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JOIN US IN LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS! One of Epic's goals is to live in the kingdom of God by practicing a discipline of justice. Like other spiritual disciplines that are good for us, our discipline of justice keeps us grounded in God's heart for the world while not allowing ourlives to wander very far from the needs of our neighbors. Locally, our desire is to help each person get involved relationally among the poor or marginalized as a normal and regular part of their faith practice. Globally, we form partnerships with organizations and churches ministering among the urban poor in cities where the gospel is greatly needed. Our hope is to build sustainable ministries that care for the whole person and work toward long-term solutions to complex problems. Though individuals in our congregation are involved in a variety of justice ministries, here are our "official" partners by virtue of representation in our 2012 annual budget: LOCAL JOYA SCHOLARS: Garnet Neighborhood, Fullerton JOYA is a non-profit collaborative organization birthed from Epic with the goal of inspiring and preparing students from the Garnet Neighborhood in Fullerton for college and university. JOYA works with middle and high school students and their families through weekly one-on-one mentoring, tutoring, college prep workshops and tours, and cultural events. Every child deserves to have access to an education. Yet many from this neighborhood are unaware this is an option. We’re changing that. SOLIDARITY - Garnet, Maple, Richmond Neighborhoods, Fullerton Solidarity is a local non-profit Christian organization whose mission is to equip and empower believers to live out their faith by impacting communities toward holistic transformation. Solidarity works with youth and families in the Garnet, Maple, and Richmond Neighborhoods in Fullerton and spearheads Solful, a collaborative of summer programs in these neighborhoods each year. Epic supports Solidarity’s after-school programs, tutoring, and various community-based needs. ABENI “Girl Prayed For” – Orange County Abeni is a group of women who are dedicated to loving those working within the adult entertainment industry in Orange County. Abeni exists to be the face of Christ, sharing His love and coming along side women on their journey as well as serving them practically, emotionally and spiritually. Epic is a partner with Abeni in their mission as both resource and context for healing. PATHWAYS OF HOPE (formerly Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service, Inc.) Pathways of Hope is a non-profit agency in our city providing meals, shelter, assistance, and transitional living for the area's homeless. Epic supports Pathways in their mission by being a local church community for residents on their road to independence and sustainability. CRITTENTON FAMILY SERVICES – Fullerton Campus The mission of Crittenton Services for Children & Families is to help heal the wounds of abuse and neglect; to strengthen families-whether birth, foster or adoptive; and to help troubled adolescents reach their full potential. Epic provides mentors for youth separated from their families. AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF LOS ANGELES (ABCLA) ABCLA is our denominational covering and affiliation. Together we share a commitment to the urban city, to supporting immigrant churches, and to racial reconciliation. ABCLA provides training, assistance, and support to our pastors and board members. Epic provides an annual offering to forward the denomination's efforts to minister to the poor in the City of Angels and around the world. GLOBAL JEFF AND SARA SIMONS (CRM) – Malaga, Spain The Simons are members of Epic and CRM missionaries to Malaga, Spain, a strategic member care hub for the organization. Jeff and Sara provide training, counseling, and development to missionaries and ministers in the field for CRM. Epic, as their home base, provide financial and spiritual partnership for their work abroad. MIKE AND JILL LOWERY (ABCUSA) – Democratic Republic of the Congo Jill and Mike Lowery are American Baptist missionaries working with the Congo Baptist Community (CBCO), continuing the efforts American Baptists began in the Congo more than a century ago. Jill is currently involved in mission education, women's ministries and youth work and has also been working with the women of CBCO both at the national and local levels. Mike is a professor and administrator at the Pastor's Institute in Kikongo. He teaches New Testament and prepares pastors for rural ministry in the Bandundu region of Congo. Epic is honored to support Mike and Jill in their important work. CHRIS AND MICHAEL MASON, Sakai International Bible Church: Japan The Masons are pastors of SIBC, an international church in Osaka effectively reaching the Japanese for Christ. Epic has built a mutual relationship of support and exchange involving ministry visits between us. ANNE HONG: InterVarsity, USA Anne is a member of Epic and currently Exhibit Manager for the Urbana 12 Missions Conference. For more info, email Anne. EL SAUZAL ORPHANAGE: Mexico Epic provides on-going financial support to the El Sauzal Orphanage and annual Christmas gifts to children and staff. |
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