Debbie and I have known “Ivy” for the four years we have been involved with MYC Club. She uses two different last names because of her confusing, complicated family. Her little brother has a different last name, which isn't the same as mom's last name One brother has been in prison for a violent assault. Another brother openly displays “sexual orientation” issues. It's safe to say that the families who work at MYC are not what she is used to seeing at home.
Earlier this month Ivy was working with Debbie at Youth Enterprises, which is our job program for high school students. The subject of conversation was work related, not about relationships or marriage. Seemingly out of nowhere, Ivy said, “Ms. Debbie, seeing you and Mr. Mark makes me want to get married!” It really wasn't out of nowhere, though. She has been watching us and listening to us as we relate to each other while we work with the kids.
It isn't by accident that we have married couples working at MYC, because these kids need role models who display the fruit of God's spirit through their marriages. This hasn't been the only time the subject of marriage has been brought up by the kids. One boy told Greg that watching Greg and his wife made marriage look like fun! Some girls have asked me if Debbie and I ever argue. (Of course, I tell them that Debbie and I have disagreements whenever Debbie is wrong about something.) It's encouraging to know that the kids are watching us and learning from us. It's also a little scary, knowing that you are being watched, but that's a part of building relationships and a reason to pray. We also pray that these kids can break the cycle of destructive family lifestyles which have caused them to be at risk and need us.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Eagle Scout from MYC
Monday May 10, MYC Club senior Antwan Howard was honored in a special ceremony at the Youth Center for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Scout Troop 380, which meets at MYC Wednesday afternoons, with Bart Williams as Scout Master. We are excited because Antwan is the first Scout from our troop to earn Eagle Scout.
Antwan comes from a loyal “MYC family”, having followed his older siblings by being involved in MYC Club since primary school. He has also been in Youth Enterprises through high school and in the Scout Troop since fifth grade. His Eagle Scout project was the Forked Deer River Trail. Antwan, with help from the rest of our Troop and others in the community, cleared and marked a trail alongside the north bank of the river. The trail is for the enjoyment of those who like walking or enjoy nature, and will be part of what we hope someday to be a trail system or riverfront park. The trail begins west of the Mission, where the clearing meets the woods along the river behind the Farmer's Market. It follows the river and then to some ponds and up to the levee. MYC Club kids and others have already enjoyed the trail, and Antwan invites you to try it out for yourself! Just look for the signs or ask one of us.
The Scout leaders, MYC staff, and Mission staff are all proud of Antwan. Few Scouts anywhere have the determination to earn the highest rank. He never quit or used any of the convenient excuses available to him, such as poverty and little parent involvement. He instead has shown what our kids can accomplish with the desire and some encouragement and help from caring adults. Antwan's attitude and accomplishment has been a blessing to us and we pray for God's blessings for him as he enters the next season of his life.
Antwan comes from a loyal “MYC family”, having followed his older siblings by being involved in MYC Club since primary school. He has also been in Youth Enterprises through high school and in the Scout Troop since fifth grade. His Eagle Scout project was the Forked Deer River Trail. Antwan, with help from the rest of our Troop and others in the community, cleared and marked a trail alongside the north bank of the river. The trail is for the enjoyment of those who like walking or enjoy nature, and will be part of what we hope someday to be a trail system or riverfront park. The trail begins west of the Mission, where the clearing meets the woods along the river behind the Farmer's Market. It follows the river and then to some ponds and up to the levee. MYC Club kids and others have already enjoyed the trail, and Antwan invites you to try it out for yourself! Just look for the signs or ask one of us.
The Scout leaders, MYC staff, and Mission staff are all proud of Antwan. Few Scouts anywhere have the determination to earn the highest rank. He never quit or used any of the convenient excuses available to him, such as poverty and little parent involvement. He instead has shown what our kids can accomplish with the desire and some encouragement and help from caring adults. Antwan's attitude and accomplishment has been a blessing to us and we pray for God's blessings for him as he enters the next season of his life.
Something to Celebrate
They are the children of an addicted mom and a father who is isn't involved in their lives. A sister and brother who have often been moved between relatives or have been with mom in whatever was her current living arrangement. They learned to fend for themselves and look out for each other.
First, they came to Club and Camp, and for four years they have been involved with MYC as consistently as their chaotic life will allow. Then, last summer they were two of the MYC Club kids who came with Debbie and I to VBS at our church. Next, they started coming to church with us regularly on Sundays and Wednesdays. Early this year, their mother began to join her children with us at church. Everyone at church made her feel comfortable and welcomed her. The Spirit of God was working all of this time. Now, she has a personal relationship with Jesus! She shared in church her decision to accept Christ and be baptized. She shared a testimony during her baptism, in front of her kids, including repenting of mistakes. Now we all have a miracle to celebrate! Luke quotes Jesus saying that the angels celebrate when a sinner repents, and I believe that so should we/
Reaching parents isn't even included in our written MYC Mission Statement. However, serving the needs of the whole family because of Christ is what the we at the Mission strive to do and what we as individual Christians have been called to do. Now, this mom wants to become a better mom and is already being a better example for her kids. There is no guarantee that it will be easy for her, but now she has the Spirit of God, the church, and those of us here at the Mission and MYC to support and encourage her. We can't take credit for this miracle in this family; God has used many of His people to do His work. Everyone who supports or volunteers in the Mission's youth programs has had a part in this transformation. We invite you to celebrate this new member of the family of God with us! Thank God for His work with this mom and for meeting the needs of these children and for answers to prayer.
First, they came to Club and Camp, and for four years they have been involved with MYC as consistently as their chaotic life will allow. Then, last summer they were two of the MYC Club kids who came with Debbie and I to VBS at our church. Next, they started coming to church with us regularly on Sundays and Wednesdays. Early this year, their mother began to join her children with us at church. Everyone at church made her feel comfortable and welcomed her. The Spirit of God was working all of this time. Now, she has a personal relationship with Jesus! She shared in church her decision to accept Christ and be baptized. She shared a testimony during her baptism, in front of her kids, including repenting of mistakes. Now we all have a miracle to celebrate! Luke quotes Jesus saying that the angels celebrate when a sinner repents, and I believe that so should we/
Reaching parents isn't even included in our written MYC Mission Statement. However, serving the needs of the whole family because of Christ is what the we at the Mission strive to do and what we as individual Christians have been called to do. Now, this mom wants to become a better mom and is already being a better example for her kids. There is no guarantee that it will be easy for her, but now she has the Spirit of God, the church, and those of us here at the Mission and MYC to support and encourage her. We can't take credit for this miracle in this family; God has used many of His people to do His work. Everyone who supports or volunteers in the Mission's youth programs has had a part in this transformation. We invite you to celebrate this new member of the family of God with us! Thank God for His work with this mom and for meeting the needs of these children and for answers to prayer.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)