How does an organization like Union Mission, who offers a comprehensive addiction recovery program, measure success? What are the marks of
accomplishment or the marks of failure? If we were a for profit business that produced and sold widgets, then we could show sales reports and production costs, etc. But we are not. Union Mission provides services that cannot be quantified on a report. Our successes may not be realized until
we step into eternity. We do, however, love to celebrate milestones our clients reach once they have left the program. This Story of Hope is one of
those celebrations.
If you have never met Patsy, then you are missing an opportunity to meet a young man who will brighten your day. Patsy joined the addiction recovery program almost 3 years ago. Six months into the program we did a video interview with him to discuss how things were going. You can see
that video on our UM Youtube Channel (search Union Mission Ministries on youtube). In that video, Patsy was estranged from his family due to his destructive behavior. He was hoping to one day reconcile with his dad. He also mentioned that he knew he wanted to get married and have a family one day, but knew he could not if he continued with his addiction.
In the summer of 2020, we caught up with Patsy and interviewed him for a newsletter story. He was working at the Mall in a security capacity and had a place to stay. He was dating a young lady named Rita and had just proposed to her. He was reconciled with his family, including his father,
and even got to spend time with his grandmother prior to her passing. Last month, we asked Patsy for an update on how he is doing.
“I find all of my encouragement through God,” Patsy says. “I have kept trusting him through this process of healing. My life today is so full of the blessings of God. I married Rita and we have a beautiful baby girl now. I see how none of this would have happened without the grace of the Lord.”
Patsy explained how the position he is in now required him to do his part as well.
“Every day is work. Every day I have to decide to be a better man. I have to decide to work toward the plan God has for my life. I challenge myself constantly to improve, to learn, to grow. Some days are harder than others.”
Patsy went on to explain how a positive community plays a big part in his growth and determination to stay sober.
“My dad used to always say, ‘You are what you hang out with’. I see that more clearly now than ever. Rita and I have been blessed to be welcomed
into Bible Center Church. The small group that we have been a part of has really helped us gain Godly friends. We lift each other up in our time together. We hang out. We do life together but we do so with the same mindset and the same goals to grow.”
Patsy goes on to explain how the healthy relationships he has at church, with his extended family, his recovery family, and with some Union Mission staff help keep him on track and focused on what is important.
For the past year, Patsy has been working with WV Sober Living as a recovery coach but he was excited to announce that this month he is starting in a new position at RCCR (Religious Coalition of Community Renewal) as the Reentry Housing Coordinator. His primary responsibility will be working with men and women who are just coming out of incarceration and need help positively integrating into community life. He will help them find housing and find the proper community to get their lives back on track.
“The opportunity to help others who are facing the issues I faced at one time, being in prison, having nothing once you got out, struggling with addiction, I can personally speak into those situations. I think that is one of the beautiful things about redemption. God gives us a chance to take our brokenness and use it to help others. That is incredible motivation for me to grow and improve so I can show others that it can be done with help and God’s mercy.”
So, although Union Mission may not be able to craft a report that definitely lists all of our successes, we do believe stories like this help all of us
see progress in people’s lives. We want to share with you all every month how lives are being transformed by healing and the Gospel. We want to
have to print even more pages in the newsletter in order to tell of all the great things God is doing at the mission. Would you help us continue to write these stories? Your donations directly fund our addiction programs and all other ministries we offer.
