Last Friday we had the privilege of hosting a Christmas party for the kids from the Youth Life Learning Center in Highland Park, and what an evening we had!
Thanks to a great group of volunteers, they were treated to a wonderful ham dinner in the festively decorated MP room. We played some games like Build a Snowman and Reindeer Races. Chris led us all in som
e carols and the YL kids treated us to a joyfully sung "Joy to the World". The generosity of her fellow co-workers enabled Shirley Hayes to host a Holiday Shop for the kids where they bought presents for family members using the reward bucks they had earned in the Learning Center.
But the highlight was seeing their huge smiles as the received the presents that many of you gave through the Christmas Angel tree. Thanks to all of you again!
I can't put into the right words what the evening meant to them so I'm going to include the words of one of their staff and one of the children.
"I just wanted to thank everyone involved with the Youth Life Christmas party. You guys did everything, from the food, to the store, to the games and carols in a way that brought so much honor to God. The love of God and Jesus' servant heart was evident in you all. Mere words cannot express how blessed we were by our evening with you.
One of the saddest things we see in working with these kids is that their childlike innocence is lost to the circumstances of life and having to assume adult responsibilities. It was so wonderful to see them just be children---playing games, laughing, singing, and grinning the widest grins I've ever seen as they came up to collect their presents.
These kids often have a very cynical attitude towards things. It takes a lot to impress them. I sat with Keondre
on the way home. We talked about the happenings of the evening. There was a lull in the conversation when he sweetly broke the silence to say, "That was really a nice night". He said it as one who was truly satisfied in his soul, and I could tell by his tone that that night was going to be a memory treasured in his heart forever. Boy, you can't put a price on that!
Thank you all for pouring out such a blessing that our hearts (not to mention our bus) could hardly contain it.
I pray God continues to bless you individually and corporately with His presence, His provision, and His purpose being fulfilled in you."
One of the saddest things we see in working with these kids is that their childlike innocence is lost to the circumstances of life and having to assume adult responsibilities. It was so wonderful to see them just be children---playing games, laughing, singing, and grinning the widest grins I've ever seen as they came up to collect their presents.
These kids often have a very cynical attitude towards things. It takes a lot to impress them. I sat with Keondre
on the way home. We talked about the happenings of the evening. There was a lull in the conversation when he sweetly broke the silence to say, "That was really a nice night". He said it as one who was truly satisfied in his soul, and I could tell by his tone that that night was going to be a memory treasured in his heart forever. Boy, you can't put a price on that!Thank you all for pouring out such a blessing that our hearts (not to mention our bus) could hardly contain it.
I pray God continues to bless you individually and corporately with His presence, His provision, and His purpose being fulfilled in you."
Joy to the World!!
Thanks to everyone who made the evening so very special for the Youth Life students and their families – truly a hurting segment of our community!
ReplyDeleteThe evening’s success was because everyone involved was functioning from a heart of genuine concern and love for these families. Thanks to all!! You were a true reflection of Christ’s love!
I worked as a mentor in the Youth Life program this past fall. It is a great program, and I would love to encourage you to consider volunteering. My story.....
As an empty nester, I began to reflect on who I was becoming….and it wasn’t very pretty. I was a bit self-focused – even in my church experience. I had been praying for an opportunity of service – where I could use my gifts and life experiences to make a significant difference for someone besides my own family. I knew that God was answering my prayer when I learned about the Youth Life program through Nancy and the World Impact Team at Hope.
I have no particularly noteworthy stories to tell about my experiences at Youth Life other than to say that there are hurting children who respond to influences in their lives. I have grown to love these children and it is my prayer that the 2 hours I spend each week is used by God to sooth the hurt that these students face during much of their struggling journey. James and Leahna are terrific servant teachers working at Youth Life -- and share the love of Christ daily with these students – I am privileged to serve along side them.
If you are seeking a mission opportunity and are available from 3:30-5:30 pm once a week for the spring semester, I would love to encourage you to become a mentor. Kimberly Lloyd is the volunteer coordinator and can be reached at mentorcoordinator@earthlink.net or at 405-5650. If you want some information about the program, the website is www.ylfr.org.
Thanks again for serving in the Christmas party with a heart filled with love. The evening was amazing – it is wonderful to see the love of Christ on display! I know that Hope have more opportunities to support YLF with similar special events in the future.
Looking forward to serving together,
Mary Venable