Voices from the Streets

Experience a heartfelt conversation on Voices from the Streets as Executive Director Pastor Robert Briggs sits down with Marissa Johnson, a dedicated member of the Union Gospel Mission Sacramento team.Marissa shares her story of growing up in Sacramento, coming to faith at a young age, navigating the challenges of college as a believer, and discovering her calling to serve in ministry. Listeners will hear how her journey through communications studies, various jobs, and volunteer service ultimately led her to the Mission where she now plays a key role in donor services, outreach, and social media communication.Together, Pastor Briggs and Marissa discuss the importance of faithful women in ministry, the value of serving with a humble heart, and the incredible work God continues to do through the mission’s programs, volunteers, and supporters. From behind-the-scenes ministry work to creative outreach efforts, this episode offers an inspiring look at the impact of faithful service and the strength God provides along the way.Tune in and be encouraged by Marissa’s testimony and the ongoing story of what the Lord is doing at Union Gospel Mission Sacramento.

In this episode of Voices from the Streets, Pastor Robert Briggs talks with Stephen Jarrett, Union Gospel Mission’s Director of Frontline Services. With 39 years of service, Stephen shares his powerful journey from a stable upbringing in New Jersey to a life derailed by addiction, homelessness, and despair and how God’s grace brought him to salvation through the Mission’s chapel ministry.Stephen reflects on his early days at the Mission in the mid-1980s, the transformation of its programs over the decades, and the unique challenges of serving on the front lines, where compassion, firmness, and wisdom are essential. Hear how his own experience on the streets shapes the way he ministers to those in need, and how his faith, family, and church keep him grounded.From handling late-night emergencies to mentoring men in recovery, Stephen’s story is a testament to God’s power to redeem and repurpose a life for His glory. This conversation will encourage you to see the hope that is possible for anyone willing to surrender to Christ.

In this episode of Voices from the Streets, Pastor Robert Briggs sits down with Scott Holman, Deputy Director of Union Gospel Mission Sacramento. Scott shares how the Lord saved him while he was in jail in 2010 and gave him a hunger for Scripture and the things of God. That transformation led to a deep involvement in ministry and a long career at UGM, where he has served since 2012. Robert and Scott talk candidly about the behind-the-scenes work of running the Mission, the financial stewardship required to keep it moving, and the prayerful vision for the future—including better healthcare, expanded transitional housing, and outreach to women in crisis. It’s a conversation about calling, faithfulness, and the ongoing work of Christ through UGM.

This week on Voices from the Street, Pastor Robert Briggs continues his conversation with Angie and Rebekah, two dedicated young women faithfully serving at Union Gospel Mission. In Part 1, we heard their testimonies of salvation and church involvement. In Part 2, we focus on how God led them to UGM and how their hearts are being shaped through the work they do.From Surrender to ServiceAngie shared how she left her job after being forced to work Sundays, choosing instead to prioritize her church life at City Bible Church. Within two weeks, the Lord opened the door for her to join UGM through a providential meeting with Development Director, Eileen Trussell. She now serves as Public Relations Manager, coordinating volunteer and church communication.Rebekah, who previously worked in nonprofit marketing, spent a year pursuing freelance work before sensing a call to return to people-centered ministry. A friend invited her to help with worship at the Women’s Clothes Closet. That visit led to a divine connection with Eileen and, soon after, Pastor Briggs. She now serves as Marketing Manager, telling the stories of UGM through writing, design, and media outreach.First Impressions of the MissionBoth women reflected on how their initial expectations of UGM were far surpassed by the depth of ministry happening daily. Angie was especially moved by witnessing a Men's New Life Program graduation early in her time at the Mission, seeing firsthand the life transformation made possible through the Gospel. Rebekah remarked on the sobering contrast of outward brokenness and inner spiritual need—and the beauty of seeing God bring light into dark places.The Weight of Women’s MinistryThe conversation also turned to the challenges facing women on Sacramento’s streets. Both women acknowledged the overwhelming need for Gospel-centered care and recovery for women. While UGM currently offers clothing, showers, meals, and Bible studies for women, the lack of long-term, Christ-centered housing and recovery programs in Sacramento remains a major concern. “We have what can truly change lives—the Gospel,” Rebekah noted.What They Do at UGMAs part of the Development team, Angie and Rebekah help connect donors, volunteers, and churches to the ongoing work of the Mission. Angie handles communication with over 60 churches and countless volunteers. Rebecca oversees marketing, social media, storytelling, and future branding efforts. Together, they help ensure that others can see the powerful ways God is at work—even if they never step foot on the campus.Pastor Briggs' Closing WordsPastor Briggs expressed deep gratitude for these two women and others like them who serve not out of convenience, but conviction. “You’re not Christians by convenience,” he said, “you’re Christians by conviction.” Their presence, faithfulness, and love for the Lord continue to bless the Mission and encourage everyone around them.If you'd like to see the work happening at UGM for yourself, tours are available on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM. Visit ugmsac.com or call 916-447-3268 for more information.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Voices from the Street, Pastor Robert Briggs sits down with Cliff West, a staff member at the Sacramento Union Gospel Mission, to share the remarkable story of his life — a testimony of brokenness, survival, and ultimately, redemption through Christ.Cliff opens up about his childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and instability, growing up in the Inland Empire of Southern California. From being a ward of the state and cycling through foster care, to struggling with addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and personal loss, Cliff's journey is a raw and honest account of life on the margins.But this isn’t just a story of hardship — it’s a story of hope. Cliff recounts how God met him in his darkest hour, leading him to the doors of the Union Gospel Mission, where he encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. Through the mission’s program, biblical counseling, and the support of a faith-filled community, Cliff experienced a radical transformation and found true purpose and peace in Christ.Join us as we witness the grace of God at work in one man’s life — from the streets to salvation. You won’t want to miss this incredible testimony.

In this episode of Voices from the Streets, Pastor Robert Briggs speaks with Union Gospel Mission chaplain Alan Birdsall about his unlikely journey from a self-indulgent college lifestyle to a life transformed by Christ. Alan shares how God used a gospel video on Facebook—posted by a childhood friend—to open his eyes to sin, grace, and salvation. Now serving on the frontlines of gospel ministry in Sacramento, Alan discusses the power of the gospel, the brokenness behind addiction and homelessness, and his passion for bringing both truth and compassion to the least, the last, and the lost.

In this powerful episode of the Union Gospel Mission podcast, Executive Director Robert Briggs sits down with Chris Morris, Director of Chaplaincy at UGM Sacramento. Chris shares his compelling story—from a turbulent childhood and military service to years of wandering in sin and finally being transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.Listeners will be moved by Chris’ honest reflections on brokenness, addiction, near-death experiences, and ultimately the grace that rescued him. Now leading men in UGM’s New Life Program, Chris discusses the life-changing impact of gospel-centered discipleship and the mission’s role in reaching Sacramento’s homeless with truth, hope, and love.This episode is a stirring reminder of God's redeeming power and the importance of bringing light to the darkest places. Tune in to hear how the Lord is using Chris—and Union Gospel Mission—to minister to the least, the last, and the lost.

In this conversation, Pastor Robert Briggs interviews Pastor Tony Arnds about his life, ministry, and journey to faith. Tony shares his upbringing in a non-religious environment, his early influences, and the significant turning point in his life when he encountered Jehovah's Witnesses. This led to his conversion experience, where he felt the power of God's Word and the conviction of sin. The discussion also touches on the impact of his faith on his family, particularly his wife's journey to faith shortly after his own conversion. The conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the importance of God's Word in guiding individuals toward a relationship with Him.

Robert Briggs, the Executive Director of the Sacramento Union Gospel Mission, hosts a radio show featuring Christian Okeze's testimony of faith and transformation. Christian shares his background. He was born in Nigeria, lost his mother at eight, and moved to the U.S. with his family. He recounts his father's passing at 21, which led him to raise his younger sister and face personal challenges, including addiction. Despite these struggles, Christian found solace in sports and eventually turned his life around through the Union Gospel Mission, embracing Christianity and finding a new purpose. The story continues in the next episode, detailing his journey to homelessness and eventual redemption.

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