Heroes and Champions: On Becoming Part of the Fabric of the Community
Dear Friends,
My first thoughts as I write to you all are thoughts of gratitude for the important role you play as donors (champions) to the cause of "making disciples with people from all places." You are such an important part of the ministry the Lord has given us in this community. We couldn't do this without you! Lately, we've been processing what long-term impact looks like for a ministry like ours. I wanted to share a few thoughts with you here that give you a glimpse into an important part of our ministry philosophy and values.
How can a ministry make a sustainable, long-term impact? One if the keys is to become part of the fabric of a community. Mission Adelante has been approaching ministry through this lens since our inception. From our commitment to living in the community to the high value we place on partnership and developing community leaders, we believe that community transformation happens from within, in collaboration with partners from all over the city.
Our very first community partnership was formed with M.E. Pearson Elementary School, in September 2005. In the first month after the ministry was founded, we joined forces with M.E. Pearson to offer an English class for the parents of their students. Partnership is paramount in the recipe for long-term community impact. It fosters the development of a network of resources and entities that care about the community and seeks ways to support one another and work together collaboratively for the common good. In our case, this network takes many shapes and includes individuals, churches, businesses, schools, local government entities, and non-profits, from our own community and across the city. It's becoming part of the fabric of a community on every level.
The launch of Adelante Thrift has accelerated and expanded our partnership capacity in ways we never imagined. When Lena Chan, our Community Development Director, first shared that Adelante Thrift had partnered with over 75 organizations and entities over its first three years, I was surprised. Some of these organizations include Kansas School for the Blind, Workforce Partnership, Laminate Works Inc., O-Ring Sales, Urban Scholastic Center, The Hope Center, Samaritan's Feet, SM East and Schlagle High Schools. Urban schools such as Eugene Ware Elementary and private suburban schools like Whitfield Academy have found a common connecting point in Adelante Thrift. And, church groups from across the city and from states like Tennessee, Iowa, and Arkansas have participated. Adelante Thrift is not only helping us become part of the fabric of the community, it is also creating fabric in places where none existed before.
After 13 years in this community and having seen such an explosion of partner connections through Adelante Thrift, we have a sense that our ministry is truly becoming part of the fabric of our city. As we look ahead to 2019 and beyond, we are excited to see how the Lord will lead us to press into our partnerships and maximize these important relationships for deeper Kingdom impact and community transformation.
Again, thank you for your very important part in this work. You also form part of this fabric with us!
In His Grace,
Jarrett Meek, MDiv
Pastor/Executive Director, Founder
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