Mission Moments - Snapshots from the Soul
Every person who passes through the doors of City Union Mission has a unique story to tell - every man, every woman, and every child. Some stories are gripping, some are interesting, and some are heartwarming, while others are heartbreaking.
We have captured several stories that may change the way you view homelessness forever. Here is your chance to take a glimpse into the lives of a few of our precious clients, volunteers, and donors. We hope you will take a minute to engross yourself in these powerful testimonies. Please place yourself in their shoes, and join them in their past sorrows as well as their newfound joy.
Lissha
I Was Tired of Hiding in the Shadows
Lissha, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) with a degree in English Language Arts, will be teaching at Raytown High School this Fall. But first she felt drawn to be on Summer Staff at City Union Mission.
Lissha, youngest of four children, was introduced to City Union Mission (CU Mission) eleven years ago when her mom brought the family to the shelter for help. She remembers, "Even after we were out on our own we still participated in the Mission’s programs. Having adult Christian role models was a lifeline."
When she went off to MU attending classes, participating in a college campus ministry, and having a boyfriend made for an invigorating freshman year. Then she was on summer staff at the Mission. She loved working with the teen girls, and loved how they looked up to her as the perfect role model. She was riding high!
But the next year she fell headlong into sin. Reality struck when she became pregnant. Lissha was devastated. How could she have allowed this to happen? What would her family think? Her mother? What about all those girls she had been a role model for? She didn’t want anyone to know the truth.
Revelation 12:10, And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.
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Lissha and her boyfriend bought the lie that abortion was the only alternative to their "problem." But rather than abortion being an answer, they found out it generated a whole new set of problems. They both were left with a heavy burden of guilt and shame after the abortion.
Lissha’s wounds were especially deep and raw. Lissha and her boyfriend separated. She decided that she would never have love or a family. "I didn’t think I deserved that anymore."
But God had a plan.
Last summer, not feeling particularly good about herself, she volunteered to help at Teen Girls’ Camp. It turned out to be one powerful week. "I thought I could help with the crafts or something. I ended up sharing a room with a post abortion counselor. She and another assistant would talk about the pain of abortion and the healing that was possible through God’s power. It was like they were talking about me."
When the Lord prompted her to give her testimony she responded in obedience. "I was tired of hiding in the shadows, and sharing really opened me up."
It was the last evening at camp, after the program and devotions. To her surprise, as she unfolded her story, the weight of shame and guilt lifted off her. "I felt His love. He really loves me. He loves me! I don’t want the girls to suffer through what I have. I don’t want them to think I’m perfect. I’m just like them, a sinner in need of a Savior. There are consequences to sin, but God forgives and helps you get through. The liberty we have in Christ is just awesome!"
1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Now Lissha faces each day with hope for the future. Oh, and her boyfriend. God was also working on him. There may be a wedding in the future for these two. After all, God is in the business of restoration!
College behind and a career ahead, Lissha knows she still has issues that need God’s touch. Lissha says, "It really wasn’t much of a decision. I was trying to get on point with God, and so thought God would use the summer staff position to knock down some walls in spiritual preparation for teaching."
So this summer Lissha will be sharing the hope and the love of her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Are you looking for the kind of hope and love that Lissha has found in Christ? Click here to find out how you can get to know Him!