Several teams of people gathered this past Saturday with Tango Tab’s “Feed the City” event to make hundreds of sandwiches for the people Mission Arlington^® serves.

We are living in a season, according to many experts, when people increasingly want to volunteer. This is true for individuals and families, and it has probably been true through the years in churches, but volunteering together on a team has become more attractive in recent days, especially for those serving in corporate settings.

Recent professional research in this field indicates that 94% of companies surveyed said that volunteer opportunities for their employees, especially when it is company led, helps to build a resilient business.  According to this same research, 97% of the companies interviewed believed that the volunteer work of their teams strengthened the community.  Team members perceived their work as meaningful, and it was therefore personally impactful to individual volunteers.

We can confirm, at that the number and types of teams serving at Mission Arlington^® continues to grow.  The difference they make is so evident. This past week, we have had teams here from the following places:  1) UTA Hispanic Nursing Association; 2) Alpha Chi Pi Omega; 3) Lamar High School Lulac; 4) Timberview High School NHS; 5) UTA Women in Medicine; 6) American Airlines; 7) Charles Schwab, and 8) Rocket Air Supply.

This is just a small portion of the teams who came through.  What we notice most often is how hard these volunteers work and also, how much fun they are having.  Smiles and laughter are a big part of the experience, and we are so blessed to be a part of it.

If you would like to bring your team, drop us a NOTE.  1.)  Choose the “My group wants to help out” option.  2) Fill out the information, and 3) hit “SEND.  Tell us the day or dates your team will want to serve (between 7 and 7 Monday-Saturday), the timeframe for service on that date, and the approximate number of people coming our way, and we will get you set up on our schedule.

Thank you so much, and we hope to see you soon.

Give to the work of Mission Arlington here: DONATE TO MISSION ARLINGTON^®.

North Texas Giving Day happens across North Texas from now through midnight on Thursday, September 17th. In this special season of collective giving, you can support the ministry of Mission Arlington^®  by clicking the link above. Read below to discover more about us.

There is a sweet Spirit in this place.

Mission Arlington^® is more a movement than a strategy, more a spirit than a structure, and more like a family than an organization.  As a faith-based non-profit, we believe that Mission Arlington^® belongs to God. It isn’t our story, but His. He started it, sustains us moment by moment and holds our future in his hands. We are grateful to each one who has walked this journey with us.

We treat every person with dignity and respect.

One of our foundational scriptures comes from John 3:16. They key word in this verse is “whoever.” Tillie reminds us often that we are a “ministry of ones,” not of large numbers.  If God loves each person so much that “He gave His son,” then everyone has value and deserve to be treated honorably.  Every person who walks through our doors represents a life our Lord died for.

When you give, we give it away.

In fact, we know deep down that we are a simple reflection of our community, because – for the most part – we pass along what you provide.  Whether it is food, clothes, household items, or emergency financial assistance, all of it comes from the Lord, through you. We do not charge for any service we provide, and everything you give freely passes through to those in need.

We constrain our costs and maximize your financial impact.

Our audited administrative overhead comes in at 2 percent, year after year after year, sometimes less.  This means that when you give a dollar, 98 cents of that dollar ministers directly to people in need, instead of going to overhead costs for the ministry. A small number of administrative staff serve alongside 2,500 volunteers each week, bringing maximum impact, with minimum costs.

Our approach to ministry is wholistic.

Tillie reminds us often that it takes four tires to get a car or truck down the road. Our desire has been to organize the ministry in such a way that touches people in the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual areas of their lives. Here are some examples:

1. Emergency Assistance (physical) – In 2025, more than 55 thousand families (189,196 people) received food, clothing, household items, furniture, and/or rent & utility assistance.
2. Counseling Services -(emotional) volunteer therapists are treating about 50 people per week.
3. After School Programs – (educational) helping 505 students a week with homework for 26 weeks.
4. Health Clinics – (physical) Volunteer doctors in 10 disciplines treated patients 11, 174 times in 2025. Volunteer dentists treated patients over 4,000 times in 2025.
5. Bible Studies – (spiritual) – in 360 locations across our community.

We provide extra care for children.

Everything we do touches children in some way. But we also have specific ministries designed to care for children.  Fall Festivals, giant Easter egg hunts, Rainbow Express, Summer Camps, Summer programs, a free Christmas Store, and so much more, caring for children is a priority at Mission Arlington^® .

Your Extra Financial Support Matters!

You can give to us through the North Texas Giving Day Link, or through the Mission Arlington^® donation page.  You can even come into the office to make your donation here.   However you give, you will be making a difference in the lives of ordinary people who just need a little extra help to get by.

We are grateful for your support.  Thank you.

Children gather to watch a puppet show, put on by a Rainbow Express team in conjunction with Mission Arlington.

Summer at Mission Arlington^®

When school closes across the DFW Metroplex, Mission Arlington^® doesn’t slow down—it comes alive.

During the summer months, after-school ministries expand into full-week opportunities to connect with children and families throughout our community. Summer Missionaries arrive from across the country, bringing energy, faith, and a heart to serve.

Rainbow Express^® in Action

At the center of it all is Rainbow Express^®—our backyard Bible club held Monday through Thursday in neighborhoods across Arlington.

Children gather for:

• Bible stories
• Songs and games
• Crafts and snacks
• Scripture memory

It’s simple, joyful, and powerful. Kids laugh, learn, and experience God’s love right where they live.

One Summer, Eternal Impact

Week after week, these gatherings reach thousands of children. Relationships are built, lives are touched, and many make decisions to follow Christ.

Beyond Rainbow Express®, summer also includes camps for children and the collection and distribution of school supplies—meeting both spiritual and practical needs.

Taking Church to the People

Summer reflects the heart of Mission Arlington®: taking the church to the people. Volunteers step into neighborhoods, building relationships and sharing hope in personal, meaningful ways.

For those who serve, it’s life changing.
For those who attend, it’s unforgettable.
For our community, it’s a reminder that hope is always near.

Spring into Summer with us, won’t you?

Meaningful Fun

1. Family Gatherings & Meals – Many families gathered around the kitchen table for big meals, family photos, and engaged conversations.
2. Easter eggs hunts are usually a part of the fun too.  Parents, grandparents, and other family members, dye & hide the eggs, which the children subsequently find and place in multi-colored baskets. Sometimes, even the Easter bunny drops by for a family photo.
3. Spring often brings improved weather, flowers blooming, and the sense of a fresh start.

What an amazing time of year!

Sacred Joy

The days leading up to Easter trace the final days of Jesus’ life.  For believers, this week is about slowing down and remembering the humility of Christ, the cost of sin, and the depth of God’s love. This isn’t a moment to be rushed, but a season to be experienced.

For many, Easter was also a time of reflection & repentance. Believers will often stop to examine their hearts, confess sin, and to reflect on their need for Grace.  On “Good Friday,” believers reflected on the cross, not abstractly, but personally, remembering that what Christ did was “done for me.”

The resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday isn’t just a “happy ending,” but an occasion for JOY: Hope is alive, forgiveness is real, and death is not the end.  The events at Easter weren’t just something which happened, but which changed everything. Easter services were marked by celebration, singing, and an enormous sense of joy.

Merging Streams

These two streams merged in important ways through the ministry of Mission Arlington^® this past Easter.

Meaningful Fun: Our historic “World’s Largest” Easter egg hunt divided into three locations in 2025. Occurring on Saturday, April 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., here, here, and here, the free egg hunt includes good food, bouncy houses, an egg hunt, and a sharing of the gospel.  It did rain consistently on this fun Saturday, but families & their kids showed up anyway, as did so many others who volunteered.

Sacred Joy: Thursday evening of Holy Week (April 2nd) the Mission family gathered over 200 youth from across the community for a special time of worship designed just for them.  On Easter Sunday morning, thousands gathered in one of Mission Arlington’s Bible studies and/or congregations to worship a Risen Lord.

Fulfilling Journey

We are in our 40th year, turning 40 this upcoming August 1st.  We can be here in the midst of this amazing community because you constantly walk along side of us in so many ways.

Happy Easter to one and all.

The Gospel Train

In the 19th century, preachers & gospel writers frequently used trains as metaphors for salvation. Railroads were the most powerful symbol of movement and destiny at the time.  Popular songs, like “This train is bound for Glory” used the train as a picture of getting on board with Christ, traveling towards heaven, and not missing an opportunity for salvation.

At the End of the Rainbow

At the same time, the rainbow became a strong biblical symbol of hope, drawn from the biblical story of Genesis 9, where God places the rainbow as a sign of His promise to Noah. Preachers often connected the rainbow with Gods’ mercy after judgment, hope after storms, and the promise of redemption.

Two Images Combined

Preachers from the late 1800s and early 1900s in North America would blend these two images symbolically.  A preacher might say something like, “God has put a rainbow of promise at the end of the track and the gospel train is carrying “sinner’s” home.”  While the name Rainbow Express for a train is difficult to document from history, other names which were similar existed, like “the Rainbow special.”

Rainbow Express?^® 

Today, we would say that Rainbow Express^® is our version of a “back-yard Bible club.” Outdoor games, snacks, crafts, music, and biblical stories are practices which form the foundation of this 4-day events.  The overall purpose is to share God’s love with our community in creative and fun ways.

An Amazing Year – 2025

Last year, through 2025, Mission Arlington^® hosted Rainbow Express in 323 locations across our community for a total attendance of nearly 21 thousand (20,777) children.  127 different student groups (3,674 students) from 12 different states and 38 Texas cities travelled to Arlington to lead this special ministry. We are truly grateful.

The Fields are White

Last week, one student group travelled here to share God’s love through Rainbow Express.^® This week, 14 student groups are here to lead Rainbow Express in 25 different locations across our community. This week marks the beginning of our Rainbow Express season, which will continue through the Spring and into the summer.

We thank God for Rainbow Express.  We thank God for you!  Come join us.

The phrase has been around for a long time. On sailing ships, it was a command which meant “keep the ship going exactly like this,” smooth, calm, and no sudden turns – “steady as she goes.”

Big Events

Many people connect with us through our various annual events, like the annual Easter egg hunts, our Fall Festival, Thanksgiving Day deliveries, and/or our Christmas Store.  Beginning at the end of October, through Christmas day, the Mission is hustling and bustling in so many ways, all incredibly meaningful & beautiful.

Quieter Rhythms

On New Year’s Eve, the Mission Arlington family gathers to pray – not to “ring in the new year,” not to stay up to midnight, but to thank God for the blessings of the year behind, and to commit ourselves to Him and the year ahead. No program and no personalities, just people quietly praying.

We do have an “event” in mid-January, where hundreds of people show up to celebrate Martin Luther King’s legacy by serving.  It is always such an extraordinary, amazing day.  However, outside of that important day, January is relatively quiet.

Without Slowing Down

However, the lack of big events doesn’t mean that the Mission has slowed down in any way.  Hundreds of people each day come through for emergency assistance (food, clothes, furniture, emergency financial assistance).

Our Medical & Dental Clinics, and Counseling Center are full each day – not just with people needing medical attention, but with volunteer medical professionals of all kinds.  Streams of cars every day, filled with donations of all kinds, stop and drop their gifts for families in need.

A Community Hub

Finally, hundreds of volunteers each day give their time here to make significant difference in people’s lives when they organize clothes, put food on shelves, and so much more.

Spirit Driven

As the wind drives the ships forward, so the Lord’s presence and power continue to be the “wind beneath our wings.”  We are so grateful that we get to sail this journey with each of you.

Mission Arlington on Mon. April 24, 2023 (Photo credit: Mike Demas).

God has been so Faithful

As we enter 2026, we remember the many ways we have been blessed through the years.  We have sensed God’s presence at each turn, and at every event.  We turn the corner into this new year with confidence, not because of any innate ability within us, but because we believe that God walks with us, and because we know that this beautiful community continues to walk by our side.  Together we are “making a difference.”

“One Day at a Time”

People often ask us, “What’s next?”  The truth is that we don’t know.  For the past four decades, the heart of Mission Arlington^® hasn’t been in strategies, or five-year plans, or marketing ingenuity. To the contrary, we intend to take “one day at a time,” responding to needs of people in tough situations across our community, and sharing God’s love however & whenever we can.  Every week, we still sponsor & support small group Bible studies/congregations in more than 350 locations across Arlington, Grand Prairie, and other places.

Every day, six days each week, we will respond to ordinary people in a moment of crisis, passing along what you have provided – so that families can eat around their kitchen tables, keep their electricity on, and stay in their homes.  We desire to treat every person with dignity & respect.  For us, that’s enough, and we are so blessed to be in this space.

For A Generation

On August 1st, this year, it will be forty (40) years since Tillie Burgin stepped into the offices of First Baptist Church, Arlington to begin this journey. Only God knew then how he would use the faithfulness of a local church family, and the missionary call of a humble servant to serve in this place. Tillie answered that call, and she has been here – early to late – every day, for the past four decades.  At 89-years-old, and the leader of our band, Tillie is leading us to love God more, and to share that love with all people.

Into the Future Together

We believe that the Lord chose Arlington Texas to be the birthplace and home of Mission Arlington^® because this city has always found a way to come together to care for people.  We are stronger together, and we so look forward to walking together with you into and through this year.  We are truly humbled and grateful for the privilege.

A Tender Scene

Amy Grant sings it – a “Tender Tennessee Christmas,” but we’ve reframed it, and live it out here in Arlington.  Christmas is truly tender to us, because of the gift of God’s son to all people, and because the Mission Arlington^® family gets to give the gift of Christmas to so many who need to hear.  What we do isn’t just about the Christmas gifts which thousands of children receive, but about the sharing of God’s love through the free Christmas Store, and in more than 350 Bible studies across our community.  Each year at Christmas, hundreds of adults hear this story and enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Many more recommit their lives to Him anew.

Ripples in a Pond

We can do this, because you give. You make Christmas possible. Like an unexpected Christmas snowfall in a Texas winter, you shower gifts from everywhere.  You challenge and lead your companies, families, friends, and neighborhoods to give, so that children in our own community won’t have to wake up without gifts under their tree – or, sometimes even to wake up without a Christmas tree at all.  You are investing in families you don’t even know, but like ripples in a pond, your loving gift spreads from children to parents, to families, across generations.  Years later, when children have become adults, they drop back by to tell us of the way the love you shared will never be forgotten.

The Human Touch

You make a difference when you give financially. You make a difference when you bring gifts of all kinds.  You also make a difference when you volunteer.  Probably all of us have been at a point in our lives when we needed encouragement from someone.  We’ve watched it happen over and over again – when you volunteer with us, especially during the Christmas season.  One of the volunteer opportunities in our free Christmas Store is to walk with parents as they shop for their children.

We are amazed as we watch the positive spirit of volunteers rub off on those they are serving.  Your “words of encouragement,” find their mark in the hearts of people who are struggling to make ends meet.  When someone else sees value in us, and hope for our future, beyond the immediate needs of Christmas, it becomes a gift which endures.  Words matter, and kind words last.  It is the “human touch” which makes the difference.  Thank you so much.

Santa’s Workshop

Over time, people have referred to the building which houses our Christmas Store as “Santa’s workshop,” or even “the North Pole,” because it is filled with beautiful gifts for our community’s children, and because – it is just so much fun.

1. Dates – Our free Christmas Store opens from December 13th – December 23rd, (excluding Sundays)
2. Times – From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day, except for the last day, December 23rd, when it opens at 10:00 and closes at Noon.
3. Access? – To gain entrance to the store, parents/guardians will need proof of address, a photo id., and official documentation which connects the child to the parent:  Birth certificates, Medicaid Cards, Medical, or School records will work – as long as they have the names of the children & parents on the same document.
4. More Info? For more detailed information about the Store, click HERE.

We look forward to December. Who wouldn’t?  It truly is the “most wonderful time of the year.”  Thank you for making a difference here.

September 22nd marks the official start of Fall. Even though we aren’t quite feeling the cooler weather, or the Fall colors just yet, Mission Arlington^® has turned the corner into Fall. You might say that “We’ve fallen into Autumn.”

Summer is Behind Us

The summer season at the Mission is always a busy time.  The number of people needing emergency services increases when the kids are out of school. Families need extra food and so much more to get by and/or to thrive.  Student groups cover our campus during the summer, leading Rainbow Express^® or just serving on campus.  Summer camps and school supplies round out the beautiful, bustling, summer season.

Fall is Upon Us

Our bi-monthly “Fun Days” happen again, with over 300 children in attendance. Afterschool programs startup again, helping children with homework and teaching them lessons from the Bible.  One of our favorite events for the Fall is our annual Festival, with bouncy houses, a multitude of carnival games, and an amazing hayride.  Families bring their children to this extraordinary outdoor event, and it is so much fun.  Thanksgiving preparation happens all year long, of course, but begins in Ernest on November 1st.  Our Thanksgiving Day deliveries are so much fun, and touch so many people.   Then, Christmas isn’t far behind.  Our free Christmas Store will open again for ten days during December.  Our generous community provides the gifts, including thousands of brand-new bikes and Christmas toys for children, and it is so much fun.

Join us, won’t you?

You make all of this possible.  Fall into autumn with us, won’t you?  We value so much serving the Lord in this community alongside each of you.  Join us?

North Texas Giving Day

August 28th – September 18th, 2025
Sponsored by the Communities Foundation of Texas

North Texas Giving Day 2025 is September 18th, from 6 a.m. to midnight, but early giving started on August 28th.  You can support the ministry of Mission Arlington^® by clicking on the following LINK.

On August 1st, Mission Arlington^® turned 39-years old.  We are in our 40th year.  Tillie Burgin, our director, has been here since the beginning.   What are some of the marks of our ministry in this community?

The Heart of Mission Arlington^®

1. to love God and to share God’s love with everyone. We are a faith-based family.
2. to treat every person with dignity and respect.
3. to provide resources to people in need without charge – FREE.
4. to remember that we are a reflection of the generous community who surrounds us.
5. to manage our resources in a God-honoring way, both transparent & accountable to our community.
6. to be transparent & accountable to our community. We have a respected, local board of Directors, are audited annually by a professional team, and we are in good standing with all charity watchdogs who review our work. To learn more, click here. To review our annual reports, read here.
7. to live with gratitude to God, to our community, and to the people we serve every single day.
   

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Your Gift Truly Matters

1. Give Directly through Mission Arlington^® by Clicking here.
2. Give through the North Texas Giving Day here.

Your direct financial support will help us provide food, clothes, household items, and so much more, as we share God’s love, caring for ordinary people in need, one day, and one life at a time.

We are grateful for you!