No more fights!!
When I first started meeting kids in the park, my biggest problem wasn’t that they ran off with my stuff or gave me a hard time, my biggest problem was fights. I don’t mean arguing, I mean demonic rage. Fights where kids really hurt other kids.
WE DON’T HAVE FIGHTS ANYMORE!
Our kids are considered the most difficult kids in the city and the police noticed that we were not having fights. They began talking about it in city meetings and the assistant chief of police came out to personally see what was happening. In astonishment, he asked, “Pam, what are you doing?” I responded, “Andre, we only do 3 things. We prioritize teaching the gospel, consistent relationship and we pray. Really, that’s all we do.”
Parents tell us their kids are different.
The cops tell us the kids are different.
They both tell us the neighborhood is different.
We are watching the kingdom come before our very eyes.
The picture on this newsletter is Prince. He is excited about his very own Bible! He carries it around, but he can’t read it. Illiteracy and lower than average reading skills are common in our neighborhood. Last summer we taught 10 kids how to read and put reading-level appropriate Bibles in their hands. The results were astonishing.
50% increased their instructional reading level by 2 grade levels or more.
EVERY parent said,
1. Their children learned about God
2. Increased in self-confidence
3. Improved problem-solving skills when interacting with others
4. Conquered fears
5. Learned delayed gratification.
AND ABOVE THAT, THEY ALL LEARNED TO LOVE GOD, HIS WORD AND EACH OTHER!
This year, my plan was to teach more kids to read and love the Bible by getting grants, interns and a reliable vehicle. Instead, I have a team of WOMEN WITH HEART & VISION who have offered their vehicles, their time and their homes to make our summer program work. With a team like this, you cannot fail, BECAUSE LOVE NEVER FAILS!
This year we have an astonishing 23 kids who have applied to do the Shine Summer Reading Program. If we fill every car, we can still only accommodate less than 14. The Lord showed me a picture of George Muller when his orphanage had no food. He sat all the orphans down at the table and gave thanks. When they said, “amen,” there was a knock at the door. The food had arrived! I felt faith rise and I laughed at the thought of 23 kids lined up on the curb waiting for their ride!
I believe the Lord will provide transportation for 23 kids before June 4th.
DOES THIS SOUND CRAZY? ARE YOU LAUGHING?
I AM!
BECAUSE I KNOW GOD WANTS THESE KIDS MORE THAN I DO.
He wants every child to read His word!
IF THIS ISN’T TOO CRAZY FOR YOU, WHY DON’T YOU JOIN US?
WE NEED FUNDING.
I want to invest in every child that is asking for Jesus. My dream is have reliable transportation for the ministry and to be able to pay all bills.
WE NEED TEAMS
Bring your home group, Sunday school class or friends and have a cross-cultural missions experience you will never forget. We need your help!
WE NEED PRAYER
At Shine USA we seek to step out into our Father’s ideas and strategies, so we pray as a first priority. Join the Shine Prayer Team by contacting me at 512/216-0854.
WE NEED YOU!
When I started this urban ministry, no one, young or old, would talk to me about Jesus. Today hunger for the gospel is rampant. I am grateful for your part in the process.
Let’s take this generation for our King!