Stories

The story of how the Mission changed the life of a man known as "Texas". Told by past Superintendent John S. Bennett.

A. W. Chaney examines the difference between living your life in service to God versus living in service to the devil. He shares his story of how the Mission helped him stand firm against addiction through the Grace of God.

Another success of the Spiritual Transformation Program...

A Second Chance and a Full-Time Job -- Back on the street, he realized he wanted to be able to help his 29-year-old daughter and two young grandsons, so he decided to try again.

Albert S. Murphy tells his winding life story that proceeds from an average life, to an accidental manslaughter, to an alcohol addiction, to the front desk of Central Union Mission. Read more to find out how Murphy's story was shaped by the Mission.

Spiritual Transformation Program - A New Blessing for a Fresh Start

I Did Not Come Here to Play! -- "The Mission Work Program kept me focused and disciplined on learning the Word of God and helping me prepare for work."

Almost Didn’t Make It How God Saved My Life

"Central Union Mission taught me to be part of the body of Christ, and now, I'm stepping out with Christ in me. I want to help others and change their lives just by my example."

Listen for Arturo's vivid story of life on the streets, hunger, and his experience with the Mission.

Belinda struggles with MS and is limited to what she can eat.

A testimony about how God miraculously freed Ben from the slavery of alcohol abuse. (Originally published in the 1957 Annual Report)

Ben C. Guthrie (Originally published in the 1957 Annual Report)

"I was a 'grate' man. My bottom was on a grate living outside. It was bitter cold. I had no gloves, and my blanket was wet from the steam and the rain."

When we finally caught up with Betty Fluker, she was preparing to host a large Christian Valentine's Day party at her house. Betty is a great friend to the Mission since she lives "right down the street."

Boyd Sheppard testifies about his journey through addiction, and the Mission's role in redirecting him to the hopeful path of God.

Carla's Audio Testimony shares her experience with hunger in the District, and how the Mission has helped her live a less worrisome life.

This Was the Place for Me -- " Funny how life became easier as I could see my blessings in front of me when I couldn't before! I saw God showing me favor"

Starting Over--"The Mission has been great to me. At one time, I couldn't even handle $5, but with the Mission's help, I have my own checking and savings accounts now and better know how to take care of the money I'm earning."

The story of how Chris Johnson's life was turned around through the Mission, and his prayer for a brighter future.

Chris Jones struggled through an abusive home life growing up, and is currently trying to recover with the help of Central Union Mission and God. Read his inspiring story that leaves you with hope in your heart for his future.

Clarence A. Duet found the Lord and a wife at the Central Union Mission. Read his testimony of his salvation.

Here more about Clayborn's journey to the Spiritual Transformation Program at Central Union Mission and how he was able to piece his life back together.

"Since I left Central Union Mission, I’ve been drug- and alcohol-free for 21 years. I have answered the call to preach, gotten married, become a dad to two beautiful children and own the house that we live in."

David shares his audio testimony of extreme loss in his life, how he ended up using drugs on the streets, and how the Mission helped him heal his soul.

An inspiring story about the life of Dean Clark and his journey from playing with marbles, to experimenting with mayhem, and finally, to finding miracles. Written by Kristin Lane

"During my time here I have become a new creature as stated in 2 Cor. 5:17: 'If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!...'"

The story of how E. P. Clayton, a man who became estranged from his family, had a run-in with his father on the streets of Washington, D.C. that led him to the Mission and changed his life forever.

Ed shares with us his audio testimony about the losses in his life, his depression, and his new outlook on life thanks to the Mission's offerings.

Found in the Minute Book of 1922 is the story of Edward H. DeGroot, former President of the Board of Directors and former Vice President. DeGroot served the Mission for over 40 years.

"This was a way for me to get in touch with God and myself. The Mission has been good to me, providing shelter, clothes and food as well as helping me toward getting my GED and Food Handlers license and starting job training."

The program provides English language instruction, GED preparation, health consultations, vocational support, and valuable services such as food, clothing, furniture and distribution. The Family Ministry also provides immediate aid and long-term training to enable families to improve their financial situations.

Felix Brooks tells his story from park bench to the Mission, and how it's changed his life.

In Fiona's audio testimony she shares the many challenges she experienced growing up, and how she ended up at the Mission--a place that offered safety and warmth in a world that had always been cold to her.

In this audio recording Gary shares his story of living homeless in the woods, suffering from extreme hunger, and finding hope after all.

Geoff shares his story of Thanksgiving alone on the streets, and how the Mission changed his perspective of possibility and hope.

Sometimes a child of God can find himself in such a situation that he needs a place to stay. George Bolden came to the Mission at such a time. He received the help that he needed and stayed to give invaluable help as a member of the staff--Assistant Director of Men.

The journey that lead Gerald Lee Robinson to the Mission, and his path toward salvation and recovery.

Harold Sirrine tells the story of his struggle with alcoholism and the glory of God that helped him find a more humble and helpful path.

Howard and Carol Andreoni, past co-directors of Camp Bennett, share their experience leading camp--including the bumps and bruises along the way!

A Career Serving God-- "I wasn't thinking about school at all, but Mr. Treadwell gave me the push I needed and helped me apply,"

James LeBlanc gives his touching account of how the staff of the Mission have helped him grow, and the sweetness of life when you're living with God.

"God is teaching me to be obedient; it's not about me, it's God doing things through me."

The Overnight Guest ministry at the Mission is always busy, especially this year since the DC shelters downsized their number of available beds. We offer clean, safe, and courteous shelter, nutritious food, warm clothing and medical and legal assistance. More than that, we offer hope through God’s Word at nightly chapel services, in Bible studies, and through a staff who shows genuine love and concern. This is exactly what James needed.

Here's the story about how God led Jeff to Central Union Mission's Spiritual Transformation Program.

Joe Fisher tells his story about what led him to the Mission and how the Mission turned his life around.

The story of how John Geoghan's prayers were answered, from a life of alcoholism to a life in submission to God.

John S. Bennett's testimony comes in the form of a rhyming poem spoken from the heart.

Joseph Fisher recounts his alcohol addiction, and how the Mission helped him find a friend in Jesus Christ and a way to quit his habit.

A current resident of the Spiritual Transformation Program, Joseph Thomas tells his story of what brought him to the Mission, and how God was with him all along.

Karen shares her touching account of the struggle of homelessness, and the chance the Mission has given her to change everything.

Keisha's Miracle-- "I remember having to make a decision whether I let the electricity be cut off and provide Christmas gifts for the children, or pay the electric bill..."

In this audio testimony, Keith let's us in on a traumatic event that led him to homelessness, and how the Mission helped him get through it all.

We have all gotten lost on our path at times. Kemper Hoffler was no exception, as tells his story of how he traveled astray, but was brought back to the path of God.

This is the story about how Kennedy Molder, a 2007 graduating client of the Spiritual Transformation Program, began his his new life.

Kerry Martin, a current participant in the Spiritual Transformation Program, tells the story of what brought him there and how he's becoming closer to God.

Discovering the Joy of Service (Volunteer) -- Kimberly's summer experience as a Counselor-in-Training at Camp Bennett was an important step on her lifelong path of service and outreach.

Larry shares his story of eating out of dumpsters on Thanksgiving Day and the hardships of homelessness. The Mission changed everything for him. Listen to hear more.

Lewis Coker tells the story of how alcohol consumed his life, but salvation in Jesus Christ through the help of Central Union Mission saved him.

William H. Ramsey , former Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Board of Directors, and his wife Ida Close Ramsey, former President of the Women's Guild, speak of their involvement with the Mission and the power of faith over science.

"Gold Stars for Service" (Volunteers)

​Life is not always easy. Mareo Jeffreys suffered from depression and addiction. Watch as he tells his story of how the Spiritual Transformation program is helping him rebuild his life and find his purpose.

One of the guests in the Women's Shelter told what it meant to her to find a spiritual home.

Making a New Start

Marvin Tyler found the Lord as his Savior at Central Union Mission on October 20, 1950, and remained as a faithful and effective employee of the Mission until the Lord called him home in 1965. Read more for the story of this friendly and altruistic man.

Matthew exposes the pains and guilt of his childhood, and how they led him to homelessness. Listen to how the Mission is helping him change his life.

Second Chances | The Washington Times | November 24, 2011 For one DC resident, this Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give back to the community that helped him. Michelangelo Payne has lived a hard life, living on the streets, doing drugs and committing crimes. Now he's found himself and a new calling at the Central Union Mission.

What Following God is All About--"God turned my selfish spirit into that of one wanting to serve."

Read the engaging story of how Orville Ditto was lead to God through the Mission, and eventually led away from the entire catalog of outward sin he had been committing.

Sometimes we get lost from our path and disobey our hearts. Read the story of how God helped Pala Omagandam get back on track.

Peter tells the story of how Brother Douglass and the Mission helped him strive to live a life close to God.

Randy Grayson shares his story of deliverance and healing

Randy tells the story of how he fled an abusive home-life at a young age, and how the Mission became his haven for hope.

Randy thought his life was going to end living on the streets. Listen to how the Mission turned things around for him.

Reginald shares his story of how he found the Mission, and what the Mission has meant to him.

Rev. David R. Howard speaks of the challenging yet rewarding service he does with the Mission as Director of Overnight Guest Ministries

Testimony given by Dr. S. H. Greene about the privilege of working with Rev. Douglass at the Mission's very beginning.

Rev. Thomas B. Hanlon had a warm spot in his heart for the men and women who came to the Mission because he "had been there" during his own life struggles. He worked at the Mission for 14 years as the Superintendent.

A Reverend's loyal commitment to volunteering at the Mission.

Ricky expresses how a good meal changed his entire way of thinking in this touching audio testimony.

Ricky describes what the STP program has given him and what he is doing to give back.

"Suddenly, I really was homeless. I spent two days camping and praying on Theodore Roosevelt Island, asking God, "Help me. What should I do?"

One of those who benefited from the Kohlmeier Educational Fund is Ronald Wewerka, who was employed at the Mission as Business Systems Administrator while continuing his studies at Capital Bible Seminary. Read his story about how serving at the Mission impacted his life.

Ronnie shares with us his story of how drug abuse shattered his whole life, but how talking to God helped him through.

Ruby Flanoy gives her audio-testimony about her experience with the Mission's Food Depot for the past 15 years.

Every child who receives Jesus Christ as Savior at Camp Bennett is cause for thanksgiving; but it is only occasionally that the thrilling results come back, perhaps years later. The answered prayers of Anthony Ross was one such occasion. His father tells about it in this testimony.

"God’s Grace Has Been Holding Us"

Read this story about how the Spiritual Transformation Program helped one young man achieve his dream.

After three years of homelessness, Epiphaney and Humberto Gittens are here to stay. Both Army veterans, they travelled all over the country searching for jobs and a home they could afford...

If you live on the streets, a birthday party is certainly one luxury you forgo. That’s why every year Central Union Mission holds a Men’s Birthday Party, complete with decorations, home-made cupcakes and presents of much-needed underclothes and toiletries.

Timothy's current-day story will make you believe that there's reason for hope when all seems lost.

Tom Brown, graduate from the Mission's Spiritual Transformation Program and former Director of Family Services, shares his story from childhood to parenthood, and how the Word of God shaped his life.

Vernon Lancaster came to the Mission looking for a new home and ended up saving his life, too.

Read Will Brad's moving story about how the Mission's program transformed his life.

"There Is Always Hope"