3 Reasons I am Excited for the CCDA Conference

by Alex Ruybalid, Partner Engagement Director

““There is no song
Louder than love
John Perkins said it right
Love is the final fight””

— "The Sound (John M. Perkins' Blues)" by Switchfoot

I first learned of John Perkins and the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) through these lyrics penned by Jon Foreman of the band Switchfoot. And yes, if you are keeping track, I have now made a Jon Foreman reference in both of the express articles I have written. 😂

I could take an entire article summing up what the CCDA principles are, so I instead will leave you with this ancient Chinese proverb that sums up the CCDA philosophy:

“Go to the people,
Live among them,
Learn from them,
Love them.
Start with what they know,
Build on what they have:
But of the best leaders, When their task is done,
The people will remark, “We have done it ourselves.””

10 years later, and after a few years of implementing the CCDA principles in community work, I will finally be attending my first CCDA conference next month! Here are three things that I am most excited about:

1 - Variety of associations and workshops - The variety and depth of speakers at this years conference is outstanding. Personally I am most excited to attend “The Doctrine of Discovery and the Rise of Christian Nationalism” by the amazing author Soong-Chan Rah and “Intersection of Poverty and COVID-19” a workshop by Elia Moreno. From economic empowerment to worship, I am overwhelmed by the diversity of workshops there are with such relevant topics! It is going to be hard to choose. Check them out here

2 - Encouragement and inspiration - The way that Mission Adelante empowers community, disciples, and loves the neighbor, is absolutely inspired by CCDA principles. In these discouraging times, the conference will be four days of encouragement and inspiration to keep up this work.

Nothing can encourage like a hug and a word from a friend. Nothing can inspire like a word from someone who has their hands dirty IN community work. In this moment, we need each other. We need to celebrate our wins and encourage each other through the darkness of injustices, deaths, and setbacks in our communities. I am excited for our staff and myself to be encouraged at this year's conference.

3 - First time - More than anything I am excited because it is my first time! I can’t wait for the food, music, laughter, dancing, and connections with people from communities all across the nation. I am so excited to show off Kansas City in all of its jazzy, BBQ smoked, historical, coffee roasted, taco capital - goodness.

This conference has been two years in the making - two stressful and anxious years throughout our country. I am excited to sing, dance, and praise God with people who are doing community work with empathy and proximity. People who see God working in their neighborhood and who humbly step into that plan with their skills, families, and futures. Amen!

I hope you will join us this year. You can't watch the video below and tell me you aren't excited for this year's conference!