Wednesday, June 8, 2016
All things new
Monday, June 7, 2010
June Letter 2010
June 7, 2010
Dear Friends,
As the principal of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, I am pleased to share with you that nine of our students are receiving their high school diplomas this year! Many of these students have been told they would never finish high school or amount to anything, but God is at work in their lives and He has graciously allowed us to be a part of His plan.
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy (CCA) exists to expose students to the hope and abundant life found in Christ, equipping them to know God and serve Him forever. The mission of CCA is to educate at-risk high school students through hands-on, real-life experiences, so that they may develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically and graduate with a high school diploma.
As a 501(c)(3) faith-based organization, CCA is completely funded through donations from individuals, organizations, and churches. We are located on the campus of Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Dallas. Student enrollment comes from referrals by South Dallas Juvenile Probation Officers, counselors, churches, and by word of mouth.
Jim and Jane Beckett founded CCA in 2006. They began the school in order to reach teenagers coming out of the juvenile detention setting. They believed that students could be successful in a small family-type setting. Over the past 3 years, more than 20 students have graduated, many being the first in their families to graduate from high school. Several have come to know Jesus Christ, and all have heard the redemption story again and again. Over the next 3 years our goal is to expand the school, depending on increased funding.
For the first four years, our school was almost completely funded through one source. As of June 30, that source will no longer be available. We invite you to join with us by supporting the school with your gifts, time, talents, and skills.
There are a number of ways you can help. Since January 2010, we have raised $94K toward our $145K annual budget. God has graciously blessed us through kind and generous donors who want to be a part of the mission of CCA. We still need $50K to reach our goal for the 2010-11 school year. Giving is simple! You can donate online at www.cornerstonecrossroads.com or you can send donations to our mailing address. All donations are tax-deductible.
Another way you can help is by connecting us with community organizations and church groups who would be interested in being involved at the school. We love opportunities to partner with you for mentoring, tutoring and volunteering! Please visit our website today to download a volunteer application and find out more about the specific needs for volunteers.
CCA students experience many personal issues that present barriers to their academic success, including substance abuse, conflict at home, pressure to provide for the family, and lack of adult guidance. The majority of our students do not have an ongoing relationship with a father or father figure, and many of them are the oldest non-incarcerated living males in their extended families. Students often express concerns about pregnancies, jobs, schedules, transportation, and not having food to eat or means for clean laundry. Your donation will help make a tremendous difference in their lives. You will be helping them have an opportunity to come to know Christ and to earn a high school diploma as they learn necessary life skills to become productive and contributing members of society.
Thank you very much for your interest in our program and for taking the time to read this letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information about how to support the students at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy.
Sincerely,
Kristi
Dear Friends,
As the principal of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, I am pleased to share with you that nine of our students are receiving their high school diplomas this year! Many of these students have been told they would never finish high school or amount to anything, but God is at work in their lives and He has graciously allowed us to be a part of His plan.
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy (CCA) exists to expose students to the hope and abundant life found in Christ, equipping them to know God and serve Him forever. The mission of CCA is to educate at-risk high school students through hands-on, real-life experiences, so that they may develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically and graduate with a high school diploma.
As a 501(c)(3) faith-based organization, CCA is completely funded through donations from individuals, organizations, and churches. We are located on the campus of Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Dallas. Student enrollment comes from referrals by South Dallas Juvenile Probation Officers, counselors, churches, and by word of mouth.
Jim and Jane Beckett founded CCA in 2006. They began the school in order to reach teenagers coming out of the juvenile detention setting. They believed that students could be successful in a small family-type setting. Over the past 3 years, more than 20 students have graduated, many being the first in their families to graduate from high school. Several have come to know Jesus Christ, and all have heard the redemption story again and again. Over the next 3 years our goal is to expand the school, depending on increased funding.
For the first four years, our school was almost completely funded through one source. As of June 30, that source will no longer be available. We invite you to join with us by supporting the school with your gifts, time, talents, and skills.
There are a number of ways you can help. Since January 2010, we have raised $94K toward our $145K annual budget. God has graciously blessed us through kind and generous donors who want to be a part of the mission of CCA. We still need $50K to reach our goal for the 2010-11 school year. Giving is simple! You can donate online at www.cornerstonecrossroads.com or you can send donations to our mailing address. All donations are tax-deductible.
Another way you can help is by connecting us with community organizations and church groups who would be interested in being involved at the school. We love opportunities to partner with you for mentoring, tutoring and volunteering! Please visit our website today to download a volunteer application and find out more about the specific needs for volunteers.
CCA students experience many personal issues that present barriers to their academic success, including substance abuse, conflict at home, pressure to provide for the family, and lack of adult guidance. The majority of our students do not have an ongoing relationship with a father or father figure, and many of them are the oldest non-incarcerated living males in their extended families. Students often express concerns about pregnancies, jobs, schedules, transportation, and not having food to eat or means for clean laundry. Your donation will help make a tremendous difference in their lives. You will be helping them have an opportunity to come to know Christ and to earn a high school diploma as they learn necessary life skills to become productive and contributing members of society.
Thank you very much for your interest in our program and for taking the time to read this letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information about how to support the students at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy.
Sincerely,
Kristi
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 2010 Letter to Friends
April 8, 2010
Dear Friends,
I am writing to friends and family who have had an impact on my life to share information about the school where I have been working the past two years.
As many of you know, Scott and I experienced the most challenging time of our lives when our daughter, Courtney, went through a very difficult period in her life. She was only 12 years old when we first noticed the cuts on her wrist and discovered she was planning to take her own life. It’s hard to believe it has been seven years since then. God has healed our hearts in many ways. He has used godly counselors, teachers, youth workers, doctors, and friends to share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
Shortly after that time, I became an assistant principal at Lyles Middle School, a school where many students were hurting and on the verge of losing hope. I realized many of them had issues like Courtney’s, but very few had resources or supportive people in their lives. We started a Young Life club there and many students have since responded to the gospel through the club and through Young Life summer camps.
In March of 2008, I met Jim and Jane Beckett, who had founded Cornerstone Crossroads Academy two years earlier. They began the school in order to reach teenagers coming out of the juvenile detention setting. They believed that students could be successful in a small family-type setting. Over the past 3 years, over 20 students have graduated, many being the first in their families to graduate from high school. Several have come to know Jesus Christ, and all have heard the redemption story again and again. This year, six students are expected to graduate.
I am writing because we need your help. For the first four years, our school was almost completely funded through one source. As of June 30, that source will no longer be available. We invite you to join with us by supporting the school with your time, talents, and skills.
There are a number of ways you can help. We, like so many other ministries, need funding. We are not asking you to take away from the ministries you already fund, but would you consider making a one-year commitment to help us through this transitional year?
We love opportunities to partner with you for mentoring, tutoring and sharing your life with our students. You can also help by connecting us with community organizations or church groups that would be interested in hearing more about connecting with the school.
Would you join Team Crossroads by using your creativity, talents, and skills to help provide another chance to teenagers who desperately need it? I believe many students are served well through private and public schools. But there is a group of students who remind me of the people in Ezekiel 34 – they are broken, weak, and lost, wandering hopelessly, and in danger of attack, with no one to search or seek after them. By joining Team Crossroads, you have an opportunity to share the story of the Good Shepherd, who says, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. . . I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered. . . I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. . .”
As one who strayed myself, wandering so far away I didn’t know if the Shepherd would even care to find me, I know how life-changing the hope of Jesus Christ can be. I long to continue serving and loving these teenagers in South Dallas. I hope that you will consider this opportunity to join with me!
Please complete the survey by selecting the link posted above this letter. If you would like to make a donation via PayPal, there is a link just above the photos on the right. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you!
Dear Friends,
I am writing to friends and family who have had an impact on my life to share information about the school where I have been working the past two years.
As many of you know, Scott and I experienced the most challenging time of our lives when our daughter, Courtney, went through a very difficult period in her life. She was only 12 years old when we first noticed the cuts on her wrist and discovered she was planning to take her own life. It’s hard to believe it has been seven years since then. God has healed our hearts in many ways. He has used godly counselors, teachers, youth workers, doctors, and friends to share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
Shortly after that time, I became an assistant principal at Lyles Middle School, a school where many students were hurting and on the verge of losing hope. I realized many of them had issues like Courtney’s, but very few had resources or supportive people in their lives. We started a Young Life club there and many students have since responded to the gospel through the club and through Young Life summer camps.
In March of 2008, I met Jim and Jane Beckett, who had founded Cornerstone Crossroads Academy two years earlier. They began the school in order to reach teenagers coming out of the juvenile detention setting. They believed that students could be successful in a small family-type setting. Over the past 3 years, over 20 students have graduated, many being the first in their families to graduate from high school. Several have come to know Jesus Christ, and all have heard the redemption story again and again. This year, six students are expected to graduate.
I am writing because we need your help. For the first four years, our school was almost completely funded through one source. As of June 30, that source will no longer be available. We invite you to join with us by supporting the school with your time, talents, and skills.
There are a number of ways you can help. We, like so many other ministries, need funding. We are not asking you to take away from the ministries you already fund, but would you consider making a one-year commitment to help us through this transitional year?
We love opportunities to partner with you for mentoring, tutoring and sharing your life with our students. You can also help by connecting us with community organizations or church groups that would be interested in hearing more about connecting with the school.
Would you join Team Crossroads by using your creativity, talents, and skills to help provide another chance to teenagers who desperately need it? I believe many students are served well through private and public schools. But there is a group of students who remind me of the people in Ezekiel 34 – they are broken, weak, and lost, wandering hopelessly, and in danger of attack, with no one to search or seek after them. By joining Team Crossroads, you have an opportunity to share the story of the Good Shepherd, who says, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. . . I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered. . . I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. . .”
As one who strayed myself, wandering so far away I didn’t know if the Shepherd would even care to find me, I know how life-changing the hope of Jesus Christ can be. I long to continue serving and loving these teenagers in South Dallas. I hope that you will consider this opportunity to join with me!
Please complete the survey by selecting the link posted above this letter. If you would like to make a donation via PayPal, there is a link just above the photos on the right. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17, 2010
Dear Friends,
For the past two years I’ve been amazed by God’s care and intervention at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. I have realized my complete dependence on Christ to change kids’ lives. From the way He brought just the right student at the right time to the confirmation when we had to let a student go, He has clearly shown us the next step all along the way.
Provisions from pizza for the kids every Wednesday, to international mission trips and Greg Stevenson’s Walk for the Future have confirmed His work, His presence, and His provision.
There have been conflicts that helped us refine our mission and educational approach. We are still learning how to best identify and serve kids who need another chance.
God has demonstrated His protection when bullets flew into the building a few feet overhead. He has demonstrated His grace through dozens of life stories shared with the students. He has demonstrated His love through hands that serve students food, tutor them in math and reading, teach them to use machinery and build robots, treat their illnesses and injuries, and open His Word to share hope for the future.
South Dallas juvenile probation officers have told us we are the only faith-based high school program engaging older teenagers who have dropped out of school or gotten very far behind, many with drug and gang problems and some with children of their own. These students come to school day in and day out, learn what the Bible says about the hope that is found in Christ, and make life-changing decisions. Most of them wouldn’t go to church or a Young Life club, but because they want a high school diploma, they will sit under biblical teaching and hear God’s message of hope.
Our founders, Jim & Jane Beckett, started Cornerstone Crossroads Academy four years ago, when they turned 80 years old. This is their last year to fund and lead the school. They have graciously offered to let us continue to use the materials and supplies that have been donated over these past four years, but as of January, requested that we establish a new 501(c)(3) and a new Board of Directors. We are in the process of trying to do that now, as we also try to raise our annual budget of $120K.
God has clearly led us each step of the way and we believe that He will continue to do so. Although our hearts ache to continue this mission and we feel confused while we wait for Him to show us the next step, our hope is completely in Him. He is sovereign and will accomplish His work with or without our school. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to love and serve the kids He has placed with us these past two years. I hope He will let us continue, but trust His goodness if He chooses another avenue.
Please pray for our students and our school, as we wait for Him to show us the next step.
Kristi Lichtenberg
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy
Dear Friends,
For the past two years I’ve been amazed by God’s care and intervention at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. I have realized my complete dependence on Christ to change kids’ lives. From the way He brought just the right student at the right time to the confirmation when we had to let a student go, He has clearly shown us the next step all along the way.
Provisions from pizza for the kids every Wednesday, to international mission trips and Greg Stevenson’s Walk for the Future have confirmed His work, His presence, and His provision.
There have been conflicts that helped us refine our mission and educational approach. We are still learning how to best identify and serve kids who need another chance.
God has demonstrated His protection when bullets flew into the building a few feet overhead. He has demonstrated His grace through dozens of life stories shared with the students. He has demonstrated His love through hands that serve students food, tutor them in math and reading, teach them to use machinery and build robots, treat their illnesses and injuries, and open His Word to share hope for the future.
South Dallas juvenile probation officers have told us we are the only faith-based high school program engaging older teenagers who have dropped out of school or gotten very far behind, many with drug and gang problems and some with children of their own. These students come to school day in and day out, learn what the Bible says about the hope that is found in Christ, and make life-changing decisions. Most of them wouldn’t go to church or a Young Life club, but because they want a high school diploma, they will sit under biblical teaching and hear God’s message of hope.
Our founders, Jim & Jane Beckett, started Cornerstone Crossroads Academy four years ago, when they turned 80 years old. This is their last year to fund and lead the school. They have graciously offered to let us continue to use the materials and supplies that have been donated over these past four years, but as of January, requested that we establish a new 501(c)(3) and a new Board of Directors. We are in the process of trying to do that now, as we also try to raise our annual budget of $120K.
God has clearly led us each step of the way and we believe that He will continue to do so. Although our hearts ache to continue this mission and we feel confused while we wait for Him to show us the next step, our hope is completely in Him. He is sovereign and will accomplish His work with or without our school. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to love and serve the kids He has placed with us these past two years. I hope He will let us continue, but trust His goodness if He chooses another avenue.
Please pray for our students and our school, as we wait for Him to show us the next step.
Kristi Lichtenberg
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Over the past 3-4 weeks, we have started the International Justice Mission Bible study for teens during our Connections time. The study led us through an exploration of those God is especially concerned with. Over and over we looked at scriptures that put "the fatherless" at the top of the list.
What an overwhelming demonstration of God's love for the fatherless, as the various volunteers who have been loving and serving the kids provided funds or brought thoughtful gifts for the students!
The students kept asking, "Who is this from?" and it was a joy to tell them and see the surprise and delight in their eyes. I love being in between the people God loves and those He sends to love them!!
What an overwhelming demonstration of God's love for the fatherless, as the various volunteers who have been loving and serving the kids provided funds or brought thoughtful gifts for the students!
The students kept asking, "Who is this from?" and it was a joy to tell them and see the surprise and delight in their eyes. I love being in between the people God loves and those He sends to love them!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
learning, laughing, collaborating, comforting, depending
The first quarter of the school year has quickly flown by. Even the students are overheard to say, "It's noon already?"
learning
For the most part, our students are meeting their learning goals, which must be achieved in order for them to graduate on time for their individualized plans. At times they might miss an activity or have to stay after school, but the students respond well to concrete goals and weekly challenges.
As the students learn, we also learn - what motivates them, what subjects & activities they struggle with, who gets along well together. As the days go by and we get to know each other at deeper levels, we also learn what is under the surface - feelings of rejection, fatherless lives, basic needs unmet (food, shelter, safety), addiction. . .
laughing
"Fun Fridays" have been a lot of fun. Students who meet their weekly academic and behavioral goals have gone to the arboretum, Dallas Baptist University, Eastfield College, community service projects, and have participated in engaging projects on campus. One of our best days so far was when the ladies from the Alvord quilting class came to school to teach the students how to sew on sewing machines!
Laughing together at common reference points from reading Holes and hearing guest speakers has given us special memories that make school feel more and more like family. Laughing is healing and soothing - many times a flashpoint is doused by a funny expression or quick word that reminds us of a time we connected. We've even laughed quit a bit at some of the not-so-great memories we now share.
collaborating
If I didn't believe that God is sovereignly watching over us and faithfully meeting our needs, it would be creepy how just the right person steps in to meet a need - sometimes within moments.
Some examples:
learning
For the most part, our students are meeting their learning goals, which must be achieved in order for them to graduate on time for their individualized plans. At times they might miss an activity or have to stay after school, but the students respond well to concrete goals and weekly challenges.
As the students learn, we also learn - what motivates them, what subjects & activities they struggle with, who gets along well together. As the days go by and we get to know each other at deeper levels, we also learn what is under the surface - feelings of rejection, fatherless lives, basic needs unmet (food, shelter, safety), addiction. . .
laughing
"Fun Fridays" have been a lot of fun. Students who meet their weekly academic and behavioral goals have gone to the arboretum, Dallas Baptist University, Eastfield College, community service projects, and have participated in engaging projects on campus. One of our best days so far was when the ladies from the Alvord quilting class came to school to teach the students how to sew on sewing machines!
Laughing together at common reference points from reading Holes and hearing guest speakers has given us special memories that make school feel more and more like family. Laughing is healing and soothing - many times a flashpoint is doused by a funny expression or quick word that reminds us of a time we connected. We've even laughed quit a bit at some of the not-so-great memories we now share.
collaborating
If I didn't believe that God is sovereignly watching over us and faithfully meeting our needs, it would be creepy how just the right person steps in to meet a need - sometimes within moments.
Some examples:
- One day around 10:30, a student said, "We should have a pizza party. We've been working hard!" About 1:30 that day, a group of men from Park Cities Baptist Church & Watermark stopped in to ask if they could bring pizza to the students once a week for the remainder of the school year!
- The teachers met together on a Tuesday afternoon to discuss an opportunity for our students to participate in a national robotics contest. We loved the idea, but none of us felt equipped to lead. On Wednesday, during lunch, a young couple stopped in to ask how they might be able to volunteer at the school. Justin, who has always wanted to participate in a robotics contest, said he would like to come in weekly and help with any kind of math or science project! On Saturday, he attending training at SMU and signed us up to participate!
- Last Monday, after going grocery shopping, I reflected on the number of our students who are responsible for their own food at home. "Wouldn't it be awesome if someone could show the kids how to plan, shop, and prepare practical meals on a budget?" I thought. On Wednesday, two guys from Watermark - Robert & Josh, came for our Connections time in the morning. They brought along a friend - Laura. As they were introducing themselves, Laura mentioned that she is a nutritionist and just returned from 2 years in Africa, where she taught people to plan, shop, and prepare meals with supplies available in their area! She is planning to do the same for our students!
- On Tuesday, as I was leaving the voting booth, I saw a friend that I hadn't seen since high school. She has been in Africa for 15 years, but now lives around the corner. We talked about the upcoming study on Injustice and she is planning to come and give the students a first-hand account of what she saw and experienced!
I could go on and on - God is so faithful! I wish I could say that in a million languages, because it is the overwhelming conviction we experience daily.
comforting
As we learn of the hurts and home experiences our students have, we realize that God has, indeed, comforted us (the teachers & volunteers) in many ways so that we can comfort the students with His love. We can share the hope that God never leaves us or forsakes us. He loves us even more than a mother with her newborn, and He has even carved our names in the palms of His hands.
We ourselves are comforted by those who come and volunteer and by each other. Working with urban youth is messy & painful. But it is worth every part.
depending
'Seems like we have 2-3 good days, then a really bad day or two, when we spend more time dealing with behavioral and emotional issues than teaching. And we make mistakes . . . so far, I've had to make a group apology for bad leadership and several individual apologies for disciplining in anger, overreacting, or ignoring something that should have been addressed.
We are constantly reminded (especially on difficult days) that only God can change hearts and we are completely dependent on Him. We are committed to keep showing up and doing our best and we trust that He will fulfill the plans He has for us.
We especially feel the prayers of friends certain days. There is a different spirit among the students - an openness, kindness, . . . hope. Please remember our students in prayer. . .and us! It is good to realize our dependence and enjoy leaning hard on Him.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
After the first 2 weeks
What an amazing journey these first two weeks have been. Our kids are amazing young people that God has blessed with gifts and talents, and yet most of them do not have any idea of His incredible love for them or plan for their lives.
Although it was clear from the beginning that this was exactly where God wanted me, I felt overwhelmed by the students' needs after the first couple of days. Elementary reading levels, lack of basic math skills, dysfunctional home lives, heavy burdens to work full-time, lack of goals past today, addictions, superficiality, and no knowledge of Jesus Christ's amazing love washed over me with waves of doubt and fear. What can we really do in a few hours a day to overcome years of hurts, habits, & hang-ups?
But God . . . (Yay Ephesians 2:3-5!)
. . . reminded me of Truth in Job 42:2, when Job remembered Who God is, regardless of would-be overwhelming life circumstances - "I know that you can do all things; no plan of your can be thwarted."
And so that is our prayer - that we would be conformed to His image, so that He might use us in His plan to reach these young people with His great love.
Day-by-day synopsis - (I will primarily focus on the spiritual aspect, although the students are demonstrating great motivation in completing assignments. Some are asking for more work to take home and excelling in reaching their individual learning goals!)
Tuesday, 9/2 - First day of school - orientation, 9 students attend. Joe shares his story of grace with the students in Connections time.
Wednesday, 9/3 - 11 students on campus. Jill shares her story during Connections time. Incredible Gus Gonzales (Watermark Community) comes to teach PE at the YMCA!
Thursday, 9/4 - First day of regular scheduling. I share my story during Connections time. Four of the 11 students are over 40 minutes late for school - attendance & tardy issues have to be addressed. Students complete math placement test, questionnaires.
Friday, 9/5 - The Amazing David Morgan (Garland Area Young Life) provides an awesome chapel time, sharing with students how their lives, no matter how messed up, are valuable to God, who loves and seeks them.
Monday, 9/8 - The Inspiring Michael Washington (Dallas Urban Young Life) talks to students during "Connections" time about how Jesus reached out and touched the leper, and how He reaches out to them. Students respond well to academic goals set by the teachers.
Tuesday, 9/9 - During Connections time, students are asked to share what they know about God or what they have heard about God. Students share "judge," "always watching," and even "pimp - always trying to hustle people for their money." No one says, "Father." Very few positive attributes are shared. Students are encouraged to think about the Westminster Catechism. What would you have to believe about God, in order to believe that, "Man's chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?"
Wednesday, 9/10 - The 12th student joins our school, having been released from his previous placement. Gus challenges students to trust him and participate in the physical activities in order to develop themselves mentally and physically. Some respond well, others test the limits, choosing not to participate, even though Gus tells them there will be a consequence.
Thursday, 9/11 - All students meet their academic goals for the week and show interest in their individual evaluations. Students are reflective about their behaviors and, for the most part, realize the areas they need to improve in order to improve learning. Gus brings a special reward to the students who participated in PE. As he shows some students how to eat foods from around the world, he also connects with those who chose not to participate and encourages them to meet the challenge next Wednesday.
Friday, 9/12 - College visit to DBU, where students attend a chapel service, have the special privilege of sitting in the locker room with DBU Basketball coach Blake Flickner, then touring campus. Sadly, one student is released from the school after having brought drugs on campus.
Please pray for our students. Pray that God will reveal Himself in miraculous ways, opening their eyes and hearts to the Truth about Who He is and the plan He has for them. Please pray that we will walk closely and be transformed by Him, so that we are useful to Him.
Love and prayers to all!
Although it was clear from the beginning that this was exactly where God wanted me, I felt overwhelmed by the students' needs after the first couple of days. Elementary reading levels, lack of basic math skills, dysfunctional home lives, heavy burdens to work full-time, lack of goals past today, addictions, superficiality, and no knowledge of Jesus Christ's amazing love washed over me with waves of doubt and fear. What can we really do in a few hours a day to overcome years of hurts, habits, & hang-ups?
But God . . . (Yay Ephesians 2:3-5!)
. . . reminded me of Truth in Job 42:2, when Job remembered Who God is, regardless of would-be overwhelming life circumstances - "I know that you can do all things; no plan of your can be thwarted."
And so that is our prayer - that we would be conformed to His image, so that He might use us in His plan to reach these young people with His great love.
Day-by-day synopsis - (I will primarily focus on the spiritual aspect, although the students are demonstrating great motivation in completing assignments. Some are asking for more work to take home and excelling in reaching their individual learning goals!)
Tuesday, 9/2 - First day of school - orientation, 9 students attend. Joe shares his story of grace with the students in Connections time.
Wednesday, 9/3 - 11 students on campus. Jill shares her story during Connections time. Incredible Gus Gonzales (Watermark Community) comes to teach PE at the YMCA!
Thursday, 9/4 - First day of regular scheduling. I share my story during Connections time. Four of the 11 students are over 40 minutes late for school - attendance & tardy issues have to be addressed. Students complete math placement test, questionnaires.
Friday, 9/5 - The Amazing David Morgan (Garland Area Young Life) provides an awesome chapel time, sharing with students how their lives, no matter how messed up, are valuable to God, who loves and seeks them.
Monday, 9/8 - The Inspiring Michael Washington (Dallas Urban Young Life) talks to students during "Connections" time about how Jesus reached out and touched the leper, and how He reaches out to them. Students respond well to academic goals set by the teachers.
Tuesday, 9/9 - During Connections time, students are asked to share what they know about God or what they have heard about God. Students share "judge," "always watching," and even "pimp - always trying to hustle people for their money." No one says, "Father." Very few positive attributes are shared. Students are encouraged to think about the Westminster Catechism. What would you have to believe about God, in order to believe that, "Man's chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?"
Wednesday, 9/10 - The 12th student joins our school, having been released from his previous placement. Gus challenges students to trust him and participate in the physical activities in order to develop themselves mentally and physically. Some respond well, others test the limits, choosing not to participate, even though Gus tells them there will be a consequence.
Thursday, 9/11 - All students meet their academic goals for the week and show interest in their individual evaluations. Students are reflective about their behaviors and, for the most part, realize the areas they need to improve in order to improve learning. Gus brings a special reward to the students who participated in PE. As he shows some students how to eat foods from around the world, he also connects with those who chose not to participate and encourages them to meet the challenge next Wednesday.
Friday, 9/12 - College visit to DBU, where students attend a chapel service, have the special privilege of sitting in the locker room with DBU Basketball coach Blake Flickner, then touring campus. Sadly, one student is released from the school after having brought drugs on campus.
Please pray for our students. Pray that God will reveal Himself in miraculous ways, opening their eyes and hearts to the Truth about Who He is and the plan He has for them. Please pray that we will walk closely and be transformed by Him, so that we are useful to Him.
Love and prayers to all!
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