Coble Middle School students putting together Thanksgiving boxes on the same Saturday in 2014.

You hear people talk about “total commitment” in a variety of ways. People will say, for example, “I’m all in,” when talking about their desire to reach a deeper level of commitment to something important in their world. Or, they might say, “I’m all ears,” meaning that someone is giving you their complete attention. We have various ways of saying that we are going to do something “with our whole heart.”

The mission family’s total commitment

On the way out of the mission offices last week, one of our Bible study leaders was talking about their efforts to make sure that everyone in her area who needed it, would receive a Thanksgiving meal from Mission Arlington^®.  Her comment was that she and her team were going “the whole nine yards.” Their intent was to make sure no one was missed, and they were fully committed to talking with every household in the neighborhoods right around the church.

However, when this Bible study leader stopped to explain, it was clear that her comment meant more than just “every household.”  Her desire was to have genuine conversations with each family she met, to ask them about their prayer needs, and to pray with them before she left.  The reminder for all of us that day was that Mission Arlington^® has always been a “ministry of ones.” In the next few days, you will hear that God has provided for large numbers of people leading up to and on Thanksgiving day, and it will be true.  As important to us, though, isn’t the large numbers, but that each life receives personal attention and care.  We want to go the “whole nine yards.”

The commitment of the community

Texas Health Resources family is “committed to community” They are serving at Mission Arlington® through the holiday season.

Yet, there is another way of looking at this, because it isn’t just the Mission staff and/or family that feels this way – but it is also the heartbeat of our community.  As this day unfolds, 1,000 people will come with their family or a team of some kind to help us prepare for Thanksgiving.  On Thanksgiving day, it will take 6,000 volunteers to help us deliver Thanksgiving food to 23,000 people.  Why would people give up their Saturday to serve, and why would so many people make their way throughout the city on Thanksgiving day when they could easily stay at home with their own families.  The answer is that this generous, giving community has always gone “the whole nine yards.”

Because you give the turkeys and the Thanksgiving food, we can give it away.  Because you come throughout the month of November to serve – even on Saturdays – we can have the food ready to go out on Thanksgiving morning (It takes multiple sorting processes to get it ready).  Because you come and bring yourself, your family, and/or your team, we have an army in place to deliver the food to people.  We are truly thankful for you throughout this season of Thanksgiving.

A commitment to authentic help and hope

Yet, there is one more part to this work.  People who receive not just the food, but the hugs and the kind words from you when you deliver it find their physical needs met for the moment. They are able to eat Thanksgiving food with their own families around their own kitchen table, and no one ever has to know that the food came from us.  Our hope and prayer, however, is that your hard work to make Thanksgiving work in people’s lives meets more than just a physical need. Our prayer is that it lifts the hearts, treating people with dignity and respect, so that they feel genuinely cared for. Even further, our desire is that through this kind of love and help, that people will see Christ himself among the crowd.  We hope this for those of us delivering the food, and we hope this for those who receive it. It’s more than just food on Thanksgiving day.  We want to go “the whole nine yards.”

To God be the Glory! We are grateful for you.

Children make a difference at Mission Arlington. Pictured here, a child helps sort Thanksgiving Food earlier this month.

Today is veterans day, a day to remember those who served in all branches of the military to defend our country. Since 1776, 48 million Americans have served in the armed forces. Many of us across our community have people close to us who served. Some gave their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The University of Texas at Arlington, our neighbor, has a full day of events happening, designed to honor military men and women, starting with a 6:30 a.m. reveille, an 11:00 a.m. dedication of the newly remodeled Vet Lounge, and a 2 p.m. address by UTA’s President Vistasp Krbhari and State Senator Konni Burton at a reception for UTA veteran students.  Other events are happening across our community as well.

Veterans day is  a special day here at the mission. Many from the family of volunteers and staff here have loved ones who either are serving currently or have served in our military.

On Veterans day, we want you to know that all of our services and ministries will be in operation. We are grateful for all those who will take the day off tomorrow to honor our veterans.  Our privilege on this day is to “stand in the gap” for those in need, so that families in our community can receive help.

Many in the community are mobilizing today to help us help others. For example, UTA’s Sigma Gamma Rho’s Sorority is hosting an event at UTA. Admission to the event is “free to all students with a canned good” which the Sorority will in turn donate to Mission Arlington^®.

Cub Scouts separating out Thanksgiving food late one night early this week.

You can help at Mission Arlington^® today!

1. If you are free to lend a hand today, why not come downtown to spend a few hours serving with us?  We’ll be here from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We could use the help, and it would be a blessing all around to “shoulder the load” together. Plus, working here is just plain fun.
2. Or, if you can bring by some Thanksgiving food  (or other donations)as you are out running errands, that would be great too.
3. If you can’t come down to help in some way, then some might want to give a little to help others.
4. Others may just want to take some time on this day to pray, a great gift for our work.
   

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At Mission Arlington^® we also honor Jesus Christ on this day who gave his life on the cross more than 2,000 years ago, so that all men could have peace with God. On this special day, we are reminded of Christ’s words in the Gospel of John: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).

Thank you for all you do to make a difference in our community. We are blessed today as we honor veterans by serving alongside you. We are a grateful people.

100 students from Arlington Collegiate High School rest from their day of labor at Mission Arlington to take a look at the Mission Arlington’s “Christmas Store” as it takes shape

As the Summer ends and the Fall begins, Mission Arlington^® looks towards the start up of after school programs (in 40+ locations), the transportation of children to and from school, and the kickoff our new and growing sports (baseball and wrestling) leagues.  Our first big event for the fall was our large, free Fall festival which happens on or around Halloween each year. The  festival was a huge success again this year, drawing 3,000 children (with their families), more than ever before.

As the Festival concluded last week, however, the full attention of the Mission Arlington^® family pivots to the holiday season – Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The truth is that we work on the these two holidays all year long.  (For example, we begin collecting, separating, and sorting  Thanksgiving food each year on the day after Thanksgiving. In the same way, we begin preparing for Christmas on December 26th.)  Having said that, we have now “turned the corner” and “shifted into a higher gear.” It is “full speed ahead” as we head into the holidays.  You can sense the excitement all around as we move into this final season of the year. It truly is, as the Andy Williams Christmas song declares: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

We begin this season of Thanksgiving each year by being thankful for you. Because you give, and because you volunteer, and because so many of you pray, we can be here to help, and we can have food to give away on Thanksgiving day and toys for Christmas morning.  This week, among many other conversations and encounters, we spoke to a man whose job had downsized the hours he could work. He was trying to make ends meet. He was working hard not to ask for help, and wanting to do things right, yet he had not eaten in three days.  He also didn’t have money to buy laundry detergent.  What a blessing it was for us – on your behalf – to provide the food and the detergent he needed for that moment.  We were also able to pray for him, and we will continue to stay close.

Two students from Arlington Collegiate High School help sort food in preparation for Thanksgiving.

Already, so many of you have been having food drives – as individuals, as families, as different groups from all over the community.  Others have come to help sort and separate the food, or the Christmas toys.  Pictured with this article are a group of students from the Arlington Collegiate High school. A hundred of them came last week to organize books for the Fall festival, and to get food into position for Thanksgiving morning.  Texas Health Resources groups have been coming to help, and student groups, church groups, and teams of all shapes and sizes have been here to make a difference – all so that someone who is less fortunate will have the provisions they need for their family.

We are grateful every day to be part of such a generous, caring community of people. We thank God for you, and for the privilege we have of serving along side of you every day.  As we have turned the corner towards the holidays, and year’s end, may God provide the wind beneath our wings.  May he use each of us to support those in our community who just need a little extra help to get by.

God worked in Josefina (Tata)’s life to provide relief for difficult medical concerns through Mission Arlington

Seventy-eight (78) year old Josefina, or “Tata” as she is known to her friends, started coming to our medical clinic two years ago.  Originally from Columbia, single, never married, and without children, Tata worked with other people’s children as a Nanny.  Along the way, she developed beautiful friendships and a sense of family with several people. One of those was Julie who began bringing Tata to our clinic.

Among the normal aches and pains, Tata was treated for blood pressure issues, sinus problems, cat scratches, and pain in her knees, leg, and back.  Every medical need was met at no charge through the volunteer doctors at Mission Arlington^®, and people began to enjoy her visits. Tata was one of those people whose smile brightened up a room.

The back pain did not go away, however, and so the mission team began to work on other options. Her pain had become unbearable. She couldn’t work, couldn’t sit, walk, or stand without excruciating pain.  Something needed to be done, but there was no insurance, no funds, and no options.

The team at Mission Arlington’s clinic referred Tata to Arlington Orthopedic Associates, P.A where she received spinal injections for free, treated by Dr. Eric Wieser.  After some time, Tata and her doctors began to feel like she was a good candidate for surgery, so they joined with the good folks at the Baylor Orthopedic Spine Hospital in Arlington, where a surgery which would have cost $120,000 was provided for a minimum charge of $2,000, half of which could be paid out over time. On Monday, October 19th, the medical team performed major medical surgery on Tata’s back and spine, providing her the relief and healing she needed.

Tata’s friend Julie thanked Mission Arlington’s medical clinic staff, Andrea and Jean, for always being so “special and kind” to Ms. Tata, and she is so humbled by the care she received by each and every doctor, nurse and member of the medical teams in each place she received treatment.

The Mission Arlington^® family is so grateful today for the kind and generous community in which we serve.  Because you give, we are able to have a medical clinic free of charge for the people.  More than 700 patients each month come through the clinic’s front doors. We are also grateful for the partnerships with the medical community, and the way they respond to provide health care for the Ms. Tata’s of our world.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

By Jim Burgin, staff writer

By 7:00 this morning, volunteers are already checking in to serve. They will drive out to grocery stores and bakeries to pick up food ready to be given to people in need. We are amazed as we think about people who would take their time to prepare that food for us, who have the hearts to give out of their own surpluses to help someone else, and for people who would get up so early on a Saturday morning to make a blessing possible for someone else.

Volunteers and staff have been busy getting ready for a huge Fall Festival, one of our favorite events of the year.  Huge bouncy houses, a gym full of carnival games, free food, a tractor-driven hay ride are all prepared for children and families.  Our heart and hope is that children will have the kind of fun on this day that they remember for ever, and that moms and dads with young children will enjoy this a safe place for their kids to play, have fun, and to be cherished by the Mission Arlington family.  One of the greatest blessings for us is to be able to provide this Festival today absolutely free of charge.  Even the food is free.

Big Bouncy house slides are a part of the fun at the Fall Festival today. Pictured here, a young boy enjoying the slide at last year’s event.

The rain has been steadily falling on Friday, and through the night into Saturday morning.  What a blessing the rain has been.  As it clears off this morning, we want you to know that the Fall Festival will be fully up and running, ready for the children and their families.  The Festival happens from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., and it is located in the center of the city, near the corner of Fielder Rd. and 303. The physical location is 1514 Cherry Dr., Arlington, 76013.  It is going to be a great day.

At the same time that our huge festival is happening, people going through a moment of crisis will be able to come and receive food, or help with rent and utility bills. When they come in to Mission Arlington, they will be cared for.  Our heart here is so much more than about just handing out stuff. Anyone can do that.  We want to look people in the eyes, and to help them know that every life matters to God.  It has always been important to us to treat people with dignity and respect.  What an incredible privilege it is to share with others the very same love we have received from God.

Out back, our trucks will be moving through the community and returning to drop off the very clothing, food, and furniture that each of you provide for people in need.  We will pick up from over 100 locations today.  We pray that as you give, you will have a real sense about how your gift lifts the life of real people.  We never sell anything you give.  You give it, and we give it away.  By the day’s end, your gifts of love will be in the homes of people who needed the help and the hope that your gift provides.

All in all, our desire is to glorify the Lord in and through this place.  We have a song that we sing occasionally around here titled “It’s a great day to serve the Lord.”  Somehow, I can’t quite get that song out of my head this morning.  Rain or shine, serving God, and loving people going through difficult times truly makes this a great day.

Thank you so much for the privilege we have of serving alongside each of you. Your prayers, your help, and your financial support make the difference here.

To God be the glory!

With the assistance of the kind and giving hearts of children, Mission Arlington responds to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in our community. We are so grateful that children serve here every week.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

We hope most everyone knows of Mission Arlington^®‘s investment in the children of our community. Whether it is “bouncy houses” for the children to enjoy on “National Night Out,” or baseball camps, teaching children the fundamentals of the game, or the transportation of students to and from school, or helping children to discover healthy eating habits,  or reading programs,  or school supplies, the Mission Arlington^® family “loves to love” children.

It truly is more “blessed to give than it is to receive.” Pictured here, children having fun helping at Mission Arlington.

Add to that, the holiday season coming up – with our Fall Festival, food for Thanksgiving, and Christmas gifts for more than 32,000 children year after year, or the huge Easter experience provided for children, it isn’t hard to see how much love and practical help comes from you, through us, and straight to children in need.

Watching children “light up” when they don’t have to sleep on the floor anymore, or when they have the food they need to eat a meal at home, or when they have the same school supplies to start the school year just like everyone else – is worth so very much to us, and we know it is important to you as well.   We also know that this pleases our Lord who encouraged his followers routinely to care for children (Matthew 19:14).

On the other hand, it isn’t just that the children are recipients of your gifts through Mission Arlington^®, but they are also the givers.   All year long, we are the recipients of the kind-hearted, sincere gifts of children. They collect food from their neighborhoods and families; they ask their friends to give birthday gifts to other children through the mission instead of having a birthday party, and they volunteer in huge numbers, giving of their time and energy to make a difference here. Every week, without exception, children are here lending a hand.

Sometimes they come with their parents; other times they come with a group of some kind, such as their church, scouting organization, or with their school.  When they come to serve, we are able to provide activities and tasks which fit their giftedness, age, and ability.  We value watching families and various organizations who develop character in their kids, letting them invest in their world, and giving them the opportunity to make a difference too.

On Thanksgiving day every year, for example, several hundred children volunteer with their families.  The parents tell us that they want their children 1) to know how to work, and 2) to see that they can make a difference, no matter their age, and finally (3) to see that other children don’t have what they have. These parents tell us after a day of service on Thanksgiving morning, the children go home to have the best Thanksgiving meal of their young lives.

Mission Arlington^® loves to work with children.  We thank God every day for the privilege we have of serving alongside each of you, perhaps the most generous community anywhere.  We appreciate the privilege of caring for and serving with the children here.

Glory be to God!

Student from Liberty Christian School helping Mission Arlington get ready for Thanksgiving

Columbus day celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12th, 1492. Columbus day became an official federal holiday in the United States in 1937.  Since 1970, the holiday has been connected to the second Monday in October.

In our community, while the banks, federal agencies, and other businesses are closed, the schools are open, and Mission Arlington^® is open for business as well.  People express their support for this day as a “day of service,” using their time and talents to make a difference in people’s lives all across our community.

Before 8 a.m. this morning, students were already waiting at the mission, ready to give their day in service and support.  Several student groups, churches, individuals, and families are here today, helping us, and taking care of the people.

We are grateful for the privilege we have of being open today, and of serving our community. The only day Mission Arlington^® closes each year is Christmas Day.

Student groups today are helping us organize, sort, and move donated food into position for Thanksgiving, among so many other tasks we needed help with today.

We are grateful for the constant, faithful, support of our community.  Together, we can make a difference.

Students gather in an apartment in central Arlington for fun at the National Night Out.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, National Night Out was an idea created by Matt Peskin in 1984. The idea was to encourage neighborhoods to get together one designated night each year to create a safer community by building relationships with neighbors, and with the police force. Arlington hosted 184 gatherings this year, and Mission Arlington® was privileged to join our community in these important times together.

The Mission Arlington^® family spread out across the community to support various organizations requesting partnership. We took out free food, “bouncy houses,” in multiple locations, and we enjoyed being a part of the larger teams supporting the community. Our staff and volunteers had a good time talking and spending time with people from all across our community. Pictured above is a picture from a National Night Out event in central Arlington where the children were enjoying good, clean fun on a beautiful evening in our city.

We are ever grateful to be a part of this generous and supportive community, and to participate in these important events. Together, we can do more than any of us can on our own.

Thank you for your continued support of our work.

This is a video produced this year by the good folks at the Official BEST of team from Hollywood, California. They provide TV and web viewers with the official best places to visit in a growing number of states across America.

After an organization is nominated, the research team from the organization consults with local Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce and other experts in the field to determine which nominations will be named the “best of.”

Mission Arlington^® was nominated and selected to be the “Best Charity of DFW.” We are humbled and honored by this designation.

You can view the video here (Press play):

Thank you so much for your support.

Leaving East Hall, First Baptist Church Arlington, September 29th, 1956.

Today, Bob and Tillie Burgin celebrate 59 years of marriage.  Bob grew up in  the small Texas town of Jewett, located in Leon country, about 1/2 way between Dallas and Houston off of Interstate 45.  the youngest son in a family with seven children, Bob grew up on a farm.

Tillie was the daughter of Erman and Bonnie Lester who hailed originally from Pittsburgh, and New Boston respectively.  Erman started and ran his own gas station after he moved to Arlington in the 1930s, and the family lived and worked in the heart of what has now become Downtown Arlington. Erman ran that station for 45 years. You could always get service with a smile, and he kept bubblegum handy for the kids. The offices of Mission Arlington^® are just one block from the Lester’s old homestead.

Bob and Tillie met, dated, and eventually, got married  in what is now called the “East Hall” of First Baptist Church, named after Henard East, a former, long-time pastor of the church. Bob entered the military in 1958, and was assigned to South Korea for a two year tour. Tillie followed Bob to Korea, living in missionary housing with the Methodists, because she wasn’t allowed on the base.  This experience in the war was part of their story a few years later when God led them back to South Korea as missionaries. By the time this couple (now with their two boys), retired, they had spent seven years in Korea, and ten on staff with the Foreign Mission Board of Southern Baptists.

When their oldest son entered college, the Burgins came home. Bob and Tillie were educators, so they jumped right back in to education in Arlington. There was a growing sense in their own hearts, however, that “if you can do missions in Korea, why can’t we do it in Arlington?” Bob served as a Vice Principal at Gunn Jr. High, then became Principal at Nichols Jr. High, and finally served at Arlington High School.  Then Bob taught and ultimately became the Associate Dean of the school of education for Dallas Baptist University. Tillie worked in various positions with the Arlington Independent School District, including Director of Personnel, and then in 1986, left to start Mission Arlington^®.

Today, Bob and Tillie have been married for 59 years. Their commitment to Christ first has strengthened their love for each other, and through them, they have faithfully served the Lord in this community.  Those of us who love them, near and far, are grateful for their influence in our lives, and for the legacy of faithfulness they are building in our community.

Happy Anniversary Tillie and Bob.  We wish you “many, many more!”