Summer 2022 Newsletter
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by
URM
The Mission Continues
When the term “Mission Field” is discussed in circles of faith, most associate this term geographically with foreign countries, envisioning traveling over seas to a different continent in order to provide necessities to those in need, all while delivering the Gospel message. In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ tasks His disciples, as well as all those who would follow Him in the future, to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The term nations leads one to feel the need to travel to a different nation in order to complete this call. The mission field is truly wherever God has placed you or called you to go in order to complete the mission of sharing the Gospel. By definition, the URM, though local to most readers, is the mission field.
Any who have experience within the international mission field can attest that most missionary assignments are not long term. The mission field is spiritually, physically and emotionally taxing. With that comes a shortened tenure and often a regular turnover of staff at missionary sites. The Union Rescue Mission is no stranger to this shifting. Within the previous year, the entire staff of the Union Rescue Mission has been filled with new faces. With the exception of Pastor David and his wife, Andrea, the Lord has moved new people in, and previous people onto other ministerial assignments, both of which are considered blessings.
Chaplain Paul Demers had come on staff as the initial Male Case Manager on April 1, 2019. Paul had faithfully served on the Board of Directors for the URM since 2017 until God called him to take a new role as URM staff. He faithfully served as Case Manager, helping countless men obtain vital documents necessary for employment and housing, secure stable employment, as well as secure stable housing. Paul’s heart and knowledge of scripture was reflected in his teaching of the Word during his weekly bible study classes with the male residents of the Mission, and his faithful daily serving of meals, ministering to and praying for the lost and broken. God chose to move Paul to a new position in May of this year, placing him as the Congregational Care Chaplain at Central Assembly of God.
Aaron Mohler came on staff of the URM in September 2020, in the midst of the COVID pandemic. His role as Outreach Coordinator for the URM helped to bring light and assistance to those who addictions rendered residency status with URM almost impossible. He played an integral part in not only pursuing those in the community who were blinded by their dependence on chemical substances, but also building bridges for those people to walk into a path of sobriety through addiction treatment centers, inpatient rehabs, and even through the URM’s Axis House. His own story of overcoming addiction accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit allowed Aaron to be an effective minister of the Gospel to some of the most difficult of cases encountered by the Mission. Early 2022, Aaron was offered Assistant Pastor of his local church, Calvary Chapel, and has since transitioned into his new role full time, equipping those of his congregation to continue the call of reaching the lost and truly broken.
Though the loss of these two men is felt by the URM team, God had equipped and called two individuals to fill these positions, bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to the roles. The Summer Visitor of 2021 outlined the testimony and baptism of a gentleman named Joshua Ault. After checking into the Union Rescue Mission as a resident, the Lord began to move, drawing Josh to a place of surrender and salvation. Josh had been working faithfully in the position of Residential Manager for the past year, caring and providing for men who reside in the URM. His personal homeless experiences coupled with those he had encountered during his time as manager had equipped Josh to seamlessly step into the Male Case Management position. Josh’s impeccable work ethic and heart for the hurting are a perfect fit in the URM office.
Jason Carver first volunteered at the URM many years ago with his church, assisting with the cleaning up after Christmas Box delivery and then transitioning the chapel to be prepared for the evening Christmas Party. Years later, Jason requested the URM be the site for his internship hours as he completed his schooling for his Masters of Divinity. This placed him in the office amongst staff in the early months of 2022. As the above transitions left open spaces, God made it clear to both parties that Jason both had the heart and the call to minister to the lost and broken who daily come to the Mission. Jason is drawn to those whose life choices and addictions make it nearly impossible to check in and maintain residency at the URM, yet are still desperately in need of not only physical items, but of relationships that hopefully will guide them toward Christ. Jason has taken this call very seriously, making outreach into the homeless community one of his main priorities. This, along with his desire to teach the Word to all served at the Mission, has confirmed his calling here and has brought a new level to the outreach taking place from the URM.
With the addition of these two gentleman, along with Lily Eby as Female Case Management and Meg Mohler as Administrative Assistant, the office staff has made a complete turn over. The overarching goals, however, of the URM have not changed. The Union Rescue Mission has been serving those in the most desperate of circumstances since its establishment in 1963. The true mission of the URM is to not only meet the basic physical needs of those served, but to most importantly create opportunities and an environment where those who are lost have the ability to hear and accept the salvation that is given through Christ. The providing of food, shelter, clothing and the like pale in comparison to the importance of providing the Gospel message and hope for true transformation. Please pray for those who have been called into new ministries as they continue to impact our community for the Lord. We are excited for what God is doing at the Mission and request you keep our team in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward with new members and fresh hearts, pursing the furthering of the Gospel throughout our area.
From the Pastor
Last month, a mailing was sent outlining the struggles we have been having in procuring a property for the future site of the Union Rescue Mission. The response has been humbling. Multiple individuals have sent letters with words of encouragement and prayers for God to meet the needs of those we serve at the URM. Others have made contacts with city officials in hopes of eliciting support for our property search. These prayers and connections have not gone unnoticed.
As a result of this support, staff at the URM has been made aware of potential properties that had not been discussed over the past few years of planning. Though we are in beginning stages, plans seem to be developing that would ensure continued ministry from the URM. We are extremely grateful for your unwavering support, and pray that in newsletters to come, we can announce approved plans for the Union Rescue Mission’s physical location and continued service. Thank you so much for your love, support and prayers during this time!
Save the Date!
Hike for the Homeless 2022: Historically, the fall brings the annual Night of Promise, an evening set apart to fellowship, enjoy dinner, and celebrate the success stories of God’s faithfulness seen in the lives of residents of the URM. The past two years have brought a shift in the gathering of individuals indoors in response to COVID, and had ultimately lead to the cancelling of both the 2020 and 2021 Night of Promise. In response to the change in gathering climate, and in an attempt to respect both those who wish to gather as well as those who are hesitant to do so, the Union Rescue Mission has shifted gears for 2022. This fall will mark our First Annual Hike for the Homeless.
First Annual URM Hike for the Homeless
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Rocky Gap State Park
This event, though new to us, we pray will be a welcomed change from the Night of Promise. The URM is partnering with WheelzUp Adventures of Cumberland who will be providing guided hike opportunities at Rocky Gap State Park, as well as the ability to commit to a hike virtually, to gather financial support for the Mission. We hope to encourage people of all ages and groups of all sizes to participate in taking to the trails to bring awareness to the URM. The vast majority of homeless individuals spend most of their time moving on foot from place to place. With no place to call home, many are continuously walking, hoping to find rest as they go. This fundraising opportunity will hopefully bring awareness to the plight of those who seem to be in constant motion, as well as provide and encourage a time of outdoor gathering and activity for you and your family.
The basic concept will include a fee for participation with participants receiving a t-shirt the day of the hike. Hiking will be organized and encouraged the day of the event, however is completely acceptable to complete on your own time, on a trail of your choosing as well. A central meeting area at Rocky Gap State Park will be announced, where testimonies of those who have resided at the URM will be presented. There will also be a designated time of food and fellowship for all those who come to enjoy the day with us!
As in years past, there will be an opportunity to become a corporate sponsor for this event, with sponsorship names being placed on the event’s t-shirt. A mailing will be sent August 1st with more detailed information on sponsorship as well as in regards to registration for the event. Our prayer is that God will be glorified and celebrated for His faithfulness that we are blessed to witness everyday. We are extremely excited to share what the Lord has been doing at the Mission with those who give to, pray for, serve at, or just take interest in the URM. Please join us in prayer for God’s guidance and provision for this new, upcoming event, and don’t forget to mark your calendars to come hike with us!
