Three Important Things to Remember

"On the way home after sharing a bowl of soup with others at the mission, I did some soul searching. I thought back on what Jesus asked of us."

Today was what is becoming an annual visit to one of our favorite giving partners. Union Gospel Mission (UGM) in the Twin Cities is really something to behold. We have gotten in the habit of contributing to UGM three times a year - Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Truthfully, UGM could use help just about every week of the year. 

What draws us to this valuable organization are two things. First, they can really stretch a dollar. Better than any charity that we have been associated with. For example, the Easter gift we gave this morning (which was not much) will feed on Easter Sunday a bit over a hundred people. And even though we have not been down there for Easter the Easter meal, we have heard it is quite a feast. Lots of ham with all the trimmings, and most importantly - fellowship.

The same is true for Thanksgiving. A small gift will again feed over a hundred people. Turkey, spuds, dressing, you name it - plus fellowship. And many of the people who come to UGM for this meal have little to nothing. Some have mental health issues. Some have addiction issues. Some have just had some real tough breaks in life. Some have all of the above. 

The other thing which draws us to UGM is they care for the entire person. People are not just here for a free meal and "see ya later". No. UGM really wants to help people who have seen some of life's tougher paths - and then get back on a better one.

UGM is really a one stop shop. Once you are there, they not only have a HUGE kitchen to feed many, many people, they also have some sheltering beds. Plus other services like dental, addiction, clothing, and so forth. The clients who visit there are always treated like friends and family. No judging, always welcoming. 

On the way home after sharing a bowl of soup with others at the mission, I did some soul searching. I thought back on what Jesus asked of us. Some people think that Christianity is very judgmental and complicated. It really isn't. There are just three things to remember which are the bright lights on the path to follow:

1. Love God.
2. Love others.
3. Care for the least of us.

That is it. The rest will fall into place. If you are looking for place which follows those three things, check out UGM. It is a place that never judges - they just help.