The Mission Message

Inside This Issue: Concert Update, A Word from Skip, Clinic Updates, New Graduates

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has

passed away, the new has come . . .” 1 Cor. 5:17

Olympia Union Gospel Mission , PO Box 7668 Olympia, WA 98507-7668, 360.709.9725, ougm.orgNovember 2010

Robin and Eugene enjoy shared time with their sons Derrick and Jonathon. (above) To right, as a Mis-sion intern, Robin receives instruction from Mission employees, then completes tasks independently. Serving at the Mission while Eugene completed the program has given her a new level of confidence and important job skills.

After years of drug abuse, repeated job losses and ne-glect of his fiancee,Eugene Brown came to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission on the advice of Mission volunteer Matt Ihler. Matt told Eugene it was possible to change his life and get rid of his addic-tions, but to do so, he would have to leave his past behind and get some spiritual help. You see, Eugene tried secular ad-diction recovery programs, but he always went back to the drugs, both as a dealer, and a user.

The Mission is Helping Two Parents Heal For Robin, life was a series of ups and downs that included episodes of homelessness and severe neglect from Eugene. But she stuck by him, even when recov-ery programs failed to yield promised results and she was forced to raise their sons mostly on her own. When Eugene decided to join the Mission’s Life Transformation Program, Robin watched from a distance, even enduring another episode of homelessness, until Mission Chap-lain Tim Langan gave her a chance to join in Eugene’s recovery. Tim, and Peggy Langan, (Men’s Director), realized Robin’s need to go through the Genesis Process with Eugene and began working with her at the Mission. Later, Tim provided an opportunity for her to intern at the Mission as a receptionist and

office aide, as well as work on her resume and interview skills. Tim also provided Robin and Eugene with parenting coun-seling from a Biblical perspective, which has improved their relationship and helped them deal with their sons in a positive and nurturing way. “Thanks to the Mission, I have more respect and under-standing of boundaries and communication. I can solve issues because I have the tools to do it,” said Eugene. Together, Robin and Eugene are piecing together new lives with Christ at the center. Eugene is a Fall graduate from the men’s program, is clean and sober, and is working full time at a Subway in Lacey. He will also begin taking classes at South Puget Sound Community College this Spring. Robin is looking for full time employment while she com-pletes her Mission internship.

Loren “Skip” Steffen-Executive Directorskipsteffen@comcast.net(360) 709-9725, ext. 101

Lori Vandervate-Office/Data Base Managerlori@ougm.org(360) 709-9725, ext. 102

Tim Langan-Director of Facilities /Discipleshiptim@ougm.org(360) 709-9725, ext. 103

Peggy Langan-Director of Men’s Recoverypeggy@ougm.org(360) 709-9725, ext. 103

Marla Root-Director of Women’s Recoverymarla@ougm.org(360) 754-9351

Virginia Schnabel-Director of Developmentvirginia@ougm.org(360) 709-9725, ext. 116

Krina Allison-Development Officerkrina@ougm.org(360) 709-9725, ext. 118

Linda Barrett-Dental Clinic Managerougm@reachone.com(360) 943-6400, ext. 100

Shelley Case-TCDAN Coordinator(360) 709-9725shelley@ougm.org, ext. 117

Jerome Jaeger-Day Room Supervisorjerome@ougm.org(360) 709-9725

Violet Hofman-Volunteers/Vision Clinic Managerviolet@ougm.org(360) 709-9725, ext. 104

Jeff Marchell-Evening Supervisorjeff@ougm.org(360) 709-9725

Marissa Altimarino -Medical Clinic Managermedical@ougm.org(360) 357-6505

Dental Line(360) 943-6400

Medical Line(360) 357-6505

A Word From Skip . . .

Contact Us

OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE

For those of you who did not attend the dental concert, my part required me to learn to walk and (sort of) dance on stilts. Had I tripped, there was nothing stopping me from going down in front of an audience of 800+ and potentially getting hurt. I was clearly out of my “Comfort Zone!” But I didn’t trip, and while no one is going to recruit me away from my “day job” the Holy Spirit held me up and it turned out all right. Reflecting back, I thought that this must be similar to how it feels for the folks giving up their past lives and entering the Life Transformation pro-grams to learn to live free of drugs and/or alcohol. Like my learning to walk on stilts, learning how to walk through life without familiar associations and anesthetizing their emotional pain, must surely push them out of their “Comfort Zones.” God has kept me out of my “Comfort Zone” a lot lately in other areas of my service at the Mis-sion. We are finalizing plans for creating a Life Transformation Center at the Mission so that we can: 1. Impact more lives2. Create a physical structure that is specifically designed to support men and women during their Transformation 3. Increase the efficiency of the Life Transforma-tion Programs.

It’s a great test of faith to think that we can raise the millions of dollars the building will cost and I am admittedly out of my “Comfort Zone.” I understand that the times we step out of our “Comfort Zones” is when God can best use us to His glory. I and the Board and Staff at the Mis-sion are praying that He will hold us up and keep us from falling as we pursue the Vision He has set before us. Please hold the Mission and the coura-geous men and women who are willing to get out of their “Comfort Zones” and Transform their lives up in your thoughts and prayers.

Mission InformationOffice Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hot Meals, M-F, 6 a.m., Noon, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday Brunch, 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to NoonNew Freedom Church, 9 a.m.

Hot Showers & Laundry1:30 to 3:30 p.m., M-F

Mission Phone (360) 709-9725Mission Fax (360) 570-8848Dental Line (360) 943-6400Medical Line (360) 357-6505

*All dental e-mails should go to ougm@reachone.com

Tours of the Mission are offered by appointment.

Call 709-9725.

Dental: good quality, soft toothbrushes

Men’s & Women’s Life Transformation Program:school suppliesspiral notebooksbinders/foldersbook bagsstudy Bibles (NIV)bath towelsdeodorantrazorsshaving cream (men/women style)shower shoesdaily devotionalsbath robes

Men and women come into our programs usually with nothing and need to start over. They attend courses, some attend school, and all attend church. These supplies will ensure that they can get through the program.

Street Ministry: white crew socks, women’s hair brushes, coats, gloves, boxer style men’s underwear, Q-tips

From the Kitchen: To all of my brothers and sisters in Christ; Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. As we come into the holiday season, I find myself filled with great joy and sorrow: great joy because of all the generous hearts wanting to help serve Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; sorrow because I simply cannot accomodate so many. I work from a list of names collected over the phone and contact everyone to let them know whether or not I can use their help; usually by the first or second week inNovember for Thanksgiving, and by early December for Christmas. I want to remind everyone that we serve meals year round, seven days a week and can always use more help at times other than holidays. We especially need night teams. A team can be two or more people and can serve once a month, once a week, or a few times a year. The need is ongoing, so what-ever your availability, I can find a place for your team, and food donations are always welcome.

Here is the Holiday Food Needs List:#10 cans of fruit and vegetablesHamsTurkeysBaconSausagePiesOrangesFood donations will be used for Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas special meals week, and as needed. Remember, God has a special place for each of you to serve and you honor Him as you serve in His name.

Sincerely,Cody, OUGM Kitchen Manager

Current Mission Needs

Olympia Union Gospel MissionHealth Resource Center News

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, be open handed toward yourbrothers, and toward the poor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11

Clinic Stats

Thurston County dental professionals took to the stage Saturday, October 23, to benefit no-fee dental care for the impoverished and uninsured who receive care through the Mission’s No-Fee Dental Clinic. Joining them on stage was Executive Director Loren “Skip” Steffen as Dr. Von Frankenstein’s Monster. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts was nearly filled to capacity with an enthusiastic and supportive crowd. An anonymous donor issued a match donation challenge and the audience rose to the occasion. With pre-concert donations added to concert night donations and pledges, the event raised over $50,000 for the clinic. Thank you to all who participated in the show, donated or attended. Dental care at the Mission will go on, thanks to all of you! To see more photos, go to ougm.org.

Sold Out . . . Almost!

Men in the Mission’s Life Transformation Program were among the first to receive flu shots at the Mission’s No-fee Medical Clinic in October. For the second year, nurses from Provi-dence St. Peter Hospital’s Family Birth Center volunteered their time to adminis-ter no-fee flu shots to low income individu-als in the community. While offered on a first come, first served basis, special emphasis is placed on chronic disease patients, the elderly and young children. A second clinic is planned for January. Watch ougm.org for more information.

Olympia Union Gospel MissionHealth Resource Center News

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, be open handed toward yourbrothers, and toward the poor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11

Vision Clinic Update

Medical Clinic Update

“The staff was very helpful, as was the expert advice that I received from Dr. Mary Kutch. Now I will be able to do the countless things in life that you need glasses to do if you don’t see clearly. You never know how debilitating it can be when you can’t see clearly until it happens to you. Now I am free to see! Thank you so much everyone at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission and the vi-sion professionals who donate time and skills!”

Lola C. Jenkins

Medical Clinic Manager Marissa Rojas and nurses from Providence St.Peter’s Family Birth Center.

Vision Clinic Manager Violet Hofman and Lola show off Lola’s new glasses.

h Volunteer Spotlightregularly hosted foreign students in her home for Sunday afternoon lunches. At 80 years of age, she still travels to foreign lands, but is recognizing a need to slow down. “The process of aging is the process of sur-rendering. I can’t do all the things I used to do and I’m having to surrender those things,” she said. But for now, Etta is still an integral part of the Mission family and we don’t know what we’d do without her. Her warm smile and mis-chievious sense of humor brighten the work day, and when she’s on an overseas trip, people ask when she will return. “Jeff Marchell, (the Mission’s Evening Super-visor) has been very good to me. He’s almost like a son to me and more like family than some of my family,” said Etta. And that’s the way Mission folks feel about her. Thanks Etta and all Mission volunteers for giving of your time to support God’s work through the Olympia Union Gospel Mission.

When someone volunteers at the Mission for a long time, they are considered an extended part of OUGM staff. Like Etta Miller. Etta began volunteering at the Mission in 2001 helping process donations. She later moved into the kitchen where she aided in meal preparation and dish washing, while also continuing to process donor receipts. Two years ago, she suffered an accident that made it impossible for her to continue in the kitchen, but she still picks up receipts several times a week and makes time to visit with staff and other volunteers. A former Missionary to Japan and elementary school teacher, Etta shares her love of the Gos-pel with all those she meets, and until recently,

Etta Miller

Thank you to Black Lake Bible Camp for donat-ing partial scholarships so children in Mission hous-ing could spend a week at camp. Four children from Genesis Acres shared this experience. Time at camp helps hurting kids heal, so thank you also to all who donated funds to make time at camp possible for these kids.

Kids Enjoy Time with God at Black Lake Bible Camp

Alex and Adrianna enjoy a walk in the woods at Black Lake Bible Camp.

Why do we have a desire to help the poor? Heart issues come from God, so He must have such a concern for the poor that He puts on our hearts this desire to serve them.

In the Old Testament, when the children of Israel were given rules from God on how to live, He emphasized caring for the poor. Consider the book of Exodus where God reveals His name, His attributes, His redemption, His law, and how He is to be worshiped. The very founda-tion of Biblical ethics and morality is laid out to teach Israel how to apply in a practical way the laws on society.Exodus 22:25 "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”Exodus 23:10-11 "For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard.From the book of Leviticus:Leviticus 19:9-10 "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.”Proverbs, which is instructions for youth carries on this theme:Proverbs 14:31 “Who ever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”Of the many sins Judah and Israel committed that cause God to remove them from Jerusalem, their treatment of the poor is counted against them:

Isaiah 3:14-15 “The LORD will enter into judg-ment with the elders and princes of his people: ’It is you who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor?”Ezekiel 16:48-50 “As I live, declares the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. 49Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me

Helping the Poor:

A Matter of Heart

So I removed them when I saw it.”How did this concern for the poor carry into the New Testament? Consider Jesus’ first adult ministry, in his hometown of Nazareth:Luke 4:17-22 ”And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.”

Obviously, God is concerned for the poor and we should be too. But how are we to minister to the poor? I have been reading an excellent book called “When Helping Hurts or How to Help Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. This book combines sound theology, solid research, foundational principles, and proven strate-gies that prepare one for Christian transformational ministry among the poor, whether in the local commu-nity or abroad. I highly recommend it as well as visit-ing the website www.whenhelpinghurts.org.

I hope that you can see by the Bible passages quoted above that God fully intends that we should be involved in ministering to the poor. This Mission is but a stewardship for the resources donated by the people in our community who are showing their obedience to God in this matter. Therefore we must be careful how we administer these resources. In following newslet-ters, I will show how we appropriately accomplish this stewardship by comparing our actions to the principles laid out in this book. My hope is that you see how God guides this Mission as He shows His care for those less fortunate and that you will recognize that we could not do this with out your participation. Tim Langan Mission Chaplain

THANK YOU to ALL Who Participated in Our Annual Dental Clinic Benefit Concert!

The BandNorm D. Wallen, DirectorGary ScottBrad SchrandtScott DuncanRudy DracoDerek NelsonTracey HookerBen McDonaldJohn BrownDave McCrearyChris AttwoodNathan GeyerDr. David JoynerEric ValleyMartin WoodruffBill DurisChuch Oldright

Debbi’s DancersCarlee CollinsWendi FernandezMichelle HagerMegan NeumeyerAndrea PattonStephanie Thorn

Debbi’s Student DancersMeghan AndersonTatum BartlettLoie BlackMegan DhuyvetterDanielle deLeonSamantha JamesEmily McGlothernDakota MowryMackenzie PlattSydney Wilson

Got-A-Swing DancersKandace JohnsonAlice MarinellaHanna DillonSarah HadleyJon HansonJake LanderMonty NorrisJeff Powney

Dental SingersPeter AdamsDr. Albert “Ace” GoerigDr. Stephen KernDr. Greg PsaltisDr. Steve RussellDr. Kyle Winter

Dental Dancers*Dorothy Joyner, ChoreographerDr. Steven AlexanderJo AlexanderDr. Rose BaileyJenn BurnsDr. Bruce CooperBrandy FlahautDayna HayvezDr. Irene HunterDr. Joseph De JesusDr. Greg PsaltisMary Ellen PsaltisDr. Ben RuderDr. Attila TalaberTiffani ThorntonDr. Lucas Trerice

Community SingersGayla DeurrDanielle GenackKathy Genson*Laurel Gonzalo, DirectorTalia HastieTheresa Madden Melanie McGuire

Concert SponsorsUnderwriters ($2000+)Dr. Jerry GiddingsSkip & Barbara SteffenThurston-Mason Counties, Dental Society

Contributing ($1,000-1,999)Belmont EnterprisesDr. Albert “Ace” GoerigOlympia Federal SavingsProvidence St. Peter Hospital

Sponsors ($250-999)CCI SolutionsState Farm, Peter MattichTumwater Automotive

In-Kind DonorsBob Hoyt ProductionsDover ParkersburgStormans, Inc. Tumwater Valley Athletic ClubDr. Mary Ann VetterWestwood Baptist Church

2009-2010 Major Clinic Donors$15,000+ Dr. Albert “Ace” Goerig

$10,000+Dr. Stephen Kern

$2,000-$9,999Dr. Steven AlexanderDr. Michael BehnenJohn & Patricia DavisDr. Timothy DolbyDr. Thinh HoSaint Michael ParishDan & Melissa RoyDr. Michael Werner

Major Clinic In-KindA-dec

Hicker Dental, LLCHortin Dental Lab

Rich DeGarmo, RPhDr. Carey LasleyDr. Kay Maulding

Medical Center PharmacyScott McCarty, RPh

Dr. Garry MyersDr. Eugene Peeples

Providence St. Peter HospitalLeslie Thompson, R.D.H.

Ziemek Dental Lab

Meet Our Fall Life Transformation

Graduates!

Dave C

hurch

es

Gle

n R

am

os

Bria

n H

arm

on

Eugene B

row

n

The process of moving from conception to birth takes about nine months. For the men in these photos, the process of leaving behind a life filled with addiction and emotional chaos has taken about the same. And just as birth is only the beginning of a new life, so is graduation from OUGM’s Life Transfor-mation Programs. While in the program, the men lived together in the Jeremiah House where they became commit-ted friends and brothers. They studied together, ate together, prayed together, shared household chores and played together at Mission sponsored events and outings. Now the men are moving on, each heading down a new path that will separate them from each other, but not from their new found relationship with Christ. Dave and Brian are currently employed by West-wood Baptist Church as handy men. Brian is also attending classes at South Puget SoundCommunity College, (SPSCC). Eugene shares parenting of Derick and Jonathan with their mother Robin. He is employed at Subway and will begin taking classes at SPSCC this spring. Glen is now living at home with his wife and is employed at the Mission as the Hygiene Center and Clothing Donation Monitor. For Mission staff and volunteers, the greatest joy we have is in watching men and women trans-form from non-productive, self-destructive people into servants who live to give to God and others. Thank you for supporting this life changing work. Whether you are a donor, volunteer or prayer warrior, we rely on your help to make this work possible. And if you doubt that you’re really making a difference, just take a look at the smiles on these men’s faces.

Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for life and growth . . .

If any man is in Christ, He is a NEW CREATION!

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDOlympia, WA

Permit No. 624

Harriett KalogrithisFloyd & Grace JaphetJune CombsFran WilsonJanice PantierVerna Premo & Mikell FlotheWayne & Joanne CebellLorraine Swartling

Kurt PerkunderRita Yachera

Loren BrevickLawrence DoveBill R. HanbeyCal KickhaiferCal Kickhaifer

Ben Turner

Matthew Fisher, DDS In Honor of James M. Jones, DDS

Honorariums and Memorials

Then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Deut. 30:3

(read about Eugene & Robin on page one)