Restoring hope...Transforming lives since 1995AUGUST 2015 | Vol. 19 No. 4

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia WA 98501 | OUGM.ORG

Read about Kevin on page 4. He graduated from the program in 2006.

When Mindy began working on the Veg Out project, there was concern that there would not be enough produce. The first week of

distribution the daily donations from local businesses of fruits and vegetables jumped from 8 to 23 boxes. Cody, Director of Street Ministry, said, “When there is a need, God always supplies abundantly.”

Veg Out is helping kids eat healthy! Can you believe that there are children that have never tasted a straw-berry? They are right here in our own community. Throughout the summer, teams of Mission volunteers are distributing fresh vegetables and fruits to young-sters in low-income apartments and trailer courts. Are you interested in helping or donating? Call Mindy, the Veg Out Coordinator, at 360-709-9725 to see how you can help make a difference in these young lives.

Graduate for HireAt the recent Life Transformation Graduation, Kurt Jasperson, one of six graduates, shared about his life of addictions and how the Mission’s program came to his aid. Now in his 50’s, Kurt talked about his journey, which had taken him in many directions including work-ing in construction and landscaping. During his recov-ery stay at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission, he has had the opportunity to use his skills in light construction and lots of weed pulling: jobs Kurt enjoys and is content doing.

Seated in the audience listening to Kurt were the owners of a construction com-pany. Long-time supporters of the Mission, they felt that Kurt might be the right man for a number of construction projects that were coming up. They contacted the Life Transformation Director, Jer-ry Gatton, and he gave them the thumbs up for connecting with Kurt. Just days later, they took Kurt out to the construction proj-ects and even purchased materials for him to start right away.

Thank you to all the donors that have supported the Mission in many ways. If you are in a position to hire graduates coming out of the Mission program, please con-tact Jerry at 360-709-9725. Kurt’s life has completely turned around. As he has sought first the kingdom of God, all these things have been added to his life – he says he is truly a blessed man.

18 Years!

Clara Cypert retired from 18 years of volunteering at the Olympia Union Gospel Mis-sion. She cut the hair of almost everyone that came to the Mis-sion for help and occasionally a staff member! Skip Steffen, Executive Director, presented Clara with the Volunteer Award during a recent Mission event. He told the 300 folks in atten-dance that his fondest memo-ries of Clara were her washing clients’ hair in the mop sink! A mirror was propped up on a table and depending on the height needed, multiple plastic chairs were stacked.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21a

Bless you Clara – we will miss you!

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia| OUGM.

It’s Not About Conforming...It’s about Transforming

Memorials & Honorariums are located online at OUGM.org under the donate tab.

“The short-term women’s shelter is housing some amazing ladies,” shared Barbara Hudson-Justesen, counselor. She has seen the group of women really committ to the pro-gram, and be there to encourage and pray for one anoth-er. One particular lady named Melissa

came into the program not too long ago. A successful massage therapist, she was taking drugs while working until her life started to unravel. She got so bad that Children’s Protective Service came and took her children away.

Melissa sought help from the Mission to get her life back in control, but has learned that it isn’t about conforming, but rather transforming. You can see that spark, that light in her eyes as she has begun seeking Jesus and laying her burdensome life at the foot of His cross.

Family members have commented about how well she is doing; they have gone as far as saying she is the poster child of success for drug court. At this point, Me-lissa has applied to enter the Women’s Life Transformation Program at Genesis Acres. The program will help further Me-lissa’s choice to turn to God for leading and provide a healthy environment for her to raise her children.

If you feel called to help out in the Wom-en’s Life Transformation Program, Jodi Yarbrough, Program Manager, can be reached at 360.754.9351, M-F.

A look at how women on the streets feel about themselves.

There is so much that I would like to tell you, but so little space...

Negations with the City of Olympia for the necessary building permits appear to have been completed and the paperwork submit-ted. They did require us to change the occupancy designation of the Day Center which triggered installation of a fire sup-pression system at $60,000 - not in the budget. BUT because of your support we were able to interest a major foundation in funding the fire suppression system AND purchasing some new dental and vision equipment to enhance patient care! Those of you who donated, your dollars were leveraged al-

most 3:1. God is watching over your investment and so are we!

This summer we have entered uncharted waters. Perhaps, the Holy Spirit is putting the Mission in a position to build relationships

with young children in low income families and prevent some of them from becoming future clients.

When researching the impact of the summer break on low income children’s ability to access

lunches, we discovered children living in “pockets of poverty” in conditions that just break your heart. We also learned that while they may have access to prepack-aged food, they have almost no access to fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, Mindy, the coordinator of the project, encountered a 6-year-old child that had never tasted a strawberry, children that had no idea of how to eat a melon or what it tasted like. That’s the truth, right here in our own city boundaries. Some of your donations this summer are helping us augment the amount of fruit and vegetables being donated to the Mission. Once a week, this allows us to take boxes of produce to six sites where children, some who have even walked over a mile, will wait in line to receive the produce. It’s heartwarming to be able to help – thank you for your support!!!

Summer Happenings!And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia WA 98501 | OUGM.ORG

LIFE IS IN FOCUS

Kenny had tried several times to beat his addiction to meth and heroin but each time he would relapse, often after only a few days. It took him coming to the Mission where he was able to eat and hear the Word of God, before he was able to truly see that there was a different way of life that existed for him. He committed his life to the Lord and started volunteering at the Mission. Kenny said, “I asked Jesus Christ into my heart because my way wasn’t working.”

While volunteering at the Mission, he spent time praying and asking God to help him stay sober. He began to see the blessings of God, and in only 29 days of his sobriety he cheerfully announced that “I got a job interview!” With help from the Mission’s clothing bank, he was able to get ap-propriate attire for his interview.

Kenny did get the job and he attributes everything to the work God is doing in his life. He knows that without Him, he wouldn’t be sober and working today. Kenny continues to come to the Mission for meals and donates time when he is not working. See a short video of Kenny in his interview outfit on our Facebook page!

Joseph’s CoatThe Mission’s clothing bank helped supply Kenny with an inteview outfit.

“Actually seeing and participating was a revelation. So many important services. I was amazed. Congratu-lations! Good job.”

“I was amazed at all the services OUGM pro-vides. I wasn’t aware of the clothing bank or vision services. You do so much in such an unassuming building.”

“The awesome number of meals served each month and the kitchen facilities.”

Go online at OUGM.org or call 360-709-9725 and sign-up for a tour - Tuesdays PM or Thurs-days AM or PM. See for yourself what folks are talking about!

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK...

“Thanks so much for the exam and new glasses, it is great to see things clearly again!” A. Dumyahn

“Thank you so much! I can see again! I’m so excited & words can’t express my gratitude.” M. Berner

“Muchas gracias por su ayuda. Que dios los llene de bendiciones. Para que sigan apollando alas personas.”L. Rodriguez

“Thank you for giving me my sight back.” A. Schneider

“What would we do without you all helping us. Thank you all.”J. Goss

TAKE A MISSION TOUR...

How donors and volunteers are making a difference

His friends asked him, “Are you done now?” Robert had woken up in jail after being on a binge of using meth. Enough was enough and he knew he needed Jesus and hasn’t looked back.

With the years of drug and alcohol abuse, Robert’s body wasn’t going to easily bounce back. He had be-come a diabetic and he knew it was time to take care of himself. He was serious and began working with a dietitian to learn how to practice living a healthy life style.

I met up with Robert at the Mission’s No-Fee Vision Clinic. Although he is working, he doesn’t have private insurance cover-age and the Health Care Reform does not cover eye examinations. He had filled out all the forms and was able to get in to the Clinic’s eye doctor right away. He said he was treated so well and with such respect, “I never felt like I was looked down on. I felt like they were all there for me.” It had been over thirty years, Robert said, since his last eye exam, but now that he is a Mission patient he is seen regularly. He sports, as he describes them, his “Harry Potter” bifocals and enjoys not straining to see. He appreciates all the marvelous details his glasses help to bring in focus.

Robert’s care has been made possible through individ-ual donations to the Mission’s Clinic, the collaboration with local Lion’s Clubs, and the awesome volunteer vision professionals. If you, or a vision doctor you know would like to help, there are currently openings at the Mission.

“I never felt

like I was looked

down on. I felt

like they were all

there for me.”

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia WA 98501 | OUGM.ORG

Where are Life Transformation Graduates Today?Addicted to meth and marijuana, and a life of couch surfing and a stream of bad rela-tionships, Kevin’s life wasn’t one to be envied. His family was desperate to find help, and after some research, they connected with the Olympia Union Gospel Mission about getting Kevin into the Life Transformation Program. It wasn’t immediate, but during his time living at the Jeremiah house he asked Jesus into his life. He began to really commit himself to the Mission Program. He realized he wanted out of his current life. Kevin said, “I didn’t want to change at first. I came to use the Mission to my own advantages, but God got a hold of me.”

Kevin graduated from the Program in 2006 and was employed for years by a local business owner. When the business closed, he sought God’s will and direction and Kevin says, “I got it.” He applied and was accepted into the Bates Technical College in Tacoma for their broadcast and video pro-duction. He has graduated and is now seeking full-time employment in engineering electronics in the broadcast industry.

When asked what he would say to donors who support the Mission’s services and programs , he replied, “It’s more important that I tell them about having a person-al relationship with Jesus – a personal intimate relation-ship with Jesus.” Kevin couldn’t think of anything more important to share with you, and we would all agree! Proud son sees dad graduate!

A Salute toDisney!

They are back with a show that will astound you! A SAlute to DiSney

SAturDAy, october 17, 7pmWAShington center

Our talented dental community are warming up to give you a great evening of entertainment along with guests, including the Jazz Senators, Debbi’s Dance, and our show stop-ping vocalists, Gayla Duerr and Talia Hastie.

Hits from all your favorite Disney musicals will provide you with a bit of nostalgia, but don’t be shy, sing-along! From Mary Poppins to Beauty and the Beast, there is something for everyone.

Be our guest for this great production that will benefit the Olympia Union Gospel Mission No-Fee Dental Clinic.

There she was with her weary head down on the table, facing away from the woman who for 30 minutes had barraged her with a nonstop monologue. The young woman had come to the Mission with the usual needs of housing, food, and medical help, and we had given her information on where to receive those services.

My heart went out to this new face, so I called

her into the office to have a chat and help to escape her tormenter. At first she spoke slowly and guardedly, but after 45 minutes the floodgates opened and words filled with pain poured out. A broken childhood full of sexual and physical abuse at the hands of drug addicts had left her with few skills and plenty of emo-tional baggage. As her tale of woe spilled out, gaining speed and intensity with each sen-tence, suddenly she stopped and stared straight into my eyes and said,” I am lost!!”, then she fell silent. Stunned by her utterance of truth I

momentarily paused, then I told her I was once lost too, but Jesus found me and saved me. She said she wasn’t a religious person and I said neither was I, but I did have a relationship with Jesus. Reaching into her pocket she brought out a small crucifix that she had on a key chain and commented how much she cherished it. I asked her if she knew what it repre-sented. She said no. God used that little symbol to open a door for her to hear the Gospel story. Thoughtfully she listened. When I had finished, I asked if I could pray with her and she said yes.

No, she didn’t receive the Lord that day, but the seed was planted and she left knowing what her precious crucifix meant. It was no longer a mystery, but had become a symbol of forgive-ness of her sins, of sacrificial love and hope for a future. My prayer is that she looks at it often and accepts Jesus’ free gift.~ Volunteer Writer