Pam and Lauren’s Story

While preparing to host a local gathering of women for a conference, Pam (who is Taiwanese) approached Lauren (who is White) and asked, “What do you have planned, in terms of ministry, for women of color?”

If you’ve participated in conversations surrounding race for long, you know Pam was not guaranteed a good response.  Thankfully, God had been using Tasha speaking on a panel about Be the Bridge two years prior to stir in Pam the boldness to ask the question, and in Lauren the willingness and sensitivity to take in the question without defense.

That question sparked not only bringing together a group of women of color to help discuss the answer, but from that group, a Be the Bridge small group was born.  In the fall, this original group will become three groups: two new Be the Bridge groups led by members of the first group and a group of White women working through Whiteness 101.

When asked what their greatest moments of celebration have been, they each told of how the group has shaped the other.

“I can’t let this go by without celebrating Pam. She has flourished as a leader in this space! She is a project manager by vocation for a large healthcare company, but as our coordinator for BTB she has encouraged us, lead us, championed things within the church, all the while having so much grace and poise. There really isn’t anything about this process that I wouldn’t celebrate! It has been so transformative.” – Lauren

“I celebrate the various generations represented in our group. The moments we’ve lived through have informed our conversation, especially as we relearn history. One of the most powerful moments was when the oldest member of our group wrote a poem of lament. It was so powerful, beautiful and moved many of us to tears.  I also celebrate the ways our group has come alongside the church staff and overseers. God is working in the hearts and minds of specific leaders. He’s placed Lauren strategically on staff and is using her to inform and influence people and future plans/programs/policies.” – Pam

Have a story about how your experience with Be the Bridge you’d like to share?  Be sure to reach out, we would love to tell it!  [email protected]