The Union Gospel Mission

08/17/2026

I seem to be in a lot more "meetings" lately. In and of itself, that is neither good nor bad... just reality.

Some meetings I am in to benefit our organization, some meetings I'm in because I'm helping others; this morning I had a meeting mostly just for me.

This morning I had breakfast with my friend, Brandon. Brandon is not only my friend, he is a former client of The Union Gospel Mission-Chattanooga Outreach.

Why do I say this meeting was mostly just for me? Because sometimes I need to be reminded of the Goodness of God. Sometimes I need to be reminded that God can and will change people. Sometimes I need to be reminded that the meetings, the paperwork, the worry, the stress... **and the work are worth it!**

As I'm reminded, I can remind others that the prayers, the support, the donations, and all the rest are still worth it! It may not be easy... but it's worth it!

The great thing is... I can give you a list of names just like Brandon... and some of those on that list will see this post; and I could say the exact same of each of them!

I need to be reminded that if Brandon was our only client, **it would still have been worth it!**

This is what "Meeting Needs, Making Change, and Magnifying Christ!" looks like.

Thank you, bud! Stay strong, my brother! I love you, dude!

08/16/2026

08/08/2026

Several years ago a good friend and donor gave us a 2009 Toyota Avalon. After many years of faithful service and reaching over 430,000 miles, it finally had to be replaced.

We were able to find a good deal on this 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. We are so grateful for God's provision in all the ways we are striving to impact lives for Him!

07/26/2026

The information I'm about to share with you may not seem like world-changing news... but it is news that points to the fact that someone's world has changed.

We currently have at least three former clients who are now financially supporting the work of the Union Gospel Mission.

Yes, we're thankful for every financial gift that God provides. Every dollar helps us continue the work He's called us to do. But this is about so much more than a donation.

These are men who once lived here for months—and in some cases, years. They've seen us at our best and at our worst. They've seen the victories and the disappointments. They know what happens behind the scenes. Yet today, they have enough confidence in this ministry to invest their own hard-earned money so that someone else can have the same opportunity they were given.

As I thought about that this morning, I couldn't help but think of the Apostle John's words:

> *"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."* — 3 John 1:4

John wasn't talking about financial gifts. He was talking about the joy of seeing people continue to follow Christ.

That's why these gifts mean so much to us.

To see men who once needed help now working, providing, growing, serving, and giving back isn't just encouraging—it is a reminder that God is still changing lives.

The donations are appreciated, but the transformed lives are the real gift.

To each of these men, thank you. Your generosity is a blessing, but your continued walk with the Lord is an even greater encouragement.

And to God alone be the glory.

07/21/2026

For the last 10 months I've had the honor of working together with 11 local organizations that provide a similar service that Union Gospel Mission does. That means they help people with life controlling issues find their way back into productive society.

In conjunction with Mission Increase-Chattanooga we completed our 10 month "cohort" and had the opportunity to share our work! This was an eye opening and impactful coming together!