Get In Where You Fit In...

My hubby said something similar to me the other day and while he didn't know it was just what I needed to hear - it was JUST what I needed to hear.

You all know I am one who truly does believe we are better together!

And I absolutely love the quote, "A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong" - Tecumseh

I daily strive to reflect this attitude and build bridges.  And to be totally transparent, I have these HUGE dreams of what this "Better Together" looks like locally but often times find myself feeling like that single twig.

In January, I knew my schedule and "life" would allow me to join our church's Adopt A Block ministry.  Although I had volunteered a few times prior, there is something different about making a commitment.  Since February, my youngest daughter and I have faithfully shown up to serve and show love to our local community the 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month.

And it has been one of the BEST decisions I've made!!!

The people I didn't know I needed in my life - well, we are now family!!! 
My Green Team!

We clearly realize there is food insecurity in our community and that is our way into the "door" and by doing so, we have not only been able to provide food, but we are building relationships!

Our program director, Mark Thompson (who is remarkable), invited me to attend a round table forum with the USDA this weekend.  My heart has been stirring for some time that I need to do more and I simply told him to let me know how I can be of more help.  So here I come, young white female, into a predominately black church, not knowing a soul, as I waited for Mark to join us.  While some might have felt out of place, I felt right at home.  They seated me, unknown to me, next to the church's First Lady :)  and to my right, the sweetest "Mom Francis."  I did end up knowing one lady there, she was my 7th grade ELA teacher, but I don't think it would have even mattered because when you're surrounded by those who are like minded, you just "fit in."

This meeting, facilitated by the local USDA team, was geared towards recognizing the challenges our communities face and working TOGETHER to help tackle these issues.  There was representation from political, business, school, community, and faith based leadership.

I felt like I was part of the "bundle" at this meeting.
As I sat and listened, I gained much insight.

Some of the top challenges our local communities face include:
Education
Affordable Housing
Hunger
Drug Crisis/Mental Health
Transportation

As I mentioned, our Adopt A Block ministry supplies food 2 Saturdays a month to a section of our community and that is our way to build a relationship with the people on these blocks.  Our other 2 campuses do the same thing monthly.  But by doing this, we are also ensuring that the children in these houses are enrolled in school, and if not, have someone reach back out to them to help get them enrolled.  We ask besides food is there anything they need for their household and we have provided beds, kitchen tables, refrigerators, clothes, etc as needed.  Our blocks fall within a heavy drug and crime area and we offer assistance with the resources we have available - we've had narcan training and information on rehab services - but more often than not, the one thing they will allow for us to do is simply pray. And PRAY we do!!!  There have even been times we've helped those who want to come to church but have no transportation to get there!

So this ONE ministry program that our church does just twice a month (once a month at each of our other campuses) is reaching 650 families!!!  And we are touching on each of the top challenges are community faces in some form.

Can you imagine what that would look like if we work TOGETHER to do this more?
And not just focus on education for school aged children, but education and mentorship for those who have fallen on hard times and need to relearn how to "live" again?!?

I know I've said it before but I think it's worth repeating - we do not have to cross borders to find people truly in need.  We have people right in our own communities who need help!!! 

***

Another opportunity I've had this year is to be on the leadership team for our Shoulder to Shoulder women's ministry at EWC.  My beautiful friend, Sara, came to me earlier in the fall and shared what was stirring in her heart and knew I had much of the same stirring in mine...so when she asked if I would like to be a part of the team I was ALL in!!!

And talk about bringing people TOGETHER!!!
We had over 200 women show up for our 1st gathering!
Ages ranging from high schoolers to Great Granma's and a mix of color and nationalities.
What an amazing sight it was to see so many women, standing shoulder to shoulder, as we ended in prayer that night.

As we are praying and seeking direction on how we can serve our local community, I cannot help but feel overwhelmed with what the effect of 200 women on a mission will look like!!!

It's so exciting!
And it is exactly what our communities need!

Small things.
Or big.
It ALL Matters!!!

When we come together to work to build our community UP, I truly believe that we are leaving the greatest marks on the world.
I know we are already doing good things locally and I am believing for greater things to come!

I want to encourage you to get in where you fit in!!!
Get involved with programs that are helping to revitalize our communities.
You might not feel comfortable at first, and it may just be because you don't realize just how privileged you are.

Do it anyway.
It ALL Matters.

We are so much BETTER TOGETHER my friends!


xox,
Jenny