Candi’s compassion for the broken

Why I am involved with this ministry? It is because I truly love the people who walk through the doors of the Union Gospel Mission facilities. My involvement started back in 1991 doing a chapel service with my family. I was drawn to the men and women who gathered at the Mission. We would sit down, share a meal and talk with the folks there; taking time to get to know them. Slowly, walls broke down. We shared the difference Christ made in each of our lives and reminded them they too could have the same relationship. As days turned into weeks, months and then years I personally have seen the difference a relationship with Jesus Christ makes in the lives of the folks who walk through the doors of UGM…differences like:

“I don’t know where I’d be if it were not for the mission and my relationship with Jesus.”

“Thanks for loving me the way I am.”

“I got my GED!”

“I talked to my kids.”

“I’ve been reunited with my family.”

“I got a job.”

“I found a place to live.”

“I’ve been clean for….”

Lives changed; that’s why I am here.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Dan’s heart to show the love of Christ

For years, I drove through downtown Salem pretending that I didn’t see the men and women on the sidewalks and streets; they weren’t my problem. One day, I caught myself deliberately looking away from them and was immediately and deeply ashamed of myself. God has loved me so deeply and I wasn’t even regarding these men, much less loving them as God has loved me. I’ve been redeemed and God has told me that it is now time, each day from hereon, because I’m forgiven and given grace, to put all of my gifts to use in loving these men. Jesus loves them – through me. I cannot describe the unfathomable joy that Christ lives in them and in grower closer to Christ every day. A loving and real and active relationship with Jesus and with others is everything. I’m blessed at UGM and eternally thankful that He has found me worthy to serve and to give my life for others.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – “Be on guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”

My wife, Becky, and I began volunteering at UGM, here in Salem, almost 25 years ago and we have been blessed to be a part of the work of the Mission ever since. UGM in Salem is a place where redemption and hope through the message and work of Christ is available to all. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:31-46 that when we give to those in need and help those who are in difficult situations, we are in a very real way directly serving Him. That is why I feel so privileged to be a part of a team of compassionate individuals who care about the spiritual and physical needs of others within our community.

Jim’s hope to help those in need

I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Salem Union Gospel, following in the footsteps of my devout father-in-law who served for many years on the Board. My motivation, as an active, committed & practicing Christian, & manifestly imperfect person, is found in the Biblical New Testament Book of James, chapter 2, verses 14-17 (“What good is it, my brothers & sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes & daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm & well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”). Assisting the homeless, the unemployed, the under resourced & the ill is important in so many ways, causing me & my family to support the UGM with our resources of prayer, time and money

Mike’s bio coming soon!

Jason’s reason to help people break free

Driving through Salem, I would often see people standing at intersections asking for help.  One day I realized here I am with a roof over my head and I have never gone without a meal.  Why am I not allowing God to use me to reach these people?  The Bible is very clear that God has a heart for the poor and those who need a second chance.  Here I am, professing to be a believer in Jesus Christ, yet I drive by these people too busy with whatever I am working on at the moment to stop and lend a hand.  This was not how I wanted my children to see me interact with those in need.  About this time I met Lee Klampe who at the time, was chairman of the board for the UGM.  Lee encouraged me to consider serving on the board with him.  After visiting my first board meeting, I was impressed with how much the board members cared for the homeless in Salem.  These people really put their faith into action.  Then after attending the first graduation for those going through the New Life Fellowship program, it all came together for me.  This is what this is all about, to give God a chance to make a transformation in the lives of people.  To witness this transformation is truly a miracle and brings a joy to the heart that can only come from serving the King.

Lee’s long-term service to the homeless

Lee has served on the Board of Union Gospel Mission of Salem for 26 years, as Chairman of the board for 22 years and continues to bless the Mission through his vision and leadership.  Lee is a real estate broker at Berkshire Hathaway, representing a well-established and active business, farming, and commercial constituency in the region.

Bryce’s love toward neighbors in need

The Union Gospel Mission has always had a soft spot in my heart. In Elementary School I lead a “penny drive” to collect funds for the Men’s Shelter. I’ll never forget dropping off the penny’s and getting a tour of the shelter. Today, nothing has changed. I love the mission behind UGM and I’m humbled to be a part of an organization that’s transforming lives through the power of Jesus Christ.

Eugene’s desire to give hope

One Sunday, during a pastor’s message about love, I was convicted to my core. The pastor said that many Christians literally look the other way and ignore the person sleeping on the street or asking for money on the corner. I was one of those Christians. I now go out of my way to see these loved people. I believe that the same love God has so freely lavished on me is available for all. The UGM, at its core, is about illuminating the hope and love found in Christ for men and women who are in need hope and love. I am humbled and thankful to serve on the board of an organization so abundantly offering transformative help to those experiencing homelessness through the grace of Jesus.