Gist of my message last weekend at URM.org Celebration of 135th Anniversary
When I was 16, on a missions trip to Saltillo, Mexico, I had a memorable experience on the streets. I tried to connect with a deaf man who only understood Spanish, using a small booklet and simple hand gestures. Somehow, through that imperfect effort, a meaningful connection happened that day. I still have the picture from the moment.
That night, looking up at the mountains, I felt a deep sense of purpose. I remember thinking: if something good could come from someone as weak and ordinary as me, then I want to dedicate the rest of my life to serving God and others in a meaningful way. That moment stayed with me, and God has helped me to live it out every day of the 50 plus years since.
During this same era, a pastor said to me somewhat critically, “Andy, you always try to do more than you are capable of. You bite off more than you can chew.” If he said that to me today, I’d smile and say, “Yes, and I’m grateful I did—because it taught me how much bigger the impact can be when we lean on others and something greater than ourselves.”
I had a powerful humbling moment not too long ago. It hit me that any success, breakthroughs, transformed lives, and good that came during the nearly 20 years I spent leading URM.org Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, wasn’t really about me. I was never enough on my own—and that’s okay. Many of you extended grace and stepped up in beautiful ways. A few others pointed out where I fell short, and they were right in their own way. I miss all of it, and I miss all of you.
It was never just me. It was the incredible team around me, the supporters, volunteers, board members, and guests who poured their hearts in. It was the grace and kindness of God and grace and gifts extended by so many. I was simply fortunate enough to ride along and be part of something much larger than myself.
Who else gets to have stars like Courtney Vance and Angela Bassett show up to deep-fry turkeys at Thanksgiving? Or have them come on Christmas Eve to serve guests, with their twins singing “All the Single Ladies” to all of our single ladies?
Who has an “angel” like Kitty Davis-Walker, our VP of PR, step in and say she was there to help make things better and brighter every day, and make me look good and be good?
Who has friends like Scott Minerd who feel called to do more, telling me, “God is tapping me on the shoulder to do more”, then generously giving $3 million a year for nine years straight?
I’m so grateful for that humbling realization. It set me free in a way I didn’t even know I needed. Thank you—to everyone who carried so much of the load, who showed up, and who reflected goodness and care every single day.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1 NLT
Under Mark Hood and URM’s current capable leadership, the best is yet to come—because this work has always been bigger than any one person. It was here for 114 years before me, and it will continue long into the future. Thank you all!
andyatcfumblog@wordpress.com 
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