One of my friends is writing a paper for her seminary class on evangelism. The paper is about community and how we define it. So she asked me some questions and we talked about some random thoughts, then she posed this in her blog:

What does true authentic community look like? What is needed to have an authentic community? Vulnerability, trust, love, faith, hope? I truly believe that deep at the core of every person there is a burning desire for community, acceptance and love. If this is true how do we accomplish this? Is it part of the Church or not? What does it look like? Is there structure? Is it completely organic?

- Jessica Maher

So I want to ask for your thoughts or ideas - partially out of curiosity and partially to give her some perspective for this paper…

What is true community to you?

Or at least one of the bravest people I know. I just like having very important sounding titles…. Jessica Maher is a new staff member in the offices of Arlington Youth Dynamics. At YD, we’re support based missionaries - which basically means we have to raise our own funding/money to work in our community.

We hired Jessica from Orange County California and it’s been amazing to see her begin to work with students. We haven’t had any female staff here for about 2 years and it’s such a vital ministry. In the short time she’s been here I’ve seen girls come alive. It’s an amazing sight to see.

Here’s why she’s the bravest person I know: Jessica moved up here on faith. She was only at 50% support (i.e. salary and ministry expenses) when she decided to leave the O.C. She’s been up here for a month and is about at 60%. I can’t imagine how scary it has to be  as a single girl to move away from everything you know and go to an unknown place with out the guarantee of funding. Her faith is amazing. She’s such a brave courageous young woman. Keep her journey in your prayers.

If any of you want to support an amazing female missionary doing vital work in one of the most unchurched regions of the country. Click here to support Jessica.

Follow her journey on her blog.