As an Area Director overseeing multiple ministry sites, one can sometimes feel disconnected from the on-the-ground day-to-day work of our frontlines staff. Yesterday morning, as part of our work with World Vision in community development (CD), our CD team (Stewart and Karen) were able to lead us on a site visit in the Shoreham community, one of two neighbourhoods where our CD work focuses. Stewart and Karen have mobilized a group of residents, now called the “Shoreham Court Animators”, to advocate for change in the community and spur their neighbours on to foster peace and wellbeing in Shoreham. Two of the Animators joined us for the visit and led us on a walking tour. Their passion, courage, and perseverance were, and are, inspiring.
But it was the kind words of affirmation just as we were leaving that truly touched my heart. We were talking with one of the animators who has lived in the Shoreham community for 30 years and loves her community desperately. She spoke softly, and with tears welling up in her eyes, expressed to us that none of the positive changes that were occurring in her life and in her community could have been possible without the help of Youth Unlimited, and specifically Stewart and Karen. To the outside eye, these changes may be subtle, even virtually unseen, but to this animator, it meant the world. It meant the world that two people and a organization like YU were willing to walk alongside her, all for the sake of making her home a safer, healthier and more whole place. A place that reflects the justice, rest and wellbeing of God’s Kingdom. For me, it was a moment of reconnection and of knowing that we’re making a difference.
// Scott M
