Greetings fellow Bridge Builders! 

Welcome to the Jan/ Feb edition of our newsletter, Connections, where we share updates and ways you can get involved with our mission. We hope you are inspired learning more about how ABB has come alongside those affected by COVID-19 in Arlington. 

Even amidst conflict in the world, pandemic in our country, scarcity in our community and yes, even lack of ABB funding or a significant decrease of it as of late…we still see the Lord magnify his name, we still observe transformative stories in our circles, we still bless one family at a time and this past week, we saw God in action through a small missions team from a church in Costa Mesa, CA. 

We met them on Saturday February 19th, in person, after coordinating a service oriented day for them from a distance. This sharp group of teenagers packed food bags, visited neighbors, prayed for individuals and then joined us for lunch as we debriefed the activity together. We also saw them on Monday as they visited the homeless outside of Union Station in DC. They had prepared a couple of soups to share and went from tent to tent, inviting those neighbors to partake and join them for brunch. For several of them it was their first time doing something like this and they felt empowered and encouraged by what they saw. They were going back home on Wednesday, with a renewed vision to partner with a similar organization  like ABB in their community.

For those of us who are part of this effort every week, it can become routine, and we could even loose sight of the significant difference occurring in the hearts of those being served, of the Jesus loving opportunities, of the Holy Spirit ordained encounters that happen on a regular basis here. It takes a group like this one to point those things out and remind us ‘to not grow weary of doing good’…

Friends and faithful supporters, as with many organizations we have also been affected by pandemic times and as you can imagine, our giving is also down. We are grateful over the generosity of friends like you and we try to be the best stewards of the gifts the Lord has entrusted to us through you. We are however appealing to your kindness and are asking that you would consider another special gift so we can withstand these dry months. Thank you for empowering us to remain in the gap and continue to be a brigade in Jesus name! 

Peace, 

Carlos Dimas 
Arlington Bridge Builders 
Executive Director 

Prayer

There is so much to pray for;
- new funding streams for ABB
- rekindling connections with neighbors who used to get funding from us (like Johnny)
- individual challenges from people we work with (like Rosa and the crisis her family is going through with their teenage son)
- the relationship with local churches and the joint activities we are planning for this year.
- the re-start of Coffee & Conversation as Covid numbers continue to drop.

Opportunities for Partnership

There are many ways to serve with and support ABB. As ABB seeks to strengthen and expand, we still need your support in prayer, partnership, and financial provision! We celebrate that ABB is now a recipient of the Amazon Smile Program...you can add us as a preferred non-profit to support and invite others to do the same! 

*You can also donate here*

If you're interested in serving with us, please sign up on our volunteer form and someone will contact you. Will you prayerfully consider financially supporting, volunteering, or praying for ABB to help our work continue in excellence? 

Staying Connected

As our work with the community continues, we hope that you are encouraged by our neighbors’ hope for the future. Arlington Bridge Builders is honored to come alongside them, and we are so thankful for the support we have received so far. If you are interested in learning more or want to be more involved, check out our website, sign up to volunteer, support our efforts, and like our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram!

About Arlington Bridge Builders 

Arlington Bridge Builders (ABB) is a 501(C)(3) faith-based partnership of area churches, Christian organizations, and individuals that operates in the Arlington community. We have strong neighborhood ties and provides social services, including monthly food, clothing, educational services (ESL) and financial assistance to people in need. Our mission: we are Jesus followers united in meeting tangible needs, equipping leaders, and transforming our city.