5 complete Union Gospel Mission program

The Union Gospel Mission announced that five of its residents completed the rigorous Grace Discipleship Program and were honored at a graduation ceremony Sunday night. All men were homeless and have been residents and participants in a program that will equip them to re-enter the world with a new outlook on life and new skills.

UGM's Jon Rector reads the graduation certificate being given to Harold Galloway.

“To graduate the discipleship program isn’t easy,” said Wayne Hammel of the UGM staff. “They not only need to diligently study the Bible and memorize verses, they have to exhibit a true life-change as a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ. We expect them to have a deep knowledge of the Bible and bond together with the other men here as brothers.”

Jon Rector, director, said he loves his charges and admires their hard work. He told how the men go “above and beyond” and willingly do anything that is asked of them. “I am so proud of you men and love each and every one of you,” Jon stated at the close of the ceremony that was held at the facility’s chapel at the foot of Signal Mountain.

Graduates are Larry Setlife, Louis Vayda, Phillip Taylor, Randall “Yogi” Davis and Harold Galloway Jr. Each man was dressed in his “Sunday best” and beamed both

from their accomplishment and the attention. They admit freely that this experienced has radically changed their lives and are thankful for the support and training they received. Each man received a certificate and new Bible as a remembrance of this milestone in their lives.

During the ceremony, the men had an opportunity to give a brief statement of their testimony.

Mission workers and graduates pause for a moment after graduation before going downstairs to dinner.

Randal “Yogi” Davis has cooked for the men 3-times-a-day/7-days-a week for the past two years. He admits to being “chief of sinners” before he arrived at the mission. He teared up as he read a favorite Psalm, and, unable to complete it, he dabbed at his eyes and returned to his seat.

Phillip Taylor also admitted learning valuable lessons that will carry him through life. “I know that when I come to trials and tribulations in the future, I can lean on the Lord.”

In addition to supplying food and shelter, The Union Gospel Mission considers its utmost responsibility of introducing the lost to Christ and helping them turn their lives around through the power of faith in God. Pastor Jon Rector is the facility’s director and primary Christian leader. For more information, contact The Union Gospel Mission at (423) 752-4998 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (423) 752-4998 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or ugmdir@comcast.net.