New population, New heartbreaks, New blessings

Church and Community Ministry is described as a “kaleidoscopic” ministry for a reason. In my first placement I worked with culturally Deaf or Deaf-Blind individuals who were mainly adults or older teenagers.

At Utica Eastside Mission I now spend most of my days with children who are either refugees themselves or descendants of refugees. Our After-School program attendees are fantastic kids with great imaginations, and it is not uncommon for me to spend some time in my office each afternoon having discussions about the zoo, or monsters under the bed.

These children are so full of life and excitement that it is easy to forget what they have experienced in their short lives. One elementary student is already on probation; a middle school aged youth is being kicked out of his home.

Recently I took our youth to a paintball ministry weekend at a district church. Two of the youth had gone the first day and on our way to the church the second day they were telling the third youth that because he missed the first day he would have to spend time at a practice session to learn how to shoot the paintball gun. While he was fretting about how much time he would miss on the field his brother piped up from the back and said “Oh never mind, you have shot guns before you will be fine!”

The youth then confided in me that before they came to America they knew child soldiers and used to fire guns often.

These are children and youth that are appreciative of what you offer them, hard workers, and amazing creations of God. I am anguished to hear what they have experienced and glad that at Utica Eastside Mission they are experiencing the love of Christ.

What a blessing it is to provide a safe place for children who have experienced so much violence. What a blessing it is to learn from each other and share with one another about our lives.

Thank you so much for your prayers and gifts, thank you for being in ministry with me and with these children and youth, thank you!