You Helped Laurie Build a Legacy of Hope
“I had so many trials from being married young,” Laurie recalls. She divorced her husband and left with her two young daughters, but Laurie’s trials were just beginning. “I was self-centered and my daughters went back to their dad.” Alone and regretting her family’s break-up, Laurie began drinking. “Alcohol is a terrible thing for me. It took over my life and made me numb.” Worse, Laurie ended up in prison for driving under the influence.
Released back to Salem and not knowing anyone in town, Laurie came to Simonka Place for Women and Children. “I remember coming through the doors, frightened, but the staff were so nice. You could see the kindness in their eyes.” Encouraged by their warm welcome, Laurie joined our New Life Fellowship program. Since then, Laurie has discovered the rewards of following God’s will rather than her own. “My stress is gone. I’m not alone anymore; God’s there. He got me through this. I have something to look forward to. This place has given me hope.”
Your gifts to Simonka Place also gave Laurie her family back. “I’m a grandma now and my kids are ready for me to do something for myself and be healthy,” she says. Laurie graduated from the program in January and plans to work on behalf of homeless women in our community or with her church. “I have nothing holding me back,” she says. Thank you for helping Laurie build a legacy of hope for her daughters and grandchild.
Our Story is Your Story
We believe in the power of story and in doing our part to introduce people to Jesus — transforming lives and rewriting their stories for eternity.
1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.” At Union Gospel Mission of Salem, we all have an important part to play. Each time you support this ministry, you create the backdrop where hearts can change. Through a planned legacy gift, your support inspires those in greatest need.
Many of the people we serve are in desperate need with no one to turn to, and unfortunately, the number of people we serve grows each year. When you leave a gift in your will to Union Gospel Mission of Salem, you can be sure it will positively impact lives, meet needs and restore hope through the power of Christ.
A gift in your will doesn’t have to be large to make a difference. Just a small percentage of what’s left after you provide for your loved ones can make an eternal impact for the cause of Christ. By choosing to bless the Mission, you’re paving the way for lives to be changed and setting a powerful example for your family. Please contact us for additional information on legacy giving at UGM of Salem.
God Bless and Keep Smiling, Mark Hunter
