Learning to Treasure Hunt in the Neighborhood
Some months ago Terri
Larson, our Strategic Program Director, provided training to almost 15 people
representing six different organizations (Kingdom Causes cities, Let's Partner
neighborhoods and partner ministries) in the Kingdom Causes Bellflower office.
They came to this training with various expectations of learning new strategies
and concepts, to hear stories from other neighborhoods, how to connect with
neighbors and families and how to connect with the work of the Church. It was exciting to hear as people shared what experiences they have had in their neighborhoods in regards to community development. Whether working with neighbors, mentoring students, building a community garden or running a neighborhood resource center, all who attended shared God's heart for people and place. These local residents, Kingdom Causes and Let's Partner staff members, volunteers, etc. are serious about being equipped to love their neighborhoods.
During the training they spent time studying Matthew 5:13-14 and talking about ways we can be "salt and light" to our communities, being instruments of hope and joy to the neighborhood and learning how to "treasure hunt in our neighborhood" - looking for what resources/gifts/talents are in the people and community and potentially yet to be recognized and utilized.
What is ABCD? ABCD is Asset Based Community Development is
a way to find and mobilize what assets a community has. It is about catalyzing
neighbors to work together for the good of all in their neighborhood.What is in your community that shouldn't be? In what ways does your neighborhood reflect the Kingdom of God? How can you work to make your community look less like hell and more like heaven? What barriers to change do you find in your community? What is the hope in your neighborhood? What are the gifts/treasures in your community? How can you be "salt and light" to your neighbors? You are a gift to your neighborhood! How will you offer your talents as a blessing to those around you?
Kingdom Causes provides these trainings, along with Discovering God's Heart for Your City workshop several times through out the year. If you are interested in participating in one of these interactive workshop trainings, please visit the Kingdom Causes website or email us at: admin@kingdomcauses.org