Mission Moments - Snapshots from the Soul
Every person who passes through the doors of City Union Mission has a unique story to tell - every man, every woman, and every child. Some stories are gripping, some are interesting, and some are heartwarming, while others are heartbreaking.
We have captured several stories that may change the way you view homelessness forever. Here is your chance to take a glimpse into the lives of a few of our precious clients, volunteers, and donors. We hope you will take a minute to engross yourself in these powerful testimonies. Please place yourself in their shoes, and join them in their past sorrows as well as their newfound joy.
Brad
He’s Real!
Brad thought of himself as a Christian. He had the head knowledge and even said prayers, all while doing drugs and alcohol. “I was living out in California when I came down with Valley Fever. Because the treatments were so painful I was given demoral and morphine.”
What at first was a good thing quickly turned ugly. “I started taking them all the time, rationalizing that I really needed them. Then I came down with encephalitis and rationalized all the more. Lying to myself, and others, became a habit. I didn’t want anyone to know of my addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. And because I was a functioning addict…you know I held down jobs and enjoyed participating in boxing and jogging…it worked for 15 years.”
But his family life suffered. He has been married three times and has three children. “My addictions caused two wives to leave me, I lost a house, damaged and wrecked various vehicles, went through bankruptcy, damaged healthy relationships with friends and loved ones, and I developed a lot of self-hatred. I wished I were dead.”
Physically the addiction was taking its toll. Brad knew he needed help, so he sought treatment through various counselors, doctors, and methadone clinics first in California and then in Missouri. “I paid one doctor a great deal of money to put me to sleep and perform an "Ultra Rapid Opiate Detox" procedure. But it didn’t work. None of the treatments kept me clean and sober for more than one or two weeks.”
Brad started attending a church in Warsaw, MO. about a year and a half ago. He was still using prescription drugs and alcohol. But something began to happen to change Brad from the inside out.
“I really didn’t have much of a conscience. But I began to notice that changing as I continued in the church and praying. I was developing a conscience. The Bible informed me that I was living in sin. The pastor and an elder were patient with me, explaining scripture. I was convicted that I was living in sin.
I realized that I did not have the strength to quit on my own. The pastor and the elder suggested that I enter into City Union Mission’s, Opportunity Farm and the Christian Life Program –a 13-month recovery program. After struggling a while longer, I finally decided to drop my foolish pride and enroll in the program.
I've been in there for 4 months and God has truly changed my heart and taken away my cravings. The program is so comprehensive. They provide counseling, daily bible and academic classes, financial management, and career development. They helped me complete a relapse prevention plan, helped me to determine my short-term and long-term goals, and helped me to restore damaged relationships with others. I’m looking forward to graduating next November or December.
I spent so much money on other worthless programs. This program only required me to devote my time and open my heart to the one and only, Jesus Christ. I would truly like to thank those who introduced me to City Union Mission’s Opportunity Farm and the Christian Life Program. Proverbs 23:26 says, “Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways.” Now my body has truly become a temple. I have Christ living in me!”
Opportunity Farm is located at the intersection of 7 highway and state road “Z” about five miles west of Warsaw, Mo. If you would like more information about Opportunity Farm and the Christian Life program please click here and scroll down.
For information about how you can get involved please click here.
And to find out how you can help support the work of City Union Mission please click here.
If you would like Jesus to live in your heart too, please click here.