Making an Imprint
The sand stuck to my heel as I stepped out of the sand box. I was 17 years old and on a retreat in upstate NY. I sat by the sandbox. The inscription over the box asked the question: "What imprint do you want to make in the world?" I had never thought about the fact that the things I choose to do can actually change the world.
Almost seven years later I am reminded of that day. I have worked with The Boston Project's Neighborhood Youth Ministries for one year now and it has become clear to me that God is using me to make an imprint in the lives of urban young people in Dorchester.
Last year I began raising financial support for the Neighborhood Youth Ministries by inviting you to join us as a Hope Partner. This year, after much prayer and in light of God's clear call on my life to a longer-term ministry here in the city. I will begin raising individual support as a missionary. This is a significant step for me, and in line with how God is leading me to invest in the community. My monthly support need to further my work here is approximately $1,000 per month. It will take time to reach that goal, but I hope you will consider joining me at the very beginning.
In the meantime I am thrilled by the transformations I have seen God do this summer and continue to ask "Lord, use me!" Just a few of these are below:
- A sister and brother asked Jesus to be their Lord and best friend this summer!
- Two teenage boys made a public decision to stop stealing.
- One girl chose to make amends with her mom after learning that the Bible says to honor your father and mother.
- Another girl prayed for the first time.
- Five middle-school-age students asked to be a part of our Park Patrol program again next year.
- One teenager has asked how he can work toward becoming a Boston Project staff.
- Praise God for His peace in the neighborhood this summer. Pray for continued peace in Boston.
- A man to join our Neighborhood Youth staff. Male presence is critical.
- God's provision for my need to raise missionary support.
- God's favor for family friends in immigration court this fall.
