I have been a Circles volunteer, or Ally, for a little over a year now, and I can honestly say it has been an incredibly impactful journey for me.
As an Ally, you’re paired with a Circles Leader, an individual dedicated to transforming their economic situation, who embarks on a 12-18 month plan to start their journey out of poverty. In my case, I was matched with a young mother of four whose husband recently graduated from Circles himself. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know them, understanding their struggles, and witnessing their aspirations for a better future.
Early in our training, we are reminded that the essence of this program is the ministry of “being present.” Circles Leaders face numerous challenges that can limit their options and hinder their progress. Throughout this journey, it can be hard to remain open and unembarrassed by the obstacles and setbacks they encounter. As an Ally, you realize that it’s crucial to be supportive and available, even if it’s not always clear how to help.
For me, being a Circles volunteer has been about prioritizing relationships over results. You quickly understand that there are often no simple solutions to the challenges that keep good people trapped in poverty. It often takes a series of small, incremental steps to see change take hold. It’s still early in the process for my Leader’s family, so the outcome isn’t certain. But I am deeply inspired by the courage and resourcefulness I see in the Circles Leaders I’ve come to know. I am grateful for the opportunity to support their efforts to create better lives for themselves and their families.
If you are considering making a meaningful investment of your time and experience in helping someone tackle significant life changes, I encourage you to become a Circles Ally. The impact on your perspective, much like it was for me, will be as profound as the changes they make for themselves.
Mark Adelhelm, St. Luker and Circles Ally
A Special Note from St. Luke’s Missions:
Mark’s journey as a Circles Ally truly highlights the power of relationship-building. If you feel inspired to learn more or are considering becoming an Ally yourself, we invite you to join us after worship on Sunday, January 26 for our Circles information sessions in the Special Event Dining Room (off of the Building C Rotunda). Come and discover how you can be part of this life-changing ministry! Click here to learn more about Circles West Orange and this transformative program, and we will see U there.
-St. Luke’s Missions Team