Dallas Baptist University students serving at Mission Arlington on SWAT Day for the university.

The Mission Arlington^® family is so truly blessed by wonderful volunteers.  And volunteering at Mission Arlington^® is so much fun. Here are some things to know about serving with us.

When to Come

We are here from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Monday – Saturday. You don’t need an appointment, and there isn’t anything to fill out online or in advance.  Check in with our Volunteer Office when you arrive, and they will get you going.

What to know

1. We work with students:  We work with students from schools across DFW who are getting hours for AVID, KEY CLUB, STUDENT COUNCIL, NHS, and so much more.
2. We are kid-friendly: Families bring their children to work with us routinely.  We love it when children come to serve, and there is always so much more to do.
3. Service Learning: Mission Arlington works with colleges & Universities across the Metroplex.  Students can get college credit when they apply volunteer hours.
4. Community Service – This is a flexible, and fun place to serve your hours, and you get to make a difference here. For more about community service, click HERE.
5. Groups: Come on your own, with a few friends, or in a group to serve. Serving together builds relationships and teamwork too.

Join us, won’t you?

North Texas Giving Day

North Texas Giving Day happens again this year on Thursday, September 18th, from 6:00 a.m. until midnight.

A Special Day / A Beautiful Team

The North Texas Giving Day was created by the Communities Foundation of North Texas 17 years ago as a way of leveraging increased community support to North Texas non-profits who make a difference every day in the life of ordinary Texans. As they say on their website, “The need is great. The time is now.”

Mission Arlington^® / Mission Metroplex^® is honored to have been a recipient of these donations for several years in a row. We are participating again this year.

You Can Give to Us Through

1. the NTGD Website: GIVE HERE NOW!
2. Mission Arlington’s Website: GIVE HERE NOW!
3. By Check or Cash to Mission Arlington, 210 W. South St., 76010

The Mission Arlington^® difference

1. We are a “one-stop” shop, meeting the needs of ordinary people in a moment of need, six days each week. We are open 365 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day.
   

   

2. We treat people with dignity & respect – Our goal is to treat every person in the way we would want to be treated – with dignity & respect.  So, we do.
3. We share God’s Love – in everything we do. We want people to know that He loves us, and He loves them too, so we offer to pray with people, and we share that love every opportunity we receive.
4. We do not charge for any service we provide – Every part of our ministry is free of charge. We do not sell, nor re-sell anything you so graciously provide.
5. We are transparent & accountable. We publish & communicate our results each year.  We have a local, well-respected team of people who supervise our work., and we are in good standing with multiple charity watchdogs who make individual assessments each year.
6. Your dollars go farther – Our audited administrative overhead costs are 2%.  This means that 98 cents out of every dollar you give ministers directly to families in need.
7. We are truly Grateful: We are a simple reflection of God’s loving care, and also the support of our beautiful community. When you give, we “give it away,” and we are forever grateful.

Thank you for Giving

Your financial support of our work from now through midnight, September 18th, will go a long way to helping us accomplish our goals in people’s lives.  We are truly grateful.

 F or many people, rising costs on all fronts makes it difficult to have what they need around the family table.  Since the beginning of the year, Mission Arlington has seen an average of 616 people a day, six days each week, come through our front door for emergency assistance. Each family receives a 3–5-day supply worth of food. Earlier this month, on Monday, August 4th,

994 people came through our front doors for help.

That’s a lot of people, and food supplies have begun to run low.  Your help in providing food to people is truly needed and would be such a blessing.

We need any & all kinds of food

1. Bring food to Mission Arlington^® anytime between 7 and 7 Monday-Saturday.
2. Donate through our website: Choose “Food” in the dropdown box for different funds, and we will use what you send to purchase food at wholesale cost.
3. Use our Amazon Wish List: Select the items you want to purchase, and Amazon will send it to us directly.
4. If you, your family, or team collects food for us, and you need us to pick it up, please schedule a pickup.  In the subject line, select the “I want to schedule a pickup” subject, fill out the information, then send it to us.  Someone will contact you soon afterwards to schedule your pickup.  Or, you can always call us at 817-277-6620.

Thank you for your help!

In the days since we published our Facebook Post about the need for food, so many of you have been sending you support.  We are truly grateful for your help.  Thanks to each of you for continuing to give, so that we can respond to people’s needs.  We are so thankful to be walking this journey with you.

On Friday, August 1st, 1986, Mission Arlington^® began. That’s 39 years ago today.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” Mission Arlington^®.

We share God’s love where people live.

We “take church to the people.” On that first Friday, so many years ago, Tillie Burgin made a visit to a family who had called needing help, and that family’s home soon became the site of our first Bible study.  The ministry in this apartment community began on a Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m., and 17 people attended the very first morning. This small congregation on Arlington’s north side is still in operation today, 39-years later.

The Mission has grown from that first Bible study in 1986 to over 360 Bible studies & congregations today, with thousands in weekly attendance. People come “just as they are” “right where they live” to worship, and to study God’s Word.  Instead of bringing people to church, we “take church to the people.”

We believe that “Everyone matters!”

“Every life is important,” and we are a “ministry of ones.” “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”  These sayings, and many more like them, form a core conviction on behalf of the Mission Arlington^® family.  Every life matters to God, and therefore, to us.  Because of this conviction, we have dozens of ministries shaped to meet the needs of individual people – from emergency assistance to health care ministries, to holiday events.  Hundreds of people come through our doors for help six days each week.  In 2024, over four hundred thousand people were touched through the ministry in some way.

We are surrounded by an incredible community.

We can be here every day, because of the generous, sacrificial, and faithful community who surround us every day, who pray for us continually, and who give their time & energy to life the load.  We have food, furniture, and medicine, Christmas toys, and so much more, to give, because our community gave it first.  Mission Arlington, says Ms. Tillie, “operates on the prayers of the people.”  So, it has been, and so it still is, day by day.  We do not charge for any service that we provide, and we never have. When you give, we give it away.  We are so truly grateful for each person, and every team who gives to make a difference here.

We want God to get the glory!

Mission Arlington^® belongs to God. This isn’t our story, but His. He had plans in place for this Ministry and for all who work here long before it happened. He started this mission, sustains us moment by moment, and He holds our future in His hands. As we talk about who we are it is with sincere humility, a sense of dependency and a commitment to the leadership of His Spirit within us. We are grateful to each and every one who has walked this journey with us. Together we will serve Him into the future one day at a time.

The Lord continues to bless Rainbow Express^® as we move ever so quickly through the summer months.

Students Keep Coming.

1,202 students (junior high, high school, & college) have landed in Arlington this summer to lead Rainbow Express^®.  41 churches and college groups have come from 12 states (AL, AR, CO, GA, IO, KS, LA, MO, MS, NE, OK, TN), and 26 cities throughout Texas.  With the other groups who have come to do work projects, we have averaged several hundred students each week on our campus and throughout our community.

Children Keep Attending.

Through mid-July, we have held these four-day Rainbow Express^® events in 91 different locations across our community. Attendance so far has reached over 7,000 children (7,373), with many more weeks to go.  These K-6th graders do so many fun things at Rainbow Express^®: from crafts, to snacks, puppet shows, active & creative games, participatory songs, Bible memory verses, and a kid-friendly message from the Bible.

The Spirit Keeps Moving.

To date, 121 young people have accepted Christ through Rainbow Express^®. We believe that there is much more to come. Students are hearing God’s word, learning the Bible’s stories, and memorizing different parts of Scripture.  Mission Arlington^® will turn 39-years old in a couple of weeks, and we’ve been hosting Rainbow Express^® for nearly that long. Almost every month now, we hear from adults who tell us that they experienced Rainbow Express^® when they were young, and that it directly impacted their lives.  They will remember a specific student who impacted them, or the Bible memory verse they learned, or just the way the whole experience lifted their spirits.

We are Ever Grateful.

We are ever so grateful for your support, and we sure have been BLESSED BY RAINBOW EXPRESS.^®

 O ur Summer Camps are underway, and they are so much fun. We will host six one-day camps for children & youth in July, and with the first two behind us, already 400 young people have participated. These camps provide the opportunity for physical activity, emotional & personal engagement, social interaction, and spiritual growth.

Physical Activity

Mission Arlington^® Summer Camps provide an opportunity for young people to run, jump, climb, fly down a zip line, swim, and so much more. Our two camps for older children are held outdoors, in partnership with Camp Thurman. Our three camps for younger children are held inside one of Mission Arlington’s gyms, where the kids play games that involve skill and movement.

Emotional & Personal Engagement

The children have the opportunity to try new things, such as a zip-line, or hands-on crafts, or the singing & dancing they do in music times. These new interactions increase confidence.  These camps also help these wonderful young people to step outside of their comfort zones, taking risks in a safe environment which provides a sense of healthy & satisfying accomplishment.

Social Development

Our community’s children & youth get to make new friends, as they interact with a variety of people throughout the day. They learn teamwork skills through a variety of friendly & fun competitions, and they get to experience some interdependence, as they step away from home for the day and interact with their encouraging Mission Arlington Bible study leaders throughout the day.

Spiritual Growth

The children & youth who attend these camps can begin and/or deepen their relationship with the Lord through these camps.  Each camp involves a Bible story, and a relevant life application designed specifically for the age group of students who are attending the camp.

Plus, the students spend the day with their Bible study teachers & leaders, positive, loving role models for them.  The time at camp provides an opportunity to get away from the daily routine and the distractions, so that they can hear God’s voice without the interruptions.

Thankful for You.

We still have four more camps to go as of this writing.  Your prayers, and your support, all along our journey, has meant so much.  We are grateful for you!

Jumping into Summer

Now that school is out, our summer season is underway. You could say that things really start “heating up” at Mission Arlington.^® during the Summer months. Perhaps you could also say that our ministries through the summer will be keeping things cool.

Summer Programs

Summer programs are designed as a kind of “Day Camp” for children and youth whose parents are at work, giving the students both a place to be, someone fun to be with, and something constructive to do. These programs include games, singing, crafts, Bible stories, and food, plus a lot of love for the children and youth who attend. The length of these programs varies depending on the need of each community, but generally they happen over a couple of hours for two or three days each week through the summer.

Rainbow Express^®

Rainbow Express is our version of a “back-yard Bible club,” held over four days in neighborhoods across our community.  Children & youth enjoy crafts, snacks, outdoor games, and Bible stories, led by loving, engaged adults.  Last year, we hosted Rainbow Express 334 times, with more than 22 thousand children in attendance, and it is SO MUCH FUN.

Summer Camps

Designed for all ages, we sponsor six camps this summer – with games, crafts, music, and lessons from God’s Word.  Last year, 932 children & youth attended one of our camps.

 Please pray for us as this summer unfolds.  Drop by to see us when you can. 

Encouraging Women

Proverbs 31: 30-31 reminds us that a “woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” She is also to be honored “for all that her hands have done” (vs. 32).  We know that blessing anyone tends to multiply into blessings for others. It seemed especially right, on the Friday prior to Mother’s Day, to honor the ladies in our lives, leading to the encouragement of many others in their paths.

Moving Worship & An Encouraging Message

This past Friday night, Mission Arlington hosted a “Ladies’ Night” event in central Arlington. Ladies who attend our Bible studies were especially invited, as were many others. Over three hundred (300) ladies gathered for worship & Bible study, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The worship time, powered by the Lord and lifted by the voices of 300 women, was deeply moving.  When Bible study leader/pastor Regina Grissom stepped to the Mic., hearts were open & ready. Regina shared from the book of Daniel about staying strong in the Lord, despite the lions which may be roaring ravenously around you.

1 Corinthians 15:58 states: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  Regina encouraged the ladies to stay strong – not in their own strength, but in the Lord’s.   She also illustrated the value & beauty of their work, reminding them that work done for the Lord is never in vain.  People were moved and encouraged by the message.

A Delicious Meal

After the worship service, a caravan of cars drove the half-mile to another one of Mission Arlington’s congregations in central Arlington, where a delicious meal was waiting for the ladies.  Those enjoying this event were doubly blessed.  Not only was the meal fulfilling, but the ladies enjoying the meal did not have to prepare it, nor did they have to clean up afterwards (though many pitched in to help clear the tables).

Childcare Provided

Many husbands took care of the children at home, so that the ladies could enjoy their time away. For those who didn’t have childcare arrangements (for a variety of reasons), men from other Mission Arlington Bible studies offered to take care of the kids.   It was so much fun.  Of course, all of this was “FREE OF CHARGE.”

 The smiles on so many faces made it worth it all.  We are already looking forward to next year. 

From One to Three

For years, Mission Arlington^® has had so much fun sponsoring what we lovingly call the “World’s Largest” Easter egg hunt.   This family-friendly event included free food (freshly cooked hot dogs, chips, and a drink), bouncy houses, and six (6) lanes of open field scattered with plastic, candy-filled Easter eggs, and outdoor fun with the family.  This year, for the first time, we were able to spread out into three (3) different locations, with all the same amenities.  It took about 110,000 plastic eggs, filled with candy, to have enough for the day. (That’s a lot of eggs.)

Rain Didn’t Stop the Fun

On the Saturday before Easter, April 19th, early in the morning, rain began to fall across the city.  Each of our three locations this year had a “rain plan,” so we were able to host the Egg Hunts indoors.  We expected lower attendance, but by 10:00 a.m. the rain had stopped, and people began to pour into these creative, energizing events.  By the time it was over, nearly three thousand (2,967) children & youth – with their families – had enjoyed these beautiful events.

Families – of all shapes and sizes – came together to play, and to enjoy each other’s company.  Parents were smiling, children were laughing, and friends & neighbors were enjoying each other’s company.  It was a day away from the phones, the internet, social media, and all the other attendant noises of our day.  Each child left with a bag full of multi-colored eggs, filled with candy.  All in all, it was such a sweet experience.

The Story that Changed Everything

The best part of the day involved a moment to sit and listen to the true story of Easter.  Easter eggs are great family fun, of course, but it’s the love expressed in and through the Easter story that changes everything.  Volunteers shared the account of Jesus’ death & resurrection, a story precious to believers all over the world.  Each listener was reminded that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16) and offered an opportunity to respond.

Thank you for your Constant Support

Because you pray, give, and help, we can be a part of sharing God’s love in such beautiful ways across our community.  We are truly so grateful for you!

More than seven (7) thousand (7,373) children & youth attended Rainbow Express^® over Spring Break.

When was it?

Spring Break Rainbow Express^® began March 3^rd and continued through the first week of April.  Since Spring Break is typically only one week-long, people often wonder why Mission Arlington’s Spring Break happens over so many weeks.

The reason is that Spring Breaks happen on different weeks around the country, across the state, and even in the DFW area.   So, we host Spring Break groups whenever they can come to town.  If it happens to land in a time when our own students are still in school, then the Rainbow Express experience will happen after school lets out for the day.

What is it?

Rainbow Express^® is a four-day (Monday-Thursday), 21/2-hour experience for the children & youth in our community.  It is an out-door experience, with fun, running games, creative crafts, tasty snacks, and stories straight from the Bible.   It is so much fun for everyone involved.

What Happened?

Forty-one (41) church youth groups of various sizes came to Texas from nine (9) different states (Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Tennessee) and fourteen (14) Texas cities outside of Arlington (Beaumont, Big Springs, Frisco, La Vernia, Lewisville, Lumberton, Nacogdoches, Nederland, Port Neches, Rusk, Stephenville, Tyler, Wylie).  Several churches in Arlington also joined this important work too.

Altogether, over twelve hundred (1,202) junior high & high school students, and leaders led Rainbow Express^® in ninety-one (91) different locations. Altogether, more than seven thousand young people (7,373) experienced these four-day events.

Spiritual Results?

The sharing of God’s love through His word, the Scriptures, are an integral part of each day of Rainbow Express^®.  We believe that whenever and wherever the Bible is shared, it never returns “void,” but in fact, always accomplishes God’s purposes (Isaiah 55:11).  We also believe that whenever people learn God’s Word, they begin to flourish (Psalm 1).   Everyone who participates in Rainbow Express will be exposed to teaching from the Bible. One of the beautiful results from our Spring Break Rainbow Express is that 121 people accepted Christ.

Our Gratitude

We are truly grateful for your constant, faithful support.  We are able to be here, and Rainbow Express^® can happen here, because you make it possible. We are truly grateful.