We recently held our second TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) Commencement Service in Topeka. The first graduation was a major milestone last year, and the second felt the same. Graduations are amazing celebrations of God’s love for the city! Topeka has a goal of graduating 180 new leaders for the Urban Church.
For each graduation ceremony, a student is appointed as Valedictorian, and this year’s Valedictorian was Kim. Kim’s words highlighted our determination to not only make a dent in the enemy’s plans, but to win the city through the local church. After pointing out the ministries that the five graduates are involved in or leading, including mentoring, jail ministry, parenting, directing programs, leading worship and planting churches, Kim said, “If we can get all of this ministry from five people, equipped by TUMI, imagine what 50 or 500 would do!”
Kim concluded: “We are ambassadors for the Kingdom of God; represent well! Continue to follow your passions and God’s call for your lives. Humble yourselves and serve others. Never stop learning and never stop trying new things. We have a city to win!”
It will take leaders training leaders to reach our first goal of 180 graduates. Two of the grads are beginning new TUMI satellites and Kim facilitates Fight the Good Fight of Faith and Capstone classes in the local county jail. One of her students, a musician who is just stepping into leadership training, is following her example and words. In a recent assignment he summed up his understanding of God’s call in this way: “Telling the story of God is my music.” We hope that someday Kim will shake his hand as he crosses the stage.
Read more from Mary Flin.