by After a few full days in Kansas City, I took a detour on my way home to visit two of our Flourishing Congregations churches in Arkansas. I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I certainly didn’t anticipate that a short trip through Fayetteville and Springdale would leave me feeling challenged to love and serve those back home in new ways.
Genesis Church of Fayetteville
On Thursday morning, I met up with Pastor Josh Park from Genesis Church of Fayetteville, who invited me to join one of their regular outreach mornings with neighbors facing housing insecurity. What I thought would be a standard site visit quickly became something more personal, formational, even.
We stood outside the church as people gathered. There, I met Tony and Daniel, who were beaming with energy. Their mission? To clean up trash left behind by those living in hidden encampments deep in the woods surrounding the University of Arkansas. I was struck by the pride all took in this work, the camaraderie they shared, and the joy that came from being part of this team and earning an income. I’ll never forget Tony’s warm presence, grandfather-like feel, and joy. Or Daniel, ready with muddy boots, helping lift trash bags and mattresses up a steep hill to the dump truck.
As we walked, I also witnessed how Pastor Josh moved through the community, not as a leader looking to “fix” people, but as a fellow sojourner, shaped by his own story of addiction, recovery, and transformation in Jesus. His presence radiated trust and belonging. In a world that often dehumanizes those experiencing homelessness or addiction, this church is cultivating a space where people are known by name and treated with respect. Their “Pick Me Up” program does exactly that, offering neighbors a few hours of paid work each week to serve their city by cleaning it up.
Samaritan Church
Just north in Springdale, I visited Samaritan Church, which had just moved into a new building. The space was beautiful, and what captivated me most was the intentionality. The first floor is anchored by a welcoming hospitality center, a room set aside for prayer, and a market-style food pantry. And this wasn’t just any food pantry. It was full of quality protein, fresh produce, and relevant staples like maíz for tortillas. I could tell that in this space, no one is handed a bag, but instead, families get to choose their own items. It was a small detail that spoke volumes: dignity is in the details.
This visit reminded me that community transformation isn’t just about services or programs, it’s about how we see people. Genesis and Samaritan Churches are doing more than meeting needs; they’re restoring identity, worth, and agency to neighbors who are too often overlooked.
I came expecting to observe. Instead, I was challenged. I left Arkansas reminded that when the church leads with compassion and dignity, it becomes a mirror of the Kingdom of God. I’m grateful for Genesis and Samaritan, and to Arkansas for showing me what it means to walk humbly and love deeply.
I can’t wait to visit more of our Flourishing Congregations churches in the seasons to come. You’re already showing the rest of us how to love our neighbors well.
