The Why
Everything has its beginning.
For Pastor Troy Tvrdik it began on the other side of the globe. In a small, impoverished community located in the coldest capital of the world, Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia.
From 2009 -2017 Pastor Troy and his family experienced what it was like to be a part of a community that embraced them even though they were “outsiders.” He directed an organization called Flourishing Future and helped to create community around a community center that had been built in previous years. Troy and his team of seventeen worked to get to know the community, and understand the needs. Because it was an impoverished area he first thought the needs were mostly material.
“People would come asking for housing when the real need was mentorship, friendship, and someone to show them there was hope for their future”
After working to supply the physical needs of food, medical care, shelter and education, the team began to realize that friendship and mentorship and the powerful love of God was what most hearts craved. “Everything shifted there.” Troy says. Eventually, with this focus in mind, the Community Center or what Troy calls the “CC” became a central location to do many amazing works in the community. Many of the community leaders commented on the difference it made within the small village. Troy remembers one community leader stating,
“Something feels different here compared to the surrounding communities.”
Marseilles is not Mongolia
In 2018 Pastor Troy became the pastor of Marseilles First Baptist Church, and the president of the Marseilles Christian Ministerial Association (MCMA). Marseilles is not Mongolia, by any stretch of the imagination, however, the human need is still the human need regardless of continent or living conditions. Troy began to sense that many in our community were uncomfortable with church settings and yet needed the community of others around them. Around that same time he noticed the old Casey’s building….
Which brings us to today.
The MCMA, a team of eight churches, as well as a team of city workers and volunteers have gathered TOGETHER, to bring the concept to our beautiful city. What if we had a central location to connect those who need with those who have? What if we all together worked to make our community closer, to reach the needs we have together? Pastor Troy has already seen the “what if” take place on the other side of the globe and he is praying for the same results or even better right here in the USA.
Here’s the catch. It only works if WE do.
Would you consider being a part of this with us? Volunteer to be a homework tutor, mentor a high school student, Just come and be a part of crafts or activities after school. Donate to make the CC all that it can be. Encourage those involved. Support the work God is doing in Marseilles! CLICK HERE TO LEARN 3 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED.