God continues to bless the Transformational Ministry program, started just two years ago. Transformational Ministry provides a way for servants from our partner churches to go beyond simply ‘sharing stuff’ and walk alongside our neighbors in longer relationships. Through conversations as volunteers deliver furniture or starter kits, our neighbors are encouraged to take that next step and join us for mentor-based life skills classes and fellowship. The first class, Affirming Potential, encourages them to see who they are in God’s eyes and to start to dream again. Mentors help students develop goals and take action steps toward achieving them. Twelve weeks later, a community has been built and our neighbors’ self-confidence raised.

In the Words of our Students

One of our recent graduates, Ms. D., sat down with instructor Pat Schwartz to share her thoughts on completing the 12 week-long Affirming Potential class.

Do you think taking the Affirming Potential class has been a good thing for you?

I’ve went through a lot of things growing up that I held onto and held grudges over. This class has helped me to overcome those and figure out ways to move forward and move past them. Instead of letting them hurt me I’m going to let them help me & encourage me. It has also strengthened my walk with God. At first, I had a relationship with Him, but it wasn’t one where I felt like I could talk to Him all the time and I would just hold everything in. Now I talk to Him whenever I feel something on my heart.

What were your expectations of the class at the start of the 12 weeks?

I didn’t really have any. I learned about the class through Tiffany and Miss Jacqui coming to my church. I was actually running around while they were talking about the class. I kind of heard some of the things that were offered, but wasn’t really paying close attention. The first week I didn’t go. Then the second week came around and I contacted my pastor. He contacted Jacqui for me and I came in. I was like, “Okay, is this class really going to help me? Is it pointless to be here right now when I could be spending time with my kids?” But that first class just opened me up – it hooked me.

What are you taking away from this experience that is most important for you?

That I can reach my dreams and my goals. Before this, I wasn’t setting goals or thinking ahead. I kind of just put everything to the side and stopped thinking about me. The class got me to a place where I started thinking about what I needed to move forward. I’m currently focusing on three goals. My short term goal is talking to my dad – I haven’t talked to him since I was 17 years old. My medium goal is to find my mom because I don’t know who she is. Those two goals, they connect together, because to get information about my mom I have to talk to my dad and get information from him. The third one is is to purchase a home for my family. That’s not going to happen overnight – I’m giving that one a couple of years.

Did you feel the love while you were here? How?

I did. [The mentors and instructors] listened. It’s better to have someone that listens than somebody that wants to just put you down, to put your dreams down, to put your goals down. They listen and encourage you, rather than tell you how you should do it.

When you talk to somebody about this class, what do you tell them about it?

It is life changing. I know the struggles that some people are going through. And the way I explain it when people ask me what is the class about, what do you do, why are you going to this class I tell them that it is a way for me to overcome my past while strengthening my love of Christ.

This is the Body of Christ at work in Lake County

God is doing amazing things through Transformational Ministry, but there is much we and our neighbors in need are up against as we plan for our Fall session. Prayerfully consider Transformational Ministry as a way for YOU to get involved. The ministry has needs for mentors, for teachers, for greeters, and servants to manage the incentives closet. Email our office or join the next Volunteer Orientation to learn more!