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The Hub exists to develop young adults into urban leaders through incarnational training. We understand that the continued growth of urban areas and the urbanization of rural and suburban areas require an empirical and experiential method of training up individuals who can help bring health and wholeness to the urban areas typically resourced for a myriad of reasons. We recognize that Biblical community is a process that we open ourselves to sharing our lives and having common commitments. We are committing ourselves to transparent relationships, pursuing consistent practice of honest and loving communication and confrontation. Knowing that major differences exist based on ethnicity, culture and gender, we pledge ourselves to a climate which facilitates reconciliation. In light of our calling, we believe that we are to be stretched beyond our comfort zone and be bold for the sake of the Kingdom. As leaders we seek to embody integrity, discipline, and the courage to do what’s right in the midst of conflict, spiritual warfare and unjust systems. We intentionally open ourselves up to the influence of more mature leaders, wanting to be faithful, available, and teachable.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

They Desire Ownership


Originally, I approached my neighbors with the mentality of wanting to encourage and empower them to become more. I’ve been tried to do this is a number of ways such as: one-on-one school work with the kids, encouraging them to explore things they are curious about, validating them with not only my words, but the tone of my voice, having them teach me something (ex: teaching this white girl how to dance… and man was that hilarious)

However, if these beautiful faces at the Courtyard Apartments have shown me anything, it is that I was wrong.

(Thankfully, I tend to be wrong, so this is nothing new.)

As much as I want to empower and encourage these individuals to become more… I am realizing that they already want that for themselves.

We put on a movie in the green for the kiddies and they loved it… but they wanted more. Now they want to put on a talent show, something they can take ownership of. They want more.

It may look like the single parent next door is using her child support money to buy cigarettes… but she is the first to admit that she hates being on welfare. She wants more too.

And so, in this short time, I am realizing that it’s about more than encouragement and empowerment. The real challenge is to provide the resources so that my neighbors can become more.  This neighborhood is rich in resources. There are dozens of different talents, skills, and mindsets. It is my job to acknowledge those assets and provide a place where those can be built upon.

And that’s the hard part. Because to provide them with resources is to fully trust that they will make the most out of what we give them… and that’s not always the case. But we need to start providing them with resources so that they can build upon their talents, skills and assets… and teach us something in the process.  
Molly Schengel is a recent graduate from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Non-Profit Management. She is currently serving as a grant writer for Highway City Community Development and coordinator of the Courtyard Champions After School Program.


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