September 2008 News

The Next six posts contain the following contents of our most recent newsletter, Reaching out to Youth Through the Ministries of Bethel Temple:

• Surviving on their Own
• Eagles Win Timoteo Flag Football Championship
• Death is Raw in the Hood
• Children of the City
• Praises and Prayer Requests
• Support Needs and Contact information

Surviving On Their Own

You have most likely heard the statement that kids in our neighborhood raise themselves. But what does that mean? Does it mean that they are orphans living in boxes on the street? Do you picture parents doing drugs in front of the TV, while the child fixes dinner for himself? Though these situations exist, they represent a very small number.

Take, for example, the way Nes grew up. At age five, his father died. His mother never had anymore children and raised Nes on her own. She never did drugs, always provided his physical needs and taught him right from wrong. She sent him to church and scolded him when he stayed out too late. She gave him chores around the house and found a tutor when he needed help in school. So why does he feel he fended for himself? It certainly was not that she didn’t care or didn’t try.

He tells me he had to figure out most life skills for himself. His mom lacked many resources to pass on to him. She did not attend church regularly or have a healthy spiritual life. His mom lacked a high school education and could not speak English well. He did not have a father.

Look at one of our youth named Samir. His mother worries about her 15 year old son. His father is in jail, and Samir struggles with anger and rage. She has told Nes and I on more than one occasion that she breathes sighs of relief when she knows Samir is hanging out with us. She is very reluctant to come to church. Please pray that she will surrender herself to God. Without Him she just doesn’t know what to do with Samir and lacks the resources to figure it out.

Still, God has showered His grace on this young man. His brain is a sponge and he takes in every bible study lesson. He has been consistently involved in Timoteo football, Sunday school and helps us with our kids and our garden. He is surviving because God is working in him.
We praise God for defying the worldly odds with many of our youth. And we pray for them to receive the resources that their parents didn’t have.

Samir is pictured above on the far right next to Mike and Danielle.

Eagles Win Timoteo Flag Football Championship

I am not trying to brag, but my husband is the greatest coach I have ever known! He pushed these guys to surrender their self-centeredness, play as a team and be an example of what it means to live for Christ. In the end, they accomplished an undefeated season as an added bonus!
Some of these guys are Christians and others are still searching, but we pray that the lessons learned will draw them closer to becoming what the Lord desires for them. Many live within a block of us and we continue to have many opportunities to interact with them.

Pictured above are Bryant and "Snoop" who play on the Timoteo Eagles team. They are wearing their new high school team jerseys for this fall.

For more on the Timoteo Flag football league visit the site at Timoteofootball.com

Death is Raw in the Hood

Lyza, a classmate to kids in our youth group, committed suicide. A young girl died of a heart attack one block from our home. A church family’s 10-year-old son died. Carlos, a young man who came up through our youth group was killed in a car accident. Ciso, a man from our block who grew up with Nes, was tortured and killed as revenge. Another young man was shot one block from the church.

All of this happened this year. Whether it happens to the “innocent” or to the “delinquent,” our community struggles to make sense of it. At the same time, there is numbness. The news seems to communicate, “There goes another one.” Unless it is a cop. Then coverage lasts for weeks.

In another neighborhood, you can watch countless neighbors on television in shock, wondering how this could happen. In ours, neighbors build shrines of teddy bears and candles and balloons—left to soak in the rain.

How does God call us to respond to people’s grief in a place like this?

We must share the gospel and explain the hope that is in Christ. We need to encourage folks to share with their families. Then, we can take the advice of Paul: “...we do not want you...to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” I Thessalonians 4:13

Children of the City

Fingerprints and noseprints left on the storm door glass by friends peering in. Chalk scribble on the sidewalk. Trips to the corner store for a treat. Ice cream trucks playing music in the distance. Four preschoolers chattering around a sprinkler. These are images you cannot replicate. These are the experiences of raising children in the city.

Someone recently told me that the reason he moved out of Philadelphia was because it just got to dangerous for his daughter. I told him that our children are safe only because God takes care of them. Of course we have our share of fears. But God calls us to be grateful for the pleasures the city gives us and trust Him for the rest.

“The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there." This is what the LORD Almighty says: "It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?" declares the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 8:5,6

(Pictured above are our children playing in the school yard near our home.)

Praises and Prayer Requests

Praises
· Alecia was accepted to a Dual Language Charter School for kindergarten.
· Great Timoteo football season.
· Tasty tomatoes and peaches from our garden!
· Some you have increased your support.

Prayer Requests
· Alecia’s transition to kindergarten.
· Annual Senior High Retreat, October 24-26 to Camp Andrews.
· ONE youth rallies: September 19 and November 14.
· Wisdom to Sunday school teachers and youth leaders.
· That God would help us love those who are hard to love.
· Guidance about a new ministry opportunity.

Our Garden 2008!

APRIL 2008 NEWS
REACHING OUT TO YOUTH THROUGH THE MINISTRIES OF BETHEL TEMPLE

Contents:
A Teenager's Good Friday Sermonette
Councilwoman's Visit
Timoteo Flag Football http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSAKNuU-c4&feature=related
Prayer Requests
CityNet/YouthNet Update
Support Needs

(Please read the next three posts to see all the contents of the newsletter.)


Jesus Said, "I am Thirsty."
Bryant's Good Friday sermonette

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

Recently, we experienced one of the proudest moments in our 9 years of youth ministry at Bethel Temple. A young man named Bryant, whom we have spoken about before, took an opportunity to share a sermonette at our Good Friday service. His task was to explain the significance of Jesus words, “I am thirsty.” We want to share it with you.

“I want to talk about a time at Edison (high school) with my football team. We are practicing, practicing really hard. Then at the end of the practice—it’s always the worst time—the coach makes us run wind sprints. If anyone knows what that means—we know it’s coming and we’re all tired. We gotta get up, then we just take off and run back and forth, back and forth. Nobody really wants to do it, we’re just so tired. At the end we’re all sluggish and we’re thirsty. And we’re thirsty because we are human...And our God, Jesus, was thirsty as we are. He was human, He came down. He was hungry as we are, He was tempted as we are, and He did not sin.”

Bryant went on to explain what he had learned about the pain of the crucifixion. He quoted a bible commentary that pointed out that Jesus never complained while he was whipped or when thorns were pushed on his head. However, at the end to fulfill scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” Bryant ended his talk with this:

“Whatever you are going through this week—just remember that Jesus has been through the same kind of suffering that we go through—or worse. Take comfort in whatever you are going through and give it all to God because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

At the end of the service, Bryant’s mother (who is not a Christian) went forward for prayer. Continue praying for God to use Bryant reach his family!

Councilwoman Visits our Home

Last fall, Maria Quinones-Sanchez was elected as Philadelphia’s first Hispanic woman on city council. We were particularly excited about this new representative because she visited our block during her campaign and we got a chance to talk to her face to face. She represents a large and very diverse area of Philadelphia, but grew up in our neighborhood. She even attended the elementary school just half a block from our house. Consequently, she cares deeply about the struggles this neighborhood faces. In February, we actually sat down with her in our home and shared our desire to make a positive impact. Please pray that our connection to her will develop in the coming months and years, and that God will use it for His glory—to bring healing to this neighborhood.

TIMOTEO FLAG FOOTBALL & OTHER UPDATES


Timoteo Flag Football:
It is amazing how the Holy Spirit is teaching our youth to step up and become leaders themselves. The Junior High Ministry is led by three high school students and four who have come up through the ministry. Rob who is coordinating Junior High has also stepped up as a coach in our Timoteo Flag Football League. He is pictured below discussing strategy with players during our 2006 season. The 2008 season starts Saturday, April 19. Please join us at Scanlon Park, J & Tioga Streets, at 3:30pm each Saturday until June. Timoteofootball.com Please see our video at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSAKNuU-c4&feature=related


Prayer Requests:
· That God would strengthen our young men to be examples that our youth so desperately need in a culture of absent fathers.
· For those who attended the Jr. High Retreat April 11-13.
· Our family will spend a week at a camp called Orchard Hill. Nes will speak to high school youth who attend camp during the week of June 29th.

CityNet/YouthNet Update:
As we prepared to submit our proposal to expand “ONE”, we found out that the director of CityNet had decided to retire. As a result, CityNet’s board set up a team to evaluate its effectiveness and direction. Through that, serious questions about whether CityNet will continue have risen. For the time being our proposal is on hold, and we will continue in our current position at Bethel Temple. Please pray for us and others involved with CityNet, because it has been a frustrating process.


Support Needs:
· Health Insurance Premium. We are in urgent need for an individual, church or other group to sponsor our health insurance premiums. The cost is $550/month or $6600 for one year.

· Opportunities to share the ministry at your church or small group. Our time is flexible and we would love to visit you!

· New monthly commitments

Contact us at nesdanaphilly@gmail.com or (215) 225-5979
Send Donations payable to
Bethel Temple Community Bible Church, 2928 N. Fairhill St., Philadelphia, PA 19133

October 2007

Reaching Out to Youth Through the Ministries of Bethel Temple

Community Spirit

Usually when I hear a siren from a fire truck it causes me anxiety. Selfishly, I am hoping that siren never makes it to my front door. House fires are so common in these neighborhoods and it is terrifying to imagine it happening to me or my neighbors.

But on September 2, a fire truck showed up on our block and I ran to get Justis and Alecia so they could see the firemen at work—not putting out a fire, but cleaning our block!

They started out spraying down an abandoned corner property that had been full of dumped trash (see picture). Several residents of our block bagged the trash that morning and the firemen proceeded to wash it down.

Then, as they usually do, the firemen received a “real” call and had to be on their way before they finished the whole block. Men from our block completed the job.

All this was done to prepare for our Labor Day Block Party. These block parties are pretty common throughout the city, but it had been a long time since our block had a successful one.

Nes initiated the closing of the block a couple of weeks before and knocked door-to-door to encourage people to be involved and contribute food.

The result was amazing, and most of the block participated. There was lots of food, games for kids, a DJ and live music.

We did not aim for this to be a “Christian” event. However, at the end of the day, Nes and another Christian reminded our neighbors of our intention. We initiated the block party because we want them to know that we care about them and our neighborhood, and that Jesus Christ was the source of our love.

Since this event, neighbors are supporting Nes to be the new block captain with our next-door-neighbor as the co-captain. Please pray for our continued involvement in our community—that we would be able to show Christ’s love by working for a better neighborhood to live in.

Alecia Goes to School

Who’s more anxious about your child’s first day of school? The parent or the child? It is hard to say. But it was a feat to try to cover up my anxiety so that it wouldn’t worsen Alecia’s.

Alecia started preschool on September 5th. She is attending a headstart program run by an Hispanic community organization. She is learning both Spanish and English on alternating days. Alecia’s favorite friend is Luis and she also has friends named Jada, Diomani and Atabei.

Also, I have gotten involved in the Parent Committee which is just getting started. Please pray for relationships with other parents and for Alecia’s continued adjustment.

Meet You at the Pole

Praise God for bold teenagers! Jonelli was recently sitting at our kitchen table sharing her excitement about the “meet you at the pole” prayer for kids at her high school. “It was decent!” she said, describing how she shared bible passages and told other kids to come talk to her if they want to know more about being a Christian. Jonelli told us how they started with just a few, and soon a crowd gathered to pray together!

Pictured are Nes (on his birthday) with Alecia and Justis. Bryant is sharing his love for Nes, and Jonelli is next to Alecia.

SWEET NORTH PHILLY HARVEST

Garden is Flourishing

Would you believe that a vacant house collapsed onto this spot just 3 years ago. We have definitely seen transformation and it is exciting. Watch our garden grow and stay tuned for the harvest!

Neighborhood Transformation

Trash--that 's what I walk on when I step down out of my front door...chip bags, grocery bags, school papers, juice bottles, cigars, drug paraphernalia, gum... Why clean up? No one else cares... But I care. Last month I found out that a few more care when we had a block meeting with Maria Quinones Sanchez who was running for city council. She said, "We can be poor, but we don't have to be dirty." She got my vote.

As we disciple youth and teach them what it means to follow Jesus and transform their lives, we also want to teach them to see hope in the transformation of their neighborhood. Part of that is making it look nicer--even if others don't seem to care. It is setting an example and giving people a new way to look at things. That is why Nes took four teenagers to pick up a load full of compost as you see above. This is our third summer planting a garden in an empty lot across the street from our house. We are rookies at gardening, but we are trying.

Stay tuned...for the garden's status.

March 2007 News


REACHING OUT TO YOUTH THROUGH THE MINISTRIES OF BETHEL TEMPLE





INCARNATIONAL MINISTRY

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).” Jesus was God incarnate and we seek to follow His example to live among the people we are trying to reach with the gospel. Incarnational ministry is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ by having relationships and living our daily lives with people in North Philly/ West Kensington.

I am realizing more and more that there is no other hope we can offer than the hope of the gospel—not just the hope of the gospel message, but the way God’s people (the church) live it out in the world. If Christians are to share the message of the hope, then we have a great responsibility. For example we are to meet the physical needs of the community, and show how a child of God lives and makes decisions. Too often people in the city rarely see Christians fearing God. We are called to live in this community and be a living testimony to our neighbors.

I had an encounter on my way to the auto shop around the corner from my house. I saw a childhood friend of mine named Fernando sitting on the steps of Santos’ cheese-steak place. He knows a little about the Lord and we began a conversation about it. First he started to say that the church is full of hypocrites. He may be right, but I told him that he was focusing on the wrong thing. We all fail and we all need to get back up in the power of Christ. Then he changed the topic and said, “Nes, you know that I was talking about you the other day—how your God has given you a house, two cars, a family, and you also work at church.” Fernando began to explain that he was trying to prove to a friend that God does exist. This is amazing how someone that doesn't hold on to Christ as their own Lord and Savior would defend the faith.

This incident with Fernando on the street was a moment of purpose for why we are here in the city. This is a place that I have invested the hope of Christ. The hope of the world is Christ and we as His vessels need to share that hope to this world. Let our hope from the righteousness of Christ flow through us in our daily living for the world to see and through that they will see Christ.

Verses to meditate on:
Pr 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.
Pr 2:8 ...for he guards the course of the just and protects the ways of the faithful ones.






YOUTH MAKE FAITH PUBLIC THROUGH BAPTISM

Bryant was led to the Lord in November of 2005 at our annual camp Men-O-Lan retreat. He is 15 years old and a sophomore in High School. He also plays football for his school and our Timoteo league (he an Eagle). Bryant lives on our block and so we have many opportunities to talk about what it means to live for Christ. He asks lots of pointed questions. I have known Bryant since he was a baby. He lives with his Dad and brother, Montrez just four doors down from us. Pray for the continual growth of Bryant and the salvation of the rest of his family. At his baptism his mom and aunt, whom6 we had never met before, attended.

Angel has been a part of the ministry for about 6 years. Angel is a very confident and respectful young adult that likes to serve. He is a senior in high school. He is a junior leader for the middle school ministry that meets every Thursday night. He is 17 years old and lives with his Mom and step-dad and younger brother. Pray for the direction of his future and the continual growth of his faith. He is also a “Raider” in the Timoteo Flag Football League.

Victor (pictured above) is a freshman at Community College of Philadelphia. He is 18 years old and has been with the youth ministry for about 3 years. He also helps with the middle school ministry as an adult leader. He started as a junior leader and now has stepped up. This year he is transitioning from the Raiders to Eagles to become my assistant coach. He has a desire to grow in his leadership skills. Pray for the continual growth in his faith and his connection with the adults of the church.

These guys are also among those involved in our weekly discipleship group. They desire to grow deeper in their faith with Christ. Pray for their futures and their daily decisions as Christians. Pray for me as their teacher and shepherd.

Youth Hike

Urban Hike

Is hiking a grueling trail in the nation's fifth largest city an oxymoron? That's what our kids thought when Nes told them he was going to take the senior high discipleship group on a hike in Philly. "We thought you were going to take us to Hunting Park," remarked one of the teenagers about a neighborhood park where dogs take walks, kids play basketball and street hockey and drug users shoot up. Little did they know that just 15 minutes from their neighborhood they would find a challenge and delight without leaving the city.

Nes began a new type of "youth group" for the senior high last fall. We found that we had a core group of kids who needed to grow deeper in their relationships with Christ. So we changed the format of youth group to be that of a discipleship group. It includes deeper studies into how Christ wants us to live. We also want to instill a sense of love for our city and community and a desire to transform it. The kids will be involved in service projects like cleaning the church, making repairs, and working on a garden lot.