WHEN “US SERVING THEM” BECOMES “WE”
by Jarrett Meek, Founder, Pastor/Executive Director
It’s hard to put into words the many lessons we’ve learned since Mission Adelante began, way back in 2005. For me personally, my Spanish has improved, I’ve become much more comfortable in a variety of cultural contexts, and I’ve become a proud resident of “The Dotte”. But, one of the most important lessons we, as a ministry, have internalized over these 18+ years has to do with “us”, “them”, and “we”.
Subtly and unconsciously, Mission Adelante began with a beneath-the-surface “us serving them” mindset. Lots of good intentions and even love, but the privileged “us” was always in the powerful seat of the giver and the needy “them” was always the recipient of our good will - not a recipe for dignity, friendship or genuine community. Along the way, we learned and grew. “Doing for“ became “doing with”, as we made every effort to empower our neighbors from all places. Yet, even in the “doing with” there was still an “us” empowering a “them”.
So what comes after “doing with”? We’ve discovered that it involves erasing the lines between “us” and “them” to create a new “we”. That’s it! In the new we, people from all places thrive and use our gifts together to transform our community. What does it look like? It looks like board members from all places, staff from all places, volunteers from all places, people from all places loving people from all places. Beautiful!
Introducing “WE 2024”
The “WE 2024” campaign is a celebration of people from all places thriving and using our gifts together to transform our community. Our goal is to increase monthly contributions by $2000/month, by April 15th. A generous donor will match the annual value of each new or increased monthly commitment with a one-time gift.
Would you consider joining us in this campaign? For more information, please visit: www.missionadelante.org/we2024
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
MISSION ADELANTE OBSERVATION NIGHTS ARE HERE : MARCH 4 -7
Take a glimpse of what is going on at Mission Adelante and what we are doing in our different programs. This is a great opportunity to have the full experience of a Mission Adelante volunteer.
For more information visit: www.missionadelante.org/serve
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.