An Open Letter to our Community

(From Rex Whiteman, President and CEO, Union Mission Ministries)

Helping hurting people is a challenge.

Just ask Dave and Susan. For most of their marriage, they’ve dedicated their lives in service to others, working as missionaries in Africa. Nearly all of their financial support came directly from the agency for which they worked.

That all changed in a heartbeat. As the economic recession deepened, the organization cut in half its support for overseas missions work. With their source of support gone, Dave and Susan had to return to America.

But serving in Africa left them unprepared for the challenging workforce back home, where unemployment continues to rise. While they continue to look for work while staying with friends, the harsh reality is that there’s just not enough to pay the bills.

Yet Dave and Susan found a safety net: the rough waters are calming thanks to Union Mission. Here, they’ve had their needs met, whether it’s been food, clothing and even emotional and spiritual support during these confusing times.

Dave and Susan aren’t alone. The fact is many Christian organizations are facing critical shortages amid this economic recession. It’s a perfect storm: the need is increasing even as financial resources to meet those needs dry up. That’s the reality facing Union Mission today. That’s why we need your help.

We understand that just about everyone has been impacted in some way by the economy. That’s why I often find it hard to share our needs with you.

But the fact remains: now, more than ever, we need you. Even as signs point to an improving national economy, it still holds that there are thousands of people in our community who desperately need our help. They desperately need your help.

I’m asking you to take a moment and consider partnering with us in the work of Union Mission. Your gift ensures that we can continue providing vital services to our community.

With your help, more homeless men will come in out of the cold. More women and children will find a refuge from an abusive home. More unemployed families will have a nutritious meal. More men, ravaged by their addictions, will find the resources they need to heal from their devastating disease.

We invite you to meet those needs by supporting Union Mission with a gift today.

(While Dave and Susan's story is real, their names and some distinguishing details have been changed to protect their anonymity)