Founder of Embrace Richmond, Wendy McCaig, Proves One Person Can Make a Difference

I recently interviewed Wendy McCaig, Founder and Executive Director of Embrace Richmond. The story of her journey is fascinating and is evidence that one person with passion, drive and determination, can make a positive change in the world--one person at time. Wendy's passion for social justice coupled with the friendships that formed through her volunteer work, lead her to establish a framework for working in practical ways to begin transforming a city.

The Embrace Richmond model is one that could easily be adapted in any community across the country to bring about transformation, healing and hope. Wendy recently published "From the Sanctuary to the Streets," the story of her journey thus far and of the transformative work she and her team are doing to bring about change in the lives of some of Richmond;s poorest residents.

What she wants us to understand is that her story is really the story of those individuals she has met and how they transformed her life.

Here's my interview with Wendy:

Why did you write "From the Sanctuary to the Streets?" What is it you hope to accomplish by sharing this story?

My journey from a suburban church sanctuary into the streets of inner city Richmond working alongside homeless men and women may sound like a bizarre story. However, when people read the story and see how God used one baby step after another to lead an ordinary suburban woman into these relationships, I am hoping others will be inspired to do the same.

In the book, you share that you and your husband came to Richmond as "Enron Refugee's." How do you think that experience helped prepare you for the ministry God would call you to?

Having come very close to losing everything, including our home, God showed me that it is just stuff. Even when we had to sell our dream home, uproot our children and leave our extended family, God gave me the grace to persevere. It is this same grace and perseverance that I see in the faces of those who have journeyed through homelessness. I connect with their testimonies and am humbled by their faith. I thought I would crumble under my loss but God carried me through and I see so many who are still in God's arms being carried through horrific circumstances. Yet, in the midst of the storm, they are singing praises and they inspire me.

During the first few years in which Embrace Richmond was taking shape, you were in seminary. How do you think your seminary experience shaped what would eventually become Embrace Richmond?

What I disliked at the time and now deeply appreciate is that my seminary professors challenged my faith. They shook me up, made me think, and in some cases tore down the old ideologies and forced me to build a new theology that included many elements I never anticipated. Care of the poor was one element that was missing from my faith practices when I entered seminary. Strong teaching on social justice and being challenged to look at the gospel story and Jesus life in a new way, helped me to embrace this practice in ways I never would have on my own. It also opened me up to the mystery of Christian hospitality; the mystery that can turn strangers into family and transforms both the host and the guest. I was able to actually live this mystery instead of simply study it or read about someone's experience of it.

In the book you include the stories of more than twenty individuals who shaped your ministry. Of all those "characters," which do you think had the greatest impact on you personally and professionally?

There are really three that will have the greatest impact on me and my ministry. My failed attempts to help free William, a mentally handicapped young man, from an unjust system opened my eyes to systemic injustice and gave me a conviction to fight for justice for those who have no voice. My journey with Stephanie and her desire to give back taught me that everyone has something to give and to look for the gifts in all. Charles is our greatest success story and everyday when he smiles his toothless grin at me and says "God's got it!", I am inspired to keep doing what I am doing. God sent me Charles at a time when I was ready to give up and he is a reminder that God can restore any life.

What advice do you have for individuals who are seeking community transformation in their own communities?

Start where you are. Start with the programs offered by your church or a non-profit in your community. Simply hang out with the people, hear their stories, and follow God through whatever doors open up through those relationships. I also suggest people start small, one relationship at a time. We are a society that focuses too much on numbers as a measurement of success instead of depth. You don't need a master plan. You simply need to show up and wait for God to reveal the next step one baby step at a time.

In the book you share with the reader both the ups and the downs of doing urban ministry. How have you been able to persevere through the rough spots of doing this kind of ministry?

The thing that keeps me going is a very supportive husband who has ridden the roller coaster with me and keeps me from jumping out when things get too scary. He holds my hand and helps me when it feels like the bottom has dropped out. When I am my lowest I also make time to hang out in the community and just be a part of the community as a participant. I hug the children, hang out with the elderly, and try to remember God is in control. However, the most significant practice has been honoring time alone with God. I spend three to four days a month on silent retreat at my cabin reading, reflecting and waiting on God to reveal to me whatever lessons I was to learn through the hard times and savoring the joy of the good times. Writing has also been life giving to me. Capturing the stories, both the good and the bad, and putting them down so that others can learn from them has helped me to process what can feel like a whirlwind of activity.

How have people responded to the book so far?

The response to the book has been very positive. I am very excited by the number of church groups and book clubs that are reading the book this fall. I will be posting a book discussion guide on my website soon. We have also been given an opportunity to participate in some exciting speaking engagements with church groups, denominational groups and even the seminary that launched me on this journey. The book has also been embraced by other homeless services providers who are make the book available to their supporters which is very affirming of the content of the book and their belief that my journey can help others support the homeless services system in our city.

What is next for you as both a minister and a writer?

I am starting work on my second book which I am very excited about. My working title is "Just Work: Justice in a Culture of Charity." The next book will look at the role of work and how work impacts people spiritually. So often when we see folks holding signs and begging for money we automatically think "Why doesn't he/she get a job?" In the next book I want to unpack the answer to that question and share stories of individuals whose lives were radically transformed when they were given purpose through employment or community service. So often we focus on the physical need and we totally ignore the person behind the need. We automatically respond with charity instead of seeking justice. My hope is that the next book will help us move beyond handouts to real lasting life change.

How can people find out more about you and your ministry?

People can follow the ongoing story shared in From the Sanctuary from the Streets and learn more about the new project on my personal blog at www.wendymccaig.wordpress.com.

Those interested in the ministry of Embrace Richmond can learn more at www.embracerichmond.org.