Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager
4 min read
LC Valley Church Partner: Shann Profitt
Currently, a safe, clean-and-sober shelter does not exist in the LC Valley area, but UGM’s new shelter will provide a pathway out of homelessness for...
“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.
4 min read
The Father I Found: Pat’s Story of Redemption
At eight years old, Pat’s mom would share a beer with him. “Instantly, I was addicted.” At thirteen, drug and alcohol abuse became a constant. “My...
5 min read
A Lifetime of Service and Beyond
Vern Scoggin, UGM's longest-serving board member, has overseen remarkable growth and change for over half of UGM's existence. Joining in 1985, he was...
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.
Decades of Faithfulness: A heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : February 1, 2023
While 2022 was a year of exciting new partnerships and profound love and sacrifice in our community, I sit at my desk this New Year and marvel at the
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...