ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) — Justin Chambers, the new national recruitment associate for DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection), first came to DOOR for a spring break trip to Atlanta.
But one week wasn’t enough. Chambers returned to Atlanta to participate in the year-long DOOR Dwell program after he graduated from college. After one year, he enjoyed the experience so much that he participated in DOOR again.
“When I came down for the alternative spring break, I was amazed to find a place where I could do all the things that we talk about at church,” said Chambers. “We could feed the hungry, live in community, and do all the things I’ve heard about and that the church trained me for.”
He started his recruitment role in September 2014, and will help encourage more people to participate in DOOR’s programs.
“As a former program participant, Justin brings with him a unique understanding of the life-changing possibilities that come with participating in any of DOOR’s programs,” said Glenn Balzer, executive director of DOOR.
While Chambers served with DOOR Dwell, he worked with Mercy Community Church and their ministry with people who live on the streets and in the prison system.
Chambers plans to use his experiences to draw people to DOOR.
“I’m looking forward to the storytelling component [of this new role],” said Chambers. “Recruitment is not just a job. I get to share my story, what I’ve learned, and invite other people into this opportunity.”
One of the things Chambers learned about himself while participating in DOOR was that he values community living.
“I’ve learned that you don’t always have to be independent, that it’s OK to lean on your community and open yourself up to be supported and be supportive,” said Chambers.
A strength Chambers sees in the DOOR programs is that there are different levels of involvement for people. A participant can choose between the week-long, summer-long, and year-long programs.
“I appreciate that there isn’t just one program with DOOR,” said Chambers. “When I served for the alternative spring break, I would’ve been overwhelmed if they had asked me to do a year first. With the three options, people can choose what they’re comfortable with.”
In addition to his role as national recruitment associate, Chambers will serve as the Atlanta assistant city director, helping the Atlanta city director, Tonya Greene, to create a meaningful experience for DOOR participants.
Chambers is originally from Grand Rapids, Mich. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in criminal justice. When he’s not working, he loves to bowl, and formerly bowled in a league with a team called Directs Unlimited. Mercy Community Church is his home congregation.
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Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact news@mennonitemission.net.