our start
Read how and why we brought atlas to Lincoln, as told by Jeff Heerspink, Founding board chair.
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I was first introduced to Atlas shortly after coming to Lincoln to serve at the Northern Lighthouse Church (NL). Atlas had started and was primarily around the area of NW Iowa at that time and as the NL was a high needs ministry, ministering primarily to inmates in work release getting ready to experience freedom, the idea of starting an Atlas in Lincoln had been considered.
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In 2014 we started F Street Neighborhood Church, in the shadows of the state Capital, a neighborhood known today for its crime and population density. F Street today has been successful at connecting to its neighbors which is a great thing, but also a challenge. Many of the people who come to worship with us are without the resource of family, many have addictions, and are on fixed incomes.
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In 2017, we were blessed again with the use of another building 8 blocks from F Street Church. This building once was the office building for Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We were given the opportunity to use the building for a time, free of charge. This got us thinking "what are we to do with this space?" How do we use this great building to usher in the kingdom of God to our neighborhood? Many ideas popped up that would somehow serve the community. Then one day, the idea of beginning an Atlas in this space came about and began us on this grand adventure.
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A few of us jumped into the car and drove to NW Iowa to visit with Jerry Kieft, the founder of ATLAS and to tour one of the Atlas facilities. This led us to having a meeting with several churches in the area to begin this ministry endeavor. Since that time, the support for this ministry in Lincoln continues to grow among the people of Lincoln and in the churches of our community.
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We want to be a place where people who are hurting can to find love. We're committed to the idea that there would be a place where people from all different churches can use what God has given to them and connect with people in need. We believe that we call all work together as people, churches, and the community to bring healing is a great vision.
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In only three and a half year, Atlas in Lincoln has continued to grow in amazing ways. We have moved into the core of the neighborhoods we serve, officing out of a duplex on D and 13th streets. Though the pandemic was difficult for our staff, clients, and volunteers, we forged ahead, continuing to serve the people of our neighborhood and city. At the end of 2021, we added four new staff members to help serve our neighbors better.
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In June 2018, Brody Van Roekel moved to Lincoln to work in conjunction with F Street Church. Additionally, he helped us launch Atlas in August 2018. In just the first five months of ministry, we were so blessed. Many folks expressed the desire to mentor. Churches and organizations caught our vision. The Lord's provision amazed us. On January 1, 2019, Brody became our Director.
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OUR HOPEThat we would provide a space for people to come in their time of need
That people would find Atlas as a place of truth and love, acceptance and direction, grace and mercy That all of us would pursue vibrant and growing relationships with the community, each other, and Christ most importantly |
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