MARK YOUR CALENDAR:Nov. 4: Praise & Thanksgiving BanquetNov. 22–24: Thanksgiving Meals ServedDec. 24–25: Christmas Meals Served

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Discipleship Program

William FreemanHow does a man who grew up with an atheistic step-father become a Christian? To understand this let’s go back to the beginning of William Freeman’s life. His faith journey began when he was a boy in Davenport, Iowa. Led by his dad, the family went to church regularly. In addition, William’s paternal grandparents instilled in him Christian beliefs and values. Thinking back, William can remember being in Sunday school and learning about Jesus. When William was five, his dad died in a car accident. Shortly afterward, William’s

mom married a man who didn’t believe in God. The family stopped going to church. They also moved from middle America to the Bay Area of California, and a town that was very permissive. From an early age William was spending time in the local bar which is where he met his girlfriend. She was 21 and he was 16, and they both had drug and alcohol issues. Their 12-year relationship was volatile, but it produced two children before they broke up. While together, they both struggled with serious substance abuse. Moving to Las Vegas for a new start, the partying didn’t stop. Eventually, William realized that something had to change or he would end up on the streets. It seemed to be the best of both worlds when he moved to Texas to live with his maternal grandmother. He would take care of her and she would help him to become stable. Although this worked for a short while, William never

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Shantell JernaginConsidering that she was born to parents who weren’t involved much in her life, Shantell Jernagin has come a long, long way. Born in Louisiana, Shantell lived mostly with her grandmother, who also took in many of the

Continued on page 2.

UGM Dallas Gets a New Look!

Union Gospel Mission Dallas is gearing up for growth and laying a strong foundation for the future of the

organization. We recently implemented an updated strategic plan which includes adding new talent to the team, unveiling an updated logo with new tag line “Transforming Lives, Ending Homelessness, One Person at a Time” and embracing technology. Changes taking place include refreshing the logo and updating the thrift store with the addition of Vintage Ten, a boutique within the Superstore, that showcases new and vintage brand name items that appeal to every age at deeply discounted prices. The community can now support the homeless shelters, while at the same time enjoy great fashion bargains. A new social media campaign, “Shop for a Cause—because no one should be homeless”, has been launched to raise awareness of the Superstore located at 2305 W. Airport Freeway in Irving. Also, new communication tools have been created utilizing social media and digital marketing with our partners, The Time Group and ResourceOne, to keep our community partners and supporters engaged in activities at Union Gospel Mission Dallas. •

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Reaching Out to the Las t , Least , Los t , and Lonely Since 1949

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From the Desk of the CEO

lives with the Gospel of Christ and end homelessness one person, one family at a time. Thank you for enabling us to share the gospel and to mentor men, women and children. UGM Dallas provides food, shelter, clothing, furniture, diapers, cleaning supplies, high school diplomas, spiritual counseling, job training, daycare services, health screenings, permanent affordable housing and many more ministries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all while loving every minute of it!

We pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family. Thanks for partnering with us, loving God and being a good neighbor to those in need around us. It is a privilege to serve with you. We will continue to Love God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves. •

Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself

I n these times of thanksgiving, I am reminded of the Apostle Mark’s words in 12:29-31 which states that

the most important commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I am so grateful that God is first and in the center of everything we do, for His glory, at the Union GOSPEL Mission!

In times like these, with one natural and man-made disaster after another striking our country, what does it look like to love God and to be a good neighbor? One insurance company has said in the past that “like a good neighbor” they would be there. Since 1949, faithful partners like you have helped Union Gospel Mission Dallas to minister in our community serving the last, the lost, the least and the lonely.

With your continuing support, we are doubling our efforts through renewed prayer and fasting to transform

BRUCE J. BUTLER, CEOUGM DALLAS

Continued from page 1.William Freeman

stopped using drugs and he ended up homeless in Dallas. For a few years, William stayed at UGM Dallas as an overnight guest. Each night he would attend chapel and listen to a message of love, forgiveness and salvation. However, he didn’t come to the end of himself until he was serving time in prison for forgery. “I got myself into so many life-threatening situations that I had no reason to get out of, but for some reason I did. I believe that God was watching over me,” William said. He remembered the chapel messages and began to read the Bible, which led him to faith in Christ. Upon release from prison, William went directly to UGM to become a disciple. That’s when things really began to change for him. “The teaching and guidance of the chaplains have helped me to learn a lot about theology, spirituality and the Bible. I have become transformed and am striving to be the man God wants me to be. I cherish my walk with the Lord.” William has graduated from the basic Discipleship Program and is working through the final phases of the Program. He has a full-time job as a shade installer, and works part-time for the Mission. His life is “a new creation”, just like it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. •

This past August, more than 100 SMU Cox School of Business students volunteered with the Mission painting the chapel area, cleaning brush around the building, preparing lunch for clients and helping with data entry. •

SMU Cox School of Business “Gives Back” to UGM Dallas

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First Combined Discipleship Graduation!

On September 29th, we celebrated the progression of ten men and 10 women toward independence at the

first male and female combined Discipleship Graduation. “I am appreciative of the Discipleship Program Bible classes, which both explained the Scripture and how I should live in the light of the Word,” says graduate Matthew Thomas. The Discipleship Program is an 18–24 month long-term rehabilitation program with an ultimate goal of returning the homeless to a state of independence and productivity. Through this program, clients attend Christian education classes that include training on the skills necessary to re-enter society and live an independent life. They are also assigned jobs to support the daily operation of the shelters. After they complete the classes, they find work in the community, remaining in the shelter an additional six months to build a sense of stability while accumulating savings for future living expenses. We are so proud of our graduates and those that are continuously moving through the program. •

It was a beautiful morning for golf!The weather was perfect for the 112 golfers who hit

the links for the 1st Annual William M. Thompson Memorial Annual Golf Classic in September! Thanks to the golfers and to our many special sponsors, we were able to raise more money to help our homeless men, women and children than ever before. We were also able to hand out great golfer goodies, such as a stainless steel tumbler and a nice golf shirt. Lunch was sponsored by Calvary Bible Church, which was the church that Bro. Bill pastored for more than 25 years. We’re grateful to our Title Sponsor, Walter and Anne Waldie, who helped to underwrite much of the tournament so that more of the proceeds could return to the ministry. Bro. Bill would have loved the day for both the fellowship with friends and the possibility of helping many more of Dallas’ discouraged people. We hope that you’ll put Monday, September 24, 2018 on your calendar so that you can join us next year for the 2nd annual event to honor Bill Thompson. •

4imprint, Inc.Avid GolferBass Pro ShopDallas ArboretumDallas Symphony OrchestraDallas Theater CenterDallas ZooFC DallasJames Avery JewelryKiehl’sLandmark TheatresLOOK CinemasNasher Sculpture CenterStudio Movie GrillTexas Motor SpeedwayTexas Rangers Baseball ClubThe Dallas Stars FoundationThe Time GroupThe WaterTower Theatre

Al Biernat’sAsian MintHalf Shells RestaurantJimmy’s Food StoreOriginal Pancake HousePei WeiRockfish Seafood GrillStampede 66 by Stephen PylesTexas de BrazilHole Sponsors: Aegis Premier Solutions David Walters Paul E. Allen Insurance Agency, LLC Control Tech Supply Company Silver: WBAP 820 Talk Radio Michael & Julia DulanGold: T. Frazier & AssociatesDiamond: Steel Entry Premium Windows & DoorsPlatinum Sponsors: Dick & Diane Steele Lillard Wise SzygendaIPS Advisors

ZettaLync Millet the PrinterKey Performance Initiatives Flavr CateringSheils Winnubst, P.C. The Purnell FamilyVeritex Community Bank Clyde Hargrove Lunch Sponsor: Calvary Bible Church Titanium Sponsor: Longhorn, Inc. Shirt Sponsor: ResourceOne Cart Sponsor: Padrino Foods Hole-in-One Sponsor: Staff One Hole-in-OneCar Sponsor: Classic ChevroletTitle Sponsors: Walter & Anne Waldie

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

The Steel Entry Premium Windows & Doors team came in first place gross.

Veritex Community Bank won first place net.

The Hickey team placed at 2nd net.

The Welch team captured third place net.

UGM Dallas 2017 Impact!

Meals Served:

Nights Lodging Provided:

Men, Women & Children Served:

Jun.30,564

Sept.30,006

Jul.32,710

Jum

e

11,5

31

July

1

2,0

54

Septe

mber

1

1,2

68

m IN MEMORY of _________________________________________________

m IN HONOR of __________________________________________________Notification (below): Name of family to be notified of your memorial gift. The amount will be kept confidential.

Name ____________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

City/State/ZIP _____________________________________

Mail to: Union Gospel Mission • PO Box 560427 • Dallas, TX 75356

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In MemoriamIn Memory Of Donor(s)Paul Zimmerman Ron and Karen McIntosh Nancy Ryden Mary J. Strew Richard and Sheila Baker Joe and Betty Hanson John and Loma Sue Journey Harold and Carolyn Poage Beth Faulkner Joy Lindsey Sheri Scholtz Carpenter Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD The Green Family Shelton School and Evaluation Center—Anne Thomas Lou Dunn Diekemper Steve and Corinne Donica Carolyn Flinchum University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Lacrosse Program Cordelia and Tom Boone The Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr Foundation Mary McDaniel Rogers George and Karen Neurohr Cynthia Randall Rev. Richard P. Lord Arthur Robertson Gregory Preston Gorman Dr. Fred and Carolyn Campbell Renee Tims Family Marilyn Houghtalin David and Jody McCauley Jim and Marian Moseley Allen and Elaine Schneider Melville Thomas, Inc. Chris and Melissa Lingwall Drs. Edwin and Sylvia Artmann Dick and Virginia Allen Joyce Ann Stovall David and Susan Kay Holmes Richard and Phyllis Brower Patsy Welch Kim and Jill Zauber Bill McCauley Kathy Short El Louise Price Judy I. Weir William Thompson Bobbie Perry C.B. and Olivia Bryant Millet the Printer Walt and Anne Waldie Longhorn, Inc. Terry Kopfer Lane Ciborawski

other neighborhood kids. The house was lively and fun, but Shantell dreamed of having her own place, something she accomplished at age 18. By this time, she had been working and saving money. She built a life of her own by sheer determination and grit. Then Katrina hit New Orleans, and Shantell relocated to Dallas. Shantell found work and relationships in Dallas. Twice she became pregnant to men who didn’t want to be involved with the children, and each time she went to the Center of Hope for help. Eventually she realized that she couldn’t continue to live as she was and she returned to the Center of Hope for a third time. “I was in a shelter with two kids. I was not doing bad things, but I just wasn’t living right,” Shantell

Continued from page 1.Shantell Jernagin

June 15

July 9

Professions of faith in Christ:

August 38

September 0

Recommitments:

June 42

July 16

Aug. 13

September 7

Aug.31,550

August

1

1,8

16

June 724

July 1395

Aug. 767

Sept. 724

Follow us: @ugmdallas /ugmdallas ugmdallas.org

says. “I was down and out and didn’t know what to do. Finally, I cried out to God and said that I would do whatever He wanted me to do.” God led Shantell to trust Him with her life and to join the Discipleship Program at the Center of Hope. Her life hasn’t been the same since. Grateful to be a new person in Christ, Shantell says that her life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Lord is leading Shantell through personal and spiritual growth that has given her joy and peace. As a disciple, she has been learning to study the Bible, to establish healthy boundaries and to focus on God. Shantell appreciates the way that the staff is helping her to work toward her goals. Currently she is working as a CNA as well as studying for her GED. Her hope is to become a full-time nurse so that she can help those who are hurting. •

“FABULOUS movie...it made my eyes leak on my face!” —Sheri V.Thanks to all who joined us for the “sneak peek” premiere of Same Kind of Different as Me movie. We had a great group who were captivated by this inspiring true story of the friendship between a homeless man and a wealthy art dealer. This premiere was made possible by our sponsors:• Asian Mint• The Thompson Group Classic Chevrolet• Modern Woodsmen Fraternal Financial • The Time Group • Bombas

Current NeedsWe Need Transportation!

Transportation is important to the

Mission. Each day we use buses to take our overnight guests to and from the Mission for a tasty meal, a warm bed and to hear about the love God has for them. Our vehicles are old and need replacing, and we are looking for donors to help us replace our entire fleet. We need three school buses, a shuttle bus and a passenger van. Please contact Daneshe Bethune at dbethune@ugmdallas.org for more information.

Now that the cooler weather is coming, we need warmer clothes to give to our residents including:

• Hats • Gloves

• Winter coats • Scarves • Blankets • Shoes • Socks

We also always need:• Toiletries

• Haircare products• Bath towels• Twin sheets (fitted & flat)

• Mattress covers • Medical scrubs

Please keep the Mission in

constant prayer!

PLEASE SEND US YOUR ADDRESS CORRECTIONS! If you have a change of address, or are receiving duplicates, please clip the label above and mail it with correction information. Thank you for helping us save money!

The purpose of the Union Gospel Mission is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of homeless men, women and children in the Dallas, Texas area. The physical needs are met by providing meals, clothing, shelter, emergency medical referral, and daycare for children. The emotional needs are met through evaluation and referral to professional counselors. The spiritual needs are met through Chapel services and Bible studies.

Our goal is to restore the last, least, lost and lonely to a productive life by giving them needed life and job skills, as well as teaching them to build a new life on the solid foundation of the Christian faith.

The Union Gospel Mission is non-denominational and is supported by donations from individuals, churches and businesses.

searchLIGHTPublished by the Union Gospel Mission

3211 Irving Blvd. • Dallas, TX 75247 • ugmdallas.orgBoard Chairman/Davey Davis • Chief Executive Officer/Bruce J. Butler CPA

Editor/Beni Mayer • Graphic Design/T-Bone Design©2017

MEMBERInternational Union of Gospel MissionsAn Association of Rescue Ministries

Enclosed is my gift of $ __________ to feed, clothe, and shelter the hungry and homeless at Thanksgiving.m $15 m $20 m $35 m $50 m $100 m Other $__________________PLEASE PRINT (person giving gift/name on credit card):

Name _______________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP _________________________________________________

My credit card#: ___________ - ____________- ___________ - __________

Signature ______________________ Expiration Date _______________m I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS A MONTHLY DONATION.

Please make your check payable to the Union Gospel Mission and return it with this form. We will send you a receipt for your tax-deductible gift.

Mail to: Union Gospel Mission • PO Box 560427 • Dallas, TX 75356 • (214) 637-6117

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UGM Superstore —Where there’s ALWAYS A SALE!If you are looking for bargains, we have them at the UGM Superstore! All of our items sell for up to 95% off retail prices, and we add merchandise daily. We are open from 9am – 9pm, Monday through Saturday, and are conveniently located at: 2305 W. Airport Freeway, Irving, Texas 75062. We have gently used or new: Clothing, Shoes, Housewares, Appliances, Furniture, Accessories, Books, Televisions, and More! •

Other Ways to Support UGM

Does your company match your donations?

If so, you can maximize your

impact!

Help Change a Person’s LifeDonate your car, truck or RV, running or not, to the Union Gospel Mission and receive the maximum tax-deduction for your donation! Call or Email: Steve Allen • 214-366-0469 • sallen@ugmdallas.org

Volunteer OpportunitiesHelp us transform lives and end homelessness, one person at a time! Go to https://www.ugmdallas.org/get-involved/volunteer for more information.