This Once Held You..

On Friday night a few of us met with Cody over dinner to celebrate his two year anniversary with the Victory Project.  Being only two years, may not seem like a big deal, but we had a lot to be thankful for.  After our battlefield prayer, the evening was broken down into four categories; A look back, Against the odds, Words from Warriors and Presentations = Expectations.  Each designed to build on the next, recognizing where Cody's been but focusing more on where he's going.  When we got to the "Words from Warriors", each of the men around the table spoke to Cody about his development and emphasized his responsibility to himself, his family, the youth at VP and God.  Before Cody was presented with gifts, he had to accept this new phase and responsibilities of his life.  There were several cards given, a sword representing the daily physical & spiritual battles he faces and the final gift was a box.  On top of the box was an inscription which read: "There was a time when this held you.  Now, by the Grace of God you will forever hold it".  Inside the box was a brick from the foundation of a recently torn down jail, the same building where Cody and I first met in 2007.  God is GOOD!  

What Is Love

A 16 year old boy named Willie recently shared a poem with me. He's been in foster care since the age of 4. It's titled;
"What Is Love"?
Have you ever loved someone,
but they didn't love you?
have you ever felt like crying,
but what good would it do?
have you ever looked into their eyes,
and said a little prayer?
have you ever looked into their heart,
and wished you were there?
have they ever lied to you,
and you thought it was true?

While the faith community from all across our country look overseas to bring the hope of Christ. Let's be careful not to step over people on the way to the airport. Our community is brimming with opportunities to share Christ with boys and girls like Willie. Many who have been physically and/or emotionally abandoned by their parents. Left to be raised by a well intentioned but overwhelmed system. When these children don't find kind of love they are looking for there. They most often turn to the street, where there are more than enough "Takers". These pseudo-families fill the child's heart and mind with hollow forms of satisfaction, in acts of violence, drugs, alcohol and sex. When referring to serving those less fortunate, Christ said in Matthew 25:40 "And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!‘
I am challenging you today to begin a daily search within your heart, to ask Christ to open our heart and eyes to the need in our own community, neighborhoods, workplace and homes. Finally I heard a story that speaks to this very devotional, it went something like this: A man went out to change the world, but he failed. He decided to change his country, but he failed. So he wanted change his neighborhood, but he failed. He decided to just change his family, surely he could do that, but he failed. So, the man committed to changing himself and he was successful. This changed his family, who affected the neighborhood, the neighborhood changed the country and the country changed the world. I say that change begins with our devotion to Christ and live louder than you speak.    

Bad Number, Good Call

Lot’s of change with VP these past few months, while difficult, much of it positive.  As we travel down this road together we continue to see God’s Hand.  I imagine it’s similar to what the first century Christians must have experienced.  For example, our office telephone number is one digit off from a hotel located in downtown Dayton.  So, a few times a month we’ll get a call from someone trying to book a room (don’t think we haven’t thought about booking them @VP either).  Recently, we received one of those bad calls, this time when Cody explained they had called VP and not the hotel, the caller began to ask about who we were.  Cody transfered her to my office, I detailed our purpose and mission.  The caller identified herself as Asia Collins, Operations Director for a new semi-pro basketball team called, The Dayton Air Strikers.  She went on to explain their team was looking for a community outreach and would like to come down to our building for a meeting & tour.  My response was just like yours, head shaking, mouth open, smiling, saying to myself...”Rrrrigh”t.  Asia and one of the coaches came down the next day.  They toured, met Cody and a few other young men and before they left gave us enough tickets to take all the youth and a few volunteers to their home opener at Trent Arena against the Rochester NY team.  The following week we went to the game and had a blast.  The Dayton Air Strikers will be flying our Victory Project banner from the front of the announcers table during every home game.  The players are also scheduled to come down for dinner and share their stories with our youth.  Some people may say it’s a coincidence we received that initial call or that it was an accident.  But I’ve seen so many of these “Coincidences” that I know it’s not an accident at all.  It’s our Heavenly Father arranging situations, lives and the moon & stars (if necessary), which allow us to serve Him through this amazing mission.  The next time you receive or make a wrong call, don’t be too hasty to hang up.  It just may be an opportunity to share Christ in some unexpected, but predestined way.  

Partnering w/Excellence 

This past week VP teamed up with several aerospace technology companies to sponsor the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center community update.  We were featured on signs and a lobby booth.  I had the opportunity to share our mission with leaders from all over the private and governmental spectrum.  For some people looking at this, they may say, what does an inner-city after school program have to do with aerospace technology.  My reply is, absolutely nothing.  But the Victory Project has charted a different course from day one.  As the community gets behind Dayton revitalization projects, in-particular Tech-Town.  We want our young men to be part of the conversation.  Not a part from it.  Allowing our VP youth to experience excellence in the fields of business, education and faith.  I believe it will draw out the best, igniting a smoldering fire laying deep within their lives.  Excellence attracts excellence.  Not because of who we are but who we represent.  

The Difference

I remember all those feelings the first day of school would bring.  The queazy uneasiness of walking into a new class, the anxieties of finding your locker which the combination NEVER worked until after the period bell rang.  Of course there were also feelings of excitement and adventure, catching up with old friends and making new ones.  But I now have a new bundle of emotions to add to my “First Day Of School” repertoire.  The all out hope for a new future our virtual high school brings to disadvantaged youth in our community.  We have teamed up with the Greater Ohio Virtual School to offer online courses for those who have been out of school for various reasons.  This course will benefit youth & young adults who have been incarcerated, expelled, homeless and/or suffer from various emotional behaviors but desire to complete their high school education.  Recently I met with a mother who heard about our school.  Her teenage daughter had been bullied out of school the previous year and was terrified for her to return.  So there I was, staring into the face of a frightened mother, practically begging us to let her daughter enroll.  Even though the Victory Project exclusively works with young men, we felt by offering the school to both boys & girls would not jeopardize our mission.  Besides the school hours are earlier in the day and wouldn’t overlap our evening courses with our Victory Project guys.  I know there are many alternative, online, charter and home-schools to offer people.  But here’s the difference.  Having the ability to see a need; like the mother and her daughter had, quickly asset the positive and negative impact of fulfilling that need and making the decision within a few minutes, literally changing the course of this family's life while they waited.  We are only able to have this ability to address serious needs because of the freedom we've been entrusted with.  While we have accountability to our board, we have the financial support of our Shareholders and the hands-on support of our volunteers.  Ultimately our freedom and accountability is with Christ, who has put us in a position to meet these needs without the bureaucracy of man.  Only God can offer this kind of openness and acceptability and we are truly honored to be in this position of service.                    

Dance Steps

Spring is here, and 2010 is well on it’s way.  Our children will be on Spring Break soon and before you turn around they will be out of school for the summer.  As fast as life seems to be flying-by, we are experiencing an evolution of sorts at VP.  The kind which strengthens or jeopardizes a frontline ministry such as this.  We are 10 months into our new facility, some of the initial excitement of our move has worn off and now we are learning the urban dance steps to real life change in street level ministry: “Two steps forward, one step back, jump up, fall down and get back up again”.  We have 10 young men who have been with us for several months, as they have grown comfortable with us (sometime too comfortable), we are learning the depth of their personal situations.  For example, one of our guys is trying to get his GED, but to do so we need his moms signature on the enrollment form.  But we can only stop-by between 11AM and 3PM.  If we’re too early she won’t be awake from her hangover and if it’s too late in the afternoon she’ll be drunk again.  This young man needs a lot of support and accountability but he has been surviving on his own for most of his life.  As we step in to help with his education, getting a job and spiritual growth we are truly fulfilling our motto: It’s less about what we do and more about what we undo.  But “Undoing” takes time, energy and resources, which equals  volunteers and financial support.  Please pray for our young men, our volunteers and our leaders.  I know we are right where God wants us, how do I know?  The enemy is on the attack and we are on the frontlines serving with compassion and fortitude.  Thank you for allowing me and our team to serve in this ministry, we are making a positive difference in our community.

Giving Up or Giving In

While the late afternoon light slipped behind a blanket of clouds above a downtown skyline, Cody and I made our way back to my Jeep.  We had just finished our second interview with a young man named “D”, locked up at the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center.  While the interview itself wasn’t significant, the events surrounding it, was.  Last week during our initial interview, this young man emphasized, over & over, his fear of being released and returning to the streets.  “D” had been in jail the majority of his teenage life.  Now 18, faced with the responsibility of being a new father, all while trying to “Go legit”, caused his voice to tremble with fear.  Before we left he asked us to come back the following week and meet his mom.  “D” wanted her to know he was trying to do the right thing saying, “I just don’t want to make my mom cry anymore”.  So there Cody & I sat, waiting in the steel & glass interview room of the detention center ready to meet “D’s” mom.  But before she arrived, something else began to unfold.  Every two or three staff members that passed-by had to stop to waive or hug Cody, remembering him from his time there.  One probation officer named Mike, told Cody how good it was to see him “On this side” and how they needed more men like him to influence others in a positive way.  Cody’s response was just a big smile, as he humbly glanced at the floor.  After a few minutes “D’s” mom joined us in the room, we explained what the Victory Project could offer her son and what we needed from him in return.  After listening, she exclaimed this is just what “D” needs, adding he doesn’t have any positive male influences in his life.  Shortly after, “D” entered the room and hugged his mom, but I immediately noticed something was troubling him.  “D” had already began to see some of the challenges he would face on the street.  He complained the other inmates and even some of the staff were taking advantage of his new, compliant demeanor.  I could see a wrestling match for his very soul, going on just behind his eyes, with the outcome in question.  Would “D” give up and return to the life he feared but knew or would he give in and pursue a new life.  Only God knows for sure, but it’s the fight and the victory which l just beyond, which continues to drive us everyday.  It’s for the future, to see how God will use the young men of this community.  How, with His guidance they will rescue hundreds of others, which the enemy is prowling around, ready to devour.  We’ll know in a couple of weeks if “D” chooses to join us.  If he does, we’ll encourage him and the others, not to give up...only to give in to His guidance and authority.  Please continue to pray and support our efforts, we are seeing God work in marvelous ways.

I AM Right Here

“Takin’ care of business..every day..takin’ care of business..every way”.  Sorry this isn’t a VH1 Behind The Music with Bachman-Turner Overdrive.  It’s more like a soundtrack of my life over the past few months, while working 10-12 hours a day, five to six days a week.  Many evenings my wife & sons get a quick kiss before bed and another kiss in the morning as I’m leaving again.  I’m in an all too familiar season right now, where life & ministry meet and honestly sometimes it feels like they’re meeting in a no-holds-barred cage match.  But I do have support, men that have a sort of life-line tied around me spiritually and emotionally.  Well, this afternoon I received a big tug on that life-line and I wanted to share it with you.  Because we are still so new, the Victory Project (VP) is usually financially short each month.  Right now Kelly & I fill in the gaps, not because we have to, but because we are moved to.  Well, I received a nice little gut check this afternoon, realizing how little we had to work with this month, I moved money into the VP account to cover bills.  Returning from the ATM, my thoughts were consumed with money, both personally and in this ministry.  Even with all God as given us, all the amazing stories I’ve seen and shared with you.  Even with this time on the front row, watching God’s work, my stomach turned with the thought of our financial hurdles.  Just as I walked in the VP office and sat down behind the desk, my cell phone rang.  The caller ID popped up, it was one of my accountability partners, Pastor Robert Lyons Jr of MarketPlace Ministries, in Downtown Dayton.  I actually hesitated, it would be very hard to conceal my anxiety, but I reluctantly answered it.  After some small talk, Robert asked how I was doing and being the strong Christian leader that I am, I lied, well sort of.  I did tell him how busy I was, but failed to mention all the pressures we were facing.  Robert continued by saying his church was about to celebrate their seven year anniversary and each year they weave a fundraiser into their celebration.  That way even as they recognize their own blessings, they use the opportunity to bless others.  To my surprise, VP was chosen to be the recipient of this years fundraiser.  Talk about a tug of that life-line.  I felt like a little child walking thru the crowd with his Father during the Christmas season.  Occasionally running ahead to look in store windows, distracted by all the toys and lights.  Only to turn around and suddenly realize I was alone, with so many people rushing by, blocking my view, I felt lost.  Straining my neck, standing on my toes, looking for a glimpse of Him in the crowd.  Just when the lump in my stomach was traveling into my throat, I heard the deep, comforting, almost chuckling words of my Father.  “I AM right here, son”.  He could see me, even when I couldn’t see Him.  There are so many people out there right now, feeling the way I felt this afternoon.  Lost in the crowd, searching, jumping up over the crowd trying to find a glimmer of hope.  Luke 11: 5-13 (MSG) "Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don't have a thing on hand.  The friend answers from his bed, Don't bother me. The door's locked; my children are all down for the night; I can't get up to give you anything.  But let me tell you, even if he won't get up because he's a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he'll finally get up and get you whatever you need.  Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open.  Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"  This is what I am telling you, do not stop seeking...He is there.                                         

Keep It Simple

Bringing Some Light To Sunshine Court

We stood in a circle at the end of the cul-de-sac, under a blowing gray autumn sky.  No one complained about the brisk morning air, each person had a sober understanding of their role this day.  We were about to be introduced to a family facing the heavy oppression serious illness brings.  Ovarian cancer had taken it's toll on this mother of two teenage daughters, one with a five month old daughter of her own.  As we entered their home we were greeted with warm smiles, excitement and a hint of apprehension.  They were about to turn over their home to this eager group of Victory Project volunteers from The Gathering.  Melissa Sanders, a probation officer who supervises one of the daughters would be taking them all to a nice long brunch.  Our gathering of volunteers divided up the home into four main sections; Larry & Jessie took on the bathrooms, Lara & Pat headed for the bedrooms, Jackie waded into the kitchen and Daryl & I did battle with the living room.  We all had a lot to accomplish in two hours.  The first hour felt like it went by in twenty minutes, Daryl did his best impression of Tye, letting us know we only had one hour until the big reveal.  I saw people cleaning on their hands and knees, hauling, scrubbing, and detailing as much as time would allow.  Each smiling, but serious about the task at hand.  As time ran down, the dark, cluttered house we entered a short time before, opened up to become a fresher version of itself.  We also displayed a few surprises; new baby clothes, diapers, toiletries, candles, flowers even a new blanket and fluffy slippers for mom.  We all felt there was so much more we could do, but our goal had been accomplished.Just before the family returned, we again stood in a circle.  This time in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, holding hands we lifted prayers for this family and all that they are facing.  Before closing, Luke 21 came to mind, the widow offering her two coins.  We didn't give a lot but we gave it our all.  When the family returned, we met them in the driveway.  I noticed the mom was studying our faces, looking for some clue to what she might find inside.  We stood behind them as the family went in.  Just like on TV, they opened the door cautiously, we heard gasps and the welcoming words, "Oh wow". Over the next few minutes we shared the details of our work and the honor we felt of being allowed to serve them.  Before we left, they each hugged and thanked us for all we had done.  Their faces were absolutely beaming, bringing some much needed light to Sunshine Court. "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.  God is not a secret to be kept, we're going public with this as public as a city on a hill"  Matthew 5:14

Honored To Serve

This morning I had a brief conversation over the phone with Eric Shafer, Director of Montgomery County Juvenile Court Probation's. It was the kind of conversation which, at first, created a rush of adrenaline, but within a few moments that excitement turned into deep reverence. You see, Eric called to invite Pastor John and me to the Judge's Luncheon. An annual event in which the Juvenile Court Judge's have a year-end review and recognize people and organizations which have made a substantial contribution to the youth in our county. This year the Victory Project was chosen to receive the courts recognition and praise. This is what created the rush of adrenaline, the fact we are being recognized for the long hours of volunteer work many of you, reading this email, participated in. The money spent on events, Christmas gifts, food, clothing and Acts of Kindness. The tears of pain and frustration we've shared over the past two and a half years, seeing young lives faced with insurmountable conditions. Finally the tears of joy, seeing some of those very same youth, grow and succeed despite the obstacles. But as soon as these feelings welled up inside of me, a wave of reverence washed it away. The reality of the moment set-in, this idea, this vision, this passion in which Pastor John and The Gathering has allowed me to pursue, wasn't for the praise of men but for an audience of One. God has blessed me with a fantastic team of volunteers to serve alongside, a growing group of "Shareholders" which give their finances, a stewardship-centered Board which pushes me to strive for excellence and of course a family which has supported me long before. My wife Kelly and my sons have all contributed in ways which have created an atmosphere of peace and success to work in. So if we hold the Victory Project up to the light for closer scrutiny, we see how this small group of people with very limited resources, keeps drawing the attention of people from all over. We find the answer in our own guiding verse; Matthew 5:14 (MSG) "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill". But let's look at the corresponding verses, Gods word continues; "If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven". We have been given a great honor from the court, which I sincerely appreciate, but we've also been given a greater responsibility. Now that we've been put on this "Light stand", we will need to double our efforts in prayer and good stewardship. So, let's continue to draw attention...attention to HIM.

An Amazing Happening

I have some remarkable and humbling news to share. One of our volunteers who has served with the Victory Project alongside her husband and daughter since our conception, recently lost her courageous battle with cancer. This amazing wife & mother rarely missed a VP event even when she was sick. Last year after one particularly difficult round of chemo she came to an event, walked up, punched me in the arm and with a sparkle in her eye said, “You didn’t think you’d get rid of me that easily did you”. She did this because she loved people, she loved to give, she loved to serve alongside her family but ultimately it was because she loved Christ and wanted people to experience this love through her many acts of kindness. Before she passed away she requested that people make donations to the Victory Project instead of buying flowers for her funeral. Even as she faced death, this warrior was still looking for a way to serve others and bring glory to God. Because of the many lives she touched, people honored her request and after her funeral donations began to arrive in her name. But this week life changed for the Victory Project. The family made a donation in an amount that equates to our entire annual budget and then some. When I called her husband, still in a mild state of shock, his response was that his wife just wanted to make an impact at the new Victory Project building downtown and hoped this gift would help. He also requested that I didn’t use their names because it wasn’t about them, it was about serving God and honoring their loved one memory. I’m not sure how to even close this message, words just don’t make sense when you’re faced with this kind of selflessness. Maybe silence is the way to close, the kind of quiet pause which causes us to reflect on how and why we serve. Are we serving with a joyful heart or are we just serving? Let us pause…

For The Times, They Are A Change'n

The time is quickly approaching when we will be welcoming our new Victory Project Board Members. But before we do I want to take a few lines to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work, dedication and counsel the current board has freely offered me and this organization. For over two years we have met, prepared and executed with a sustained commitment and excellence no one can deny. Our uncommon dependence on common sense, has quickly set us apart within the community. But ultimately our personal and collective recognition of what we have been able to accomplish in two years is where the praise truly belongs. Without God's direct involvement we would be nowhere near our current situation. Which, by the way is poised to blaze a trail through the business, criminal justice and faith communities, not for our sake, but for HIS.

A Change of Address

"Mission control, the eagle has landed". Yes, you read right..the Victory Project is alive and well in Downtown Dayton. After only a few months of searching, God has provided a perfect location to embed our services, 16 West Fifth St, basically on the corner of Fifth & Main! We have 15,000 square feet of space to grow into, as we continue to evolve this will enable us to be flexible and multifaceted, thus more effective. If you are not aware of what the Victory Project is about, let me take a moment to explain. I founded VP in 2007 as a faith-based, non-profit which helped court-involved youth and their families with mentoring, tutoring and basic job acquiring skills. During an evaluation period about six months ago I realized what we were accomplishing was good but not great. You see, we could help the youth find jobs but the jobs were in the suburbs and taking daily public transportation, an hour each way for a part-time, minimum wage job just wasn't sustainable.

After consulting with my board, volunteers and the youth we serve I decided to bring VP downtown, with this centrally located facility we will expand our curriculum to include the creation of a small business, which the youth, alongside their business mentors will operate. Exposing them to an entrepreneurial apprenticeship experience which they will carry throughout life. The facility will also allow us to expand our tutoring, life-skills, recreational, arts inspired and faith-based activities. Our desire is to fill the youth's time with practical, life forming skills in a safe environment. We are committed to undoing lives, to break the cycles of hopelessness, insignificance and isolation which drives an ever increasing rate of recidivism many court-involved youth face. Through a holistic approach, we will address physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Bringing together the Business, Criminal Justice and Faith communities, to provide evidence-based exit strategies for court-involved and at-risk youth in Montgomery County. This IS an Uncommon Alliance this IS the Victory Project.

2008 Review

As I look back over this past year I can't help but feel a little overwhelmed by what has taken place. We started VP with a purpose and vision but being a realist I really didn't think we'd be able to accomplish very much in the first couple years. It's not that I didn't have confidence; I just didn't have confidence in the right area! It's almost like when you are in the middle of an experience you can't always see how it will turn out, then afterwards, you look back to see how God was walking (and carrying) you through it. That's what I'm feeling has I look back over 2008, the weight of humility and gratitude is bubbling up in my heart:

·Over 1400 dinners served to the needy at Sugartree ·Hundreds of pounds of food donated for the Sugartree pantry ·Almost 200 gifts distributed at the Christmas party for court-involved youth ·Three mini home & yard makeovers for families of court involved youth ·Two event outings for court-involved youth ·Small Groups mentoring at Nicholas Residential Treatment Center & The George Foster Home ·An appreciation lunch for the Montgomery County Probationary Staff ·Our first golf tournament fundraiser ·Received our 501c3 designation ·Invited to sit on the board of The United Way of Greater Dayton ·Dozens of behind the scenes faith stories & acts of kindness ·All while celebrating our ONE YEAR anniversary

Now, it may sound like we're bragging, but we know the real credit for all these successes lay at the feet of our King. When you look at what has been accomplished through our limited experience and resources there is no other possibility. This is not to say that I don't realize what an AMAZING corps of volunteers we have or how much we appreciate the opportunity to serve alongside those at Montgomery County Juvenile Court. But even when you take all these factors into consideration, it still falls short. We are so thankful for God's guidance and protection in this mission, please pray it continues for many years to come, because we have only just begun (not The Carpenter's song either)

Priceless

Recently I was part of an amazing event, members of a couple's group serving with VP celebrated Christmas with the youth and staff at N.R.T.C. After the party I received an email from Teresa Jones who wrote about their experience....

The gifts were wrapped. The brownies were baked. The games were planned. All of the logistics had been taken care of for the 18 youth who our small group ministers to on a monthly basis. I admit that on the day of the party, my mind was on other personal issues. But, the minute I walked through the door of NRTC, my worries were gone. Instantly, I was concerned more about showing God's love to these young men. Now, I am not just saying this to act all righteous. For those two hours, I truly experienced freedom from anxiety and a joy that was deep. God is so like that. I had come to bring Jesus' peace and joy to the boys yet I was experiencing it personally. I stood back from the group at times during the night and asked the Lord to show me "God-sized" moments. HE produced a tearjerker for me:

* Monnie thanked the group of young men for allowing us to come each month and spend time with them. One youth stood up and said, "No, thank YOU!"
* While Mark, Ron, and Debbie read different pieces of the Christmas story, those 18 teenage boys listened so intently, almost in awe over the prophecy told in Isaiah concerning Jesus' birth.
* When opening their gifts, one youth thanked us for his Christmas card (not a gift!). He then turned away from the group and I caught him kissing the card.
* Jermaine, one of the Staff leaders, told us that the impact we are making on these youth is incredible. He thanked us profusely for everything that we have done and told us that they would repay us for our kindness. We told him, "Don't even think about paying us back! We are blessed every time we come here!"

Christmas Gift for one youth: $25, Brownie Mix for snack: $3,

Driving to NRTC (gas money): $10, Touching Teenagers Lives: Priceless

Playing For Blood

One of my favorite movies of all time is "Tombstone" with Kurt Russell & Val Kilmer. Recently I was watching the movie again and a particular scene struck me very differently than any of the other 100 times I've seen it. It's the scene where Doc Holiday meets up with a rival by the name of Johnny Ringo on the streets of Tombstone in a tense standoff. Ringo had just challenged Wyatt Earp to a duel, which he called playing for blood. As Earp walks away Holiday steps forward to accept the challenge saying, "I'm your huckleberry". That's when the comparison hit me; many of the court involved youth we are working with are answering that same challenge today, they're playing for blood and have you ever wondered why? Well, simply put it gives many inner-city young men & women meaning. These foot soldiers in the war on drugs have found the same kind of bonding experience many traditional combat veterans feel, running & gunning across neighborhoods, fighting with gangs and the police.

This lifestyle manifests a camaraderie no classroom, sports team or typical job could match. But what is missing in this street life is true friendship; you see many of these young men are more likely to take a bullet for their buddy than discover each other's dreams and fears, or their own for that matter. They may be together for years, in and out of jail, drunk, high and straight, fighting side by side for money, or women, or whatever they mean by respect, without ever really understanding what makes each of them uniquely precious. It isn't just the boys on the corner, either. It is the girls who flock to them, too, and their babies, and all the others who get caught up in the madness they make out there. No matter how long they live that life together; in the end they are always alone. Here awaits the great tragedy, people living the street life believe those they run with will ride & die for them, but at the moment of truth a horrible reality is revealed, a cruel joke in which they are the punch line, the sudden realization that they are alone in the deepest, darkest sense of the word.

But there is real hope and it doesn't have to come from any brilliant theologian or politician, it can start with you. Our motto: It's less about what we Do and more about what we Undo, is where we believe Christ has called us, just being a friend, a mentor, a tour guide who can help someone navigate the system is where we believe hope & healing starts, stay tuned...

If They Could See Me Now..(jazz hands)..That Old Gang of Mine

I want to share a few observations about last night's activities at Nicholas. As with previous arrivals, the boys trickled out of the buildings to meet with the group, at first no one wants to appear too excited to see us. Then one or two break away from the pack in an all out run, this triggers the remainder to hurry over and welcome our group back. After a few minutes of conversation it's time to play and whether it's softball, football, basketball or like last night volleyball, the boys are ready to expend some energy. But I heard several say to a couple of the new youth, these guys are "For real" or point to one of the men in the group and say, "If you saw him play last time you'd know he's got skills". They believe in our authenticity because of shared experiences and by doing this we have broken through the barrier of expectation. Our group stands out in their minds, not because of what we are doing, but what we have undone.

As the volleyball game ended and everyone made their way over to the picnic tables to sit down, I heard "D" talking to one of the new youth, he said, "Didn't I tell you this was bang'n"? The boy obviously wasn't following what "D" was referring to and replied, "What is"? "D" looked at him with that big contagious smile, his head tilted to the side, spinning his arm over his head like a helicopter and simply said, "All of this". These boys are talking with each other long after our group leaves. The fact they are willing to associate themselves with our group with their peers no less, is an indicator of how much they trust & value our interaction in their lives.

Of course my favorite part of the evening was sitting in the circle listening to Ron & Rob as they got the boys to talk very openly about faith and purpose. One of Ron's questions began a series of questions/discussions about the Trinity. As many of youth were talking about how God came to earth as a man, one of the youth said while gesturing to our group, "You could be Jesus". While his statement seems elementary and uninformed to us, I couldn't help but feel Christ must get the kind of joy that only a Father listening to his small children can. As we fumble with concepts far beyond our understanding, He lovingly encourages us to continue to search His word for the answers. As John & I were putting the wheels on the Victory Project, this is exactly what we had in mind. Our group may be the closest some of the boys have ever come to Christ. We are encouraged, inspired & humbled by this idea. A huge thank you goes out to everyone in our small group, especially Ron & Debbie. They have been a driving force behind this ministry.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone...and Keep On Going

A few months ago the Victory Project was invited to engage youth at a local juvenile rehab facility. We were asked to share in life-coaching, recreation activities and Bible study. I was blown away, what an awesome opportunity to show Christ to these young men, in real & tangible ways. So we recruited a mature (in the Biblical sense), active couple's group to take on the challenge and they jumped at the chance. OK, let me stop right here. I was going to just pound out my prospective on this keyboard but have something much better, a firsthand account of how God can take a common group of people and make an uncommon impact. The following is an email from Anne Haye:

I have to be honest... going to NRTC last night was pretty close to the last thing I "felt" like doing. I had a headache; my muscles ached, recovering from being gone for 4 days, tired, etc. and I just wanted to hang out at home. But I went and my attitude changed quickly. When we got there, our group was hanging out by the cars, and within minutes the kids came outside... like bees on honey. The sight of ALL of the boys coming out at one time displayed their enthusiasm... not to play softball. But to be with us! It really touched me. I quietly observed this taking place, they got in the vans and we followed them to the softball fields. There wasn't any questioning as to why we are leaving, where we are going, who are these people.... It was so obvious that this was an opportunity they have been looking forward to for some time! They knew when we were coming and what was going on and could hardly wait to get in the van to get the evening started.The softball game was definitely entertaining....Sitting on the bench, you get quite a perspective. I need to share one in particular, because of the way it ended. Since I don't work there, with those boys all the time, it is easy for me to see what went wrong. I know my view is limited and probably wrong, but I will give it from my view anyway. One leader was a little controlling, and was telling someone to go get the ball, that was thrown over first base (the leader was on first base). The boy said something. All of a sudden, the leader is telling him to watch his mouth, to run a lap, to be quiet, etc. Actually going off on him. Another leader, sitting next to us on the bench tried to intervene and get the other leader to calm down, and he was going to deal with the boy. Well, this guy couldn't let it go. Just when I thought it was over, he would say something else to the boy. Anyway, the boy lost control, and was pretty mad. I didn't hear him say anything rude, except he was feeling frustrated that this leader was trying to make him mad, so he was questioning his actions. Long story short, it ended. The game went on without further incident. We got back to the sight, and brought out cookies, brownies and some other goodies, along with bottled water. They ate as if they had never eaten! Teen boys like to eat! We sat around the bonfire area, and started to talk. I missed some of it, but when I got back, they were answering the question asked of them last time..."Why do you think we are here?" One guy, Jacob, said, "because you want to show us a different way to go, to direct us to change our ways." Another guy said, "to help us out". Before we ended this discussion, Rob asked if there was anything anyone wanted to add. This boy, I mentioned earlier, said, "I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I just had a bad moment and I am sorry for acting that way." I could have hugged him! He had his head held down, and you could see he truly was sorry for acting that way. When in reality, don't we all, at some point in our lives act that way? Don't we all do things, or say things, that we wish we could take back? Don't we all lose control at some time? I said, "thanks for saying that, but know you are not alone. " It was really amazing to see this guy, who is cool, humble himself and apologize. Plus, there was no one around to "force" him to say it. They are reminded sometimes to say, "thanks", and "please", etc. But no one told him to say that- and even if they did, You could see the sincerity in his demeanor. While we were hanging out and cleaning up, the boys asked us several times, "when are you coming back?" To be wanted, to be needed, to be pursued, to be desired... that is what they make you feel! But more than that, and more importantly- that is what we make them feel! To give these guys a reason to try to do better in life.... Amazing! A couple of them asked about Bible studies...coming to church, etc. They want to know who we are and what we do! I have been there twice now, and each time I go away thanking God for this opportunity. These boys represent to me so much more than an opportunity for me to get my "quota of ministry work in". They are "little boys" who just missed out on love, and the blessing of being able to be a kid. Forced to grow up too soon, little discipline and too little encouragement to show them the benefits of integrity, leadership and confidence... they have missed out on receiving grace that comes through Christ, and this is a chance Christ has given us to help them find it- to offer love and support and REAL adults who care about them!

Who Asked You

The other day I was downtown for a lunch meeting with a community leader. I arrived early to the restaurant, a local artsy place with decent food and a cool atmosphere. I pulled out my IPhone (yes I have one of those) and began checking my emails. As the lunch crowd grew and people waited to be seated I noticed something very interesting. If two or more people arrived together they were very comfortable waiting for a table. They'd discuss what to order or roll their eyes about the business back at the office. In contrast when someone arrived alone, they appeared very uncomfortable. Usually they'd come in and immediately begin searching the restaurant for the person they were meeting, not casually either, but almost in a panic. Straining their necks and standing on their toes to see around the restaurant. If they spotted the person, their furrowed brow would instantly turn into a smile, even offering a hand gesture to their acquaintance as they hurried to sit down. But if they didn't find their lunch date, they'd literally sink back into the groups waiting around the hosts stand, almost in defeat. I asked myself, why are we so worried about being alone for a moment, are we that uncomfortable with ourselves that we need others to focus on? God tells us to spend time in a quiet place so we can hear what He's trying to tell us. But we have become so concerned and distracted with life that we are complete strangers to ourselves. Of course I noticed all this while flipping through emails on my phone. I heard my inner-voice say, who asked you anyway; I turned off my phone and spent a few minutes in conversation with God.

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