What our program participants are saying

The recurring thought that I had throughout my participation in Faith and Poverty: A Global Response was 'I can do better.' The program allowed me to make connections between my thoughts, beliefs and actions and the lives of others around the world. I was reminded again and again how interconnected we all are. I cannot fix global poverty, but with the knowledge and passion I learned in this program, I can certainly be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

As inhabitants of our beautiful planet, we have lost that important and sacred connection to the earth as it houses and sustains us. I love how these sessions help to reawaken that connection and bring a greater awareness to the issues around the land we rely on for food, the air that we breathe, and the water that sustains all life. Not only do they create a greater awareness of the effects of climate change, they also encourage spiritual growth and challenge our complacency. By bringing to light the deeply connected justice issues around climate change such as migration, poverty, food insecurity and health concerns of those living on the margins, participants are challenged to explore their own responses and advocate for more sustainable ways of living both locally and globally. This is a great series and I would encourage everyone to participate!

I applaud the JustFaith Ministries leadership for having the insight and courage to sponsor these modules on race and white privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved in their development. These modules have an advantage over similar secular workshops because they take place in a faith-based environment with an emphasis on spiritual growth. We not only delve into the truth about the history of racism in the U.S., but we also go into depth, without blaming or shaming any individuals, about how we, as well-intentioned people of goodwill, have all inadvertently been socialized to be adversely affected by institutional racism. Race is an uncomfortable subject for most of us to talk about, but these modules encourage respect and kindness so that awareness and growth along this spiritual journey will take place in a safe environment with fellow believers who seek the truth.