More than 500 students gather at Mission Arlington for a moment of inspiration from and prayer with Tillie. Then they spread out across our community to share God’s love.

“Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Much of the work of Mission Arlington® is outside. In a Texas summer, the heat can be grueling, but the work is somehow refreshing. In fact, most of us don’t think of it as work at all.  The ministry here can  involve long days, but the time passes quickly, and we are surrounded by a generous and supportive community who walk this journey with us.

So many of you write, come by, pray, give, and/or find multiple other ways to express your support.  We hope you know how much that lifts our spirits. Combined with the Lord’s presence in and through this ministry, we truly feel that we are carried as if on the “wings of eagles.”

On an average week, it takes approximately 2,500 volunteers to keep Mission Arlington running – from our front room, to the “out back,” to the health clinics, feeding programs, the weekly Bible studies, and so much more.  Add to this the student groups who are here to spend the week with us – to share God’s love, using Rainbow Express, all across our community – and the number serving here skyrockets.

Mission Arlington® also has partnerships with organizations, such as Cru (formerly Campus Crusade), Student Life, and SOAR, among others who send groups of students here throughout the summer. Today, through the partnership with SOAR, sixteen different church groups will be here from three different states, and several Texas cities. These groups will head out into various locations across the city to “hug on” children and youth, play games, sing songs, and to teach God’s Word.  More than five hundred (533)  students and sponsors will be here on campus and out into the neighborhoods through this partnership.  Altogether, including the Rainbow Express and other groups, there will be around 850 additional sets of hands here today to make a difference.  This kind of support not only encourages us, but lifts up the work. Only the Lord could have put all of this together. His Spirit surely is the “wind beneath our wings.

Please keep the mission in your prayers throughout today.  When the day comes to an end, may more people than ever before know about our Lord’s great love.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.