Hope in Motion

URA is helping students bridge classroom learning with real-world humanitarian issues through education that encourages compassion, leadership, critical thinking, and global understanding. What began as conversations surrounding geography and worldview quickly became something much deeper - an opportunity for students to see that learning can directly impact the lives of people around them.

By creating opportunities for meaningful discussion and engagement, students are beginning to see how education can become a tool for impact, service, and transformation while learning how leadership and compassion can create meaningful change within communities.

This month, students also stepped beyond the classroom and into action by serving alongside the URA team in the warehouse as resources were prepared for the 25 families affected by the devastating Texas floods. Together, they helped organize and prepare supplies that would go directly into the hands of families navigating loss, uncertainty, and hardship.

Moments like these remind students that leadership is not simply learned through books or discussion - it is cultivated through compassion, service, and the willingness to step into the needs of others. Watching students serve with empathy, humility, and purpose became a powerful reminder that the next generation is capable of bringing real hope into difficult situations.

Leadership in Action

Ambassadors of Hope

Lead With Love

Ambassadors of Hope Serve Kerrville Families

This month, Ambassadors of Hope interns stepped into another opportunity to serve by helping prepare resources for 25 families in Kerrville recovering from the devastating Texas floods. Working alongside the URA team, interns spent time organizing, packing, and preparing essential items that will be distributed during a June 24-25 deployment.

As supplies moved through the warehouse, interns saw firsthand how generosity, partnership, and practical service come together to meet real needs. These resources will help families continue rebuilding and restoring their homes after experiencing significant loss.

More importantly, the day served as a reminder that leadership is not simply about gaining knowledge. Through hands-on experiences like these, Ambassadors of Hope participants continue learning what it means to carry hope into their communities.

June 24-25 Resource Deployment

Kerrville Recovery Resources

On June 24, URA will deliver resources to the Global Empowerment Mission warehouse in Comfort, Texas. The following day, resources will move to Light on the Hill in Kerrville for 25 families continuing the recovery process.

June 24

GEM Warehouse

Comfort, Texas

June 25

Light on the Hill

Kerrville, Texas

GEM Warehouse

15 dishwashers

14 bathroom vanities

59-68 mattresses

100 repair supplies: joint tape and spackle

25 microwaves

10 weed eaters and trimmers

Light on the Hill

51 washcloth sets

48 towel sets: hand towels and bath towels

25 bed pillow sets

50 kitchen kits: flatware and cookware

25 dinnerware sets

25 hair dryers

50 weed eaters

Families Receiving Resources

June

Kerrville Distribution

Community Restoration

Men of Nehemiah

URA had the opportunity to support Men of Nehemiah this month by helping provide practical resources and encouragement to men who are rebuilding their lives, strengthening their faith, and pursuing restoration. Moments like these reflect the heart behind community care - reminding people that they are seen, valued, and not alone in the journey ahead.

Pairs of Jordans

Boxes of Shirts

▶	Watch the Impact Story See how encouragement, restoration, and practical support are impacting lives through Men of Nehemiah.

Sixty pairs of Jordans along with 10 boxes of shirts were prepared to go directly into the hands of men working toward restoration and stability. Practical support like this becomes more than a resource - it becomes a tangible reminder that communities can come together to uplift and encourage one another through generosity and compassion.

By coming alongside organizations like Men of Nehemiah, URA continues helping encourage individuals walking through difficult seasons while reminding them that hope, healing, and restoration are possible.

National Day of Prayer

Revival Rising in Abilene

On the National Day of Prayer, students, leaders, churches, and community members gathered together at ACU for a powerful evening centered around prayer, worship, and spiritual awakening across Abilene. What took place was far more than an event - it became a tangible reminder that God is continuing to move throughout the city and among the next generation.

Throughout the evening, voices from across different churches, ministries, and backgrounds came together with one heart: to seek the presence of God and pray for revival throughout Abilene. URA was honored to help support and participate in this meaningful gathering alongside so many incredible leaders and organizations throughout the city.

There is a growing hunger for hope, healing, and the presence of God throughout Abilene, and gatherings like this serve as a powerful reminder that revival is not simply a moment.

Regional Partnership & Training

West Central Texas Council of Governments

URA had the opportunity to present alongside the West Central Texas Council of Governments this month, continuing conversations surrounding emergency preparedness, leadership development, volunteer mobilization, and community resilience throughout the region.

Partnerships like these create meaningful opportunities to strengthen collaboration between organizations, local leaders, emergency management professionals, churches, and communities working together to better prepare for times of crisis and response.

Through trainings, partnerships, and regional collaboration, URA continues helping equip individuals and organizations with practical tools, leadership development, and resources designed to strengthen long-term community resilience across West Texas.

Faith + Missions Partnership

URA and Catch the Fire share a collaborative vision for missions outreach, leadership development, and equipping communities through faith-driven partnership and global connection.

Missions Homepage Guatemala Trip

Facility Improvements

Worship & Community Center Updates

Exciting updates are continuing across the URA Worship & Community Center as preparations begin for improvements. These updates are part of an ongoing vision to create welcoming, functional, and intentional spaces designed to better serve the community, host gatherings, provide training opportunities, and support ministry initiatives in the months ahead.

Recently, we installed sound paneling and painted. In the coming weeks, the worship center will begin receiving new flooring, and upgraded lighting. enhancements designed to improve both the atmosphere and overall experience for worship gatherings, trainings, events, and community connection.

Additional improvements to Camp Barkeley include the new front gate and entrance area that will continue helping create a stronger sense of welcome and identity as individuals, families, and community members arrive on site.

We are excited for what is ahead and look forward to sharing more updates, photos, and progress with the community in the coming weeks. Be on the lookout for additional information as these projects continue moving forward.

International Outreach

Bringing Hope to Guatemala

Throughout May, our Guatemala team continued serving families and children in the communities of La Limonada, El Jocotillo, and San Rafael through practical support, relationship-building, and outreach opportunities.

Across two outreach efforts, the team connected with 655 individuals and 135 families while partnering with local churches, community leaders, and organizations already serving within these communities. Through these partnerships, volunteers were able to provide food, encouragement, and ongoing support to families facing significant challenges.

On May 3, outreach efforts in El Jocotillo provided lunch bags, food resources, pizza, and toys to children and families, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and connection with approximately 145 children and 30 mothers. Later in the month, the team returned to San Rafael, where volunteers visited homes and delivered food directly to families, helping ensure resources reached those with the greatest needs.

These outreach efforts were made possible through the service of 99 volunteers who contributed more than 408 volunteer hours throughout the month. Beyond the resources distributed, the greatest impact continues to be the relationships being built within these communities. Every visit, conversation, and act of kindness helps strengthen trust while creating opportunities to share hope, encouragement, and practical support for families who need it most.

Impact at a Glance

655

Individuals Served

135

Families Served

Volunteers Activated

408

Volunteer Hours

Abilene Gives 2026

Building Stronger Communities

High School Geography & Worldview