Vision for the Future

In Isaiah 61:1-4, God paints a vision of the future where the poor, the broken, and the hurting rise up and become the leaders, restorers, and re-builders of their community. Jesus declares God’s vision as His mission in Luke 4 when he reads from Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth. Therefore, God’s vision is our mission right here in Memphis. We see a future in Memphis where everyone has the opportunity to be in a saving relationship with their Creator through Jesus. We envision mobilizing an army through partnerships to connect poor families with the resources they need to live a life outside of poverty.

In this God-sized vision, we will renovate blighted properties to provide affordable housing so that the poor can have a decent place to live. Through partnerships, MUM sees a future where we strengthen families, raise up Christian leaders, create jobs, and provide micro loans. MUM’s vision of the future is to have greater resources to provide emergency assistance such as food, clothes, and shelter. MUM envisions having a full time social worker who will help families sort through the host of problems faced by people living in poverty.

Through MUM and our partners, God’s vision is already breaking into reality in Memphis. MUM has provided jobs through the Summer Camp at Downtown Church of Christ and the day care center at the Raleigh Community Church of Christ. MUM has served meals to the homeless and provided lunches for children during the summer. Through generous donations, MUM has provided school supplies, turkeys for Thanksgiving, and toys for children at Christmas.
Our God-sized vision continues where we see a renovated facility that is the inner city hub of operations for MUM that will be used seven days a week to serve one of the poorest neighborhoods in our nation. Inside the newly renovated inner city hub, we see a vibrant church that meets there and a daily after school program, recreational programs, and educational opportunities for parents and children living in the downtown community.
We invite you to envision with MUM a transformed community and with your continued support, this vision will become a reality.

(Jim Harbin)