“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16a)
Here at the Mission, we teach the gospel unapologetically. Why? Because real change can only come from the heart. You wouldn’t go to a chiropractor for surgery, a dentist to set a broken bone, or an optometrist for help with a nutritional deficiency. In the same way, we ought not to merely provide food and rest to a person whose most critical need is a saving relationship with God.
The gospel is the power God uses to draw people to Himself—to forgive, to heal, and to restore them from the inside out. It is why Jesus came: to seek and save the lost. And it is what Jesus told us to be about as He concluded His earthly ministry. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
What I love most about Ken’s story is how it illustrates the power of Christ at work through believers. Initially, Ken was not open to the gospel. He had stopped praying as a teenager and carried a grudge against God for allowing abuse in his life. With gentleness and understanding, Christian staff, volunteers, and other residents welcomed Ken into the safe, healing community at the Mission. When he did finally reach out again in prayer, the Lord answered him through people he’d learned to trust. He heard that he was worth the time and energy it would take for him to find true freedom and peace. He started to believe he was worth something to God and that he was loved.
The power of God at work in us is an unparalleled gift—for our good, for God’s glory, and for the good of those we minister to. As every year passes, I am increasingly grateful to work amongst an army of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. Thank you for reflecting the character of Christ every day through your faithfulness to our guests.
Find Ken's story and all articles from the March 2023 Mission News below.
2 min read
In the 1980s, I was part of Campus Crusade, a ministry working with students—future leaders—on a college campus, believing they'd make an impact on...
7 min read
In our previous newsletter, we reflected on the Mission’s early years—those initial twenty-five years driven by courageous women and men who launched...
5 min read
Happy Mother's Day! Union Gospel Mission of the Inland Northwest has been providing services to women and their children since opening Anna Ogden...
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : March 27, 2024
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Ephesians 2:10 Friends, I don’t know if your garage or shop looks like mine,...
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : December 7, 2022
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13) For the past ten years, I’ve been teaching the UGM women’s Bible study. I...
1 min read
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : November 13, 2019
Here at UGM, we talk a lot about the reverberations that go out from one changed life. A mother who becomes the parent her children need affects...
