Contributed by Dana Seelye, Campus Librarian and Student Services Coordinator
The ministries of Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex, led by founder and director Tillie Burgin, are a tremendous asset to the people of Tarrant County. Ms. Burgin, known to everyone as “Miss Tillie,” has seen this mission grow out of a single closet supplied by the First Baptist Church of Arlington to an organization that takes up three city blocks.
Some of the donated computer equipment
As one of Mission Arlington’s services, a large volunteer group works to restore donated computers. These computers are given to children in the community for educational purposes and are used for computer classes aimed at re-educating adult citizens who are building their résumés and pursuing jobs.
L to R: Mission Arlington Founder and Director Tillie Burgin, Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex IT Coordinator Darrell G. Phipps, FTW Facilities Manager Anthony Ordille.
So the Campus spread the word that all who had a suggestion as to who should receive this charitable donation would be able to submit a request. The requests were read, and the most convincing request was granted the donation. Fort Worth Facilities Manager Anthony Ordille wrote an eloquent letter explaining the goals and needs of the Mission Arlington organization. His letter is why Mission Arlington was selected to receive the computers. Here’s a portion of that letter:
“The ministries at Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex continue to evolve in response to the needs of our community…. Volunteers at Mission Arlington restore donated computer systems to give to children in our community. Additionally, computer classes are offered at different times by Mission Arlington throughout the community…. It is amazing what God is doing through this ministry and the outreach they do every day to the local community, and that is why I am asking for computers to be donated to them.”
What a splendid way to seize an opportunity.
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