b'DAYTODAYACROSS THE STREETAdrienne GoodstalGood News Intentions DEI work through a biblical lensO ver the last three years, Mel Trotter Min-istries (MTM) has spent intentional time stepping into the critical and often tough work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A key first step was recognizing that we needed an expert on our staff. This person led us to develop these four biblically based steps that can help launch this work within your own missions. 1. How aware are you? Do you know and understand the terms individual, interrelational, and institutional racism?We need to understand that the lens we use to see the things around us can blind us or reveal the realities of pain that separates us. Matthew 15:2932: Jesus spent everyday life with people, seeing their hardship and joy. Christ saw people with value and not a project or task.3. Accountability to stay on track.How intentionally do you sit and listen to yourThis is the tough one. Accountability keeps guests and staff who are racially different from you? teams on track and avoids pitfalls. We see this in 2. Do you have a vision of how you can grow?the relationship of King Saul and Samuel. Samuel Have you prayed over it? spent most of his ministry being the firm, honest, Make a plan that includes using your gifts forand loving accountability partner for King Saul. leading, building, speaking, and accountingThis work is not work that can be done alone. (understanding data is a gift)! Be intentional inWe at MTM strongly encourage people to find praying about your plan. Gods ability to bless ourallies in their journeys to be more inclusive.Adrienne serves as vice presidentactions into harvest from a hard, dry land happens4. Celebrationwe need to see the fruit and of community engagement andmore than we think. get reenergized.advocacy for Mel Trotter Min1 Chronicles 28:1119: This might seem like aRevelation 7:911 talks about celebrating in istries in Grand Rapids, Michigan.long list of stuff that David says to Solomon, but itheaven with every nation, tribe, and tongue. The Because of her position, the ministry has opportunities to engageis, indeed, a plan. David tells Solomon in verse 19,joy of laughter and struggle with people different with key local decision makersAll thisI have in writing as a result of the Lordsfrom you will bring you together. Book club and bring awareness on issueshand on me, and he enabled me to understand allreunions, Juneteenth celebrations, and unsung surrounding homelessness. In addition, she leads the clinics,the details of the plan. MTM uses spiral learninghero awards are a few ways we celebrate inclusion. outreach efforts, and housingas our plan for everything from onboarding, Diver- Take some time to celebrate the work that God program. Contact her at adriennesity 101, book clubs, to hot topic conversations. has given you an opportunity to be a part of. \x03goodstal@meltrotter.org.48 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022'