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Action, Reflection... Transformation!

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For more than twenty years, Mile High Ministries has invited people from all walks of life to join God's transforming work on the margins of our communities. We are followers of Jesus from a variety of traditions, who value the holistic transformation — spiritual, social, economic — of both people and places.

Most of us have been drawn into this movement because we want to do something – we are people of action! We’ve put our shared values to work in the form of transitional housing, legal aid, small business development, leadership training, and other endeavors in lower-income urban neighborhoods.

Along the way, we’re learning that productive and lasting efforts come from a blend of action and reflection – pausing in the middle of our work for conversation, study, walking the streets and listening to our neighbors. Prayer is central to the life of MHM. So is theological reflection, which we try to do “from below” – informed by the voices of people too often ignored in our world or even our churches. And we are constantly seeking “best practices” in community development and empowerment with our poorest neighbors.

We’re convinced that this “dance” of action and reflection leads to transformation – perhaps for the communities where we serve, but certainly within our own lives. If transformation is what you’d like to experience, then I invite you to join us at Mile High Ministries!

Jeff Johnsen, Executive Director
 

Our Mission:

Mile High Ministries invites and equips people from all walks of life to join God’s transforming work on the margins of their communities.
 

Mile High Min News

February 3, 2010

Tamales and Empowerment

It was a treat for Joshua Station/JAMLAC to host the staff of Bear Valley Church in January. BVC, in Lakewood, was instrumental in starting MHM 22 years ago. As I shared with our guests; “Nearly everything that we do here has the imprint of Bear Valley Church on it, in some way.”

As we were picking a restaurant from which to order lunch, it dawned on us: we have great cooks living right here at Joshua Station. So, we asked two JS resident to prepare the meal.  Mina and Ofelia threw down a fabulous feast – tamales, red sauce, beans, rice, fried ice cream.  Our guests loved the meal, went back for seconds, and praised the cooks.

When we asked for the grocery receipts to reimburse Mina she seemed distressed, and responded, “I don’t want money back for the food. Joshua Station and JAMLAC have helped me so much, this is my way of giving back. Please don’t pay me for this.”

In our MHM staff meetings, we have been studying empowerment: How do we build upon the skills and resources that people already have, to help them gain greater control over their lives and input into the future of their communities? These ladies at Joshua Station are well on their way toward this kind of transformation, as their generosity is clear. Mina and Ophelia weren’t seeing themselves as recipients of charity, but as those who joyfully serve others. By offering to pay for her groceries, we nearly (inadvertently) robbed Mina of her chance to be among the givers. We’re learning!

Peace in Christ,

Jeff Johnsen

Executive Director