Adler said that Austin’s challenges are the byproduct of the city’s successes. “Not only are we the fastest growing city, but we are a mind-boggling 30 percentage points ahead of number two. “We have perhaps the most dynamic economy of any place in the world. We bring in more jobs than anyone else. Yet, 60 percent of our population does not make a living wage. We are rated the most economically segregated city in the country,” Adler said, adding that Austin in the
only growing city losing African American population.
Read more about Mayor Adler’s visit and find the podcast of this discussion at covenant.org/adler.
“I know the problems the city faces, I know the players and the challenges that may arise. I know the communities that are lost. What we need to do is to engage in conversation.” Thomas Daniel, Mayor Steve Adler and Joy Baskin
A FIRM FOUNDATION “Literally, this was the best trip I’ve ever taken people on,” said Associate Director for Youth Ministry Whitney Bell. “You could see life changes really happening—not only for our team, but for the people from Belize.” Added Youth Director Nathan Richards, “It was cool to recognize that our greatest needs are the same: We all want and need a place to know God more.” The two were talking about the youth and family Spring Break mission trip to Belize. Thirty Covenant members began a partnership with Ebenezer Church, a church built on the “Burial Grounds” that was literally sinking into the ground. The team was charged with laying a new
foundation for the church, but came back with so much more. Laura Marra, who joined the team with her husband, Nick, and two cousins—Natalya and Deanna —said, “We all knew that putting down a foundation was one of our trip goals,. What we didn’t know was how meaningful the relationships we made with our Belize partners would be.” Jen Genovisi traveled to Belize with her husband, Steve, and her son, Noah. She wrote the following about her experience in Belize: Where did I see God in Belize? Everywhere. In everyone. In every single moment.
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