Tuesday, November 13th, Northgate Baptist Church hosted the New Life Program & Christian Life Program Alumni Party, providing decorations and refreshments.  The evening’s theme was, Giving Thanks to the Father Together.

About 55 alumni, their family members and staff joined voices in the sanctuary worshipping the Lord and giving thanks for what He has done in their lives. Daniel Ricketts provided the music for the evening.  Throughout the evening, a slideshow of past graduates rotated in the background.
 
City Union Mission staff have made an effort the last few years to find the addresses and phone numbers of past program participants, hoping to stay in touch with them, encouraging them in the Lord and celebrating His goodness in their lives. 

Dan Doty started the evening with a welcome and prayer and his own personal joy of seeing so many that he continues to think about and pray for. Three graduates from 2006 talked about what God has done in their lives over the past year or two.

Don King, a graduate from 2006, talked about his year working for the mission, participating in his church, going to Carver Bible Baptist Institute and marrying the mother of his children. 

Vernal Whiteside, also a graduate of 2006, is still working at Great Wolf Lodge where he was awarded “Packmember of the Month.”  You can read the whole story by clicking here.    He gives the credit to God and City Union Mission.

Leaster Alexander, a graduate from 2006, is still working for United Way after a year and a half.  She has also graduated from a culinary arts school and completed Kauffman Foundation’s Fast Trac, a business development program designed to help entrepreneurs who want to start a business.  She hopes to open a restaurant downtown someday.  She is very active in her church.

Career Development presented trophies to 5 individuals for job stability.  The trophies recognized the work ethic and discipline needed to stay in a job for at least a year.  Stability in a job allows other aspects of their lives to stabilize as well.  The Job Stability Award was presented to 5 individuals:  Waylon Preston, Cummins Tools, Leaster Alexander, United Way, Don King, Julian Napue and Clara Moore, all at City Union Mission.

If your corporation or business is interested in opportunities to help with Career Development, please call our Career Development Specialist at 816-329-1472.

For volunteer opportunities, please click here.  http://cumission.org/Involved_Volunteer.htm

Please click here to learn about how your corporation or business can partner with City Union Mission.  http://cumission.org/Involved_CorpRel.htm

Afterwards, during refreshments, we also presented some fun awards and then closed in a prayer circle.  It was especially good to see some alumni that we hadn’t heard from for a while.  Angela, during closing prayer, tearfully thanked God for bringing her back to Him after a time of getting off track.  Lawrence, literally came out of the woods to attend the event.  He is retired by a lake. 

The theme – “Giving Thanks to the Father Together” emphasized the bond we will continue to have throughout eternity.  City Union Mission’s lengthy residential programs meet people at their lowest point.  As they find or renew their relationship with Christ, staff and participants form a close “family” tie.  It’s always a joy to have a reunion!