A Journey to Good Works

Over the last 15 years I have worked with various ministries and organizations both here in the metro Detroit area and overseas that led me to want to pursue further studies and training. More specifically, I saw a disconnect between the way the church and the general public approached and perceived missions and aid to those in need, and the way the people on the receiving end perceived this same thing. My lived experience and relationships with people from a variety of cultural and socio-economic statuses showed me a great need to do things differently and I was curious to know if research backed this up. 

In 2016 I enrolled in a master’s level program pursuing a degree in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in International Development and Urban Studies. During my two years at Fuller Theological Seminary, I spent time studying alongside and under a variety of individuals from around the world. I was able to travel with some of these incredible professors and peers around the greater LA area as well as throughout Israel and Kenya. I studied everything from how the architecture of a city impacts the culture within and the process of crafting worship music in indigenous languages, to specific models of development and the history of missions. 

My studies allowed me to further contextualize my experiences and begin to understand how we might better interact with issues like global poverty in a way that respects and well serves people and the rest of creation. Working with Abide allows me the opportunity to engage with and support many incredible leaders who are doing good work both locally and globally. I am thrilled to be part of such a beautiful community of people on mission together. 

Kelly