This time of the year is always a great time as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!  As I travel to all of our centers it is exciting to see the smiles and the joy that so many people we serve have on their faces.  They have a joy that is only possible because of a Savior.  Many have come to us with a true sense of hopelessness and to see them with hope and joy is such a blessing.  God does change lives everyday at the Mission. It is also so great to see the many families serving together, moms and dads, sons and daughters all pitching in to serve and make Christmas so special for all we serve.  We have generous companies from all over the area who come in as well, donate, give time and treasures to make this a special time for all  What ...<< MORE >>

As we get ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at the Atlanta Union Mission we are so thankful for all of you who pray, volunteer and provide financial resources!  We everyday with your help get the opportunity to see people move from hopelessness to hope!  We are so thankful, as we watch families being restored, lives being changed of the men and women we serve!  We also hear from those who serve at the Mission how their lives are never the same!  This past week I watch a man with his family who so cares for the men bring them to his church service and share with them the love of Christ and also the love he has grown to have for them!   I watched high school students, give sacrificially of their time to pour into the people of the Mission!   It of course is a ...<< MORE >>

In Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus is with his disciples when a great storm arose, the seas where swamping the boat and they all thought they were going to die.  In a panic they awake Jesus and say: "Save us, Lord we are perishing".  He said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"  He then rose rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm. I don't know about you but I know for me at times it takes a great storm for me to get to the end of myself and wake Jesus up and ask for help.  As I was sharing this week at an early morning chapel at our men's recovery facility in Jefferson, The Potters House it is during those times when the boat is rocking the most that I have turned to Him and He and honestly only He ...<< MORE >>

This past weekend we celebrated in the United States our national holiday the 4th of July, our Independence Day!   It is a day where families get together, with hot dogs, hamburgers and apple pie and of course the fun of the fireworks at night!  We are reminded of the brave men and women who have fought to keep our freedom over the more than 220 years that we have been a free nation.  I love and am thankful for our great country! As I reflected on the joy of the freedom we share, my heart also went to the many people who live in this free country but are trapped in the world of addiction.  They might live in a free country but in talking to our men and women who are or have been in our programs there is no freedom when you are in the world of ...<< MORE >>

On, Friday, April 24th . . . we experienced some really joyful celebration over dinner while taking the opportunity to honor many of the remarkable volunteers who serve tirelessly at Atlanta Union Mission. It was an exciting night of food, fun, entertainment and fellowship as we issued a heart-felt “thank you!” to people who regularly give of their time, talents and treasure. The evening’s musical treat was provided by our own “My Sister’s House Choir.” Through their talent, these ladies honored God and thanked our volunteers for all they do! It was so exciting to walk around, meet people and hear about how they are serving the Mission. What I heard several times from the guests was how much they loved what they do in their volunteer work and how serving at the Mission has deeply impacted their own lives. I was overwhelmed with stories of leading others to ...<< MORE >>

Some Easter Observations This past week we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, at Easter services all around the world.  Across the globe Christians celebrated the major event of the Faith when Christ not only arose from the grave, but also triumphed over death. He had truly been raised from the dead, was alive and completed his earthly assignment for the salvation of believers.  As we read the accounts of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, we share the tears of Mary Magdalene as she wept finding Jesus’ body missing from the tomb. And then in great relief and joy she discovers that He is still present! Later that day Jesus appeared to the disciples who exploded in emotions ranging from overwhelming joy to guarded disbelief; this latter reaction being the famous exchange with "doubting" Thomas who wouldn't believe until he actually touched the wounds of the Savior!  ...<< MORE >>

Well, today is the day when everyone plays "jokes" or "April Fools" on other people. I must admit that over my life I have pulled a few pranks, but have probably had many more pulled on me! As I was thinking of this day and what we do here at the Atlanta Union Mission, I was reminded of the likelihood that many people look at homeless individuals as "fools" in our society.

This past month I had an opportunity to spend time visiting a 4th grade class. I talked with the kids about the homeless and asked them what they knew about the subject. I came away with a great perspective: The youngsters said that they were often afraid of someone who appeared "homeless". Others acknowledged that they felt sorry for the homeless and wanted to help. Several of the students ...<< MORE >>