Meet Rex Whiteman. Rex is our president and CEO, the pastor, if you will, of Union Mission. Here's his latest letter to our donors, volunteers and prayer partners.
"You don’t need me to tell you that these are difficult times. Unemployment is at record levels. Once-strong companies are closing their doors. The cost of basic goods are rising.
Of course, here at Union Mission, we see things a little differently. We have to. That’s because, since 1911, we’ve provided basic services to the helpless, hopeless and homeless…and we’ve done it all through the generous donations of our ministry partners like you.
Indeed, every penny of our multi-million dollar budget comes from donors. That is an amazing testament to the faithfulness of our friends, and in these hard times, I can’t thank you enough.
As we near the halfway point of 2009, we’re committing ourselves to look at the opportunity the current economic climate provides, not the crisis everyone seems to focus on. And, sure, it’s easy to get bogged down in all of the bad news. After all, none of us are immune.
Indeed, we see its effects every day. From my office, I just need to take a few brief steps into the reception area of Union Mission Family Services to witness the hard, cold reality of this recession: it’s written in the faces of the men, women and children seeking help. Friends, that room is nearly always full.
The bottom line is this: we are seeing a reduction in our donations while, at the same time, an increase in the number of people who need our help. That’s the simple reality of this recession: there are more people in need, and fewer resources to meet those needs. Again, we see this reality each and every day.
Of course, here at Union Mission, we see things a little differently. We have to. That’s because, since 1911, we’ve provided basic services to the helpless, hopeless and homeless…and we’ve done it all through the generous donations of our ministry partners like you.
Indeed, every penny of our multi-million dollar budget comes from donors. That is an amazing testament to the faithfulness of our friends, and in these hard times, I can’t thank you enough.
As we near the halfway point of 2009, we’re committing ourselves to look at the opportunity the current economic climate provides, not the crisis everyone seems to focus on. And, sure, it’s easy to get bogged down in all of the bad news. After all, none of us are immune.
Indeed, we see its effects every day. From my office, I just need to take a few brief steps into the reception area of Union Mission Family Services to witness the hard, cold reality of this recession: it’s written in the faces of the men, women and children seeking help. Friends, that room is nearly always full.
The bottom line is this: we are seeing a reduction in our donations while, at the same time, an increase in the number of people who need our help. That’s the simple reality of this recession: there are more people in need, and fewer resources to meet those needs. Again, we see this reality each and every day.
It would be easy for us to throw up our hands, pull out our hair and shout, ‘We give up!’ But I can’t possibly look in the faces of the small children playing with their toys in our reception area and tell them I can’t help.
Can you?
This is a call to arms, a time for what some have called ‘a revolution of generosity.’ We refuse to give up. We refuse to rest in the comfort of our blessings while turning a blind eye to the struggles of those around us.
Can I be frank with you a moment? Our current flow of donations is making it difficult to continue providing our vital services to those in need. That’s the simple reality of our current economic climate.
But remember, we’re focusing on opportunity here, not crisis. The crisis is that as our financial needs are strained, the number of people who come to us for help is on the rise. What a wonderful opportunity! Simply put, the more people we see, the more we can share our message of God’s love.
You have an opportunity, too. I invite you to be a part of ministering to the needs of the downtrodden, the hurt and the oppressed. We need your prayers. We need your time. And, yes, we need your financial gifts, especially now. This is your opportunity to join the revolution of generosity!
Times are tough for all of us. Let me take a moment to thank you for the support you’ve so generously provided in the past. Because of you, roughly 55,000 people are being fed this month alone.
Now that’s what I call making the most of opportunity!"
Sincerely,
Can you?
This is a call to arms, a time for what some have called ‘a revolution of generosity.’ We refuse to give up. We refuse to rest in the comfort of our blessings while turning a blind eye to the struggles of those around us.
Can I be frank with you a moment? Our current flow of donations is making it difficult to continue providing our vital services to those in need. That’s the simple reality of our current economic climate.
But remember, we’re focusing on opportunity here, not crisis. The crisis is that as our financial needs are strained, the number of people who come to us for help is on the rise. What a wonderful opportunity! Simply put, the more people we see, the more we can share our message of God’s love.
You have an opportunity, too. I invite you to be a part of ministering to the needs of the downtrodden, the hurt and the oppressed. We need your prayers. We need your time. And, yes, we need your financial gifts, especially now. This is your opportunity to join the revolution of generosity!
Times are tough for all of us. Let me take a moment to thank you for the support you’ve so generously provided in the past. Because of you, roughly 55,000 people are being fed this month alone.
Now that’s what I call making the most of opportunity!"
Sincerely,
Rex Whiteman,
President & CEO
President & CEO
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment