New England Changes
Another season of Homework Center has rolled around and I find myself wading through social science projects and alphabet flash cards when water balloons and soccer balls reigned only eight weeks ago. But as I look around me, I recognize that it is not only the New England leaves that are changing. Since the summer I have said "so long" to some dear old friends (the Byun family and Ruth Joseph) and have embraced new relationships (Shialil Francis and next door neighbor Suzanne). It has been bittersweet. I am learning to praise God in all things. And as I enter this fall, I cannot help but look at the new opportunities and relationships God has put on my path with great anticipation. Only God knows where they will take me.
Opportunity to be a student.
That's right... it's not only the youth that are heading off to class this fall, but me as well. Every Tuesday I now pack a lunch, grab my notebook and head out to "school," youth worker school. My fellow staff, Melissa, and I are taking classes to become certified in the field of youth work. I always knew that I wanted to work with young people, but when I left my elementary education degree during my Sophomore year at Gordon College, I wondered if I had calculated everything wrong. Over the last three years God has made it clear that He has given me this strong passion, yet He also reshaped my concepts of how it will happen.
Within the Body.
I have officially become a member of Global Ministries Christian Church. I've been asked to join the team of teachers for the Bible Institute (our Sunday school program). I now co-teach the K-1st grade class with one of our church Deacons. I am excited to invite our neighbors to these Bible classes.
Life as a Director, Full of Praises:
- Young people from our neighborhood continue to come to church and ask for more time to study the Bible. I will be starting a monthly Bible nstudy and my roommate Jackie has begun to study the book of Esther with two young girls.
- Our young people have been attending school regularly and getting good grades!
- Homework Center started with a bang this week. During the first two days we assisted 19 young people with their studies and distributed new school supplies to 25 students so far.
- I recently went with 5 teenagers to a Christian college fair.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray that neighbors and families will come out to the Bible Institute and our upcoming Halloween Alternative.
- Peace in our neighborhood. Several young people have died near our home in the last few weeks.
- Ask God for five (5) more volunteers for Homework Center.
- Ask God for ten (10) more Hope Partners to support us.
- Melissa and I as we continue our youth worker training this fall.
- God's favor and direction for two high school seniors in our neighborhood as they submit their college applications.
