In May of 2016 I was hired as the Church Relations Coordinator for Fresno City Fest through the Luis Palau Association. When I interviewed for the position I didn’t know how impacted I would be by this great opportunity.
My task seemed simple: “go and talk with churches.” I had been in ministry for over eight years. Go and talk with other people in ministry? I said to myself, “how hard can it be?”
It was a bit disheartening to see a recent article in the Fresno Bee sharing the Nation’s Report card putting Fresno Unified “near rock bottom”. We can talk for days about the problems, the issues, the reasons, and it’s easy to point fingers and cast blame. But you know what they say: “When you point a finger at others, four fingers are pointing back at you.” Actually, I believe they are pointing back at ALL of us, because we all have the opportunity to be part of the solution. So let’s talk about what you can do to help increase literacy, and the fulfillment that can be found in helping a child learn to read.
Every once and awhile we want to send you out from the ENP Blog for something that is not only really good but someone we think you can continue to learn from. Ed Stetzer’s piece on outreach is one of those articles. Ed is a writer, pastor, and missiologist. His writings have greatly influenced our work. Please check out one of his recent posts.
As the mission field changes, churches will change. | ED STETZER
I frequently get asked about the future of outreach. Let me be honest, and perhaps you already know this: outreach will not get any easier.
Let me share at least three reasons why I believe this is the case.
First, our culture will continue to experience a decrease in nominal …
Continue reading the full article here.
KFSR is hosted by Chris Fiorentino. Outside of our Executive Director, Artie Padilla, the interview also featured Fresno Unified School District Mentoring and Alliance Program Coordinator Darrin Person and Fresno State student (and ENP volunteer) Kimberly Tenbergen.You can learn more about their podcast on their Facebook page or website.
Thanks for the interview!
It’s amazing the ripple effects of how someone’s simple loving efforts can affect thousands, even after 40 years. That describes the life and work of Mike McGarvin, founder of the Poverello House, who died this past Saturday.
Kyle Godfrey started attending the Powers-Ginsburg Saturday Sports Program when it began in the fall of 2009. He was just out of the sixth grade. Since then, he has become a volunteer for the program, where his focus has shifted from competition and entertainment to making a difference in the lives of children who currently attend.
The past few months have been an intense time of service in our city. If you had a chance to read our recent newsletter you saw the numbers: 42 churches, 2,500 volunteers, 19,000 volunteer hours. It’s very evident that the people of Fresno and Clovis have the heart to love and serve our city. But why do people volunteer?
But why do people volunteer?
The Little Free Library network in Shafter (15 miles northwest of Bakersfield, CA) has blossomed to include 22 libraries scattered around town. These libraries are an intentional effort on the part of both public and private entities. These entities want to increase book access and literacy rates in their community. Read our previous blog about them here.
About a year ago, my family made the decision to place a Little Free Library in our front yard. As stewards, we fill our box with books and watch with joy as they leave in the hands of our neighbors.
We leave sidewalk chalk in our box and regularly find pictures and thank you notes from those who visit. These messages always brighten our day!
A few months after we installed our library one of our 3rd-grade neighbor boys ran to our house after realizing he was locked out of his. He had no way to get in and was very concerned.
Now that CityServe has wrapped up we want to gather to debrief and also consider ways we can consider mobilizing our bodies.
We will talk about some new tools that are being developed (hint: audio drive tour of Fresno), as well has hear from local non-profits and city staff for ways you can connect your people together.
This will be an interactive and informative meeting.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
See you there!
– Artie Padilla, CityServe Steering Committee
Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Time: 6pm to 7.30pm
Address: 4141 Ministries (4141 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA, 93726)
Cost: No Cost
More Info: https://cityserve-nextsteps.eventbrite.com
Two years ago I was asked to sit on a steering committee focused on learning why Fresno County has such a high amount of preterm babies (born before 37 weeks gestation). We were also pondering why our African-American moms were losing their babies at a rate that matches those of under-developed countries in Africa.
You may wonder what preterm birth and infant mortality have to do with ENP and it’s work in our schools and neighborhoods.
