just admit that you did not make the play and do it next time.  Seek the truth – Frank shared how important it is to seek the truth about one’s self and adjust course when truth is encountered.  Frank shared that was also important as a rookie.

Thank you to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Frank White for making this outing special for these men in our program.

(Submitted by Greg Gay - Christian Life Program Administrator at City Union Mission)

A Handy Tool for Understanding the Events of Holy Week

CHRONOLOGY OF THE WEEK LEADING UP TO THE CRUCIFIXION & RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS

Note:  Jewish days began at sunset (6 pm) - thus, a Jewish Friday begins at 6 pm (our Thursday evening) and ends at 6 pm the following day, whereas our days are from midnight to midnight.

SATURDAY – Day before Palm Sunday

Anointed at Bethany - Mt. 26:6-13;  Mk. 14:3-9;  Jn. 12:1-11

PALM SUNDAY

Enters Jerusalem triumphantly - Mt. 21:1-11;  Mk. 11:1-11;  Lk. 19:28-40;  Jn. 12:12-19

Weeps over the city - Lk. 19:41-44

Healing of the blind & lame - Mt. 21:14-17

MONDAY

Curses the fig tree - Mt. 21:18-22;  Mk. 11:12-14, 20-26

Cleanses the temple - Mt. 21:12, 13;  Mk. 11:15-19;  Lk. 19:45-48

Son of Man must be lifted up / Unbelief of the multitude - Jn. 12:20-50

TUESDAY

Teaches by parables in the temple - Mt. 21:23 - 22:14;  Mk. 11:27 - 12:12;  Lk. 20:1-19

Confounds the religious leaders -  Mt. 22:15 - 23:39;  Mk. 12:13-40;  Lk. 20:20-47

The Widow's Gift - Mk. 12:41-44; Lk. 21:1-4

Delivers the Olivet Discourse -  Mt. 24:1 - 25:46;  Mk. 13:1-37;  Lk. 21:5-38

WEDNESDAY

Judas plots with Sanhedrin - Mt. 26:1-5, 14-16;  Mk. 14:1,2,10,11;  Lk. 22:1-6

THURSDAY - Our Thursday evening - beginning of Jewish Friday

Washes the disciple’s feet and eats Passover meal (Last Supper) - Jn. 13:1-38;  Mt. 26:17-30;  

Mk. 14:12-26; Lk. 22:7-38

Delivers last words to disciples -  Jn. 14 - 17

Prays in the garden and is betrayed - Mt. 26:31-56;  Mk. 14:32-52;  Lk. 22:39-53;  Jn. 18:1-12

FRIDAY - Beginning very late on our Thursday eve and going through Fri. afternoon – Preparation Day)

Brought before Annas.  Peter’s first denial of Jesus - Jn. 18:12-23

Brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.  Peter’s second & third denial of Jesus.  The rooster  crows.  Jesus mocked, blindfolded & beaten. -  Mt. 26:57-75, 27: 1; Mk. 14:53-72, 15:1; Lk. 22:54-71; Jn. 18:24-27

Brought before Pilate the first time.  Judas hangs himself. - Mt. 27:2-14;  Mk. 15:1-5;  Lk. 23:1-5; Jn. 18:28-40

Sent to Herod Antipas. - Lk. 23:6-12

Before Pilate a second time.  Condemned, mocked, and beaten. - Mt. 27:15-31;  Mk. 15:6-20;  Lk. 23:13-25;  
Jn. 19:1-16

Crucified at Golgotha (the third hour - 9 am) - Mt. 27:31-44;  Mk. 15:20-33;  Lk. 23:26-43; Jn. 19:16-30

Darkness throughout the land - 6th through 9th hour / noon to 3 p.m.). Jesus dies 9th hour / 3 p.m. - Mt. 27:45-56; Mk. 15:33-41; Lk. 23:44-49; Jn. 19:30-37

Buried in Joseph’s tomb. -  Mt. 27:57-61;  Mk. 15:42-47;  Lk. 23:50-56a;  Jn. 19:31-42

SATURDAY

Pilate seals the tomb and appoints a guard.  Sabbath rest. -  Mt. 27:62-66;  Lk. 23:56b

SUNDAY

Rises from the dead and appears to Mary Magdalene (still dark). - Mt. 28:1-10; Mk. 16:1-8;  Jn. 20:1-18

Appears to the women. - Mk. 16:9-11; Lk. 24:1-12

Appears to Peter. - Lk. 24:34;  I Cor. 15:5

Soldiers bribed to lie. - Mt. 28:11-15

Appears to the Emmaus disciples. -  Mk. 16:12,13;  Lk. 24:13-32

Appears to the disciples w/o Thomas. - Mk. 16:14-18;  Lk. 24:33-49;  Jn. 20:19-25; I Cor. 15:5

Appears to the disciples with Thomas. - Jn. 20:26-29



Worship

On Tuesday and Thursday of every week the members of the Christian Life Program gather in the Multipurpose room of the CLC and spend time in worship to our Lord and God.  It is a very simple meeting with some singing and praying, yet it has become a highlight of the men’s activities.  At 7 a.m. after some coffee and breakfast they simply gather throughout the 50 x 80 foot room, some at tables, some standing, some sitting, and we worship God in songs of praise and thanksgiving.  With the words projected on a screen with an overhead projector and a CD of the song, we bless God and we pray.  We pray for each other and for this world which desperately needs Him.  It is a blessed event.

As a Mission staff member I am blown away with the hunger to worship the men have.  They leave the room singing the songs.  They come to me asking for copies of the words.  Today a new man on the program, Derek, at the end asked to say something and turned to the group of 60 or so men and said how he has been in many churches with sometimes hundreds of people and has never heard men sing with such heart and soul. 

This has been our dream for some time, to begin days looking at and to God as a hungry people.  Honoring God as our God with thanksgivings for His willing suffering, death, burial, resurrection and then sending us His Spirit.  What a privilege and joy to be with these men worshipping God. 

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

A Special Thank You for Mission: Christmas 2012

As another Christmas Distribution Day wound down on Monday December 24th, I was reflecting on all the work that went into making that day so successful.  It took months of careful planning, diligent scheduling, daily execution of the plans, and of course all of the volunteers who gave their time to help qualify each of the families, those who helped them shop in our store, and those who wrapped the many gifts that more donors were now delivering. 

As I looked over a mountain of paperwork sitting on one of our tables, I saw a nicely decorated envelope with a bow on top. I asked if anyone knew what it was, and a volunteer told me one of our volunteer deliverers had brought it back from a family they delivered to. I was somewhat surprised to find that envelope addressed to us. So I just had to open it and see what this might be about.   Inside was a beautiful Christmas card, which read, "Thanks so much for all you do each year for me and my family. We really love you guys!   We wish you all the best." 

I began to share the note with those that were here helping wrap things up.  A longtime volunteer remarked he couldn't ever remember a family sending such a card.  What an encouragement to know the impact that the Mission has made on that family! I couldn't resist the opportunity to share this with others and especially those who have had a hand in helping this Christmas.

So to all those who donated this Christmas - thank you for your support of the Mission and efforts to minister to those in the community; And to all those who volunteered their time and efforts - thank you for your part in helping make a successful ‘Mission: Christmas 2012’ and being a blessing to so many families like this one this Christmas.   

(From Scott Wilson, Seasonal Projects Administrator at City Union Mission)

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)