So, for those who might not know what I'll be doing in Chicago, here is an article I wrote for my church newsletter:
“Go
into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to
one and all…” Mark 16:15 (The Message)
What
is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word missionary? For
me, I think about people going to the jungles of Africa or to remote areas of
India and Asia to share the Gospel of Christ. If you take this verse from the
gospel of Mark, we are all missionaries. I remember a sign above the door at
the church where I grew up that read, “You are now entering the mission field.”
This is so true. We all can be missionaries right here in our very own
community. Missionaries are needed everywhere: the jungles of Africa, the bush
in Australia, and even in the large cities here in the US.
As
Pastor Jimmy mentioned a few Sunday’s ago, I have been accepted to the Young
Adult Volunteer (YAV) program through PC(USA). I will be serving in the great
city of Chicago. The YAV program is a yearlong commitment to urban ministry. The
following is a very brief description of what a YAV can expect during his or
her year. This information is taken directly from the website:
Being a Young
Adult Volunteer means living a year you’ll never forget. What do YAVs do?
Typically, they participate in the following:
- They serve for one year in communities of need in the Unites States and around the world.
- They meet regularly for prayer and Bible study.
- They work with mentors to explore and grow in their expression of their Christian faith.
- They build each other up as disciples of Jesus Christ.
- They are supported in their faith journey through orientation and an end-of-term debriefing event.
I
will be living and serving in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. If you’re
familiar with Chicago you know that isn’t the coziest neighborhood. There is
definitely a need there. Some things I’ll be doing there in the neighborhood
are working with after school tutoring programs, working with the homeless,
helping in a local church, and many other opportunities. I will be able to use
my gift of music in the local church I will attend regularly, my clown ministry,
and working with the youth.
I
am extremely excited about this opportunity and I am looking forward to growing
in many ways. Most importantly, I will be strengthening my faith and growing in
Christ. I am, however, a little disappointed that I will not be able to
actively serve as deacon at FPC, but what greater experience is there than
being sent forth to do the work of the Lord.
I
am going to miss my church family dearly, but I know you all will be supporting
me with your prayers. I know I’m sure going to need them. I will be sure to
send regular updates of my work and ministry. I will also be sure to let the
office know of my contact information. Cards and notes of encouragement (and
maybe even a box of homemade goodies) will always be warmly welcomed and
appreciated.
If
you have any questions about this program I’ll be involved with, please feel free
to ask. This is something I’ve become very passionate and excited about and
would love talking about it with you all.
Love
in Christ,
James
M. Potts
