Participants in this year’s Immersion enjoyed in-depth training in the Christian Community Development philosophy, combined with opportunities to visit CCD ministries such as Pui Tak, Breakthrough, Grace and Peace Community Church, Lawndale Christian Legal Center, River City Community Church, Little Village Urban Life Skills, and Lawndale Christian Health Center.
Chicago served as our primary host city for the Immersion due to the number and variety of these diverse CCDA ministries available for site visits. Participants heard from leaders such as Jonathan Brooks, Dominique Gilliard, Sandra Van Opstal, Michelle Warren, Dr. John M. Perkins, Rudy Carrasco, and some of the founders of CCDA, Wayne “Coach” Gordon and Mary Nelson during classroom sessions and dinner conversations.
This week-long event offered dynamic training sessions in CCDA’s 8 principles, and the chance to experience CCD philosophy in action in diverse multicultural, multiethnic Chicago neighborhoods: Little Village, Lawndale, Humbolt Park and Chinatown.
Check out coverage of the week using #Immersion2018!
Testimonies from Immersion 2018 Participants
“This Immersion week has helped me see why and how we develop our community. I can’t wait to go back home and apply what I learned here back in El Paso.” Gustavo De Los Rios, TX
“This week has comforted me and encouraged me to keep moving forward in this work. Giving me a language, from the Bible, to love on my neighbors. Knowledge is good, but wisdom speaks to the soul.” Mike LaNier, CA
“Immersion helped me understand to embrace my differences as God’s gifts to reach the world. To use my voice to make others aware of my suffering and the sufferings of so many others. Immersion helped me to realize the strength and urgency in my voice. But most importantly, the folks at CCDA and Dr. Perkins reminded me the impact of love and friendship and out of that (and much more) comes the image of God!” Keisha Branch, TX
“Immersion was a great time to really sit with the CCD principles. I feel even better equipped to go back to my city and engage communities & ignite leaders for kingdom transformation.” Vatreisha Nyemba, OH
