Have you ever heard the name of an organization and automatically a person’s face pops into your head? That person comes to mind because they are so integral to the organization they become the first thing of which you think. For decades, we have had that at Union Mission.

Before I became the CEO of Union Mission, I was pastoring for a local church in Dunbar. When the name Union Mission was brought up, I would always think of Bud Young. To me, he was the face of outreach for the mission. Bud passed away last month after serving the mission for almost 50 years. He was truly an incredible man and had a great love for Union Mission.

Bud was the first person to introduce me to the mission. He stopped by a Wednesday Bible Study I was conducting and explained he was very interested in seeing me candidate for the position of CEO for Union Mission. I was flattered that Bud thought I could be the best option to run an organization he has poured so much time and effort into.

I can’t stress enough how much we will feel Bud’s loss over the coming years. He was a champion for the mission and was responsible for bringing many new friends who help support our efforts. Our cover story details more of Bud’s work at the mission and his love for the people of West Virginia.

Over the next few months, please watch for announcements we will be making concerning ways we will honor the decades of work Bud Young put into Union Mission. If you would like to make a memorial donation to the Mission on behalf of Bud, you can do so by clicking here.

My heart is heavy in the losing of a board member, a leader, a mentor, and a friend. I rejoice, however, knowing Bud is in the presence of Jesus. I am confident he heard our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I figure he has already asked Jesus where the best fishing spots are in heaven!

Your Friend,
Jason Quintrell