Welcome to Miami
Miami is an amazing mix of peoples and cultures set in the beautiful tropical climate of the Caribbean. Miami has been called “America’s Playground,” the first Hemispheric City, and the “Best Place in South America to do Business.”
Miami is more complex than even one week can begin to portray. The Miami metro area has over 2.2 million people; only 3% regularly attend church. The 2000 census indicates 74% of Miami-Dade households speak a language other than English at home. There are over 150 registered languages spoken in the local school district. An interesting contrast is that while we are the 11th largest metro area, we have the 4th largest school system in the country. DOOR- Miami provides your group an opportunity to minister to and be blessed by the people of Miami. Come and experience the international right here on our shores.
Groups coming to Miami will not only experience sun and beaches, but, more importantly they will interact with these contrasting cultures and gain a glimpse into the complexity of the tensions between ethnic groups and classes. DOOR-Miami participants will work side-by-side with immigrants, homeless persons, and others who are in need of God’s love. In the process they will hear their stories, see the hardships they endure, and share the joys they experience. Opportunities may include working in the fields with migrants, engaging in recreational and learning activities with their children, interacting with homeless persons at homeless shelters by serving food or singing with them, sorting food or clothing at a redistribution center, or simply walking in various city neighborhoods.
Our hope is that your experiences here will begin to break down some of the stereotypes that we often have of people in the city and allow you to see the face of God in those with whom we interact. Though we hope to serve others, we also will receive from the interaction with others. It is through this mutual sharing and serving that we gain insight on how we can minister to each other.