Won’t You be our Neighbor?
Dear Friend of Advance,
I’ve been reading through the book of Luke in preparation for Easter Sunday, and God’s heart for the poor and marginalized never ceases to amaze me! In Luke 3, John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin), was told by God to encourage people to repent of their sins and be baptized to demonstrate a turning toward God for forgiveness. John was speaking to God’s chosen people who found themselves under foreign rule, faced with political instability and religious and cultural persecution; and they were looking for the coming Messiah to make all things right. You may feel like you can relate to some of those circumstances right now!
As the crowds who had come to John to get baptized asked him, “...now what do we do?” (paraphrased). John replies, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” (Luke 3: 11) John goes on to give practical instructions for turning away from corrupt practices that further oppressed the poor such as extorting exorbitant taxes and using bribery in positions of civil service.
Damien Clayborn recently came to the current Work Life class to encourage new Work Life students by sharing some of his story as a graduate of Advance Memphis. He started with us in 2012 and after multiple temporary job placements, and persevering through personal roadblocks he shared his journey to permanent employment hasn’t been an easy one.
“Ms. Juanita and them [Advance Memphis staff] put up with me so much, I feel like they should quit! But they kept with me… they said, ‘There’s something about Damien- he’s going to go somewhere… and that’s what’s got me going now. I can’t go without them! They my wheels on my truck! And now I’m in a nice position [at work]. I’m feeling elevated, but I ain’t in no rush… it’s just a steady pace,” Damien shared.
We are humbled to know resilient men and women like Damien with similar stories of walking the “steady pace” of life change along with us. Damien recently surrendered to Christ, he has made changes in the community he spends time with, and he is steadily pursuing his goals and working full-time. Damien has accomplished a lot!
We are seeking to grow our team of committed volunteers and donors, who will invest in long-term relationships like this one with us. We are trusting God for 30 new monthly donors to join our Good Neighbor Network in April, giving monthly and committing to pray regularly.
Will you consider becoming a monthly donor this year?
Here are some other ways to partner with us:
This year, we will host several Block Parties rather than Community Feasts. If you have been a Champion or Ally, reconnect with your small group and invite them to come.
Sign up for our prayer updates and join us in prayer for our community and Advance Memphis staff
Visit the website for more upcoming volunteer opportunities
Thank you for loving our city and serving Christ with us!
Grace,
Steve Nash
Executive Director
Advance Memphis