What is Advance Memphis:
For me, the transformative statement of Advance Memphis is that
is a relational example of the Lord’s work and intent. The program is serves
individuals that have been lost in the abyss of apathy, neglect and/or
self-induced pain.
I will borrow from
the programs mission statement: Advance intends to empower members of their
specific community (Claiborne –Foote, the 38126 zip code) to recognize their
specific skills and value as unique and gifted individuals - children of a
Father, who created all of us to find joy and meaning in work. Advance has 3 distinct
initiatives:
1.
The nationally recognized Jobs for Life program -
candidates encounter a 6 week soft skills training program for those who are
unemployed or under employed. It begins
with simple elements of work place conduct and is finished off with literacy
and GED certification. Jobs are then
assigned with the cooperative partners.
2.
Faith and Finance – while working the candidate
attends an 11 week program of financial literacy skills which is required for
the 3rd part of the distinct program.
3.
Individual Development Account (IDA) – graduates
are incentive to save with a $2 match to $1 dollar saving program. These funds
are used to assist in the essentials of obtaining transportation, housing or
additional education.
Why am I involved:
In preparation to speak with you, I had to search, why am I involved?
There are dozens of reasons why and most of them are selfish in nature. Does
that sound strange? No, because most of you serve and or volunteer. Don’t we
get more than we give, when we serve? Serving
the specific community of 38126; one of the poorest zip codes in the U.S., and
walking in the doors of Advance you are connected with some of the most
ambitious folks you will ever encounter. Overwhelmingly, the filter of the
front door brings the true players, the truly ambitious, those who have prayed
for change. Those most motivated, walk through that door and in to the fold of its
director, Steve Nash and the Advance staff. You are not working with “lost folk”
(as Rocky use to say) inside Advance. Within that door you find relationships
that are built on love, mercy, grace and acceptance. That is not to say, that
you avoid the installation and foundational components of accountability and
discipline! The key emphasis; and this is very important, the message and
treatment is delivered with human dignity and compassion for another human. The result of this environment is tremendous! If
you want to witness the impact of Christ spirit and visitation, come with me
and attend the graduation day. You will be washed in the joy of accomplishment;
you invariably will witness the testimony of a candidate or see the new or
refreshed commitment to Christ! The energy of the room is amazing, the dull
room takes on new dimensions, and people are changing their life’s direction!
This summer, our ministers have been repeating the message
of redemption. Barton Kimbro’s delivery
of the meeting of Jesus and the lowly tax collector Zacharias, Mitchell’s
sermon, Jesus acceptance and validation of the Samarian women. Dan Brown, he probably
thought I wasn’t listening while he discounted his abilities, but the delivery
of the idea - God accepts me, but in an insecure moment – you think, will your
neighbor accept you, will he/she forgive me, will they recognized your
redemption? Can I have the second chance?
Second chances and
recognition of redemption is the strike zone of Advance. It isn’t genius on
their behalf; they simply follow Christ teachings and methodology! We/they serve the individuals who fell off
the assembly line of education as teenagers and woke up to find themselves in
their early 20’s without work skills , unfinished educational and most often, a
criminal record for various destructive reasons. We all know the national
statistics of crime rate in our youth between the ages of 13 to 21 years of age.
When you add the lack of education on to the equation, the multiples jump.
Closing:
I have had all the chances
one person can be given. That said, I am an advantage immigrant, a product of a
father in the military, whose marriage dissolved with my Mother when I was
young living in my Mothers native country. As an ace in my hand, my mother was
incredibly strong willed and devoted. Additionally, I have been fortunate to
have had mentors that served as role models and nurtured me with good habits
and emphasized the value of education. I
can’t say that - I found them or they found me! The reality is that mentors
were always provided. Wonder, how that happens? Do you think someone was in
their ear, like I and our churches are in your ears? I was very fortunate to
have had these mentors and most of all they been grounded the Lords grace and
capabilities.
Our Lords acceptance of me is paramount, His gifts have been
plentiful, my family the greatest gift of all. I am at Advance, developing
relationships and delivering the message of redemption, education or
re-education, because it is my responsibility!
It is my responsibility to serve others and nurture those who God loves
and who love him. Who in here has never
had adversity? Show me hand! The rest of you are qualified to serve.
How can you get involved?
Contact Advance on Vance Avenue, up the street from Streets
Ministry. Call or write Steve Nash, the
Director. Go to advancememphis.org. Look
for a staff member in this room. Grab me.
Other notes:
It personifies
everything that is right n the Memphis community. Let me say, there is a lot
going on in Memphis that is good and just. This church, our churches, its members,
its leadership and objectives are energized and gaining momentum. Advance is a component of that energy and momentum!
Using Christ example and scriptural mandate, we are accepted and worthy of
redemption. My favorite poet wrote, “We are one, we are not the same, yet - we must
carry each other”. I identify with that statement. It was written for a
different occasion, but it is as true a statement in regards to our community
as any other statement that can be made.
Posts
