Moving Beyond Routine Responses

A development we have come to deal with in ministering to the homeless men of the KC metro area is that they do not normally, habitually take responsibility to change their lives.  They, like all humans, develop “comfort zones” even if it is by all appearances uncomfortable to others.  We have undertaken processes to help them see the opportunities for a new life that is in front of them.  When men come to the emergency shelter and remain just as guests for a long period of time (years) we call upon an “intervention team” to meet with the man to discuss his future.  Options are presented as we prayfully look with them for a future to their lives.  Of course we are first interested in their spiritual lives, a real, living relationship with Jesus, but then we help them see other options for living outside the walls of the Mission. 

In our long-term program men again get stuck in a “comfort zone” not making progress as the program is designed, or they begin to go backwards.  We then meet with them using a 2-page questionnaire called the 'Opportunity For Change'.  It deals with the choices and behaviors that the man has been making and living and guides them to see the options available to them.

Both of these techniques can help move the men forward in their lives.  Now you have another inside look into the Men’s Ministry at City Union Mission.

(Written by Gary Mountz, Director of Men's Ministries)

An Evening Star - One Client's Perspective from the 'Stable'

"Today is December 23^rd, 2011. For some, it’s just another day; for others it’s a very special time, just two days before we celebrate the birth of Christ. 

Celebrations are taking place all over the world, but I personally felt something like never before. This year, I played the part of Mary in the Mission’s Live Nativity scene. On my second night in the ‘stable’ I was sitting on a bale of hay, holding the baby Jesus and waving at passing cars. The sunset was leaving glorious hues of color across the sky, from dark blue, purple, light purple to a rose color. I had looked away just long enough to wave at a passing car, and when I looked back, the evening star was shining brightly against the brilliant colors!  The bright star had not been visible before.

For a moment in time, I felt transported back to that first Christmas night as I stared in wonder at the appearance of the star. That must have been what it was like for the shepherds. Instead of being afraid or anxious about the star, perhaps they too felt an inner peace as I did. It was as if I was present at that very first Christmas, holding the baby Jesus. 

Just as fast as the feeling came, it left, but the impact of that moment remained with me. The men who were participating in the Live Nativity with me were unaware of what had just taken place. One of them asked me if I was okay. Did I need anything? Was I warm enough? I said that I was fine. I had everything I needed and wanted right there in my arms.

Even though it was just a split-second happening, I will remember that feeling for the rest of my life… until my Father calls me home. If there ever is a chance for me to play Mary again, I will do so willingly, happily, and wholeheartedly."

(Lea Ann is a participant in our New Life Program)

Christmas Volunteering

 Community Assistance Christmas Interviewing  

As we approach the end of the Christmas interviewing process, Lydia Allen, the Community Assistance Administrator, reports that we have interviewed more than 496 clients!  In November, there were 72 salvations and so far in December there have been 29 salvations.  November is looking like it will have been the second busiest month of the year.  

 Current High Priority Volunteer Opportunities  

Presently, several of our Administrative staff are seeking qualified volunteers to assist them with multiple ministry duties. The volunteer positions available are as follows: 

• Christian Life Program Admin Assistant
• Facilities Director Executive Assistant
• High Impact Volunteer Admin Assistant

Please contact James Smith at (816) 329-1469 or email him at james.smith@cityunionmission.org if you would like more information regarding one of the above listed positions. An interested applicant may also apply online at http://www.cityunionmission.org/, then go to the Volunteer Center and complete the High Impact Application.

News From The Farm

Ben, a 2010 CLP graduate, was invited to share his testimony with the participants of 'Drug Court', a court sanctioned drug rehabilitation program in Harrisonville, MO.  He was encouraged to have the opportunity to report how his thinking, his actions and his entire life has been transformed by participating in the Mission’s Christian Life Program.  He was presented with many questions and was excited to see how the Lord gave him the ability to answer each one with clarity because of the journey he has been on.  Ben was never the type of individual to speak in such a public venue, so this was very exciting news for our staff to hear! 

'I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth.'
      –Philippians 1:20

Camp CUMCITO Relationship Building Continues through the Winter

The ladies that volunteered as Teen Girls camp staff have committed to stay involved in the lives of these young women.  They interact with them on Facebook and set-up events such as sleep-overs, concerts, Bible studies and other fun activities to be able to stay in touch and touch their lives. 

The new involvement of teen girls has prompted a group of the Teen Boys’ staff to invite the teen boys to camp for a ‘Winter Retreat’ in December.  They plan to stay in the cabins (with warm clothes and sleeping bags) and roast food over camp fires, and participate in archery and riflery.  There are 13 willing staff members currently signed up.  Invitations were sent to all the teen boys last week and 3 have already sent in their registration forms.  Please pray for this new form of outreach, that these dedicated men will impact the lives of these young men.

Plans are under way for the annual Camp Christmas Party, to be held December 3rd.  We will mail out invitations to all our 2011 campers for them and their families.  We usually have about 80-100 campers and family members come by for food, games, crafts and a puppet show.

Harrisonville Christian School Partners with City Union Mission

The Harrisonville Christian School held their annual Pumpkin Bread Sale and annual Food Drive recently and chose that these events would benefit the Mission!

The kids present Dennis Ellis, Church Relations Specialist for City Union Mission, with a check for $235 and a 'trunkload' of food for the Mission.

Thank you for your BIG HEARTS for helping us to take care of "God's Human Sparrows."

Christmas Volunteering at the Mission

We are gearing up for Mission: Christmas and have many volunteer opportunities!  Most positions are during the week between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.

Beginning Monday, November 28, the Christmas store opens and we need volunteers to sort stocking stuffers, to be shopper assistants and to wrap gifts.  On December 22, we will be delivering gifts to the families who have shopped in our Christmas store.

We also are in need of Office Assistants for the Development Department to handle phone calls and emails during ths busy time; and an Admininstrative Assistant for our Family Center, to help with data entry and phone work.

If you are interested in assisting in any of these areas, please register as a 'CORE' volunteer at the Volunteer Center on our website, www.cityunionmission.org.  If you have specific questions, please contact Tammy Sharp at 816-329-1487.

Thank you!