Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, TX and the Alpha experience.

In June, 2006, the Reverend Stanley Maneikis, Chaplain with the approval and support of Don Shisler, President and the Board of Directors of Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County Texas embarked on a new plan to provide spiritual development opportunities to our 300 residents. The mission was formed in 1888 to provide a safe refuge and the Word of God for homeless people at the time of the cattle drives, native-American conflicts, and the railroads.

Now, the circumstances of the homeless population are different, and the Mission needed to look at new opportunities for spiritual development. An evaluation produced the need for change.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Alpha was chosen for a pilot project. Alpha leaders from several churches agreed to assist with this pilot project. These Alpha volunteers brought supplies, the Alpha DVD, and their experiences. Modifications produced the Spiritual Development Program for children, women and men at the Mission.

Thursdays are Spiritual Development Days at the Mission with a cycle of the Alpha Course, followed by several weeks of Christian films, and concluding in Philippians. The cycle is repeated because most of the residents are moved into housing, jobs, and other programs. The mission is in the third year using the model.

Thursdays look like this:

3:30-4:30 Children’s Program

5:00-6:15 Alpha for Mothers with children-professional child care available.

7:00-8:45 Alpha for the other residents.

7:00 Music and worship in the chapel.
7:20 Nicky Gumble DVD in .
8:00 Snacks
8:10-8:45 Small Groups-men with men leaders; women with women in separate areas.
7:20 Advanced Bible Study for those who have completed the Cycle.

diversitykids What God has done and is doing at the mission is amazing! The community changed. Residents became mentors for one another. Small group discussions carry over to the dorms and dining hall. Residents pray and minister to one another, especially to the new residents. Lives are transformed. Trust in God builds. Change takes place. At the May 8 celebration, seven residents gave personal testimony how Alpha and Spiritual Development opened hearts and minds to a God who loves them very much, and wishes them only to reach the full stature of Christ. Two hundred thirty five residents participated in the last Alpha course. The stories are plentiful.

The Mission is blessed with many volunteers….at least 60 so far from many different churches. We are an ecumenical experience. To learn about this Alpha model contact Stanley via email:

Chaplain Stanley Maneikis

Or contact him at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County

1321 E. Lancaster Avenue

Fort Worth, TX 76102