The Time is Now

Every year, a group called CCDA holds a conference where hundreds of groups similar to Mercy Street gather in one city to learn from and be encouraged by each other. The National Student
Leadership Intensive is a conference within the conference, created specifically for student leaders. This year, the conference was held in Memphis, Tennessee, and a group of ten Mercy Street students had the opportunity to attend.

The students who attended are part of the Leadership Institute, meaning they are active participants in Street Teams at Mercy Street and also completed the summer internship program. In order to earn a spot on this trip, these students were required to read a book called Kairo Returns and pass a test about it. The book describes the journey of an “urban pilgrim” named Kairo who after being transformed by the Gospel, returns to his own community ready to work for its transformation.

Our students identified with Kairo, and went to the conference excited to learn about community development and leadership. They attended workshops and classes on topics ranging from immigration to education to leadership. They explored a new city and went on a civil rights tour in Memphis. They got to know students from around the country with different backgrounds.

After her time at CCDA, one student said “I have learned a lot these past three days in Memphis. It’s now time for us youth to make changes in our community.” We at Mercy Street believe deeply in these emerging leaders and are thrilled to watch God move them toward servant leadership in West Dallas. Isaiah 61 paints a beautiful picture of a restored community, and we pray it will be fulfilled through these students: “…In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations.” We are glad to have these students back in West Dallas and are celebrating all that was gained from another year at CCDA!