Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager
3 min read
Brave Enough to Take that First Step
What would you say to someone living on the streets or deep in addiction? Finding the right words can be tough unless you’ve been there. For the past...
“We tell people we’re not here to perform; we’re here to worship,” says His Song president Joel DeVries. His Song is a men’s gospel singing group that was established in 1997 with the simple goal of blessing the community. The group of 12 singers got their start by singing at retirement communities and private events, but in early 2000, they decided to share their gift of song at the UGM Men’s Shelter. That was 22 years ago, and they haven’t stopped yet. 
Today, His Song shows up at the Mission every first Wednesday of every month. They lead through testimonies, a full half hour of singing in which residents are encouraged to join in, and a time of open prayer.
“It’s been a really mutually beneficial relationship,” says Joel, speaking of the residents. “We are blessed by them. They’re willing to say they’ve been at the bottom and they’re working their way back up. They will share things about having not been with their kids for two or three years, or a mom sick with cancer, or a wife they haven’t seen.” Joel says that over the years, many men have come back to them and reminded them of a time they prayed together. “And it’s, ‘This issue is resolved’ or ‘I experienced healing.’ We get to be witnesses to answered prayer. And they pray for us, too.” Joel tells stories of countless times when residents have asked how they can join members of His Song is prayer over their lives as well. 
The consistency practiced by these dedicated men has cultivated a deep sense of trust and community at the Mission. Residents are able to see the same faces regularly and participate in relationships with healthy men who care about the details of their lives. Joel says that every member of His Song has expressed how richly their lives have been blessed by the men at the Mission. “Really, we are touched by the ability to be ministered to by them.”
“Really, we are touched by the ability to be ministered to by them.”
Volunteering is an act of sacrifice and service, but more often than not, we hear from our volunteers that their lives have been blessed beyond any expectation by the people they came to serve.
If you’d like to start making a difference in your community through volunteering at the Mission, register for an orientation today.
6 min read
Fall at the Mission: A caring community in action
Jessica Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications: September 25, 2024
This season is special. And at UGM, it’s more than the smell of new school supplies, pumpkin spice in our mugs, cozy sweaters, and Washington apples....
2 min read
Wrapping Up 2024 UGM Camp: A summer of touched hearts
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....
Feeding Hungry Souls
Union Gospel Mission : March 15, 2022
Meet Nick Damascus and Pastor Eric Blauer, UGM chapel providers who offer the love and healing of Jesus to wounded souls.
Healing Homeless Men through Relationship
Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer : February 16, 2017
When Joe Marsh came in for a job interview, it was his first time inside the Union Gospel Mission. Looking across the common area, the Men’s Shelter...
An hour carved out from eternity: UGM Chaplain Ron Molina
Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer : April 8, 2016
If you’re a guest at UGM’s men’s shelter, you go to chapel every night. If you’re not, you may not even know there is a chapel service at the shelter...