Thanksgiving preparation is well underway at Mission Arlington®.

A faithful and supportive community surrounds Mission Arlington® in these busy days before Thanksgiving. Student groups, civic clubs, schools, churches, and hosts of individuals/families are sending turkeys and Thanksgiving food our way, so that people will have something on their table for Thanksgiving morning. We are humbled and amazed, but not surprised by this surge of generosity.

This community has always taken care of people who are less fortunate.

Groups of people are also coming our way to lend a hand with food preparation in advance of Thanksgiving morning. This past Saturday, several hundred volunteers came to sort donated food, and to build Thanksgiving boxes.

For the past decade, The YMCA Father-Child Program has been coming to help us get ready for Thanksgiving. The “Y” parents with their children come to sort food in preparation for Thanksgiving day.  Is their any better illustration of how this community works together?  It was beautiful to see the children working so hard to help other children. The pictures here illustrate the joy from that day.

As Mission Arlington® gets ready for Thanksgiving morning, we are still in need of a bunch of turkeys.  Click this link to discover ways that you can help.

Thank you so much for all you do to make Thanksgiving a great day for people in need.

Carnival at the “Fall Festival filled with people.

Mission Arlington®’s Fall Festival is so much fun. Created as an alternative, family-friendly event for Halloween, this year’s festival attracted 2,500 children (with their families).

Mission Arlington® and multiple donated buses brought children from across our community to this free event which started at noon this past Saturday, October 25th.  Lunch was the first stop, with hotdogs, chips, and a drink.

The second station included a huge soccer cage, a 1,500 square foot maze (with fog and flashing lights), and 2 tractor-pulled hay rides.

Station 3 contained a plethora of bouncy houses in many shapes and sizes, including a huge slide which the young people truly enjoyed. They bounced to their heart’s content.

Station 4 was a gym-sized collection of carnival booths, including face painting, bowling, fishing, soccer, bean toss, and so much more. Children received prizes at each booth, which they ultimately were able to trade in for bigger prizes.

There were many smiling children everywhere at this event.  Outside, we had the additional blessing of having “Air 1” Radio, a local radio station (101.7 FM) playing Christian music.

After the carnival games, children exited Mission Arlington’s campus with a bag of candy for each child.  Just before they got back on their Mission Arlington buses, or went home with their families, children were able to meet Arlington Fire Fighters, and to tour their fire truck.

All in all, it was a safe, fun day for the children and their families.  Thank you so much for your support, your prayers, and your help.

Matthew 19:14. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”

For more pictures of the event, view our Facebook site by clicking here.

What’s in a name? There is often a bit of good-natured kidding which goes on about Mission Arlington®’s front room, for the lack of creativity related to its name. Since it was at the front of the mission, years ago, someone called it “the front room,” and the name stuck. The mention of the name sometimes still brings a smile.

More to smile about: There is something beautiful which happens in that room which also brings a smile to people’s faces. 800 people – between 200 and 225 families – every day, six days a week, find their way there to receive help. It is often our first point of contact with a family in need. Because of the faithfulness of a generous community, people like you, every day we have ways to meet people’s needs.

Who are they? Who is it that comes to our front room? In short, ordinary people. It could be any one of us at some point in our life – when an unexpected crisis hits home. Typically, a job loss, a health crisis, or the sudden breakup of a relationship is what brings people into our front room. The hurts are hard, and the tears real, along with the relief that comes with the help.

The vast majority of those who come are working people who simply are in a moment of crisis. If you’ve never had a crisis like this, then you might not understand “Mission Arlington®.” However, if you’ve needed a little help at some point in your life, if only for a moment, then you will begin to get a sense of our heart here. We’re here to help.

Relationship over Rules. We understand that it is important to be good stewards of the gifts that are given to us, and we take that charge seriously. At the same time, we believe one of our highest callings is to treat people with the dignity and respect that they deserve as human beings.

Our approach, therefore, is to be “life-directed” and not “rules oriented.” Often, in the non-profit world, someone isn’t allowed to come back for a certain period of time. Yet, if the breadwinner of the family has just lost their job, that family may need to come in more often for a while to get food until they get on their feet. That’s ok with us, because we’re here to help when people need it the most.

Learning to Listen. Sometimes more important than the emergency relief people receive here is someone who genuinely cares. It is amazing to hear what some people are going through. Their tears and heartaches are real, and often, they don’t have anyone in their lives who will listen anymore. We consider that small task a huge privilege, and it makes a difference in people’ lives.

Offering to Pray: It is important for us, as faith-based people, to do more than listen. For everyone who comes through our place, we ask if they would like for someone to pray with them about their circumstances. Many people in these days don’t have anyone who will pray with them, and most people appreciate the offer. We pray for God’s protection and blessing of each family.

Thankful for you: Day in, and day out, the “front room” stays full of people in need. We can be here to address that need and to love the people, because you make it possible with your gifts, your help, and your prayers. We are grateful to you.

Thank you! All glory to God!

The Texas Health Resources family has a long history of investing in and through Mission Arlington®.  Each year, hundreds of THR employees volunteer in Mission Arlington®’s Thanksgiving and Christmas ministries, and those same employees are constantly dropping off food, clothes, and other items that people need

This past Friday, Texas Health Resources, which includes Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, donated $35,000 to the mission. According to Robert Cadwallader, from the Arlington Citizen Journal, the check presentation was “part of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association’s launch of its 22nd Kaleidoscope of Homes Tour in the 2,000-acre Viridian master-planned community in north Arlington.”

Mission Arlington® currently see about 800 people a day coming through for help in the front room This donation comes just in time to help the mission get ready for the holiday season.

We are ever grateful for the support of this community.

Read the Citizen journal article here.

Wednesday, October 08, 2014 8:16 AM

Starting last night, October 7th, and continuing through February, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, Mission Arlington® is hosting a wrestling activity for boys from 2nd grade to youth finishing the tenth grade.

Weight classes start at 40 pounds and go up to heavyweight.

Young people are referred to the program by Mission Arlington’®s Bible study leaders across the community, and the costs are covered by the Mission as well, including the equipment for the wrestler’s in the club.

Robert Kembel, Howard Porteus, and Kenny Monday are the coaches, and they love investing in the hearts, minds, bodies, and souls of these young people learning to wrestle.

Fifteen young people came to learn last night. They worked hard, learned a lot, and everyone had a good time.

Tournaments are scheduled on some Saturdays starting after December. Wrestlers can participate in as many or as few as they wish.

We are so grateful for the opportunities we are given to serve the Lord in this community.

Tuesday, October 07, 2014 4:46 PM

According to the City of Arlington’s website, residents across Arlington will gather in 192 locations to celebrate a growing annual tradition called “National Night Out.” Mission Arlington® will provide bouncy houses and support to our police and fire departments as they get to know residents in neighborhoods across Arlington and work together with neighbors on crime prevention.

Mission Arlington® will be in eight locations tonight assisting our community partners, and loving on people all across our community.  We will be providing bouncy houses, and all kinds of free food for the events, plus a snow-cone machine or two.

We love the privilege we have of serving along side our community. We are so grateful we have for the continued partnership with each of you who give and help, so that our community’s people can receive the help they need every day.  Thank you.

Thursday, October 02, 2014 7:33 AM

Mission Arlington® currently serves between 200 to 225 families a day through our food pantry, and the demand has stayed constant through the summer, and now into the Fall.

The following is a partial list of the staples we give away every day to families in need:

1. 200 – 16 oz. cans of corn;
2. 200 – 16 oz. cans of green beans;
3. 200 – 16 oz. cans of peas;
4. 200 – cans of soup;
5. 200 – cans of bean;
6. 200 – cans of tuna or chicken;
7. 200 – jars of peanut butter;
8. 200 – jars of jelly;
9. 500 – pounds of beans and rice;
10. 900 – loaves or packages of bread.

In addition to these staples, Mission Arlington® also provides pizza, donuts, yogurt, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a number of other items that we might get in on any given day.

Mission Arlington® stayed up with a strong demand through the summer, and now into the Fall. For the first time in a long time, our food supplies has gotten low.

Would you join us in prayer about this specific need?  Would you be willing to share with people and groups of people about this particular need?  Finally, if you are able to help, could you provide some of the items listed above, to help us take care of the people.

Your support in any way that you can truly makes a difference.  We are grateful for you.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 2:57 PM

As the temperatures begin to cool in North Texas, and as the summer months appear more distant in the “rear-view” mirrors, Mission Arlington®’s focus turns to the upcoming holiday season.

Our Fall Festival is immediately ahead. Bouncy houses, free food, carnival booths, and a big hay ride will draw about 2,000 kids to the family fun alternative. You can help by providing individually wrapped bags of candy for the kids, or by volunteering individually or wit a group on that day. Call 817-704-6143 for more details.

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. Already, Mission Arlington® is counting turkeys, and separating out Thanksgiving food. You can help 1) by bringing Turkeys and/or Thanksgiving food to our downtown location, and by 2) volunteering before Thanksgiving, or on Thanksgiving day.

Christmas is just around the corner. Mission Arlington®’s Christmas Store opens from December13th through December 23rd, from 10 to 6 every day except for Sundays.  You can help by volunteering in the store, or by 2) bringing new or nearly new Christmas gifts for children.  You can find suggestions here: TOY DRIVE IDEAS.

As we turn the corner into Fall, Mission Arlington® finds its supplies of food running lower than normal. Food drives are a great way to support the Mission during these days.

We are ever grateful for your support.  Together we are making a difference in the lives of real people in a moment of need.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 11:51 AM

The “Communities Foundation of Texas” is sponsoring a “get up and give” NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY on Thursday, September 18th, from 6 a.m. to midnight. Their goal is to provide support for participating non profits in North Texas.

On September 18th, from 6 a.m. to midnight, click this link to support Mission Arlington®.

On September 18th, from 6 a.m. to midnight, you can support Mission Arlington® by donating through the following website link: Support Mission Arlington®. When you give to us through this link on September 18th, your gift of $25 or more will be amplified by a gift from the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Mission Arlington® currently sees about 800 people a day coming through the front doors. These are ordinary people who need a little extra help to get by. Because you give so faithfully already, we are able to provide the support that people need.

We are grateful for you, and the privilege we have of serving alongside you in our community.

Friday, September 05, 2014 3:44 PM

Mission Arlington®’s summer season is over, and the Fall has begun.  Rainbow Express, Summer programs, free camps for kids, revivals, summer missionaries, out of town student groups, school supplies for 9,000+ students – and so much more, made up the flurry which was our summer here.  It was exciting, beautiful, and fun.

Before too long, the holiday season will begin. Fall festivals for 2,000 children, thanksgiving baskets for 5,000+ families, and Christmas toys for almost 36,000 children will come into focus.  The holiday season always seems to come and go so quickly.  It also is an incredibly beautiful time.

In between the summer, and the holiday season, the life and work of Mission Arlington® continues steadily to provide for everyday, ordinary people who find themselves in a moment of need.

Lay volunteers teach the Bible and worship each week in 349 locations. Every day, 800 people come through our front doors. A health crisis, a job loss, or the unexpected breakup of a relationship, is often what brings them to our front doors.

People are treated with dignity when they come here. Because you give, we have food to provide when the cupboards at home are empty.  When evictions are threatened, because a dad has lost his job, we are able to help a family stay in their home, or to keep their lights on, because you give so faithfully.

We can be here, day after day, meeting people’s needs, treating them with respect, and sharing God’s love, because you are faithful.

These are quiet and beautiful days at Mission Arlington®. Yes, the summer is behind us. The holidays are coming, but each and every day, when September comes, we get to share God’s love in word and deed – day after day.

We are so blessed, humbled, and honored to be here.  Thank you for walking this journey with us through these days. We are grateful for you.

Praise His Name!