The secular world likes to define and label us. Imagine:
ONCE
You were homeless and labelled a ‘society outcast’.
You were addicted and labelled ‘lost’.
You had done jail time and labelled ‘criminal’.
You were rejected and labelled ‘unlovable’.
You are of a marginalized ethnicity and subject to a feeling of 'distrust'.
NOW
You have a home and are labelled ’sound’.
You have shaken the addiction and are labelled ‘recovering’.
You have paid your debt to society, but has society forgiven you?
You feel loved, but not by all.
You are working for UGM, but sometimes feel eyes of suspicion on you when in public.
You are still of a marginalized ethnicity and subject to distrust.
FOREVER
You have the promise of an eternal home.
You are found, you are redeemed.
Your addiction is now everything Jesus.
You know for certain that you are loved by the One who matters most.
Your sins have been forgiven and you desire to give back.
You shine Jesus and are labelled ‘Christian or Christ follower”.
Yet, you are still of a marginalized ethnicity and subject to a feeling of distrust. The world does not see. Satan has covered many eyes.
Believe it or not, some of the folk in our programs, still feel the burning stigma of racism and carry the stigma that the past has tried to leave an indelibe stamp.
Our new family members….for family is what they are, need your ongoing prayers. We need to demonstrate that all are loved, unconditionally! Our Lord demands it. His sacrifice proves it.
So three things we ask:
- Please pray …constantly for our recovering addicts, interns and staff of all stripes and backgrounds.
- Smile…because your eyes can show it. Say a kind word when you see a fellow Christian…you may never knoiw who you are addressing.
- Consider Sponsoring UGM Apparel, so the public face of UGM is more visible for the world to see and recognize. Items like hats, t shirts, hoodies and winter jackets with the UGM Logo, these can attest to the validity of our team. Shocking, as this concept may be to those who can see Jesus in the eyes, the demeanour and the conduct of those who love Him, without need of an external label!!
