I'm back.
For those of you who hadn’t heard, last June when I finished up my year in CR I moved back to good ol’ Spokane, WA. I've spent this last year nannying for dear friends of mine and working at The Body Shop. It has been a really great time to adjust and calm my life pace after the intensity of working in CR. This transitional time is coming to an end though, and I'm excited to announce that I have an amazing opportunity lined up for this next year!
What follows is a support letter I am/will be sending to friends and family. I thought posting it here would be another way to get the word out. So keep reading if you want an update!
(Did anyone notice my title change? Clever, right?)
My dearest family and friends,
For the last few years God has been putting urban ministry on my heart. Through my studies at Whitworth, my experiences overseas, and my involvement with The Porch (my church here in West Central, Spokane, part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance), God has been growing a passion in me for sustainable community development. So here is my plan: move to West Central, immerse myself in the neighborhood and the relationships I’ve been forming for the last few years, and work for my church. After months of prayer and discernment, God has called me act on a dream my pastor and I have been cultivating for 3 years. I begin July 1st.
As the Community Development Director, my role will be to organize, lead and empower the members of The Porch to live out the Gospel in West Central, Spokane and beyond. What does this mean? It means I’ll be pounding the pavement, looking into all the different organizations serving in our neighborhood and surrounding community. After analyzing what is already being done, I’ll plan ways our church can become further involved, by supporting those who are already serving, and endeavoring to fill needs that are not yet being met. I’ll lead programs that provide opportunities for Porch members to become more involved in serving their community, knowing their neighbors, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
I am extremely excited to take this step in fulfilling my vocation and calling. I will be adopting a plan of “bi-vocational ministry”, meaning I will be serving part-time at The Porch, and continuing to work part-time at The Body Shop.
Would you partner with me in this ministry? As I jump into this new chapter and calling, I would love your support in two areas:
Finances: While my church will be matching a portion of my finances each month, this position is dependent on me raising the majority of my financial support. This is both exciting and terrifying. Trusting God with my finances in this way is new to me, but as I believe this is what he is calling me to, I trust he will fulfill my needs. Will you support me financially? My goal is to raise $1000 per month, or $12,000 for the year. If you would like to make a donation and/or commit to supporting me monthly, please go to http://theporchspokane.org/?page_id=16, click “donate”, and be sure to mark your donation for Staff Support. Or send your checks to The Porch, 1804 W Broadway Ave, Spokane WA 99201. Please contact me if you plan to partner with me by supporting me monthly. All donations are tax deductible.
Prayer: Did I mention that raising support is new and scary for me? Please pray that God will provide for me financially. And as I move to a new neighborhood and really immerse myself in the community, please pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray that I will clearly see our community’s needs, and find sustainable, God-honoring ways for The Porch to fulfill them. Finally, pray that God will continue to teach me what it means to live a life of ministry, and how I can best fulfill my new position.
As I transition into this role, I would love to discuss it with you! Please feel free to call/text/facebook/email me anytime for more information. Thank you so much for your love and support!
Paz de Cristo (Peace of Christ),
Emily
