Growing a Brighter Tomorrow

Here at UGM, we are so blessed to have such incredible, generous partners, like our friends at Hansen’s Green Bluff Orchard! Having a heart for those in need, they work locally with different ministries, one of which is UGM.

Karen Hansen places a Christmas tree in the farm’s store, near the register, where people can clip their cash onto the tree. At the end of the Christmas season, she takes the money from the tree to bring to UGM. Karen’s family has always been aware of UGM and the need for the ministry. “In fact, my own father came here as a hobo from Chicago about at least 85 years ago.” She and her sister were even members of the UGM Women’s Auxiliary Board. She was very connected, writing thank-you letters to donors, helping to coordinate music for chapel services, and her sister, Bev, volunteered at Anna Ogden Hall (Women’s Recovery Spokane).

“People love Union Gospel Mission and are familiar with the ministry there.”

“Every time we’d go to the commencement ceremonies, and hear those stories…that’s what really kept me connected and thinking, ‘Wow, not only are they rescuing people, but they’re putting them back into a program so they can have a chance to get a life back.’ You hear those stories and think, ‘How could you ever pull yourself out of that?’ You really see it’s the work of the Lord that is taking them beyond and through and helping them become overcomers.”

Karen says she enjoys attending our events and hearing stories of transformation. “It’s just really inspiring. I love hearing them talk about how you can know the Lord in your heart and have lasting change. No one does it on their own. It’s the Lord. And at UGM, they invest in the people with classes and all of that.” Karen and her family have a deep passion for the homeless and others, and her farm supports several missional efforts in the community. She says the farm will continue to support UGM.

“We will keep doing this for the foreseeable future…it’s so interesting to see people come in and they are familiar with the mission. You’ve been around for a long time, and people have heard of the work…One of my very good friends went through the program in Coeur d’Alene, and it’s a great work. There’s nobody to praise but the Lord for it. There’s a lot of volunteers there, and it takes a lot of people with the heart to do those things—to relate, to understand, to have empathy, and to help the residents see there is more to life.”

She wants to share a message of encouragement to those in homelessness or addiction:

“Don’t give up, stay with it. There will be a brighter tomorrow.

I know it sounds so trite, and you hear that, but really, it’s true! Take the hand of the Lord and let Him lead you through. With the world and all that’s going on, we tend to get so discouraged. Look beyond that and know God is in control."

To the community, she offers a charge of compassion: “There are so many things that are crying for our resources, but there is no better place to give to than somewhere that lifts someone up and gives them a chance for a better life. You aren’t doing it for a reward, but there is a reward internally in you. A lot of people are hurting and homeless, so be alert for opportunities to step in and give what you can. It only takes a little bit to make a difference.”

Like a Christmas tree farm, a mission like ours is not an easy task, nor one that can be done solo. It takes a family to come together with a shared purpose and heart to grow something beautiful. We are so grateful for our community and partners like Karen, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in our community, for helping us in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Want to partner with us in paving a pathway out of homelessness and addiction?