Kristi Lichtenburg is the principal of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, our Ministry Partner in South Dallas that helps at-risk kids graduate high school and provides a powerful Christian environment to raise up leaders. In light of Todd’s “TOGETHER” series, we wanted to present Kristi’s story about going on mission… TOGETHER.
When one Community Group approached me about five years ago to hear ways they could serve at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, I never imagined how transforming the relationship would be.
There were three families in the group, and they invited me to come to a CG meeting to talk about CCA – what we do, where we need help, and ways people could serve. Since that fateful day, this group of friends has come alongside us in so many ways I can’t remember them all! But here are a few of the many ways they’ve helped:
When I try to think of the “big picture” lessons I have learned from this amazing partnership, one that clearly arises is the value of serving together.
One day when this Community Group was volunteering on a special project at CCA, some of our students were having what we call “a bad day.” (And a “bad day” in South Dallas can look a little different than it might in your neighborhood!) Students were being disrespectful and uncooperative, so I was embarrassed that volunteers would see them that way and was scared they wouldn’t want to work with them any longer. (I guess it’s similar to having company at your home and having your children misbehave.)
Meekly I said one of the volunteers, “Thank you for loving our students, even when they’re difficult.” He responded, “We love the Lord, and we love you, and we know that God loves the students – so we do too.” I have played that over and over in my head since then, and that one phrase has been a huge encouragement to me over these past five years.
It has been a joy to collaborate with a Community Group and to watch the countless ways they have poured into the lives of students and staff at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy.
For a list of ministry partners that tend to have great opportunities for groups, click here.