UGM using video to raise awareness and support for ministry

A Christian ministry raising funds for its operating costs says that someone is matching their donations.

Union Gospel Mission says a video they had made, Secure In His Hands, is helping them share how Jesus impacts lives.

"We produced a professionally-made video and recorded much of what Jesus is doing among our recovering addicts and those at work," UGM's development manager Martin Chidwick says. 

UGM is hoping to raise funds to help cover costs such as paying its employees, maintaining its four locations, covering daily ministry costs and new COVID-19 related costs.

"We serve normally over 100,000 meals a year to guests on the street."

UGM also has a shelter for women that serves 45 people, and a shelter for men that serves 26 people on top of its day-to-day ministry work.

An anonymous donor has said they will match donations made to the ministry until November 9.

"If you are in the Winnipeg area or would have attended a Winnipeg banquet if you designate funds under 'Winnipeg Banquet' then we can have those funds matched."

He says donations coming from other areas of the province could also have its own matching funds.

Chidwick says that the 36-minute video was created to share with their supporters the work being done in the name of Jesus inside their buildings and raise funds instead of their usual banquets and dessert evenings.

The video was shot over four days. Testimonies from those using UGM's services, workers, and volunteers are shared in the space of their buildings and at a homeless camp.

Chidwick says the stories in the video are all encouraging.

"People like the fact that we talk about Jesus consistently through the interviews, the testimonies that are shared by many of those that are in or going through our recovering addicts' program."

The video has 1200 views, but Chidwick says he knows more people have seen it as some were watching it as households. He says the responses from viewers so far have been generous and humbling, and is thankful for the donations that are helping UGM honour Christ in their work.