Ly-die

A Journey of Leadership and Social Justice Ministry

During 2021, I had the privilege of being a volunteer coordinator at Motown Mission. Our organization enthusiastically embraced volunteers, encouraging them to bring their diverse skills and talents to collaborate with the people of Detroit in the meaningful task of God’s restorative work. During that time, I was not only communicating with volunteers, but also working alongside them at different worksite locations. I am now a proud graduate of Drew Seminary, with a Masters of Divinity degree. Currently , I am studying again for a Doctoral degree in Medical and Health Humanities at Drew Caspersen School of Graduate Studies.

Back in the summer of 2021, I made the decision to apply for the Mission Intern program, a decision motivated by my desire to develop leadership skills in social justice ministry. I had a vision of working with the poor and marginalized communities around Detroit. My guiding light was Proverbs 31:8-9, which states:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

It was then that I realized that the physical needs of the poor and marginalized are often neglected in many modern churches, which focus predominantly on spiritual matters. I wanted to explore more about social ministry organizations. I was driven by a desire to show care and compassion by serving and loving our neighbors, as Jesus taught us to do.

Each day was a new opportunity, a new chapter. I was continuously grateful for the chance to learn and grow. In the beginning, I was uncertain about my responsibilities and what lay ahead. Fortunately, I was welcomed into the Motown Mission community by incredible individuals, like my roommate Emily, who introduced me to Detroit’s vibrant city life.

One of my most profound experiences was with a physically disabled lady who graciously welcomed us to work in her backyard. She spoke of the times she used to clean her backyard independently. Seeing her joy at our help, I felt the presence of God working through us.

Before starting the Mission Intern Program, I thought that God’s work was primarily about sharing the Gospel. But this internship opened my eyes to the broader meaning of God’s mission. Through my daily devotions with volunteers, I learned that God’s mission not only involves spreading the Gospel but also caring for people’s physical and emotional needs. This was manifested in our outreach activities, where we reached out to the poor and marginalized around Detroit.

Before this internship, I was uncertain about how I would experience God. But I knew I had a desire for missions. Throughout the internship, I realized that the need was indeed great, and the laborers were few. This realization created an urgency in me, a sense that we needed to do more than simply sharing the Gospel in a pastoral context.

Mission work is hard and isn’t for everyone, but I felt God’s calling towards it. Engaging in this meaningful short-term mission work gave me a taste of the fulfillment and impact long-term mission work can have.

Looking back, I am grateful to have been part of Motown Mission that summer. The experience strengthened my leadership skills and fortified my desire to work in social justice ministry. As I continue my journey, I am excited to see where God’s mission will lead me next.