I am excited for you all to meet them. We were able to talk via a phone translator and found that their primary needs are clothes (Mens small-medium, approx 5’4″, 140 lbs, women’s small and children’s variety but small) shoes (probably no larger than size 8 or 9 and children’s variety) and especially a vacuum. (Andre feel free to describe this better).

I just emailed Bethany regarding their “how to be a tutor” training and am hoping to have some possible dates for you all soon. I think this will be the critical next step in knowing how to help and having the tools to do so… especially as we wait for them to begin ESL classes

Something significant I took away from the conference was the communication with RCA and others about racial reconciliation and intentional efforts to make effective cross cultural engagement.  This is a HUGE issue often brushed aside in lieu of seemingly more important issues.  This conversation is more that worth having, it’s vital.  Sunday is one of the most segregated days of the week.  Our neighborhoods are segregated, our school systems are segregated, and our distribution of wealth is skewed.  These things are unacceptable and should not be tolerated by the church. I’m excited that a conversation is taking place and that small action steps are being taken.  Racial reconciliation is imperative for the church to move forward well. God calls us to love others as he loved  us, and this is one way we can attempt to do that. God gives us other people for a reason. In our conversation with the group from the RCA I heard resounding sounds of a willingness to move forward together. I’m excited about the tools CCDA provided for this to occur and for the willingness and the efforts the RCA has already put into the conversation. May we not be satisfied with where we are, but have faith in taking significant steps forward.

I’m grateful I was able to go to the CCDA conference and to engage in these types of conversations.

Thanks to all the volunteers who give so much to the ministry of Mosaic Life.

That description is no where near accurate in terms of my real experience. The bottom line is that this experience sparked an “old-fashioned revival” in me. I didn’t expect to feel the presence of God in worship every day or to be challenged in my faith by people i had never even heard of. I wasn’t prepared to be in a room filled with the most diverse group of professionals I have ever seen, who were all passionate about the kind of intrinsic community transformation that I have spent the last several years studying and dreaming about being a part of. This conference also provided loads of practical, relevant information so that I didn’t just sit and discuss theory, but walked away every day with tools that could be incorporated into my professional, personal and spiritual life immediately.

The message that came through the clearest to me during the 3 1/2 days of conference was that everything we do must be done in love. Real, honest love for other people and for all God’s creation must be at the core of every word, every act of service, and every attempt at positive change. Period. No excuses. It is from this life-altering love that all else flows: the ability to hear God’s lead, the desire to listen, and the passion to serve those who are hurting. Love is more than a fluffy word or an excuse but is instead what leads to grace and is how others see Christ in us.

This experience has made a lasting impact on me and attending future CCDA conferences will be a priority.

In addition to being educational, the CCDA conference was a very inspirational event for me. It was wonderful to hear the stories and experiences of those who have been in this field longer than I have. It was encouraging to know that we can make a difference in the community. It was uplifting to know that even when we face setbacks there are many ways to push through them or work around them. It’s such a blessing to know that there is a wealth of knowledge out there from those who have gone before.

This was the first time that our tribe has had a large group at the CCDA conference. It’s great to know that even in our own tribe, we are not alone in seeking to transform the communities in which we’re present.

CCDA is also a great place to meet people. I reconnected with a lot of people that I know from other conferences or other encounters, and I met new people who have the same passion and dreams as I have. I know that as my network continues to grow, I will have a wealth of people to draw on for support and insight. I look forward to supporting others who are doing kingdom work and sharing my insights with my friends doing community development.

If I have one bit of advice to share with anyone, no matter what context they’re in, I would say “be present”. Be fully where you are, that you are able to hear what the people around you are telling you and that you can feel their emotions. Being more present in all aspects of life will help all of us as we seek to follow the example of Christ and show love to those around us.

Blessings,

Steve

this is cross posted at www.grandrapidsdreams.org

you can learn more about CCDA at www.ccda.org