Plans for a Future and a Hope

Since the season is over through the winter months, I have been investing in our players one on two by taking them to our new offices and studying Jeremiah 29:11. I ask them to turn to the passage and read it aloud. Then I ask them what it means. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, to give you a future and a hope."

Lorenzo

Me: Lorenzo, have you ever felt hopeless before?

L: Yes.

Me: Can you tell me when?

L: When soccer was over. I was thinking, well what am I gonna do now?

Me: Really? Well, the Bible says that God has a plan to bring us hope. What does that mean to you?

L: That maybe he would let us have another soccer game.

Haha, how precious. Lorenzo is not a guy that says things to butter me up (unlike some of my others kids). He was very serious in his responses and it was amazing to hear how much hope he finds in playing soccer with us. What an amazing testimony to creating teams where these kids feel like they have a positive place to belong. 

That's why people join gangs, because we all have a basic need to belong. It always reminds me of the Lecrae lyric,"They say i'm good at bad things, at least they proud of me." We provide these kids with a role model in their coaches. Now that we have something they are interested in (soccer), we have the key to their hearts. And we pray they will receive Christ through holistic coaching.

After I have the kids write the verse out on a piece a paper to help them remember it I ask them, "In 10 years, where do you picture yourself?" Then we write down where they are now and some things to focus on to help them reach their goals for the future. Then we write down things that God needs to do to help us. Which is really EVERYTHING! But together we thought of a few things out of his control that could help Lorenzo achieve his goals. :) 

Check it out:

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard of him? And how they hear about him unless someone tells them?"       Romans 10:14

Out of the Shadows

As much as I would like to sit here and type about how victorious I was in Christ after I was robbed a couple months ago that would be a lie - I saw some hard days. For nearly a month, I was squandering in my own thoughts and fears of what coulda been and what could be. Somedays, I couldn't sleep in my own bed, be at home alone, I wouldn't run outside or drive in the city at night. I was constantly looking over my shoulder or reading into small noises from the next room. The normal things in life became a challenge for me to do. And yet no one seemed to understand.

It ended up being a God-glorifying situation with the media picking up the story and giving me a platform to share what I do and who I follow. But what is supposed to happen after the media was gone? Who would walk me to my car? Or peel me out of my room to go about the day? God, those things were all great but have you thought about ME in this situation? My state of mind? It was an hourly battle. Literally, I would be fine and then I wouldn't be. I felt crazy...

I have class with a pastor that works in the neighborhood I was robbed in and he was righteously angry about what happened to me. It was so therapeutic to see a black man show that kind of emotion about what happened. He asked me how I was recovering and I told him it was an hourly battle. He said a few words, but the ones that stood out, "...if God chooses to redeem this..." I interrupted him. What do you mean if God chooses to redeem this? He already is redeeming it! "Well listen, you have a choice. Because when something like this happened to my buddy he moved his family out to the 'burbs." That's when it really hit me. Coming from a true soldier - who answered the pointed finger that says I WANT YOU... (to live in the city and be an agent of change). I said so what do we do? Do we move? He passionately replied, "Hell No! I'm not! We just be aware and keep making a change."

Cruising off in my mini-van from that convo I coulda cried from the emotion that was before me. At this point, it isn't my housing at stake, it is my living and core purpose. IF ... he said IF. Wow, I never even thought I had a choice in this. The thought alone scares me. I felt empowered, afraid, and encouraged.

Couple weeks later of not having a solid quiet time and feeling so distant from the Lord I woke and went straight to my knees. There was nothing to say, nothing to pray. I just wept. I wept because I couldn't stop feeling sorry for myself. I couldn't snap out of it and I couldn't reach the Lord in my own strength. Congratulations, you have now been named my newest 'hard day'.

Days later, I felt so convicted from my aimless wandering that I felt the Lord rebuke me. I knew the anti-fear verses by heart!! But I was different... Now, I was an exception. See Lord, you gave me reason to fear by allowing this to happen to me! Adrienne, who do you think you are?? Do you deserve a refuge from evil? Is this something that you earned? No, Father it isn't. Then why are you acting like you are entitled to this safety I offer to your soul?

Broken.

I was broken. Since when did I lose sight of the grace you have shown me? Living in the shadows for the last month allowed me to appreciate the light in ways I had lost sight of.

Repent = To turn from. Why would I want to stay there?? I don't need that in my life, there is no room for it. I will gladly repent for these dark thoughts. Thanks for even wanting to take them from me! I have spent enough time entertaining these guests and they have definitely overstayed their welcome. So I packed self-pity's bag and put it on the street. Along with pride's, anger's, and self-reliances'. Security!! (ohh yes, I did) :) Somehow they ended up on the porch, knocking on my door, but I know the effects of their indwelling and they're not couch surfing 'round here anymore.

Thank you, (not you).

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty". Ps. 91:1

The Shadows

I was robbed at gunpoint in August. I wrote this post about a week after the incident to the GUY but never posted it. However, I think I am ready to open up about this journey for anyone who cares to know. maybe there are some parallels with where you are / you've been.

Dude, how much did you pay for that stuff? I think it cost me some patience + hard work. Or some people call it 2,000 dollars. And you? Maybe some courage. Some steel. And a sharp eye. But I think it cost you more than that. Maybe, more than you realize.

See I never agreed to letting you steal my joy. I gave you my things, but I never agreed to anything more. I haven’t seen you for nearly a week, but it feels like you have been begging me daily to hand more things over to you. My freedom. My independence. My dreams. My peace of mind. I never said you could. And though you didn’t ask for them then, you have been asking me all week! I can’t take it anymore, which is why I am here to tell you loud and clear – you can’t have it.

What about you?

How much did it cost you? I can only guess, since we aren’t really tight like that. Have you lost your freedom? Your independence? Your confidence? Maybe not today, or even tomorrow. Maybe not this year, or the ones to follow. But if you really look in the mirror with honest eyes, I think you may see – what you gained is nothing compared to what you lost. 

Pardon me, I may have spoke too soon. Did you even have those things to give? Who stole those things from you? Because no one I know hands those things over without a fight. Is it your addiction? Was it your Family? Anger? Bitterness? What is it? You gotta figure it out so you can get it back! I don’t want you to live without it anymore. Oh, and here is a common misconception I’ll attempt to free you from: stealing other people’s freedom, confidence, and independence doesn’t replace yours. You have to go back to where you lost it and do whatever it takes to get it back.

As for me, I can’t wait for you. I can’t wait for you to come around and see the light. I have to keep moving. I have to keep doing what I am doing whether I ever hear from you or not. 

These last few days I started getting confused on what exactly I handed over to you Monday night. My freedom. My independence. My dreams. My peace of mind. – you can’t have it.

Above and Beyond

SoOOOooOO I have been getting ready for the fall season at Allen Hills and I am just really unsure of what the fall will look like. I guess you could say that I am back at the drawing board... It's our second season and really our first season that will be 9 weeks in a row instead of spread out through the whole semester.

1. Coaches Meeting went better than I could have ever expected. We spent 2+ hours catching up, talking about changes, devotions, behavior plans, etc. Moments during this meeting I found myself living a dream. God has provided 4 amazing men of God so engaged in the ministry they have as coaches.

2. Marketing- fliers to the leasing office, to every apartment in Allen Hills, elementary schools, at the city recreation center. Huge banner in the front of the community. And nice little blub on the news. Say What?? That's right! One of the parents of a new player of ours does a T.V. show at 4pm and without my knowing he advertised it! I had two parents call in regards to this blurb that were SO SO excited about the opportunity for their kids to play soccer.

3. Cost- now this is new. New to all. We have never charged anything for soccer before but I really feel the Lord was challenging me this season to have a buy-in for the parents. And so far there has been an amazing response from Allen Hills and others outside of the community as well!

4. Competitive Games- This season we will be competing against other teams 7 of the 9 game days.

5. AHSA Uniforms- We have custom game uniforms for our athletes. We also have practice t-shirt and shorts so we will be set-apart.

6. Power Bible- Each of our players will receive their own FCA Bible, which we will hold onto until we give it to them at the end of the season. The coaches will lead devotions at practice from an FCA Bible and each of the players will receive their own to follow along with! At the end of season these Bible's with each players name written on the pages will go home with them. :)

These are new distinctions of this fall season! I am so excited to see how the Lord changes these kids' hearts!

Jesus, have your way!

What do I know of Poverty?

It has been a rough week. I have never been so frustrated in trying to help someone.

A parent of one of my kids from the soccer league reached out to me late last week about some financial struggles. She and her four children have been without electricity for 3 weeks due to an outstanding balance and the leasing office has given her 7 days to get it turned back on. How can I turn a deaf ear to this cry?

I love her son as one of my own. Therefore, she is family.

I began to pray and ask the Lord how he wanted me to respond to this need. Whether or not I needed to respond was never a question, is was the HOW?

I had a meeting with a donor early this week and let him know of the need. He also felt that he couldn't turn a deaf ear to the need of a struggling mother. Not sure of who he should write the check to, without thinking I told him to write it out FCA. For this reason, I did not hand it over to our administration assistant to process. I remember seeing it in my car Wednesday night.

After many hours on the phone with Georgia Power and the mother I realized this needed to be external of FCA and also needed to be done in cash. On Friday, I hesitantly called the donor back to let him know that I needed a different check written out to me. Immediately, he mumbled... No good deed goes unpunished. He told me the check had already been deposited and he saw it on his bank account this morning.

WHAT!?

Did I accidentally give it to our admin assistant to process?? I Musta. Geez, what will I do now? The donor asked me, So, what are you going to do now? Hmm, i'm not sure but I know i'll figure something out. Well, why don't you call to see if they will refund the donation and i'll write you a new check. Yes 'sir.

*1 hour later*

Ring...Ring...
Me: Hey! I solved the mystery.
What is it?
Well, the check you saw on your account was not for me, but another FCA staff.
Okay, well bring the check back and i'll give you another one for cash.
Alright, well I am having trouble finding the check 'sir but I will turn my car inside out to find it.
Really?? C'mon man. What happened to it?
I think Satan ate it, I have been looking for it for an hour now.
Well, come to my office once you find it.

I literally threw my cell phone on the seat next to me. On the verge of crying and yelling all in the same moment. I was so frustrated. Why was this donor being such a jerk (jerk?), and why couldn't I find the check I just laid eyes on what seemed like just moments before.

I start searching again outside my house. Which only lasted for so long as I can't really sit in an idle car without thinking someone will walk up behind me with a gun. I drove off in faith that I would find the check after arriving at this man's office. Nope. But I did find a toy army tank.

So, I walked into my donors office with this toy tank. Sir, this (toy army tank) is all I found in my car.

Not amused, he wrote me another check and told me to call him when I found the other check.

I gratefully took the check and went to the bank to get $600 cash to match the $490 the mom was meeting me with to pay the previous balance, current balance, deposit and fee to get it turned back on. On my way to Georgia Power pay center, my co-worker called to say she found the check in my office. PHEW! Don't remember putting it there, but who cares. What was lost is now found.

I wrote up a jank contract for her to sign saying she would volunteer 20 hours at the Atlanta Food Bank before December 1st. She willingly agreed to 'pay it forward'. (Great idea, mama!) She walked in moments later with her adorable 3 year old son.

We handed over the cash to the lady at the front desk. "Alright, ma'am your lights will be on this afternoon." Success! Amazing. Sigh of relief. Just barely made the cut.

I felt the nudge to take her to the food bank to show her where she will be volunteering and such. She followed me over there and we met the volunteer coordinator and received more information on the different opportunities. I realized how this volunteering could turn into a job opportunity for this mom! She also realized that and thanked me for everything as we walked to our cars.

As I was pulling away I noticed the toy army car in my passenger seat. I pulled back in and rushed over to her car with the toy in hand. I passed it through the backseat window to her son. "Here ya go little guy!" Then I scampered back to my car.

I called the donor and told him I found the check that needed to be voided and that I was encouraged by the whole situation. He was also encouraged and thanked me for making him a part of it.

I heard from the mom several hours later that the lights came on. I sent her our team verse from last season, "Jesus said, I am the light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of the world." Then I asked her if we could start a friendship since all this was now over. She was open to it and we set up a breakfast for next week to get together!

I felt like I totally took a risk. A chance. I am not sure what you would have done. Or what you think about what happened. You and I are in the same boat. I didn't know what to do. I questioned myself so much when I couldn't find the check anywhere and cried out to the Lord to give me a clear sign if I shouldn't do this. But I heard nothing. So I kept moving forward. The verse that kept coming to my was, "Do no withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, Come back later; i'll give it tomorrow when you now have it with you."
-Proverbs 3:27-28

The mom looked at me as we were leaving and said, "This wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you. Sorry, it was a lot for you to handle." I told her she didn't need to worry about it because we are family.

I once heard family doesn't always mean flesh and blood, but family are the people that help you when you need it the most. Do you have it in your power to act to help someone but you are waiting until tomorrow? You might be missing out on a blessing and an opportunity to join in on what the Lord is stirring up in our neighbors.

Humbled,
Adrienne

Sword.

     Hey, you got away so quickly the other night that I didn't even catch your name. Have you seen my sword? It was in my purse that you took.

I got that sword from the church I attended as a child. They do this class where all the kids come in and learn about Jesus and get this book that has his stories in it. I really didn't know how to use it, nor did I really care to find out. But I still held onto it.

In middle school, I kept being drawn back to the book but I wasn't sure why. Whenever I was in a hard place in life I would sometimes open it just to see if something magical would happen, but it all just seemed like a bunch of words to me.

In high school, I began reading it to come to a better understanding of what it said. A lot of the time I would read about giving my life to Jesus and I certainly was not interested in signing up for an old persons club that seemed to have a pretty costly initiation fee. Besides there are a lot of other clubs to join in high school and i didn't know many 'cool' kids that did the bible thing.

But during my junior year of high school, something terrible happened. A close friend of mine died in car accident and I found myself to be hopeless. I remembered this old book talking about life after death and all the sudden was interested in hearing more. This day, my view of the book changed. It wasn't just random words, it presented me with answers to questions I had never asked before.

Why am I here?
What happens when I die?
What is my purpose?
Why is there pain and evil in the world?

I submitted myself to this old book, without signing my name in blood. I knew if I wanted to back out I still could call all of it rubbish. But I found myself changing as a result of this submission. I started to see people and circumstances differently. This little book was where I found my daily bread. Nearly every morning I would open it to see what I could find - knowing it would change my perspective.

In college, I found less and less time to read the old book. I still took it everywhere with me, just in case I needed it. However, it seemed to be less and less of a priority. Summer after junior year I decided to go on a trip to Italy with a local sports organization and they really brought me back to reading it. I learned so much more about the heart of the book and realized that I was ready to sign my name in blood and answer the call to take up my cross and follow this Jesus guy.

That summer I made a power point of a vision plan for the next 10 years. I knew my heart was in the inner city and that I wanted to reach out to youth through sports. More importantly, this book became my sword. I learned to win the battles of mind by hearing truth of what my creator's thoughts about me were. I learned that my deep rooted anxiety was a result of not trusting the Lord. I began to memorize scriptures that affirmed me of my purpose on this earth.

Most recently, the book has helped me to fear no one but God. Sometimes I get carried away with the worries of the world and get nervous about the what-ifs in life but the book says that I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

This book was my sword. It is more powerful than anything else in the world. The words on that page are alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword - it divides soul and spirit!

I never thought I would lose that book. I wanted it to walk through the rest of my life with me but God had other plans. He wanted you to have it. He wants you to know Him. 

I'm not gonna lie - I felt a little lost this morning without my sword. I have had it for years and years. But don't worry, they have others in print - so i'll be fine. But I wanted to make sure you knew what that sword did for me. The gun you used was very scary to me and it gave you the power to do some very hurtful thing's. But the sword you left with that night has so much more power. Power to give you freedom, forgiveness, wholeness, and purpose, which neither life nor death can separate you from.

"Take up the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:17

The Promise

Last night I was at a Braves game with friends and I began reflecting on my work with FCA and the weight I have been feeling on my shoulders to do the ministry. I had this overwhelming feeling of defeat and hopelessness. I have never felt this before and it was very scary and despairing. I remember this same feeling when I ran prior to breaking that stronghold of negative thinking while running. Some of you may know my story, but I would not be able to continue running due to the mental block I had. Until recent, that is! When the Lord asked me to trust Him while running and I have been running ever since. Anywho, that was the similar feeling I had last night about ministry. I knew it was not of the Lord, because He is able! And I have a clear calling to be doing what I am doing. I texted a few people to pray for me and they encouraged me to not believe the lie.

This morning I was reading in Romans: "Against hope Abraham believed in hope with the result that he became the father of many nations according to the pronouncement, “so will your descendants be.” 4:19 Without being weak in faith, he considered his own body as dead (because he was about one hundred years old) and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 4:20 He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. 4:21 He was fully convinced that what God promised he was also able to do."

When I think about what the Lord has called me to do, it is so easy to feel defeated. There is only one of me and there is so much evil that these kids are surrounded by. But I know the one who has called me, will do it! He is faithful.

I am fully convinced that what God promised he is also able to do.

Vacation BIble School - 19

Wednesday

So here I am. Lying in bed. 12 hours post VBS's ending and I cannot stop thinking about Gods faithfulness. He is so good and orchestrates things together in such a beautiful way. There is no question whose handy work my life and ministry is. In 2011, VBS was the first time I ever took any kids from Allen hills outside of the community. It was a huge step of faith to sign them up and take 6 kids to the 'castle' we call church... Since then, a rotation of 10 kids have been coming on a regular basis every Wednesday night and also on some Sunday mornings. 3 of our players even went on the 5th and 6th grade retreat with STS (youth group). And just this week as many as 19 kids experienced VBS. it's so amazing how I turn into mom mode with the kids, especially when we are traveling somewhere outside if their community. The trust and love I feel from these kids is one I can't explain. As they hang all over me or run after my car as I am pulling in, I think of how the little children swarmed Jesus. I am no Jesus, but Jesus is love. And my prayer is that at the end of the day, these kids know they are loved, they are wanted, they are accepted.

It was so beautiful to see the warmth the kids received from every person they encountered at the church. The volunteer teachers are heroic. I knew they were praying for my kids so so much and wanted to see the kids open their hearts to Jesus more than anyone could. They wanted to take care of their basic needs by offering to buy breakfast for the whole group so the kids were not hungry. Everyone rallied around these little ones and supported them so much. :) this makes my heart so happy, I can only imagine how happy it makes their Father in Heaven. 

I feel that the Lord has given me the ability to really know my kids. 

I know Jon Corey's mind travels 1000 miles/minute. Something is going on in he heart. Sometimes in the car, he just stares off at the road and gets lost into deep thoughts. I'm not sure what those thoughts are, nor do I need to know. I just know he needs someone to love and support him unconditionally. 

Zamira will be the first to tell you if you have something on your teeth. She will also be the first to laugh at herself!

Keshon is a simple dude. Not so concerned with the process of learning right, as much as he is just being right or knowing where right is so he can know how to tell others to get there.

Keshon

Deharius is a yougin, but wants to ride with the big boys. In order to be heard as the youngest, he acts out and up. He is so passionate. He brings so much life to everything he puts his heart into. I just pray the Lord can grab onto this little guy's heart.

DJ has such a tender heart. He loves hard and he's so open to new things. He will never be the center of attention in a group, yet he is such a leader. I have a special attachment to D.J. because one day I went to his apartment to get him for soccer and I saw him witness his father get arrested. This week I have heard nothing but good reports from his teachers. However, on the last day he had a really hard time with one of his classmates. Now that I think about it, he was very clingy to me that morning as we went around to drop everyone off at their classroom. Anyways, later that morning I happened to be in the hallway as they were walking to assembly so his teacher quickly informed me about D.J.'s disposition. I pulled D.J. to the side and asked him what was wrong. He mumbled his words about being angry at his classmate, then he just started crying. I pulled him to a different hallway with less people and just let him cry. I held him next to me and every few moments he would look straight in my eyes to see my reaction. I'm not sure he has ever felt the safety to cry. I don't know that he has ever felt safe with tears. I knew the tears were not related to his classmate. Life isn't easy for this 8 year old. Especially, when you see so many other children around you that don't seem to have any of the problems you do.

D.J.

God has a special plan for each and every one of us. Unfortunately, many of the kids I work with do not realize it. Or they do not feel the empowerment to make goals and achieve them. It's not easy for me to think about all the darkness we are up against. The generations of sins that have manifested in a place like Allen Hills. But Our God is stronger! I believe He can do it and that He will do it.

thru the calm and thru the storm

As I blogged earlier, two of our athletes were placed in foster care far away from their old school, apartment and friends. We miss them dearly and their teammates ask about them frequently. I was humbled when the social workers asked that I continue taking the kids to church on Wednesday nights while they are in foster care. After drug testing and live scans I was able to connect with the Foster Mom over the phone. Unfortunately, the home is more than an hour away from me so I will not be able to bring the kids to church on Wednesdays, but through our conversation I learned that this foster mom loves the Lord! She told me that she reads the Bible and prays with them every night before going to bed. How amazing! The God that they learned of through soccer and church with FCA is bigger! Other people know about Him too! How special is it that these boys, 8 & 10 years old are being fed spiritually in such an uncomfortable time. They are learning what it means that God never lets go of them, through the calm and through the storm. My prayer is that these boys remember the words in the songs they learned by heart last summer and cling to the Father!

From a Volunteer's Perspective

Fellowship Christian School serves at Allen Hills 

4.21.12

I wanted to let everyone know how your toiletry donations were put to use on Saturday at Allen Hills.  FCS donated 31 cinch bags and with the large amount of items that you donated we were able to fill each one up with soap, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.  There were 26 children who participated in the soccer sessions which left 5 to give to children in the neighborhood who watched but didn't play.  While its hard for a child to get too excited about soap and such, I'm confident that your gifts were very well received when the children took them home. 

The soccer is a blast but the main purpose of these trips is to spread the word of God.  After the first hour or so of drills and instruction by parents and players we take a break under a large tree and the kids have a healthy snack and some water. During that break two of your children stand up and give their testimony and talk about the importance of doing well in school and about how God guides them in all things.  Wow do they do a great job. James and Bill do an amazing job as well, of keeping the kids interested and connecting the dots for them.  The kids have loads of questions and comments that are funny, insightful, and at all times, come from the heart.  Then the soccer games begin with teams consisting of our players and the kids mixed together.  Your children do a terrific job of instructing, encouraging, and recognizing good effort and performance.  The Allen Hills kids are disappointed when we reach the end of the day and most of them ask when we will be returning. 

Kathy and I are new to FCS but we are no less proud of how this team and these children of ours take their Saturday afternoon to work with these kids and to spread the Word.  They really are a blessing. 

-Glenn Barham

Parent from FCS that 

spearhead donation drive

"Miss Adrienne..." nuggets of joy

Here are few of my favorite, "Miss Adrienne..." phrases from the kids in Allen Hills.

-"Miss Adrienne, when I turn 18 and get a car, i'm gonna come to this church every week." -Brandon, age 11

-"Miss Adrienne, can we play soccer every Saturday?" - Alexuis, age 11

- JC: Miss Adrienne, when you coming to get us for church?
  MA: I'm on my way i'll be there in about 10 minutes, be looking for me outside.
  JC: Okay, you wanna know why?
  MA: Why?
  JC: 'Cuz I had to go off by myself and get my prayer time in.
           Jon Corey, age 8

-B: Miss Adrienne, I told my teacher you was my role model.
 MA: Aww really? That just made my day! But why?
 B: 'Cuz you is... (pause)...honesty and kind.
      -Brandon, age 11

-Group: Look y'all! Miss Adrienne, how come they got your picture in this magazine!
 MA: 'Cuz i'm famous! (joking)
 Terrrell: Miss. Adrienne, you is NOT no famous!

-"Miss Adrienne, Marquez asked me if it was 2 o' clock (soccer game) yet, almost every hour this morning!"
       -Ms. Holmes, Marquez' mother

-D: "Miss Adrienne, why are there so many light skinned people at this church?"
 MA: "Deharrius, they aren't light skinned, they are white!"
 D: "Ohhh.."
     -DeHarrius, age 6

an unexpected answer to prayer

"And who are you, miss?"

"Soccer coach. I am the boys' soccer coach."

A few weeks ago, I had the frightening experience of discovering two of the children in our soccer league were under the care of DEFACS (department of family and children services). I called their mom and asked what happened. She told me that she left her four children with her sister to watch while she ran to a birthday party. When she returned the police immediately hand-cuffed her and took her to jail. Her sister went down the street to get her make-up done and in effort to keep out of jail, she didn't take responsibility for leaving the children home alone.

I knew the kids had to be frightened and distraught as they had been in DEFACS for nearly a week before their mom got a court hearing. I took the mom, who is without transportation to the court date. (I had been praying for opportunities to spend time with the parents, but I never thought it would happen like this!) As I walked into the children's playroom at the courthouse the kids' faces were very surprised to see me. "Hey bud, you doing okay..." Silence. There really wasn't anything to talk about. Although, I may be a familiar face, these children want their mother.

Long story short, they are in foster care now and unable to return home until the mom gets a job. They have re-enrolled into a brand new school and are only able to have two supervised visits with their mom/ week. At the family team meeting (which included the mom, myself, and seven social workers), they asked if I would maintain regular contact with the kids by continuing to take them to church.

This is really a blessing in disguise, if the mom will reach the guidelines the state has required of her, the whole family will have a better life. I encouraged the mom, "do not just work the system. do not do the bare minimum to get your kids back. you take advantage of every opportunity and resource they provide for you so that you can get out of this cycle (she grew up in the same community they are living)."

Support system.

I never understood the importance of it. This mom has no family or support system to help her raise 4 children, one which has cerebral paulsy. Can you imagine living off of $600/month? A 2-bedroom apartment for 6 children and 2 adults. Something's gotta give!

We do soccer. But it doesn't stop there. Christ call's us to serve. And service is messy! Messier and less predictable than writing a check to help someone out. FCA is in a community like Allen Hills to minister to the athlete but also to the families. We best serve by meeting a need. And by helping those families to become self-sufficient.

Thank you for your support. Without you, this family would have no one at the 'Family Team Meeting'. Because of your investment, this family has much more. They have me and they have you. Let's intercede on the Bell family's behalf to our Father God who will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:19

Vision Leaks

Vision leaks. Therefore, I like to remind myself what the vision is.

My role is the urban soccer representative. My vision is to develop a urban soccer league as a tool to reach the low income families, by focusing on the children ages 7-12. Our ministry philosophy is to and through coaches. My current role as the league director of Allen Hills Soccer Academy is to recruit and train volunteer coaches to love on their players, which live in government housing.

Our ultimate goal is to see life change and transformation through Jesus Christ in these coaches and athletes. We have been doing clinics in Allen Hills for a year and half, which allowed us to raise interest for the sport in the community and also accumulate volunteers from Atlanta. As of January 2012, we launched the first season in Allen Hills. I have 6 volunteer coaches that will coach 12 hours a month until mid-May this Spring season. I will be responsible for conducting summer camps and other activities with the children and preparing for the second and third soccer season during the 2012-13 school year. At this point, I am not concerned about the number of teams or players involved in our academy as much as I am working to create a positive environment for these kids to be proud to belong to. The idea is to perfect this model and replicate it in other low-income communities.

Goals over the next 5-10 years is to see these children to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, break the poverty cycle in their life, go to college, and then seek to give back to the communities in which they were raised.

HOW EXCITING!

First Month Gone - AHSA

FCA Soccer in the City!      It has been quite a go since kicking off the first official soccer academy in Allen Hills. Though there are inconsistent numbers at practices & games, we have seen a tremendous commitment level from a handful of the players! In fact, they are the ones out in the community raising awareness amongst the other families.               Our biggest challenge isn't getting the children there, but what do we do with them once they are there. CHANGING the MINDSET. These kids come from little to no structure in the home and basically walk out whenever adversity (losing, not getting the ball passed to them) comes into sight. But the funny thing is, they don't want to leave! They just want to make sure everyone else around knows they are upset. But that's just kids, right? Sure, but all of us need someone to be there to encourage us to keep going and do what right, despite how upset or hurt we are. Previous Theme: Jesus is the light of the world Current Theme: Jesus invites us to be the light of the world Please continue to pray for us as these kids live in a very dark place. We want them to know and shine HIS LIGHT! "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

In the flesh

Backbone: Urban Soccer League

Flesh:
-When I get phone calls from children begging me to take them to church on Sundays
-When I am calling parent after parent reminding them about soccer practice Tuesday
-When I am at a coffee shop working on spring scheduling for the Soccer Academy
-When my van is immersed in soccer equipment

This is what i've dreamed of. This is what i've waited for. This is the 'unknown' that I tried so hard to portray to my supporters. This is the flesh.

It's so easy to miss it, so easy to forget the blood, sweat, and tears it took for the vision to become alive.

And what's the goal? Life change - transformation. How exactly is that measured??

For me, It's a gut feeling. A display of excitement in a child's face every time they see my van come around the corner. The rest is a mystery. Maybe over time, little by little, it will be revealed. But regardless, we will be there.

For neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
     1 Corinthians 3:7

*January 24th, 2012 marks the first practice of Allen Hills Soccer Academy*