OLYMPIA UNION GOSPEL MISSION — Restoring hope...Transforming lives since 1995 May 2014 | Vol. 18 No. 6

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia WA 98501 | OUGM.ORG

Written by Donna Morse , volunteer

Life Transformation is the heartbeat of Olympia Union Gospel Mission (OUGM). When someone leaves the street to join the Life Transformation Program, the goal is to lead that person into a revolutioniz-ing relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not just about behavior change. No indeed! Instead it’s about having a personal relationship with God who created us all. That’s life changing!

Peggy Langan, Director of Life Transformation, and Jerry Gatton and Laurie Anderson, counselors, literally glow when they talk about the program. While it is highly structured, the program involves the hearts as well as the skills of these dedicated workers. Those participating follow a prescribed course of work, study, and sometimes heart-wrenching personal

effort.

Men who join Life Transfor-mation live in the Jeremiah House. This home can accommodate seven men at a

time. Genesis Acres is a community with four individual mobile homes that accom-modate single women and women with children. Life Transformation participants usually stay two years as they go through the program and get back on their feet.

Upon acceptance, the program begins with a thirty-day separation or “blackout period.” Activities and associations are limited during this time. Participants are separated-out from everything except church, Celebrate Recovery, and Bible study. It is a time to rid their minds of negative influences and bodies from the effects of their addictions, and get clean.

At the end of the blackout period, they enter Phase I of the program. Goals include:

• Remain clean and sober• Work on problem areas and

difficulties The first part of Phase I has both academ-ic and practical components. Academ-ically, participants go through a 90 day Twelve-Step Program, one that does not talk about a “higher power,” but names the one true God of all power. Then they enter the nine month Genesis Process, which is a book with intense personal inquiries that help participants get to the heart of the issues that have affected their choices. Group conversation and personal counsel solidify the experience.

Weekday mornings, the partic-ipants attend classes, including life skills, recovery education, relapse prevention, parenting and childcare, spiritual growth, and Bible study. In the after-noons, they go to individual counseling sessions. Some have legal issues or other types of case management needs re-

quiring different counselors. Women may have appointments at Department of Social and Health Services, or obligations for their children concerning health, school issues, or special counseling. The men work at the Mission in a variety of jobs each after-noon. Upon comple-tion, they transition into Phase II.

“I came with a drug problem, but realized I had a Todd problem,” stated program participant Todd.

“This is more than a program, it is a fam-ily and we grow together,” added Marty.

“I need the support of my brothers; I know I cannot do the things I should on my own,” exclaimed David. “The program has taught me so much about myself and about Christ.”

Phase II goals include:• Gaining job skills• Looking for steady work• Acquiring independent housing

This is a time of real testing. Occasion-ally someone will suddenly walk away from the program when they seem to be doing well. The staff always hopes that the seeds of God’s love planted in them through Life Transformation Program will grow wherever they go.

“I’ve been given lots of chances, and had lots of mercy. I see my counselors as friends,” stated Jake.

Together, Peggy’s and the counselors’ ultimate goal is seeing the love of Jesus break through the chaotic, scattered lives of those who live on the streets, and restoring them. “We serve a great Redeemer who can take the most wretch-ed lives and turn them around,” Jerry said. He adds, “I love to see a sinful life redeemed.”

Lucy said, “I’m a new believer. Life Transformation is the program I’ve been missing all my life.”

Sharon agreed, “I’ve been praying for a program like this for 30 years.”

Peggy comments, “My heart some-times breaks with yearning to help the people I serve.” But she knows help can do only so much; partic-ipants must take what they have learned and step out on their own. “My work requires perseverance and holding on,” Peggy said. “If someone leaves the program unexpectedly it is important not to feel like a failure. Everyone is not quite as ready as

we hope.” She adds, “Even so, this is the best job ever, because the Lord uses me to help transform hearts; and when that happens it’s humbling.”

Crystal pointed to what was so meaning-ful to her, “It is compassion,” she said, “and it is changing my life.”

“I’ve been able to learn at my own pace. I wanted to give up, but now I have a hope and a future” Megan added.

Crystal & Megan

In view of God’s

mercy… “do not

be conformed to

this world, but be

transformed by the

renewing of your

mind.”

Romans 12:1-2

Jeremiah House

Peggy & Laurie

Ron, Life Transformation

Genesis Acres

What is L i f e T r a n s fo r m at i o n?

Group sessions

August - March

Meals Served94,196 Showers &

Laundry3,647

Chapel

35,219

Bible Studies6,316

Response to the

Gospel 128

Volunteer Hours

17,200~

Healthcare VisitsDental1923

Vision730

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia WA 98501 | OUGM.ORG

She remembers her youth group visiting a rescue mission and smelling alcohol on the breath of disheveled men. An experience that Peggy Langan would never forget and one that would change the trajectory of her life.

Peggy is the Men’s and Women’s Life Transformation Director at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission. In June she will be stepping down and retiring from 25 years of chemical dependency counseling. A graduate of Saint Martin’s University, College back then, she earned degrees in community psychology and counseling.

Just after high school graduation she became a Christian, married and was attending college. Before long, her marriage ended in divorce. She married again, but sadly four-and-a-half years into the marriage her husband died of cancer.

Taste of Family Life...The Easter Season celebrates new life, re-newal. In that spirit, the Mission has be-gun a new program to address the need to create a bridge between life on the “streets” and making a long-term com-mitment to a formal recovery program.

The Mission is offering short-term shelter to those clients who are at a place where they could potentially make a decision to change their lives. Mission Staff and Volunteers responsible for the Day Center and Recovery Programs determine who those clients are and interview them.

To encourage a client’s self-examination, the program provides an opportunity for them to experience life away from the pressures of the “street” in a non-institu-tional, residential setting. In March, single men contracted with the Mission for 30 days of renewable shelter. By the time you receive this newsletter we hope to extend this opportunity to single women, as well.

In separate residences, men and women have a chance to relax in the evening be-fore bedtime, do laundry, take showers, have a social time, and then have break-fast at the home before returning to the Mission during the day. Each house has a male or female leader. The guests meet weekly with one of the Mission’s coun-seling staff to evaluate their life decisions and set goals.

Our desire is to create an atmosphere where experiencing the taste of “family life” will prompt introspection into what they have lost to drugs and the “street,” causing them to want to make a change in their lives. If they do, the Mission is there to help them and, as needed, the shelter period can be extended. If not, then the offer of shelter ends at 30 days.

Success for us is being faithful. We know seeds will be planted and it is up to the individual and the Holy Spirit how they respond. Please pray for the staff and the clients as we move forward and learn how better to impact lives for Jesus.

Peggy with her first graduate from the prgram, Paul Bushman.

Executive Director Skip Steffen & Volunteer Etta Miller

God Planted His Mission In Her Heart

She was no stranger to brokenness and tragedy, even her faith had its ups and downs. She would go to church, get close to the Lord, and then drop out, a cycle that kept repeating itself. In 1993 she married Tim Langan and for the first four years of their marriage they were nowhere in their faith. Invited by a friend to attend Bible Study Fellowship, Tim and Peggy’s faith began to grow.

Peggy worked in secular counseling and for a brief stint, while living in San Diego, she volunteered at a rescue mission and loved the work. After returning to Washing-ton, and her husband just newly retired, two positions came open at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission: The Life Transformation Director and the Facilities Manager/Chap-lain. Peggy and Tim were a match for the jobs and were hired.

With over six years of counseling and overseeing the Life Transformation program at the Olympia Mission, Peg-gy’s life suddenly changed one day in June, 2013. She was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. After losing a husband to cancer and later her mom, painful memo-ries returned. Although she was left badly shaken by the news, Peggy rallied herself choosing to trust the Lord in her crisis. “I’m getting closer to the Lord through my ill-ness,” she stated, “and I want others to know I can do this with the Lord’s help.”

Peggy’s life is in God’s hands. She has been right where He has wanted her to be since her youth: caring and giving hope to the downtrodden - never escap-ing God’s plan for her life.

Please join us for the May 31st event titled “FACES - The stories behind the men and women at the Mis-sion.” Hear more of Peggy’s story and the lives she has touched, along with several others that have been called to serve at the Mission.

Olympia Union Gospel Mission | 360.709.9725 | 413 Franklin St NE, Olympia WA 98501 | OUGM.ORG

Backpacks RevealBroken Lives

At the end of the day when everything is cleaned up and put back into order at the Mission, often a back pack, or bag has been left behind by a client in the dayroom. The owner rarely claims their items back even though appeals are made by staff on a regular basis.

Eventually, each back pack or bag is gone through. The items tell a story about the brokenness of human lives. Drug paraphernalia and alcohol are almost always found. In one backpack there was a “to do” list, which included being sure to re-up their library card and get closer to Jesus. As you dug down deeper, though, there was a needle, then below that a collection of photographs. Bags often contain cards from mom that are signed “I love you” and old photographs are a reminder of days gone by. These are people who are desperately trying to hang on to Jesus, but they have been kicked down and are barely holding on.

Many of the bags are left by young wom-en. As a father, Nathan Howard (Street Ministry Director) says, “My heart breaks knowing the contents of these bags are how the women use themselves to sur-vive on the streets. They are being preyed upon. Their lives are being sucked away from them. If they try to stand up, they get beaten.” Nathan’s dream would be to keep the Mission doors open 24 hours a day, so these young ladies could have a choice.

“There are a lot of things that we do at the Mission that people don’t see. The Mission is more than just a meal or a day center,” says Nathan, “It truly displays the love of Jesus to the lost and lonely of Olympia.”

Being Good NeighborsHave you ever heard the old adage:

cleanliness is next to Godliness?

We at the Mission, as well as our neigh-bors, noticed that our streets were littered. Wanting to reflect Godliness, we decided to do something about the problem. Bright orange vests with Mis-sion boldly imprinted on the front and back were purchased and are being worn by staff and recovery program clients as they pick-up litter in the neighborhood. Immediately folks from the senior hous-ing next door saw an improvement, they even commented how safe they felt with the Mission being more visible.

Soon the program will be implemented every weekday, coming alongside the existing Olympia Downtown Ambassadors program. Best of all, our clients have begun to get into the spirit and pick up after themselves.

...I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you... II Kings 20:5

In the same way, let your

light shine be-fore others, that

they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in

heaven.Matthew 5:16

Honk or give a shout-out next time you see one of our

crews out working!

CALMING PATIENT FEARSVision Clinic NewsViolet Hoffman, Vision Manager, had cataract surgery last year. She remem-bers the angst that she went through when told she would need surgery done on her eyes. As she looks back on her experience, she realizes how much more effective she can be in her position at the Mission’s No-Fee Vision Clinic. “I can help calm patient’s fears when they get news about needing cataract surgery and tell them step-by-step about the process, even the fact that the surgeon will pray with them beforehand.” Pacific Cataract Laser Institute (PCLI) works with the Mis-sion’s Vision Clinic to provide affordable care for those needing their services. As much as 90% of the costs are covered by this Christian owned business.

Fact: Even with the Affordable Care Act, scheduled Clinic visits remain steady.Fact: The Clinic’s vision professionals are all volunteers.Fact: Up to 10 patients are seen in an eve- ning Clinic and over 80 visits are scheduled each month.Fact: The No-Fee Vision Clinic is in need of a Visual Field Analyzer ($13,000) to test more accurately.

Health Care

GOD HEARS THE LITTLE THINGSDental Clinic NewsMary (not her real name) a single mother of two children, works fulltime cleaning homes. She came to the Mission’s No-Fee Dental Clinic because a tooth was really bothering her and she didn’t qualify for Medicaid. Mary’s income was over $700 a month, and individuals earning above 75% of the federal poverty level do not qualify for dental benefits. Knowing that the Clinic did emergency extractions, she made an appointment and got in right away. She was apprehensive about losing her tooth, but prayed that something miraculous would happen. When Dr. Behnen saw her X-ray, he knew he could save her tooth, and did. When they were finished, she thanked God and our

staff and said, “You are not going to believe this, but it is amazing how God really hears every prayer. With all the things happening in the world, he heard me ask Him to save my one little tooth.”

Praise be to God, who

has not reject-ed my prayer

or withheld his love from me!Psalm 66:20

Billy and Cody helping out with keep-ing our neighborhood looking nice.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from

the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them

inherit a throne of honor.

I Samual 2:8a

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDOlympia, WA

Permit No. 624

IN MEMORY OF

Kathy Talley, from Eva Johnson

Lois Space, from John Space

John Peppert, from Leah Cochran

Don Ingalls,

from Robert Doran

from Janet Carlson

from Paula Rohr

SUDDENLY I KNOW

As the flower lifts upward toward the heavensIn beautiful radiance,

I will lift my eyes in delight to the Lord

As the flower opens its petalsIn the early morning dew,

I will open my arms to the Glory of the Lord

As the flower stands in the midst of creation,The beauty immeasurable

So much more does God admire me,Like the flower

~ By Crystal Rose

There is always a story behind the face. At the Olympia Union Gospel Mission we hear many stories about the amazing things God has done in the lives of clients, staff and volunteers and we want to share that with the community!

Join us for an extraordinary evening Saturday, May 31, in the Worthington Center at Saint Martin’s University to hear how one young woman rose up out of drug abuse, a staff member fulfilling his calling to pastor the homeless, and a clinic doc-tor that gives sight to the blind. The event will begin with light appetizers, yummy desserts and an opportunity to hang out at the coffee bar to taste test some of your favorite local coffees. Have fun socializing with family and friends, while absorbing heartwarming, inspirational stories behind the FACES of those at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 – Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey Arrive between 6-7 p.m. to socialize (informal to semi formal attire)

Enjoy light appetizers, desserts and a coffee bar catered by Bon Appetit Music provided by 22nd Ave Jazz Quartet

7 p.m. Program Begins ~ Hosted by ~

Loren “Skip” Steffen, Executive Director

Method of Payment: (Make checks payable to OUGM)

Personal check

Card # _______________________________________________Exp. Date __________ 3-Digit Security Code _____ Amount $ __________Cardholder Name (Print) ___________________________________________Billing Address ____________________________________________________ City ___________________________State ______ Zip ___________________Authorized Signature _______________________________________________

Name ____________________________________E-mail* _____________________________

Address _________________________________City|State|Zip _________________________

Phone __________________ (you will be contacted by phone in lieu of no e-mail)

I would like to purchase _____ Table(s) X $200 ea = _____________

I would like to purchase _____ Single Ticket(s) X $25 ea = _____________

Donation _____________

TOTAL =_____________ * Your e-mail is preferred and will only be used for this event to confirm your reservation, which will be your ticket.

At that time, you will be asked for your guest list.

Faces The stories behind the men and women of the Mission.

FacesPast events!