Staff: Erin Pifer
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Name: Erin Pifer
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Email: erinpifer@solidarityrising.org
I went to good ‘ol Hope International University for college and in 2008 I was presented with a fancy piece of paper known as a “degree” in Intercultural Studies. My family is quiet large (by choice) but in reality, rather small (by blood). Allow me to explain. Without a doubt I consider the whole Solidarity community as part of my family. I am so blessed with a grip of brothers and sisters that care so deeply about me. When I grow up, it would be my dream to be at least .17% as awesome, loving and generous as these people. They’ve changed my life. I have also had the great blessing to grow up with an extra rad family, the Dagley’s. They ARE my sisters, brother and second parents and if you tell us that we’re not ACTUALLY related, then prepare to feel the wrath of the PIGLEYS! (Pifer’s+Dagley’s). I also want to give a shout out to my Rock Harbor Fullerton family and my Apple Christian Church family. Oh how I adore the body of Christ. And last but not least, I will highlight those who I share the same genetics with: I have a wonderfully generous and creative moma-sita named Beth, a contagiously funny and devoted daddy-o named Randy and an extremely driven and kind brotha named Chad. I’m from the fantastic city of Grand Junction, Colorado. What?! You’ve never heard of it? It’s only the largest city on the west side of the Rocky Mountains! I have the pleasure of living in one of Solidarity’s intentional communities in the Garnet Neighborhood with three rockin’ awesome roommates Vanessa, Sara and Katie.
When I initially started college, my hope was to pursue missions over seas in some capacity. However, over the years my passions and perspectives on what missions actually looks like changed and called me into deep, intentional relationship with others in my own city. After my internship with Amor Ministries in the border cities of Mexico, I came back to Fullerton really excited about the ways I had seen God using me. I absolutely loved joining in with ways God was moving through Amor. It just felt right and I knew I didn’t want to go back to another job where my passions and gifts were not utilized…so I came to Solidarity in September if 2007. In my time at Solidarity I am coming to recognize the unique creation God has made in me and He has provided countless opportunities to use that uniqueness to participate in the Kingdom the way I believe he has always intended for me. That is why I think my role as Volunteer Coordinator is so fitting for me. I get the chance to journey with people who are looking for something more (like I was) and hopefully mimic the way God has changed my life and plug them into an experience that will rock their world (like mine was) then help them articulate the way their life has changed (like Solidarity did for me). Not a bad part time job if you ask me!
What is your favorite TV show? Friday Night Lights. If you’ve never seen it, watch it. You’ll love it. You have the Pifer guarantee.
What type of movie best describes Solidarity? A romantic comedy – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you fall in love…with Jesus.
Describe Solidarity in one word: “M.U.L.L.E.T.” – business in the front, party in the back.
If Solidarity were a mode of transportation, what would it be? A party boat – there is room for a lot of people and you’re guaranteed a good time.
