“Andrea, I don’t know what you’ve done, but Tyron is like a different little boy when you’re around,” Mrs. Rogers exclaimed, as Tyron giggled with eyes full of mischief.”

It was only four months ago, when I met a withdrawn little boy at a S.A.Y Yes! after-school program in the heart of East Harlem. Tyron, a second-grader, bobbed his head in all directions as he tried to keep up with everything happening in the room. It was almost like he was frightened and had to know where every sound was coming from. He was constantly distracted and often detached from those around him. As I tried to help with his homework, I quickly became discouraged. He never wrote his homework down or brought his books from school! I soon learned more about Tyron’s life and poor performance in school.

“Lord, how do I minister to this little boy?” I prayed. I believe I am here to love this child and build him up by sharing the truth of God’s love with him. Many inner-city kids lack structure and positive attention, so I set expectations for our time together and developed a reward system to enforce good behavior and improvement in his schoolwork. I am amazed at the progress I’ve seen.

I also have the privilege of teaching Tyron about Jesus. I find creative ways to teach him biblical lessons and help him learn bible verses. Tyron is in process and God is working in his life. Please pray with me that Tyron will continue to understand what it means to receive Christ in his life.

Now, Tyron walks in with a grin on his face and pulls out a new book for us to read. He is like a different little boy. He stays completely engaged during our time together. Just last week he wrote his homework assignment down in his notebook for the first time since October. What huge progress! We’ve had our difficult moments as many things are going on in Tyron’s life. I thank God for the after-school program. It’s a much-needed safe environment where kids are loved, tutored and taught about Jesus. I’m excited to see what God has in store for Tyron’s life. Tyron is only one of the many children who benefit from S.A.Y. Yes! after school programs around the city.

February 2009 Prayer Letter

"We went from nothing to everything!"

“Is this for me?” The question came from Carlton as a bulging box of food was lifted out of the car. Horns were blowing and arms were waving as Brother Dwayne held up traffic in East Harlem to present a Box of Love to Carlton, the corner newspaper man. “I want you to be blessed and know that God is able to provide for you and your family.”

Carlton was so overwhelmed and in need of the food, he immediately abandoned his news stand and rushed home to share the box with his family!

Dwayne sees Carlton every Sunday on the street corner selling papers. He can tell Carlton is struggling to make a living and often looks frustrated and tired. Every Sunday, Dwayne stops to buy a paper. He often prays with Carlton and offers encouragement.

With the help of Here’s Life Inner City, Dwayne was able to meet an immediate need of a struggling family and tell Carlton of God’s ability to provide. He also invited him to church.

The following Sunday, Carlton greeted Dwayne, “If you only knew how bad I needed that food. It came just in time!” Brother Dwayne replied, “God is able, God is able!”

Carlton and his family plan to attend a special Christmas service at the church, where they will hear God’s word, receive food and gifts for the children.

-December 2008 Prayer Lettter

New Begginings

Happy 2009! I just got back into the city on Sunday. This week has passed quickly as I’ve gotten back into the swing of things. A new WorkNet course started Monday at the Bowery Women’s Mission. We have a few new women this time around. It was a very sweet time. Before introducing the curriculum, we spent time sharing about Christmas. A few of the women are in stage 2 of the program and were allowed to go home for 3 days over Christmas. Others are new and are not allowed to leave the house. One woman seemed sad about not being with her family but lit up when she told us it was her first Christmas clean in many years. She was a heroine addict for 12 years walking away from it when she entered the Bowery 5 weeks ago. “I made memories I’ll actually remember.”

Tuesday I traveled to Harlem to continue with the after-school program. I was so happy to see the kids. I think my boys missed me because they were out of control. Yann joined us for the day. He’s another second grader who usually sits with another volunteer. Tyron, Glenroy and Yann were a handful. They didn’t stop giggling from the time they walked in the door. Once again I found myself looking around as every other kid in the place sat like angels leaning over their text books quietly studying. I enjoy every minute of loving on these kids and helping them in every way I can… even when its difficult. Tyron has changed so much and is improving greatly in his school work. He brought homework to do on Tuesday- which is huge for him. Mother Helen (the director) looked over and said, “I don’t know what you do to Tyron but he is a different little boy when you’re around. While you were gone he just sat in his chair doing nothing.” I’m thankful for how the Lord is working through my relationship with Tyron.

after-school kids

Snow!

These pictures were taken across the street from my apartment building. I glanced out the window and was shocked to see all the snow! I walked around and played in it until my fingers were numb...so beautiful.

Bowery Update

As the career development course at the Bowery Women’s Mission is in its final weeks, I want to bring you up-to-date on what’s been going on. In previous posts I’ve mentioned how many of the women are in the process of dealing with various issues. Each are doing so well but struggle daily as they heal from their previous addictions, relationships and circumstances.

Sadly over the course of four weeks we have lost four of our students. The first two left the program in mid-November. It broke my heart. It was very disappointing to see them go and not get to say goodbye. I had so much hope for them. I worked with one woman closely every week as she was preparing to interview for jobs.

Shortly after, Sandy got news that another had walked out. She was having a very hard time living among the other women and decided she would return to the shelter system to hide. This made me so upset and frustrated.

On Friday, we got news that Missy left. Just last week I helped her with her resume and we identified an entry level position and discussed how she can move towards her dream job of being a drug counselor. Two weeks ago I read a book report she wrote about the importance of trusting God and his Word. She was doing so well.

It’s so easy for me to ask, “God, what are you thinking? and why?” But God is in control, He has the big picture. I can only pray for them now and hope they are finding their way and relying on the Lord. We have to pray for each woman remaining in the house, that they would persevere and trust the Lord.

Through these disappointments, I can’t overlook the huge progress of the other women in our class. God is healing hurts and transforming hearts. Women who have spent their entire lives trying to live in their own power but failed miserably, now have purpose and hope. It’s amazing to see women come to know Christ, receive practical life skills and resources and make true life changes. Thank you Lord for being faithful!

Box of Love Packing Party

The 2008 Box of Love Packing Party was a success! 650 volunteers came out on the coldest day of the season to pack 4,000 boxes of food for families in need. It was FREEZING! Tons of volunteers arrived by 9. The line went down the block and around the corner. They had to wait outside in the brutal winds but they stayed. The wind was so strong- the tents blew down, hot dogs buns and other items were escaping. We were able to move most of the stations inside the warehouse but there were volunteers who had to work outside. Hundreds worked in the warehouse while others were upstairs making gospel bead bracelets and praying. Exciting, great energy, fun, fast were words people used to describe the event.

My job for the day was taking pictures, interviewing volunteers and church leaders who were delivering the boxes. We are hoping to create a promotional video for next year’s event. I was also keeping an eye out for any press that showed up. By 10am, Channel 7 (ABC) came and shot footage of the event! We were all so excited they made it out and were hoping we would make the evening news. Someone joked that we would make it unless there was a fire. And guess what? There was a huge fire and we didn’t make the news. Oh well… I learned tons, made great contacts for next time and actually got a station to show up- so that’s a pretty good start.

I will be making calls next week to follow-up with a few of our partner churches but so far I’ve heard great things about what God did through a simple box of food.

After talking with two of our ministry partners- we know of 43 people who accepted Christ last weekend.

Praise the Lord!