Sarah Park graduated from City Vision University in 2010 with a degree in Addiction Studies. The knowledge and experience she gained from City Vision applies to her work today at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, located in Boston, MA where she’s currently a Case Manager. Many of the hospital’s patients are from under-served populations, especially the homeless and drug addicts.
It wasn’t until her enrollment at City Vision did she realize that not only is her workplace her mission field, but also Boston, the city where God has placed her. City Vision also taught her the importance the local church has on the community. “The local church must be involved in urban ministry,” she said. Thus, she prayed for her church and for its members – that their hearts would become more compassionate.
Amazingly and not long after, its members expressed interest in the homeless ministry. The homeless ministry is currently very active and volunteers their time to serve the residents of the Boston Rescue Mission. They would minister to the homeless by providing breakfast, share the gospel, and pray for them individually. Sarah is amazed and humbled by the transformation of her church members, and she praises God for the work He is doing.
The courses at City Vision University have helped her become more understanding and compassionate toward everyone around her: her husband, her co-workers, and even strangers. She found them very practical, especially in areas of counseling. One course which she especially enjoyed was Recovery Dynamics, where she learned about The Life Model. This model gave her a new paradigm that was focused on Jesus.
Through City Vision, Sarah realized she was in the right spot for urban ministry. She sees her position in this world – whether in her job, church, or volunteer efforts—as transformative and as a way of life. There is purpose in all she does, now with added compassion for the Kingdom. She speaks with joy and thankfulness for what God has done for her. Thanks to City Vision’s practicality and Christ-centered approach to urban ministry, Sarah lives with a renewed vision to bring hope to under-served populations as Jesus’ servant.
This testimonial was given in 2012.
[Edited May 2015; updated the institution’s name]