Since STEP’s formation in 1983, we have worked to address many needs.  Each need has provided a mechanism to promote empowerment through Christian love.  Some of our earliest structures, Friendship Teams and Family Share Teams, served specifically to foster relationships with urban leaders and residents, and to identify needs and solutions to those needs.  Programs such as the Mayors Warehouse provided furniture, appliances and household goods.  Other programs like the Summer Enrichment and the Jobs Partnership, have served both youth and adults with employment assistance and career development. Education has always been a staple in our portfolio with programs like the Carver Promise, STEP’s Adult Academy and currently the Victory Reading Program, while evangelism and discipleship have occurred through summer camps and clubs.

Though the expression of STEP’s work has varied over the years, our purpose is clear.  It is to:

   · Empower the poor, by

· Engaging  the people of God, in

· Relationships with leaders and residents of the urban community.

STEP is most simply a bridge, empowering the church to serve the poor. 

In past months we have been refocusing our efforts on this primary objective.  Our history has shown that we can make a far greater impact on the issue of poverty when we bring the Church directly into relationship with the poor; when STEP serves not just to provide programs but as a connector, encourager and catalyst.

We invite you to partner with us, to take hold of your ministry and be identified with the poor in the urban community through STEP.  John 15:15 provides an illustration that I believe gets at the heart of this our invitation.  In it Jesus refers to the disciples not as servants but as friends because they had been made heirs with Jesus in the knowledge of the Father. 

We hope you will accept our invitation to explore a deeper involvement in the ministry in the city.  Consider how you might share of your time and talents to meet the needs listed in this issue’s “Volunteer Corner,” or if you have a particular passion and don’t see a place for it here, contact us and let us help you find that place.

Blessings,

Tim Cole

Executive Director