TOPPING OUR LAST TESTIMONY!
I’m excited to share what God is doing in our 2026 Shine Summer Reading Program. We are TOPPING OUR 2025 TESTIMONY!
(2023 Bible Reading Pilot Program)
IN THE BEGINNING, the Shine Summer Reading Program was a faith walk. All I did was pray and volunteers appeared. Finances came in and children were changed. Every year we have written a bigger testimony as God uses this program to transform lives.
(Children encountering Jesus at Church in the Park)
This year we have more momentum, movement and miracles than ever before.
We know our God wants these children more than we do.
(Children choose to attend Church In The Park)
We know we are right in the center of His will.
(This young man was thrilled to have a Bible he could read)
We know reading the Bible is foundational to making disciples.
(Children choose to read the Bible in the park)
We know God put the desire to read the Bible in the kids.
Our kids have no desire to read story books or read for the love of reading. Many are truant kids from troubled families who want to read the Bible because they want Jesus. The motivation & motivator to read is Jesus. This is HIS work & this is a genuine miracle.
(Phonics Lesson 2025)
What is the Shine Summer Reading program?
We start with unchurched children who are considered “at-risk.” We teach traditional phonics, provide a reading mentor, and a reading level appropriate Bible. The mentors provide one-on-one love and attention while reading and discussing the Bible.
(2025 Program)
After reading, we head to a pool where we have tons of fun and bonding time.
(They showed up to get Bibles they can read)
2025 TESTIMONY
Last year 100% of our finishers increased a full grade level in reading. 50% two grade levels and 25% three! The school told one parent that teaching her son to read would be a long and tedious process. We were unfazed. Several weeks into summer this mother caught her son reading her texts! God trumps school! Another girl was required to repeat third grade but tested out of our program 3 grade levels higher than she tested in. She was placed in the 4th grade the first week of school. We needed $60,000 for program last year.Every penny came in. Our interns said the Shine Summer Reading Program was a life changing experience.
(One of our regulars having a moment in Ms. Heathers arms)
We are having unusual success where others have failed because our core values are a TRIPLE THREAT TO DARKNESS:
Jesus first (POW!)
Genuine-loving relationships (BAM!)
And prayer. (WACK!).
NEW THIS YEAR!
REAL SWIMMING LESSONS with coach Angie! When our group outgrew city swimming lessons, we simply taught the kids ourselves. This year, God is blessing us with a certified swim instructor!
(2025 interns)
MODERN MONASTICS is our new summer intern program based on Jeremiah 6:16, “stand at the crossroads and ask for the ancient path”. Young adults today are at a crossroads. They seek something real and authentic that can only be found through the ancient rhythm of deep prayer, presence and ministry to the poor.
JUNIOR INTERNS.
They won’t go away! They are too old for the Shine Summer Reading program, but they still want more.
THE BIBLE TREASURE CHEST
Jesus is the greatest treasure, and the Bible is the field where the treasure is buried. This year we are adding devotional training and a personalized Bible treasure bag to the program. Our vision is that children will be ready and motivated to go deeper into a personal relationship with Jesus.
HELP US TOP LAST YEAR’S TESTIMONY!
INTERNS. We still have stipends for 2 interns. Do you know a young adult who might be a good fit? See attachments for more information.
SUPPLIES. Check out our Amazon wish list.
***Click Here for the Amazon Wish List***
VOLUNTEERS. Be a reading mentor. Two hours on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings June 2 through August 11 will transform an at-risk child into a disciple of Jesus.
INTERCESSORS. Be part of the weekly prayer text, cover a specific child or pray on site. Text me for more info.
KINGDOM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY. We are raising $60,000 in 60 days to take every child who wants to read the Bible this summer. Sponsor a day for $1,000. Sponsor a child for $3,000 or simply give what you can.
As I publish this newsletter, we still need $40,000 to take 20-25 children.
IS THE LORD ASKING YOU TO HELP?
***Click Here To Give***
Thank you for reading! I appreciate your love, support, prayers and generosity.
Pamela Rose
Executive Director
Shine USA, Inc.
512-216-0854