The Dorrells's Story

When I look back on my years at Galveston Urban Ministries, I realize the ministry was never just about what we built. It was about how the community shaped and transformed me. The legacy of GUM is written not only in programs or projects, but in relationships that embody the heart of Christ and the power of mutual care. One story that will always stay with me is my friend James Taylor. He always introduced himself by saying, “I am James Taylor, but I can’t sing a lick.” James received support from GUM at different times, but what stood out was how he always wanted to give back. When his check came, he would stop by our home to give money to the ministry because, in his words, GUM had served him and he wanted to do his part. He also came by in times of need, for food or clothing, or to ask if he could mow our yard (which we paid him to do). More than that, he spent time in conversation and friendship. James modeled empowerment, which is what we hoped to instill all along: that those once served would, in turn, serve. He showed me what generosity looks like. He gave what he had, and he gave it with a full heart. Another memory is of Tasha and her family. From the very beginning, she welcomed us and opened doors for relationships in the neighborhood. Over the years, our families shared meals, community events, parties, and service together. I’ll never forget when my wife and daughter were away on a mission trip and Tasha cooked meals for my family, sending her children to deliver them because she knew how much home-cooked food meant to my wife. She wanted to make sure we were cared for in the same way she had been cared for. That is relationship-based ministry. That is the beauty of mutuality. These stories are just two among many, but they capture the heart of what GUM has meant to me: empowerment, generosity, and transformation through real relationships. This community shaped me in ways I will never forget, and I am forever grateful.

Josh and Danielle are the founders of GUM. The Dorrells moved into the North Broadway neighborhood, one of the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Ike, and began just doing life with their neighbors. In addition to doing disaster recovery for a short season, the Dorrells organized street camps for the neighborhood kids, and Josh even took a job at Wright Cuney, the local community rec center. Having been part of Mission Waco with his parents Jimmy and Janet Dorrell, Josh knew that in order to affect real change, his neighbors needed to be a part of the solution. So he began interviewing everyone he came across, asking them “how can we make this neighborhood we love better?” The answers came pouring in, but three answers seemed to out shine the rest: after-school programs for kids, mentoring programs for youth, and adult job training. From these needs Galveston Urban Ministries was born.