25 years serving children and other residents in Washington D.C.’s most challenging communities

At age 25, Steve Park started tutoring kids in his parent’s Taekwondo studio in a low-income D.C. neighborhood.  Twenty-five years later, that humble enterprise has grown into Little Lights, a non-profit serving the youth and families in the Potomac Gardens, Hopkins, and Benning Terrace public housing complexes of Southeast D.C., where families of four struggle to survive on annual incomes that average $12,000-to-$14,000.  When I spoke to Steve back in 2016, Little Lights employed 13 full-time and 40 part-time staff, many of whom live in the communities they serve; utilized 120 volunteers; and was the number one job provider in the low-income D.C. housing community.  Steve updates us on their work and, more importantly, shares the joy that comes from empowering under-served youth and families through practical assistance, racial reconciliation, and the love of Jesus Christ.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The role of racism and a lack of healing in our divisions.

The Gospel is much bigger than personal salvation.

Little Lights ushers the Kingdom of God into communities that are ignored and devalued by others.

Loving your enemies is not only about being nice or civil.

FULL STEVE PARK INTERVIEW

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For more information: Little Lights Website

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough