What our program participants are saying

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.

Participar en el programa sobre la apertura espiritual fue una experiencia profundamente transformadora. Me recordó que la verdadera compasión comienza con un corazón abierto tanto a la fe como al servicio. A través de Éncuentro de Esperanza, vi cómo podemos convertirnos en instrumentos del amor de Dios, ofreciendo esperanza, sanación y guía a los necesitados. No se trataba solo de aprender, sino de vivir nuestra fe en acción y descubrir las poderosas formas en que podemos ayudar a otros a crecer espiritualmente, al igual que nosotros mismos crecemos. Estar rodeado de un grupo que me apoyaba hizo que la experiencia fuera aún más significativa.

Transformative is the single word that comes to mind. This program challenges us to deal with (and not just examine) the reality of racial injustice on individuals, families, and communities as well as entire segments of our country. We are blessed by having multi-generational African Americans in our group that put flesh to the words of our texts that detail the impact of historical prejudices. In other words, this is not an academic exercise, this is the reality of life lived under and through the historical abuse of laws, processes, power, and privilege. You must deal with this reality.