Having “nowhere else to turn” is not an exaggerated statement for those who come to Arlington Urban Ministries (AUM). In most cases, this was truly their last hope—to find food, rent and utilities assistance, help with medical issues—and trust in a loving God.

“If it weren’t for this ministry, I don’t know where I would be today,” said Lilly Mae Kennedy. “These people have become my adopted, and only, family.”

After escaping from a devastating and traumatic existence in war-torn Liberia, Kennedy made it to the United States only to find herself alone, ill and scared. She calls the volunteers at AUM regularly to thank them for their assistance, direction and love. “God has brought good people into ministry here,” she said.

Arlington Urban Ministries shares the Christian faith with individuals in their community by listening, identifying options and developing solutions to their crisis situations through spiritual and financial counseling. With the help of a $7,000 grant from the Texas Methodist Foundation, AUM provided assistance in the form of cash, food, books and toiletries to 753 families, including 1,229 children, in 2001.

To better meet the needs of its clients, AUM sponsors Living in the USA English Tutorial Program, the Laundromat Ministry (sharing gospel stories to children while their parents do laundry), Sidewalk Sunday School (reaching kids in apartment complexes) and Alpha (an introductory Christian faith course). AUM and its volunteers also network with agencies such as the United Way, Catholic Charities and WIC (a government-funded nutritional program for women, infants and children).

“It has been a great joy to be on the streets working with such wonderful support from the churches and volunteers in this exciting mission of sharing God’s grace together to the least of these,” said the Rev. Terri Byrd, former street chaplain and executive director for AUM.

For more information on this vital ministry's services, call 817/861-8585 or visit AUM online.
 

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