WAW trip transforms women's vision of ministry
I could tell you 20 different, incredible, real-life stories that may impact your own personal spiritual journey. I can do this because I was one of 22 women, who, for six days in October, shared and experienced numerous encounters with people and communities working to make a difference in service to humanity, and to the glory of God. The women on this journey were known as the WAW churchwomen to many who experienced us. WAW, the Women's Action Web, offers a spiritual learning opportunity for women through the Office of Disciples Women, Disciples Home Missions. Disciples women from across the nation arrived at the Baltimore/DC Airport already aware of their commitment to visit many places on this WAW journey. The objective was to look with new eyes and learn of successful ministries. Then, with new information, these women returned home to look for ways their regions could provide new ministries to serve God's people. Walking With FredAfter Sunday worship at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., the WAW women began their journey on a walk with Fred. Fred, once homeless, has been able to make life changes through the help of church members. No longer homeless, he now serves the community through the church. On that damp, drizzly Sunday, Fred guided a walk in the park, where he warmly greeted homeless individuals and introduced them to the WAW women.
Fred introduced Larry, a veteran, now homeless. Some years ago, Larry received a college degree from a university in Florida and was a paralegal. After experiencing racism in the Florida workplace, he came to Washington, DC, where he, an African American, hoped for "better opportunities" and has been homeless ever since. As a veteran, Larry has a little income, but not enough to afford shelter and food. Fred introduced us to others, and shared his own story, being sure to show us the places he slept, near the White House and the American Bar Association, when he was homeless. This was only the beginning of the journey. The WAW group visited Martha's Table, an organization providing food for low-income and homeless people, serving about 3,500 each day. The WAW group watched as sandwiches were received from many volunteer groups; even a preschool sent sandwiches made by parents and children before school. Soup is also prepared by volunteers 65 gallons at a time. The WAW group visited many other places as well. These places included N St. Village, providing care for homeless women and children; Christ House, who provides healthcare for homeless men and women; Sitar Center for the Arts, providing free after-school arts education; and The Potter's House, a "tavern church," coffee house and bookshop through which many new ministries are born. Each organization has its own story. The women of WAW were often surprised to learn that many staff in these organizations had left better paying jobs for such ministries because their heart had called them to service. One final image from the trip involves the story of a man who was homeless and found a place to stay at the Rescue Mission in Roanoke, Va. When he asked for art supplies and they found he had artistic talent, they provided him with materials and a wall as a canvas. On that wall today are images of many who were homeless at the Rescue Mission, one of those being a self-portrait of the artist. In the middle of this group he portrays Christ, and thus the title "Jesus in the Middle."
Lonnie Graves is the Program Associate for Office of Disciples Women in Disciples Home Missions |
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Home Mission Advocate published by Disciples
Home Missions |
