Shortly after moving to the Spokane Valley a year ago, Ken Carpenter, a retired pastor, visited the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store. Noting the store’s name, he said to the cashier, “What’s the ‘gospel’ got to do with this store?” The cashier explained UGM’s purpose statement, and Ken’s interest was piqued.
A short while later, Ken attended UGM’s volunteer orientation and began doing pastoral counseling with guests in the UGM Men’s Shelter. As he shared the gospel with men and they committed their lives to Christ, Ken wanted to ensure they were being discipled, so he started a regular new believers’ Bible study.
“Two things really light my fire: to be used of the Lord in a humble way to reach people for Christ and to see believers grow in the Christian life,” Ken said. Ken has found the opportunity for both at the Mission.
Ken is Dean Lynch’s mentor. Through spending time together – fishing, church, men’s group – natural discipleship takes place. As a relatively new believer, Dean benefits from Ken’s lengthy years of studying the Word and walking with God through both joys and trials.
And if all that is not enough, Ken has also organized a monthly prayer time for people committed to the ministry who want to pray with specificity for its needs.
If you’d like to pray for UGM, join Ken on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 a.m. in the UGM board room, 1224 E Trent Ave. Please call ahead for possible schedule changes, 509.535.8510.
2 min read
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director: September 12, 2024
What Camp Sponsorships Provide This summer, friends like you helped provide a safe, loving environment for underprivileged children in our community....
3 min read
Jeremy Stevens, LC Valley Shelter Director: August 29, 2024
Returning to Our Roots After 11 years away from our hometown of Lewiston, my wife (Bonnie), our two sons, and I have returned. Over the past decade,...
3 min read
Playing fun games. Cooling off in the water. Making crafts. Trying something new. Forming friendships. Oh, summer camp. As many people look back on...
As Mental Awareness month comes to an end this May, we'd like to share about the recent UGM Connect in Coeur d’Alene. We're grateful for the...
Union Gospel Mission : December 1, 2013
Holly Simons, a psychiatric nurse, worked in the prison system for 10 years and first visited UGM while researching safe places for an inmate to go...
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : July 16, 2020
Mike is moving into the role of Director of Men’s Recovery as Jerry Reese retires.
James Bishop