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.
Johnny
Johnny Evans sat in the teen boys’ cabin at Camp CUMCITO and lifted his shirt to reveal an ugly scar, a constant reminder of just how rough life on Kansas City’s streets can be.
Johnny spent 20 years running the streets, until he was shot by his best friend and left him for dead. He was rushed to the hospital where his life hung in the balance. Upon his release, he came to the Mission, where he regained his physical and spiritual health. He graduated from our Christian Life Program and today is a member of our staff. Last summer, Johnny volunteered to serve as a counselor at Camp CUMCITO so he could help kids avoid the horrors he experienced on the streets.
“I told them the things I had been through in my life, and they were shocked,” Johnny recounts. “I explained what God did in my life, and how He gave me my life back. I told them what life was like on the street – it’s a dead-end struggle unless you accept Jesus Christ.”
As the boys listened to Johnny’s stories, they wanted to learn more about this God who had made such a difference in his life.
“They shared things with me I don’t think they had shared with anyone else,” Johnny says. “They talked about what was going on in their neighborhoods and at home, about the gangs, and how they’re sometimes afraid to go to school because of shootings in their neighborhood, and about the abuse they’ve suffered in their lives.”
While the boys enjoyed the fun of camp, they looked forward to their nightly devotions with Johnny. One boy gave his life to the Lord during the week. All eagerly studied their Bibles and memorized scriptures. The cabin won an award for memorizing all their assigned scriptures, a fact that makes Johnny very proud.
The boys returned to their neighborhoods stronger and more confident in their faith, thanks to the love of Johnny and the power of God. “God willing, I want to go back to camp again this summer,” Johnny says. “I want to be there to do what I can do.”
God not only saved Johnny’s life…he gave him a brand new beginning. He can do the same for you. Click here to find out how!
