Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Robert attended Queen’s University, Belfast, in Northern Ireland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1992. He also holds a postgraduate ThM degree from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served as a pastor in Northern Ireland from 1992-2003. Robert and Elaine have been married since 1992, and they have four adult children and one grandchild. Since 2014, Robert has had the privilege of serving as the Chaplain for Sacramento Republic FC and still holds this position today.
Pastor Robert has a passion for serving people in need. He comes to UGM with 21 years of serving at Immanuel Baptist Church and various ministries in Sacramento. He has been a Board Member since 2023 and his involvement with UGM stretches back some 19 years. He taught classes in the New Life Program and preached at Friday chapel and on weekdays. His church regularly serves at UGM’s evening services.

A native of Somerville, New Jersey, Steve Jarrett served his country in the Navy, and then went to work as a chemical laboratory technician for a large pharmaceutical company.

Like so many, he became addicted to alcohol and sought help from the Union Gospel Mission. Here he discovered people who not only helped him with his addiction, but also genuinely cared for him as a person.

After successfully completing the program, Steve decided to lend his own talents to the mission, and became a full time employee in 1986. A meticulous worker, Steve found his niche in the accounting department, and served as manager of donor records for 19 years.

His love for the homeless and wealth of experience has proven invaluable, and in March of 2005 Steve was promoted to the role of assistant manager of The Union Gospel Mission.

This expansive new role allows Steve to use his experience in every area of the mission, and inspires him to say, “I just love what I do.”

Matthew was born in the Bay Area but moved to South Sacramento at the age of 8, where he lived for most of his life. He spent much of his adult career working in call centers, providing customer service for industries such as shipping, banking, and healthcare.

After the passing of his parents, Matthew began to struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. In December of 2019, he arrived at the Union Gospel Mission seeking hope and healing. Having lost nearly everything, he longed for the true and lasting change that only Christ can offer and made the decision to join the Men’s New Life Program.

“I had gotten to the point where I burnt so many bridges that I was running out of options and the only option left was to be on the street. I was depressed and tired and I wasn’t sure I could do this anymore, I wanted real lasting change and not just temporary sobriety. Christ has brought me into redemption, transforming me from an alcoholic and drug addict into a father, brother, friend and productive individual of society.”

During his time in the program, Matthew served faithfully in the kitchen as a cook. After graduating in September 2020, he continued his service through a 9-month internship in the same role. In June 2021, he officially joined the Mission staff and now serves in the accounting department. In 2023, he was honored as UGM's Employee of the Year.

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14 ESV)

“I thank Christ every day for the new life and opportunities I’ve been given.”

On November 12, 2010, Eileen Trussell joined the Union Gospel Mission family believing that God sent her here.

Having grown up in Larchmont, NY, she moved to Southern California in 1986 and landed in a career of real estate. She moved up to Sacramento in 1994 and continued her real estate profession with her husband, David. By 1998, they had their own real estate sales/mortgage company.

When the market crashed in 2008, it was a difficult time for the Trussells and closing their business. But, the Lord had plans for Eileen to change her vocation and eventually brought her to the Mission, which she is very grateful for and has given a new passion to her life.

Eileen accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1995. Along with the greatest gift of salvation, she and David are blessed with two lovely daughters, Jessica and Michelle.

Eileen is truly grateful for everything the Lord has done for her in her personal life and career, and has used her in a mighty way during her time at Union Gospel Mission.

Although Rudolph spent most of his life “in and out of drugs,” he can trace his dramatic plunge into addiction to his earliest days, living with alcoholic parents. From the age of 9, he used drugs and alcohol. This set the stage for a lifetime of pain and confusion. Rudolph’s parents died when he was young. This loss was soon followed by the death of his two brothers in a bank robbery. Like so many who are trapped in addiction, Rudolph found refuge in the numbness of drugs and alcohol.

Rudolph managed to get through college, marry, and join the U.S. Army. But his drug use resulted in discharge within two years. With his life unraveling, Rudolph’s wife and children walked out. He traveled with no destination, lived with no direction, and suffered with no healing in sight. With his life in complete disarray, and sleeping on the sidewalks of Sacramento, Rudolph checked himself into a mental health crisis center. And after finding a measure of stability, he made an appointment with one of our team members to talk about joining the Men's New Life Program. “I pleaded with him for just one chance,” says Rudolph. We agreed to give him that chance. And today, Rudolph has become a shining example of God's grace, love, and forgiveness.

“The Mission introduced me to Jesus Christ, who saved my life, taught me how to live without drugs and alcohol, and has restored my wife and children back into my life,” says Rudolph. “I have a fresh start and a new life.” Today, Rudolph’s children have their dad back. “Everything is going way better because I’m sober and following Jesus.” Best of all, Rudolph is grateful to stay on with the Mission as an Intern Houseman, and now Frontline Coordinator, of our New Life Program. “I want to give back, because the Mission has been there for me."

Danny landed at the doors of Union Gospel Mission back in 2009. Just released from prison, broken down, homeless and struggling with the urges of falling back into a life of alcohol, anger, and drug addictions, Danny enrolled in the Men's New Life Program at the Mission.

"The Lord knew I was tired and that I wanted the mental and emotional roller coaster ride to STOP! I had to let go of the wheel as I thought I was in control and just ended messing up my life. When I surrendered my life to Jesus, I now am along for the ride as He's got control of the wheel, and my life has drastically changed! Now, I'm working for the very place that picked me up, dusted me off, gave me reason, and pointed me in the direction I needed to walk."

After his graduation, Danny joined our team in the office, and eventually moved his way to overseeing the intricate workings of Mission life and functions as the Project Manager. As he works tirelessly to enhance the Mission and make it run smoothly, his diligence, work ethic, and care for those that we serve has enriched this ministry.

Born in Martinez, California and living in Pittsburg for 25 years, Bobby worked many jobs throughout his life. Operating machinery, warehouse worker, janitorial services, customer service, landscaping and indoor / outdoor maintenance.

On May 14, 2009 Bobby came to Union Gospel Mission doors. After losing his family, heart and with his spirit broken, homeless, drinking alcohol and with drugs addictions. Bobby enrolled in the Men's New Life Program at the Mission.

“As I found myself hitting rock bottom by losing everything important in my life, I cried out to my Lord Jesus Christ to enter my heart and change me in His way and do His will. He made me the person that my Lord needed me to become. He made me a better friend, a better man, and most of all a better father for my kids.”

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13 NIV)
“Thank you Lord for being my rock and my savior.”

Before knowing Christ, Will’s life was consumed by addiction and hopelessness. Though he attended church as a child, it felt like an obligation, and he never truly listened or believed.

At 28, Will entered rehab, where he first began seeking answers about God and the gospel. His journey led him to the Salvation Army ARC, where he learned that addiction wasn’t just a disease but a form of idolatry—something only repentance, submission, and obedience to God could heal. Though he initially grew in faith, he later drifted back into sin, struggling under the weight of conviction. William eventually came to the Union Gospel Mission and joined the Men's New Life Program, where he experienced the greatest spiritual growth of his life. Through the truth of God’s Word, he discovered real hope, unconditional love, and a firm foundation in Christ. Today, his trust in Jesus is unshakable, and his life has been made new.

After graduating from the Men's New Life Program in 2017, Will worked as a kitchen intern and houseman. In 2019, he was hired full-time as our evening shift kitchen cook, and in 2024, he transitioned to the graveyard shift supervisor role.

He shares, "I know that God is the reason that my life is the way it is now, because the moment I gave God the wheel, my life has been made new. I pray that I have the strength to continue to deny the world and glorify the Lord in all I do."

One of many Union Gospel Mission success stories, David Lytle is a native Californian and an inspiration to all who know him. After graduating high school in 1976, David built a career in the construction industry, working in various roles and developing a strong, well-rounded skill set.

Despite his talents, David struggled with alcoholism, and by 1998 he found himself unemployed and homeless.

After three difficult years, David arrived at the doors of the Union Gospel Mission. There, he found not only shelter but a new life and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Like many who have been delivered from addiction, David felt a deep desire to give back and serve others.

In 2002, he joined the mission staff as a full-time employee and continues to serve faithfully to this day.

“God has me right where he wants me to be.”

Mike Blain graduated from the Men’s New Life Program in 2005, a milestone that marked a powerful turning point in his life. Following his graduation, he continued to serve at the Mission as an intern, faithfully applying what he had learned and growing in both character and spiritual maturity. In time, God opened the door for Mike to join the Union Gospel Mission staff, a testament to the transformation that began during his time in the program and the calling he felt to give back. His journey from recovery to leadership is a shining example of God’s redemptive work.

Christian was born and raised in Plateau State, Jos, Nigeria, in a Christian home with humble beginnings. His grandfather was a pastor, his mother a nurse, and his father was studying law while working odd jobs. Coming from a farming background, his family was rich in love and prioritized both spiritual growth and education, working hard to provide for Christian and his two siblings.

Growing up, Christian endured immense hardships in his life, including the loss of family members, struggles with addiction, and the heartbreaking separation from his wife and children. Christian sought a fresh start in life, longing for stability and freedom from his addictions. He moved to Sacramento and was led to Union Gospel Mission, where he found refuge in our shelter and support through our men's services. One day, while out on the street, a staff member spotted him, waved him over, and said, "You don't belong out here." The staff member encouraged Christian to return the following week and apply for the Men's New Life Program.

The message of the gospel deeply impacted Christian. He came to understand that he was a sinner, but that his past mistakes did not define him. He realized that Jesus had died to save him from his sins, offering him the hope of redemption and a new beginning.

While in the program, Christian served as a cook in the kitchen, assisting the kitchen manager. In November 2024, when the kitchen manager retired, Christian was offered the position. He is now an active member of a local church and was baptized in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his faith journey. Christian’s story is a beautiful testimony of God’s transformative grace.

Angela joined UGM in February 2024 bringing with her a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Sacramento State University. Angela was born in Ukraine, moved to Sacramento, California, when she was two years old, and has lived here ever since. She speaks fluent Russian, which comes in handy to translate for some of our guests. Her previous job was at Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital which serves many of the clientele that UGM takes care of.
Angela has been passionate about serving the Lord ever since she was saved in 2012. She has been involved in children’s, youth, and kitchen ministry, and serves her church in many capacities. She has also been overseas on short-term missionary trips, spreading the gospel. She has been attending City Bible Church for since 2021 and is currently serving in the youth ministry.
Angela comes with a passion for helping people with Gospel-centered care and being a pivotal part of the growth at UGM. Her faith, education, experience, and secondary language are great attributes at UGM, and knows the Lord has placed her here for a purpose.

“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36

Rebekah was saved by God's grace at the age of 18 when he unveiled her eyes to her sin and the message of the Gospel, just minutes before she was going to be baptized as a self-righteous unbeliever. Since then, God's steadfast love and faithfulness have been the joy of her life.

She began her career in non-profit work back in 2017, working her way up to becoming the head of a marketing department. With over five years of marketing experience, she is passionate about telling stories of God’s saving work in the lives of others and showcasing ministries with excellence by God’s grace and alongside gifted teammates.

Rebekah is grateful to be part of the Union Gospel Mission team and looks forward to every opportunity to champion the mission of UGM for God’s glory and the good of others.

Masha joined UGM as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Pastor Robert Briggs in March of 2025. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics from UCD and is currently pursuing her M.A at the International Reformed Baptist Seminary. With her academic background she hopes to help the UGM in various ways. She has a passion for Missions, Bible Translation and reaching the lost.

Born in Ukraine, Masha moved to Sacramento in 2007 and was saved by the grace of God in 2015. She loves serving at her local church, Immanuel Baptist Church, in various ways, and seeks to grow in the Lord.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling." -Psalm 46:1–3

Kim came in one day to pick up flyers for her street ministry not knowing the Lord led her here to be part of the staff at the Union Gospel Mission. She meets the daily challenge to serve, share and love on the women of the streets through her faith in the salvation offered by Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Her desire is that every woman who steps on to mission property be shown value through a smile, conversation and pray.
She met and made Jesus her Lord and Savior the fall of 1989 after years of living and loving the world. The experience of hopelessness and tough consequences made her heart heavy and burdened until she cried out to her creator who reached down, picked her up and brushed her off. She has a deep desire to share her Savior through the Women’s Clothing Closet and weekly Bible study.

Bio coming soon

Joe became a Christian during the early nineties through the witness and influence of other Christians who explained the gospel from God’s Word. Joe professed faith in Christ and was baptized, having a sense of guilt and shame in his conscience and convinced that nothing he did could save him or make him right with God. Joe realized that only Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross, suffering God’s just punishment for his sins, would atone for him.

Joe became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in 1995. He served as a deacon from 2001-2017 and became a non-staff pastor in 2017.

Joe and his wife Ana were married in 2007. God has blessed them with two delightful daughters.

Alan was saved in 2019 through a gospel video his best friend created and posted on Facebook. After realizing his desperate need of a Savior, he left school in Chico and moved back home. By God's grace Alan began to learn and grow in His understanding of the Gospel and joined Gold Country Baptist Church (GCBC) in Shingle Springs.

Alan has served in various ministries from children's programs to retirement home services. He also serves as a pastoral intern at GCBC and is pursuing a Masters of Divinity. He loves to read, fish, and play golf. But, most of all, Alan loves tell people about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and help them grow in their love for Him.

Marissa joined the Mission in May 2022, bringing a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and over a decade of administrative expertise. Her connection to UGM began through her church, where she regularly volunteered with the worship team for the Mission’s evening chapel and dinner services. Beyond her administrative duties, Marissa also helps lead worship for staff and program participants during Friday morning chapel.

Before joining UGM, Marissa worked in various office settings as an administrative assistant, but she longed for a deeper sense of purpose—to help others and use her gifts for something greater. When she joined the Mission, it became clear that this was where God had called her. She finds fulfillment in supporting the Mission’s work. For her, every task is significant, contributing to the larger goal of serving God and those in need.

Outside of work, Marissa is passionate about serving the Lord in music ministry, spending quality time with family and friends, and caring for her four cats and three bearded dragons. In April 2021, she married her husband, Christopher, and together they are dedicated to glorifying God in both the joys and trials of life.

Ilea (rhymes with “IKEA”) was born and raised in the Sacramento area. She was blessed to be born into a Christian family. They consistently took her to a church with a high view of God. It was through this church and the faithful teaching of her parents that Ilea received the gospel.
After graduating college in 2024 with an English degree, Ilea was blessed enough to join the staff of UGM. Ilea is passionate about discipleship, serving the church, and examining one’s faith critically. She is happy to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in an administrative capacity.
In her free time, Ilea enjoys reading, watching movies, obsessing over tea, and getting competitive over board games.

Franci began as a volunteer in 2022 in the Women's Clothes Closet. She has faithfully served in multiple areas, including sorting clothes, running women’s showers, and assisting ladies with their many needs. She especially loved blessing them with the love of Christ and praying with them.
Currently, Franci works at our front desk as the receptionist, assisting visitors and callers with warmth, kindness, and Christ's love.

A graduate of our Men’s New Life Program, Dave served in the Mission kitchen throughout his time in the program and has joined our staff to continue that work.
Dave’s life was plagued with addiction and brokenness, but when he came to the Mission, he heard and responded to the Gospel call. He surrendered his life to Christ and has been transformed by God's grace. Now he lives with purpose, discipline, and a heart to serve others. As he puts it, "Living out my faith means showing love, compassion, and grace to others just as Christ showed it to me."

During his teenage years, Cesar had fallen deep into addiction and gang involvement, leading to criminal activity and isolation from his family. He was bound by addiction and weighed down by broken relationships, depression, and despair. It was during this dark season that he was directed to the Union Gospel Mission and entered the New Life Program. Through the consistent preaching of the Gospel and the support of staff and fellow program participants, God began to work in his heart.

God has transformed Cesar's life from the inside out. Through repentance, he experienced true freedom and restoration, and today, Cesar walks in the peace and joy of knowing Christ. He is deeply thankful for the grace that saved him and for the new family he has found at UGM, and he is now a full-time cook at the Mission. He dedicates his life to serve others and point them to the same truth that changed him: Jesus Christ!

From a childhood of abuse to an adulthood full of hardship, addiction, homelessness, and prison time, Cliff was a slave to his sin and hopeless in the face of life's circumstances. But by God's grace, a desire to pursue acceptance into our Men's New Life Program was pressed on him, and it was through reading Scripture and hearing the Gospel here that the Lord opened his eyes and saved his soul! He is now a new creation in Christ and has found hope for his life and for eternity. He's since graduated the program, joined a local church, is pursuing baptism, and is serving faithfully as part of our team here at the Mission. We’re incredibly grateful to have Cliff with us; his servant's heart, kindness, and love for God is an encouragement and blessing to us all.

"I know in my heart that Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior, that He is our God, and that he is the God, and for that I must give thanks to the Lord. I pray that these doors stay open and that the neon Jesus Saves sign outside stays lit forever and that all those like myself can find their way through the darkness back to God."

Bob was raised in church but hadn't taken God seriously. Substance abuse had become his God, and he knew that he needed serious help with his addiction. He had tried two different rehabs but neither of them worked for him. After he was released from prison the third time, he found himself standing under a tree on Bannon Street. He was told about a recovery (Men's New Life) program at the Union Gospel Mission but had thought to himself, “It’s just another rehab that doesn’t work.” So he went to the Union Gospel Mission and talked to a staff member who helped him get a 7-day bed in the shelter and shared with him that Union Gospel Mission was a Christian-based program.

He needed help fast because he was craving meth to stop the fear of the present and the shame of his past. After his interview with Pastor Hughes, who was the director of the Program at that time, he was accepted into the New Life Program. The first thirty days were rough. Despite considering leaving the program two times, he talked to Pastor Tom Mooney several times a day who encouraged Bob to stay and keep praying for strength to complete the program.

After awhile God started working in Bob. God caused his eyes to open and see where he was before versus now. He realized that it was God’s will for him to be here at the Union Gospel Mission and God who directed him here so he could be around Christian people who truly care for him.

The Word of God is taught here daily. He is now a member of the Last Day’s Harvest Church, Pastor Mooney’s church. He is forever grateful to God for all the pastors here at the Union Gospel Mission and for sending him here where there is truth and hope in Christ Jesus.