The Gospel Changes Things (and People)

At UGM, we believe that the gospel has power to transform lives. Conformity to a set of rules alone doesn’t work. Real change happens from the inside out and nothing can move humanity the way the gospel can.

For the men and women at the Mission, having a relationship with Christ completely changes their recovery. Residents realize it and staff witness it.

In the stories below, we focus on the transformational quality of the gospel and some of the individuals whose recovery was affected by newfound faith. (Click on the title for fuller version of the story.)

“What Is a ‘Grace-Based’ Environment?” Is grace really just letting people off the hook when they have done something wrong? Many have this misconception of grace, but UGM Counselor John Dunne argues that being grace-based is actually just the opposite – holding people accountable for their wrongdoings and pointing them to Christ who has the power to help do what we cannot do on our own.

Lose the Label: Tweaker Self-described as “the tweaker of tweakers,” Jeff LeBlanc ended up in jail where he had an encounter with God, who asked him to leave behind his current lifestyle and instead, follow Jesus. When he got out of jail, Jeff came to the Mission to learn how to live as a new creation in Christ. “I wouldn’t have recovery without Christ. I couldn’t do any of this without Him. I have to rely on Him every day. I’m powerless over the drug, and I’m powerless over everything.”

An Hour Carved out from Eternity

Guests at UGM are required to attend chapel each night. Chaplain Ron Molina organizes chapel providers, as well as comes alongside individuals at the Men’s Shelter to offer them spiritual support. In this interview, Ron opens up about his family, how he arrived at UGM and his chaplain position.

Lose the Label: Ashamed Ann Williams was a childhood victim of abuse, and she carried the burden of believing the violence was her own fault. She went through life living in shame, until it escalated into smoking pot and homelessness. When she entered Women’s Recovery at Anna Ogden Hall she discovered the power of forgiveness – God’s forgiveness toward her and her forgiveness of others.

The message of the gospel is truth and grace and when individuals, like Jeff and Ann, experience it, their lives naturally begin to look different.

We’re grateful for such a powerful message and the privilege to share it with those coming through the doors of our shelters.

Provide men, women, and children with food, shelter...and the opportunity to hear the good news of the gospel.