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Mile High Min NewsFebruary 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 |