The Mission

As mentioned in our earlier post, our middle school youth group will be going on a mission trip next month. We wanted to take this opportunity to give you some information about the mission we will be working with--Union Gospel Mission in Salem, OR. Since 1953, UGM has been serving the homeless and needy in Salem in the name of Christ. Its ministries include providing meals to those in need, daily chapel services, ministry and job training, a mission store, a dental clinic, and other services. The organization's mission statement is, "Union Gospel Mission, a Christ-centered ministry demonstrating God's love by meeting physical, mental, and spiritual needs of men, women, and children in crisis. Proclaiming the gospel of Christ in word and deed."

While we are on our trip, we will primarily be helping with some physical labor projects, such as painting. We are hoping that these projects will be a blessing to the mission and will allow those who work there to be more focused and effective as they minister to those in the community. We are excited to see how God uses us and our resources to aid in his larger work among those in Salem. Check out UGM's website to find out more about this incredible ministry.

With that, we'd like to share a few more pieces by our students and volunteers about why they are going on the trip and what they are looking forward to. We'll keep putting these up in our next several posts, so be sure to keep checking in for updates!

"I decided to go on this trip because it sounds like a fun opportunity to be closer to God, while having fun. I look forward to volunteering my time to help others, and getting to know God even better. I also want to make fun memories that will stay with me for a long time."
-Kacey

"I want to use this as an opportunity to grow closer with the students in the youth group and to serve beside them."
-Angie

"On this mission trip I hope to grow closer to God. I also hope to spend time in fellowship with God and friends. I wish to serve and help people. I wish to enjoy life and be able to help other people enjoy their lives."
-Sean

"I'm going to spread the Word of God. I'm excited about working hard."
-Sarah

"I hope to grow closer to God and help middle schoolers grow in their relationship with him. Help people in need and ultimately have a fun time in the process."
-Brett

"I want to go on this mission trip for many reasons. My main reason is to serve God. When I went two years ago, I got closer to God. My eyes were opened about the real world. I want to get closer to God again. I want to see how God is working through homeless men and women. I hope to learn from them and for them to learn from me. I want to represent God and my church and show how God is working through me! I want to serve God for sure!"
-Jordan