Envision Clarkston
Clarkston Georgia is a little town in Georgia that is home to many refugees from all over the world. Envision, which is a missions organization, works in Clarkston with a ministry set up in the apartment complex that is the home to many of these refugees. Three times each semester, a group of people from TFC who go to Clarkston and partner up with Envision to minister and show love to the people in Envision's area. Jamie Daniel oversees and arranges the trips for the student organization that goes to Clarkston.
In regards to his favorite thing about Clarkston, Jamie says: “My favorite part of leading Clarkston trips is being able to go with my fellow students and watch them interact with Envision and the refugees there. I love having the opportunity to see the heart of a servant in the students who go and see the intentionality that the students have when interacting with the refugees. It’s literally Heaven on Earth when working with Clarkston and serving the ones in need, while also showing love to those who are hurt and unloved.”
A typical day in Clarkston usually includes going to the apartment complex and having the group of volunteers split into groups. One group will help with the ESL classes offered in one of the apartments, while another group will do a prayer walk around the apartments. A third group will usually play with the kids there, and the fourth group may help in the thrift shop that Envision runs. Last semester, along with doing these things, the group also once went to a Hindu temple near Clarkston to get an understanding of the religion. This semester, students got to help with the fall festival that Envision had for the refugees in Clarkston. There are many ways to get involved in the ministry, and help is much needed there.
It is obvious that most of those who go to Clarkston have a heart for the work that is being done there. We asked Emily Bundrick, a student who often participates in the trips, what she loved most about being involved in the Clarkston Ministry. She said: “I love being able to pour into these people who have been through so much. They have been through all of these horrific things and have next to nothing. Being able to put a smile on their faces and show the love of Jesus is such a great experience.” There have been many people who have gone to help out with Envision, and almost all of them have fallen in love with the work that is being done there. If you want to discover exactly what is being done in Clarkston, and possibly get involved in the ministry, email Jamie Daniel and tell him that you would like to hear more about this ministry. While there are no more opportunities to go to Clarkston this semester, there will be three chances to join the group to go down there next semester. If you want to experience ministry in the most diverse square mile, be encouraged to look into this ministry.
Follow @gmdtfc on Instagram for updates and pictures from Clarkston!