Daily Inspiration: Meet Natalia Chase

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Chase. 

Hi Natalia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Growing up and seeing my Caucasian mom and my African-American dad navigate life from the late 1970s on, I personally witnessed the unrivaled power of Jesus to overcome our divides. After the George Floyd tragedy, I, with the help of a wonderful team of like-minded people, founded UNIFIED in 2020 as a gospel-centered response to racial tensions. The UNIFIED team organized a powerful public demonstration of our oneness in Christ while encouraging racial healing, beginning with an outdoor prayer, worship, dance, and arts event at the Ohio Statehouse. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building confidence with local church leaders and getting everyone to the same table were two of the many challenges. Many leaders gave their support to the cause in private but were hesitant to show it in public for fear of the fallout. Still, hundreds more plowed forward with a single-hearted goal to see Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation move hearts and minds towards gospel-centered racial healing in our city. These early adopters, church leaders, and volunteers were eager to offer their time, resources, and talents to help Columbus take a step toward accomplishing this goal. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Continuing the momentum from the 2020 gathering, UNIFIED has mobilized over 50 churches to orchestrate 22 neighborhood and/or citywide outreach gatherings in both 2021 and 2022. The UNIFIED choir, band, and dance team have performed at the Nationwide Arena, Sunny 95 (94.7 FM), the Ohio Statehouse, and more. 

Today, UNIFIED continues to team up with churches, home groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations to encourage unified and diverse worship (Rev. 7), as well as with musicians, artists, and dancers to use their skills and talents to have a positive impact on our world through gospel-centered unity. 

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Our goal is to amplify our unity as followers of Jesus, celebrate our difference (Rev. 7), promote racial healing, and share the love of Jesus wherever we go. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.unifieddt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unifieddifferenttogether
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unifieddt/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnifiedDT

Image Credits
Sam Fahmi