“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble . . .” Ps 46:1.
God calls us to love our neighbors, and, in the last year, love meant being a refuge for those in trouble just as God loved the world by providing refuge in Christ. Parker Street Ministries strives to be a refuge for children and families who experience the effects of generational poverty. Last year even more troubles were piled on as families faced a landscape of a pandemic, hateful politics, economic loss, educational devastation, and racial division. Thank God for people like you who allow staff and volunteers to walk side-by-side with neighborhood families helping reduce losses and offer stability.
A hard reality of being a refuge is that one must put themself in the place of trouble. Often in 2020 we watched and prayed as neighbors were overcome by troubles. The good news is that, except for a couple weeks of uncertainty, evaluation, and planning, Parker Street Ministries was open to serve in every goal area AND in all new ways. In 2020 we were open 1200 hours providing haven and academics. This second semester of the school year has been a return to a normal schedule and near capacity in the number of students served. AND more students are expected for Summer Camp!
It has been both thrilling and exhausting to see staff, Board, donors, and volunteers adapt quickly and rally to a mission to serve these beloved neighborhood families. The bells on office desks to celebrate victories — improved grades, employment for young adults, new volunteers — those bells never stopped ringing. When circumstances do not change or when they worsen, God promises to be very present. And HE is!
As a supporter, you are a big part of the hope. In an unexplainable way, you are here for every meaningful conversation, every “aha” moment, every small step toward stability. Thank you for loving your neighbors in the Parker Street neighborhood and for entrusting us with the privilege of serving them and being a refuge.
For our good and God’s glory,
Tim Mitchell, CEO