Saturday, November 14, 2015

Imagine

One evening a few weeks ago, I looked around Joel's Place and took a mental snapshot.
 I loved what I saw and I wanted to remember it. What I saw was an incredibly diverse group of people who were eating, laughing, playing, serving and working side by side.

We had a group from a local baptist church decorating our stage and game room for Halloween. Meanwhile, a Muslim family was having a birthday party for their young son, and next to them were a group of boy scouts, in uniform, working on tying knots. And weaved throughout, were our regular members with nothing in common except a love for Joel's Place. Our pink-haired girls were helping the baptists, while some of our high energy skater boys slowed down long enough to check out the knot-tying. And everyone was excited to share some pizza and cake with the Birthday Family.

I always call Joel's Place "The Great Equalizer". Kids of all races, religions, abilities and identities are just here to have fun. Our Center is a safe haven, where kids are far too busy perfecting a trick or memorizing a new song to notice that someone looks different than them.

Joel's Place is a Christian Organization. For us, that means that we can talk with our kids and pray for the people throughout the world who are hurting, oppressed, displaced and terrorized.  That we can show love and be loved in the same way that God loved us. Unconditionally.

We live in a world filled with fear and suspicion. People are attacked or killed because of their beliefs, or religion, or race. While Joel's Place can't change the political climate or create world peace, we can model respect for people who are different from us. We can create peace in our little corner of Alaska, and hope that our kids carry that peace with them as they go out into the world. We are not only mentoring young men and women, we are raising up Peacemakers.

*Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God

Sunday, September 20, 2015

What makes a legend?

The best stories, the best legends, have four things going for it. 
A Battle- a hardship or enemy that must be overcome, something to lose that’s
 WORTH FIGHTING FOR.
Sacrifice- The battle must be hard. 
No legends were made by winning an easy battle
Heroes- Brave souls that are willing to risk everything and enter the battle, because their cause is WORTH FIGHTING FOR.
Victory – The cause is won! The enemy is vanquished! And the story of triumph endures

Nearly sixteen years ago, a group of teenagers in Fairbanks had lost something worth fighting for.
The place where they gathered to stay safe, to dream, to build relationships and to worship God had been taken away.
They needed a hero, someone that would help them rebuild what they lost and dream about building something more.
They found their heroes in each other, in their families, and in Mike and Linda Setterberg. 
The “something more” that they built was Joel’s Place. 
It was the prize that was fought and sacrificed for. A prize to be enjoyed and endure, to be passed on to the next group of teenagers needing a safe place to dream, build, create, and grow.

I believe that Joel’s Place was and still is WORTH FIGHTING FOR.
Today, our enemy is misunderstanding. 
Believing that Joel’s Place is just a skate park, and kids can just go somewhere else to have fun. Not realizing how many families depend on Joel’s Place for their kids to be safe after school, to be fed, to get homework help, and to experience success.
Today, our enemy is apathy.
The hardship it creates is taking Joel’s Place for granted, and expecting that it will just always be here to serve kids in need. 
Without some heroes to fight with us, Joel’s Place can’t stand. 
We can’t stand under the weight of increasing expenses and lower giving. We can’t stand under the increasing competition of worthy non-profits who are fighting for the same grant money. 
We can only stand as part of a community that makes young people a top priority.
So now, I ask you to stand with us. To take your turn at being a hero to a kid that is bored, hungry, lonely, and needing a place to belong.

We are looking for 500 heroes to donate $50 a month to keep Joel’s Place standing. 
Some can do more, some can do less, but if everyone who believes that Joel’s Place is worth fighting for, does SOMETHING, we will win.

For one week, starting Monday, the 21st, all new recurring donations will receive a one-time match from Global Giving.  
Please be as generous as you can, even if it means sacrificing an extra trip to the movies, or Starbucks. 

Now is the right time to band together. It’s not someone else’s responsibility. 
It’s OUR responsibility and privilege to stand up for youth in Fairbanks.
Be a hero, join our cause, make the sacrifice.
Be legendary.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Everything's Better When We're in it Together

This summer has been phenomenal!  
We had about 200 kids come through Joel’s Place to play games, skate, bike, scooter, go to concerts, do community service and so much more.

The success we experienced this summer was possible through the cooperation and collaboration of our many community partners. I’d like to highlight some of the impact these partnerships have made the past 3 months.

Food Service Program: Our partnership with the Boys &Girls Club, Literacy Council and The Fairbanks Community Food Bank made it possible to serve an average of 500 meals and snacks per week throughout the community!

Random People Who Care: A group of volunteers committed to service projects every Monday throughout the summer. They coordinated with agencies, churches and individuals in need of assistance to bring groups of young people to serve in the community. We had 21 young people serve in different projects such as planting our garden, painting some of the nursery and children's rooms at Bethel church, cleaning a neglected section of Birch Hill cemetery, helping a widow with yard work and doing basically whatever was asked of them. 
At the end of the summer, the youth were treated to an unforgettable day of horseback riding and zip-lining at Dry Creek Community!

Bone Builder Backpacks: Throughout the summer, we provided 178 kids with healthy snacks and easy to prepare meals for the weekend. This major effort came together through the efforts of the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, who collected and stored the food for us over the spring, to The Landing Church, who collected enough healthy food each week to keep the backpacks filled, to Fairbanks Resource Agency who provided the volunteers each week to pack the bags to some individual volunteers who faithfully loaded their vehicles with boxes upon boxes of food and took them to The Salvation Army, Birch Park Summer Program, Joel's Place, and Christ is The Answer Church for distribution. And finally, Spirit of Alaska Credit Union who, along with The Landing Church, provided school backpacks for each child in the program!

Skate The Park: On August 30th, we held the (hopefully) First Annual Skate The Park event at Pioneer Park. over 200 people came out and joined the Joel's Place Ride Team, the Fairbanks Rollergirls and Jr. Derby, and a university-affiliated sportsing team, that can not be named. This was the brainchild of Glenner Anderson from KWLF, who allowed us to tag along and turn it into a fundraiser and outreach for Joel's Place. It didn't rain, there were only 2 injuries and tons of families made donations and had a blast skating the park!  

The youth at Joel’s Place see that our community cares about them and is willing to invest in them. They are given opportunities to give back. It’s a win-win.

We are so incredibly grateful for our community partnerships, for the volunteers and donors who help us keep the doors open and help keep Joel’s Place rolling!

Friday, July 24, 2015

What If I told you

I saw someone on Facebook recently describe Joel’s Place as ‘That Christian skate park place”
It bugged me, and I really wanted to respond, “We are more than a skate park! We have kids who come EVERY SINGLE DAY who have never stepped foot on a skate board!”
and it’s true.
But, I showed restraint and instead of sounding like the online equivalent of “Get off my lawn!, I said nothing.
So, in case you didn’t know- I’ll just say it here. Joel’s Place is not a skate park. It never was.
 It has always been a place for young people to learn and grow and pursue their passions.
Joel’s Place began because a group of teens wanted a place to gather for worship, have concerts, build relationships and create a community of belonging. It started around music, then expanded into skating, then expanded into biking, scooting, art,  gaming, sports, gardening and lots and lots of FOOD.

And we’re taking another expansion step that even I’m a bit surprised about.
A group of Joel’s Place kids are starting our first ever scouting group.
Venturing” is a program of Boy Scouts of America, and is open to boys and girls, ages 14 to 21.
 They can do pretty much anything they want to. Some of the activities thrown around today were skydiving, cooking, drag-racing, photography, and taking a trip to the World’s Largest Skatepark,
oh, and also a trip to Iceland.
Some other words thrown around today were “adventure, danger, creative, independent, and youth-led.”
It sounds like a perfect fit for our “creative, adventuresome, adrenalin-seeking youth”.
 Each week we are so encouraged by the energy and excitement that this new generation of kids are bringing to Joel’s Place. They belong. They are Family. 
We hold them close, but not too close.
This new opportunity is possible because we are willing to partner with other organizations. We know that our building, staff and resources can only go so far.
As a community that wants to help kids, we are stronger together. 
The kids are stronger if we’re together.
 If your church group, club, breakdance crew or whatever…. is interested in partnering with us, please give me a call and let’s talk. Not everything is going to be a good fit, but I would have never guessed that scouting would be until we had the conversation.
 Hope to hear from you, I’ll even buy you coffee.
Blessings,

Kelli

Friday, July 17, 2015

Wonder Women

Every superhero has an alias.
 There's Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker, and Jacquie Bourne.
 Oh, she thinks we don't know. But we know...
No one can prepare 500 meals a week, supervise a kitchen full of teenagers, meal plan, shop, and manage life as a college student with a toddler unless they have super powers.
But seriously, this woman is a wonder. Because of her, we are able to serve free meals and snacks every day at Joel's Place, Boys & Girl's Club and The Literacy Council. That's a lot of hungry tummies getting filled each day, and we couldn't do it without her.
 Like all great superheroes, she has a side kick. Johnnie Avakumoff is a Lathrop HS student who began as a volunteer, then an intern and then was happily hired on as the Cafe assistant. He is one of several of our High School age staff that have worked their way up from "JP kid" to staff and young leaders.
These young staff are the ones who mentor the younger kids, and keep things fun, energetic, LOUD and safe.
I guess they're kind of superheroes in their own right.
Speaking of superheroes, I had the opportunity to be in the room with about 100 of them last night.
A group called "100+ Golden Heart Women Who Care" meets four times a year to donate at least $10,000 to local non-profits. What an amazing thing! I guess Jacquie's not the only Wonder Woman in town, she's in a lot of good company.
But, even superheroes need help now and then, and Jacquie could use some help next week- we are running short on apples, oranges and 1% milk. If you could help this lady out, she would be ever so grateful. If shopping's not your thing, we will gladly accept grocery money or gift cards.
Donations can be dropped off Mon-Friday at 1890 Marika Rd. they are tax deductible and directly benefit the kids we serve each week.
Thank You for loving and feeding these wonderful kids.
Blessings,
Kelli

Friday, July 10, 2015

To Know and Be Known

If I have one vision for Joel’s Place this year, it is “To Know and Be Known”.
 I long for these kids to be known, by our staff, by our community and by their peers. I long for them to be known for who they really are- musicians, artists, athletes, gamers and entrepreneurs with hearts to serve.  
And I long for them to know that there is a community that cares about them.
Most of our kids have received some kind of label:  “low-income, “foster kid”, “minority” 
 “special-needs”, or “food insecure”, and we are guilty of using those words ourselves.
Too many times we have appealed to the public to help our “at-risk youth”
Let me make this crystal clear. ALL YOUTH ARE AT RISK. 
Ask anybody that works with teens- from youth pastors to librarians.  The teen programs are the last to be funded and the first to be cut. That is the sign of a marginalized population. 
So, yes, in a sense, they are “at risk”.
I don’t like labels, and “at-risk” is a pretty worthless one, but if we have to label, I really think our mission statement nails it :
“creative, adventuresome, adrenalin-seeking youth” who need a good, positive outlet for their energy.
or how about, just “the image-bearers of God”
That is who we serve. 
They are loud, friendly, brilliant, compassionate and in perpetual motion. 
They are quick to help, and quick to complain. So yeah, basically they’re just kids.
But they are OUR kids. We know them. And to know them is to love them.

The challenge is to get the community to know them as well. 
We were blessed this week to get some coverage in the Newsminer
It highlighted a group our kids that have been doing service projects around town this summer. 
I was so happy to see them get recognition for the great things they’re doing! More and more, I hope to educate the community about Joel’s Place and the kids that call this place theirs. 
It’s up to us to give an accurate picture of who they are. Part of this picture is apparent in our Brand New Website! Like our kids, it’s colorful, and hopeful and gives a great snapshot of who we are, what we do and why we do it. 
I hope you’ll take a minute to check out all the great things going on at Joel’s Place. 

Blessings, Kelli






Thursday, July 2, 2015

Mind The Gap


Last week, we had a volunteer who was visiting from England.  Matt Moore helped us in the garden,  worked with us on a community service project, took some great photos for us, and generally pitched in wherever needed. Thanks Matt!   His visit and our conversations reminded me of my visits to that part of the world. 
Getting around London is pretty easy if you use the underground subway aka “The Tube”.  You will see and hear the  “Mind The Gap” all over the place. I appreciate the Brits warning me not to fall to my death through the space between the subway platform and the train itself.  If you’re brave enough, you can also rent a car and drive on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, while navigating the never ending roundabouts. 
Trust me, England’s roundabouts and North Pole’s roundabouts are nothing alike. In England, there’s and inner circle, and (thankfully) an inner-inner circle to drive around in while you’re trying to figure out which way to go. Unlike an intersection, where you better darn-well already know which way you’re going.

I often have described Joel’s Place as an intersection between the church and the “not church”.  I mean it in a positive way, but after thinking it through I realize how much better it would be as a roundabout. Instead of the different parties stopping, waiting , then going their own way, we would all be in the same circle. At least for a while, we would all be headed the same direction, and perhaps some would make it to that inner-inner circle and stay awhile.

We are all about staying awhile.

 At Joel’s Place, we see nearly a thousand kids each year, and we will see some of those kids for 10 years or more.  While many will safely navigate through to adulthood, we know that some of our kids will fall through the cracks. We don’t want that.  This is why we offer consistent mentoring, healthy foods and a positive outlet for all that adolescent energy.  It doesn’t guarantee success, but it can help narrow the gap between success and failure.

If you’d like to learn more about Joel’s Place, roundabouts, or joining the inner-inner circle (but, not in a creepy, cult-like way) give me a call or stop by for a tour.   
We hope you’ll like what you see and stay awhile.


Have a safe and Happy 4th of July

Kelli

Friday, June 26, 2015

Everything Burns

Scripture tells us to store our treasure in heaven, that everything tangible is only temporary and will eventually burn away.  But it also tells us that God will meet our needs on this earth.  So, we live in a constant tension between the temporal and eternal.

It’s hard to remember to live life in the light of eternity.  It’s hard to remember that this building isn’t Joel’s Place, but the kids, and staff and relationships are.  That to invest in these kids, in their hearts and hopes, is to invest in eternity. But we also have to feed them, and help them and keep them safe.
     
Or rather, God does.  

He has promised us what we need.  But how does He deliver?  Through people.                                    We saw this last week when a bread truck overturned, and we received a  LITERAL CARLOAD of free bagels, buns, rolls and Dave’s Killer Bread! We probably won’t have to buy bread for the entire summer! Which is a pretty big deal, considering we’re feeding about 100 kids a day.
  We are so thankful for the folks that thought of us when they heard about the bread.  And we are so thankful for  being part of such a generous community that gives to us, to the food bank, and all the places that keep hungry tummies filled.

More than anything, we are thankful for the reminder that God is faithful.  
He will take care of the bread, and the fire, and the smoke and the rain. We will keep caring for these kids, and he will bring the people and resources to help us do that.


Friday, June 19, 2015

(Old) New Kid On The Block

Hi, I'm Kelli Boyle,
If you follow this blog, then you probably already know that James Menaker has moved on to *greener pastures, and I am the new Executive Director.
You also may or may not know a few things about me:
  • Fairbanks born and raised
  • Married to my best friend, Andrew, for 25 years
  • 2 grown kids, who continue to inspire me
  • 26 years working with kids in Fairbanks
  • 8 years at Joel's Place , as a parent, volunteer, board member, or employee- in that order.
All of these "about me's" are part of the reason why I am so passionate about the kids and staff at Joel's Place Youth Center.
My husband and I both grew up here, and we said the same thing that so many kids still say now:
 "There's not enough things for teens to do in Fairbanks!" Which can be disputed, but is also kind of true.
Organized sports, music, dance and arts are plentiful in Fairbanks, but because of financial, transportation, or family commitment barriers, they are out of reach for many kids.
Those barriers don't change the fact that kids need safe places to go, with fun things to do.

Joel's Place is the answer.
It is.

Most of our activities are free, and our skate park fees are kept as low as possible.
We are open when it's needed most - In the summer, we are here for kids whose parents are at work during the day.  They don't need a babysitter, but they don't need to be left home alone all day either.
 They need a fun, safe place to play basketball, or video games, to get fed a healthy meal, to skate, scoot, or bike, to play music, create art, or have water fights.
 In winter, we are open weekdays and Saturdays into the evenings for all the reasons above and to help with homework, and let kids burn off their energy from **sitting still and being quiet at school all day.

Where many public spaces only offer "No Skateboarding" or "No Loitering" signs, we offer just the opposite. We say  "Come on in, run around, get loud, get messy,  hang out with us, and stay awhile."
  If you've never been to Joel's Place, or you haven't been in awhile, I invite you to come meet our amazing, loud, messy, creative young people. I invite you to be a part of what we're doing.
Hope to hear from you soon.

 In Christ,
 ~Kelli

*James is now working at Morningstar Ranch. I'm pretty sure they have pastures

**  Unless sleeping,  Joel's Place kids are never actually still or quiet

Friday, June 12, 2015

122

     Three years is not such a long time.  It is less than a presidential term.  It is less time than it takes to get a Bachelor's Degree.  It is less than half a decade.  Yet when I think back on my time before I started working at Joel's Place, it feels like a different life.

     Three years ago I had no non-profit experience.  I had no grant writing experience.  I only had two children.  I had no idea what the non-profit sector was and the scope of impact that Joel's Place had within Fairbanks.  I had not published a book.  I had never gotten on a skateboard, much less taught 25 3rd graders how to ride them during a field trip.

     I was two years removed from a bad breakup with InterVarsity, which I was pretty sure was my last chance at ministry and leadership.  I was working at Sears, running the receiving department in February of 2012, when I heard God say, "They are ready for you, whenever you are ready to go."  I assured Him that I was ready to go right then...I just needed to know who "They" were.  Silence.  Unbeknownst to me, that very month saw Linda Setterberg give the Board of Directors her letter stating her intent to transition out of the Executive Director position.  Joel's Place launched their ED search and in May I received a mass e-mailing asking the supporters of JP to pray because their search was going back to square one.  I thought I would fill out an application and see what happened.  I did not have a great non-profit resume, but I was faithful and had character and was willing to work relatively cheaply.  The Board decided to take a risk on me and I will forever be grateful.

     So what have I learned in my time at Joel's Place?
  • Accountants speak a strange, special language that is meant to confuse smart people into believing that adding the same numbers together can result in multiple different sums.
  • Well-intentioned is not the same as effective.
  • The need is not the call.
  • When someone asks you about something that happened long before you started on the job, the best response is, "It seemed like a good idea at the time."
  • This little endeavor called Joel's Place is too big and too important for one person, one family, or even one church to carry alone.  Building up the resources of these kids is a community-sized ambition and it requires donors, volunteers and advocates from every walk of Interior Alaska.  It is big, but it is worth it, because...
  • God loves these young ones so very much.  So very much.  Whether it be the pierced and pregnant teenage girl or the FAS young man who steals things or the shy boy searching for a father figure or the rambunctious brute who is just looking for someplace he can run without breaking things or the dozens and dozens and dozens of kids who are just looking for someplace to be safe and have fun while they grow up...God's heart overflows for them all.  He reaches out to them with compassion and joy and anticipation about who they can become and He invites us to do the same.  In this job you have the opportunity to see the worst in young men and women.  Every once in a while you catch a glorious glimpse of who they could become.  We choose to work through the worst so that the best can move from potential to reality.

There are some jobs that you have just to pay the bills and tread water until something better comes along.  Every once in a while there are jobs that are transformational.  They change your skill set, your resume, your worldview and the direction that your life is headed.  Joel's Place has been one of those transformational jobs for me and I am so grateful.  Thank you to the Board of Directors.  Thank you to my amazing co-workers.  Thank you to the kids...who have no idea I even write this blog, but are important anyway.  Finally, thank you to all of you, our friends, supporters and donors who have followed along with me in the previous 121 posts.  Your encouragement and support have been a delight during the good times and have carried us through the darker days.  There would be no Joel's Place without you...and this world is a better place because Joel's Place exists.  Blessings upon you all.

     Humbly,

James

Friday, June 5, 2015

Moving on

So...first the short, bullet-points information and then the backstory:
  • After three years, I will be stepping down from the Executive Director position at Joel's Place, effective next Friday.
  • Kelli Boyle will become the new ED
  • Leah Byam will become the new Program Director
  • I will be joining the Board of Directors and working over at Morningstar Ranch
Now...for the rest of the story:

This past November I was spending some time praying about life and Joel's Place and I heard God say that I was just about done with my time here.  I've heard that call before and it usually comes a couple of months before the begin of a substantial life transition.  So I watched and I waited and I started looking for what would be happening next.

What I saw was that it would be a good step for me to transition onto the Board of Directors for a couple of substantial reasons: Organizational Development and Leadership Development. 

As far as Organizational Development is concerned, Joel's Place has been in a transition process for the past few years from a small, family-style business into a broader, community-driven outreach.  That was the transition that I was hired to facilitate and that is where we find ourselves after these three years.  Now we need some new vision.  I have ideas...lots and lots of ideas and the best place to work through those ideas and their corresponding requirements is on the Board of Directors.  I won't bore you with the By-law changes and policy tweaks and committee meetings that I want to see.  The short story is that I have a lot of big picture ideas that will be better coming from the Board and being implemented by another ED.  Speaking of which...

As I contemplated moving onto the Board, the very first factor that I considered was who would take my place.  Ideas from the Board are great, but if there is not a staff member who is able to take ideas and make them become reality, then it is wasted time and energy.  (Side note: Kelli, you probably want to stop reading now.  You will probably get embarrassed by all the nice things I'm going to say about you.)   Kelli has volunteered, served as Board President and began working for Joel's Place as Program Director a little before I started.  She is smart, funny, in-charge without being oppressive and deeply loves these kids.  She had never seriously considered being an ED but she is going to be amazing.  We have talked a lot over vision and spreadsheets and grant writing and fundraising.  I will still be around if she hits a steep patch of the learning curve.  Kelli will be sensational at training our staff to love with grace and accountability.  She is outstanding at managing the business side of the non-profit and making sure that the revenue-generating programs actually generate revenue.  Did I mention that the kids love her back?  And she just received her first grant (see above).  There is no one better qualified to take over the reigns at the moment, who knows the strengths and weaknesses of Joel's Place better than her.  I am excited about what this opportunity will do for Joel's Place and I am excited for what this opportunity will do for Kelli.

Stepping into Kelli's old position will be Leah, who just graduated from college and has been working/volunteering here for years and years and years and years.  She is highly skilled, highly competent, highly creative and deeply beloved by our members.  She is ready for this new challenge and the transition will be remarkably smooth.

So I have one more week left here before fully diving into Morningstar (a non-profit that provides respite services and vocational/educational training to people/families with disabilities).  I'm sure I will take some time next Friday to write some reflections about the past three years.  If you have any questions or comments you are more than welcome to write or call and we can talk things through. 

Blessings upon you all,

James

Friday, May 22, 2015

Reflecting

Sometimes I just have to step back.

I need to step back from the reports and the grants and the collection calls and the e-mails and the repairs and the requests.  I need to step back from the big feelings and the big drama that teenagers carry with them.  I need to step back from the Joel's Place 10 year plan.  I need to step back from all of the noise and the chaos and the frenzy that is the youth center.  It is easy to simply jump from one hat to another, one crisis to another, putting out fires (both figurative and literal) along the way while the hours and days and years fly by.

Every once in a while I need to step back and just be still.  No browsing the web.  No answering calls & texts.  I simply need some time and space to remember who I am and why I am here.

When I stop, I find that my mind keeps racing and problems and appointments and to do lists continue to roar through my brain.  It takes a little while to calm that raging river down into a gentle stream.  When I do...when I am still...I find a few things that I forgot that I needed.
  • My primary goal is to serve my God and my family.  If my job is getting in the way of either of those, it is time to reconsider my vocation.
  • I really enjoy being Executive Director of Joel's Place and I am becoming pretty good at it.  Out of every position that I have held, this one fits me the most.  That being said...
  • This is not a task that can be completed by myself.  As many hats as I wear over the course of a week, Joel's Place is demonstrably healthier and happier when I am working with the staff and the Board and volunteers to meet all the needs that arise.
  • My two favorite parts of this job are writing these blogs and staff development.
  • The part of this job that I dislike the most is policing bad behavior by the kids.
  • Speaking of the kids.  They love this place.  It really feels like a home to many of them. I like that a lot.
  • We have done some really good work over the past three years.  It is a source of pride to say that I work at Joel's Place.
These thoughts are encouraging and energizing.  Joel's Place is not perfect, but we are making a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of young people every year.  We change lives every single day.  That is a good reason to get out of bed and come to the cacophony that is this warehouse.  Joel's Place is not quiet often...my house is not quiet often.  But when I find those silent moments and remember not to fill them with fluff, I am in awe of the life that I have been given and eager to see what comes next.

May you find moments of silent encouragement some time this week.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Graduation

I remember my High School Graduation pretty well.  I remember singing in the school choir.  I remember our student speaker who blew bubbles and hit a beach ball...and ushered in a new era of student speeches needing to be approved by the administration.  I remember my economics teacher getting up and addressing us as a class to tell us that the world that we were heading into was getting worse and our lives were likely to be difficult and miserable.  I remember dislocating my finger at the graduation party at the athletic club that night.  Mostly I remember thinking, "This is it?  What's the big deal?"  A successful completion of High School was never in doubt for me.  The ceremony did not seem like a big accomplishment...it was more of a required annoyance that I had to walk through before getting on with the more compelling parts of my life.  As you may be able to discern, I was not the most upbeat and cheerful of teenagers.


My feelings are remarkably different as I think about this upcoming graduation season and the young men and women from Joel's Place who are completing their High School education.  Having worked with youth for over a dozen years, I have seen lots and lots of kids who have not received their diploma.  Sometimes it was due to health issues or learning disabilities or home problems or bad choices or unexpected drama.  Every kid has a story and challenges that they have faced. The ones who have developmental assets are the ones who are able to overcome those challenges and take those diplomas.

A high school diploma is a funny thing.  On the one hand it is a silly little piece of paper that just shows that you were able to make it through 12 years of school.  On the other hand, this document also shows that you are no longer a child physically, mentally or emotionally.  You are still growing and maturing, but you have learned how to learn and learned how to control yourself enough to complete a long-term goal.  Finishing High School requires hard work and discipline and social skills and planning and improvisation and discovering your gifts and passions and communication skills.  These are all the elements that you will need to succeed in life, wherever that path leads.  There are small glimpses of who you will become and what you could do with your life that those with discerning eyes can see.  You are clueless, but the foundation and the raw materials for building are all there.

Tomorrow there is a graduation party for our Seniors here at Joel's Place.  (Remember Board Members: You are providing food for them!!!!!)   They will begin the transition from JP kid to adult and, hopefully, they will reflect at some point about how Joel's Place helped them through their adolescent years.  Hopefully they will think about the words of wisdom that they heard here...the ways that they were known and loved here...the fun that they had and the ways that they learned to look out for others here.  Hopefully they will be inspired to invest in others just as they have been invested in.  We are so happy for this group...so proud of who they have become and so excited about what will come next for them.  There will always be another generation of kids, but this graduating class will never be replaced.

Friday, May 8, 2015

What do you do with the bad kids?

     I have been asked this question enough, in enough varieties, that it seems like it would be helpful to give a public answer...with a few caveats.
  • Caveat #1: There is no such thing as a "bad kid."  No one that I have encountered in over 15 years of youth ministry is inherently and intrinsically evil.  I have met annoying, arrogant, abusive, violent, imbalanced, angry, depressed, or manipulative kids...but not bad.  As I've talked about before, most of the behavior that we see in young people is reactionary...a way to cope with the pains and challenges of their lives.  If you get close enough to any of them, they will cry all over your shoulder.
  • Caveat #2: Every story that I am about to share is made up.  I have no desire to publicly shame anyone who is trying to find their way in this world.  A general rule of thumb is to share names or stories...unless sharing stories is too revealing.  When you visit Joel's Place do not try to match faces to the crimes that you read here.  Again...they are all made up. 
  • Caveat #3: Remember the goal.  The goal is not to get attendance numbers up at Joel's Place.  The goal is not polite and well mannered children.  The goal is to equip our teens to thrive in the real world after they leave this place.  Long-term thinking...long-term success.
  • Caveat #4: Almost all our kids are tremendous.  They are respectful and fun-loving and well-adjusted.  They take turns and mentor younger members and are very protective of the culture that Joel's Place has established.
However we do have a few exceptions.  We have kids who are rude and try to start fights and steal and smoke and try to break every rule that we post.  They have broken families and broken minds and broken souls.  They require that everyone on staff pay extra attention every time that they walk into the building.  What do we do with them?

     Accountability and Grace.  Those are the two elements that our staff try to keep in balance.  Actions have consequences...kids need to learn that before they get into a lifestyle that sends them running to the streets.  If one of our members shows up to Joel's Place with a television that he just stole, the police must be called and restitution must be made.  If someone shows up drunk or high, they absolutely cannot enter the facility.  If someone vandalizes Joel's Place, they will be banned until they have paid for the repairs.  These kids will not be kids forever.  Adulthood is coming and the consequences become much more severe after 18.  Many of our youth do not have adults who will provide any accountability at all.  As a service to these kids we provide boundaries and accountability in an effort to teach them how to get along with the rest of the world.

     Accountability is huge...but Grace is even bigger.  These kids must know that even though they broke my window by being a bonehead, I still love and value them immensely.  If Joel's Place cannot love and serve teens who are rough around the edges then who can?  We have dozens of kids who have broken something...intentionally or unintentionally or just out of boredom.  Once the damage has been repaired and restitution has been paid, all is forgiven.  They are greeted by name every time they come in.  They are encouraged to join us in everything that we do.  There is no permanent record of wrongs that is kept...no probationary period to be endured.  They are fully restored to the family.  1890 Marika is just a building.  Sheetrock can be patched.  Cameras can be repaired.  Chairs can be replaced.  The fragile hearts and developing minds that come through our doors every day?  Those are the treasures of Joel's Place.  We are for them...deeply and intensely for them.  Everything that we do here is to help them survive and succeed outside of our walls.

     How do we treat the "bad kids?"  We hold them Accountable and then shower them with Grace.

     That's how families do.

Friday, May 1, 2015

The April Alumni Challenge is over!

     There are some weeks when I have three or four ideas about what I want to write about for this blog...this is not one of those weeks.  First, allow me to take care of some housekeeping:

  • The April Alumni Challenge is finished.  Thank you to everyone who contributed and allowed it to be so successful.  How successful?  I will announce the numbers at our BBQ tomorrow, May 2nd from noon to 2pm at Joel's Place.  This is an open invitation to you all to stop by, whether you gave in April or not.  We would love to see you.  The kiddos are welcome as well since we will not have youth at JP until 3pm.
  • The Annual Walk for Charity happens next Friday evening.  If you are interested in walking with the Joel's Place team or would just like to give towards a good cause (us)...take a look at our homepage through this link.
     _______________________________________________________________________________


      Why do we fundraise?  Why even bother gathering donations or making big pushes like the April event?  There are two significant pieces to that answer.
  • First:  Fairbanks has seen a few for profit youth centers over the years.  It is hard to keep them open.  If we were to try balancing our budget solely through earned income (i.e. ride sessions, ride shop sales, building rentals, concerts and memberships) each two-hour ride session would need to generate around $200.  If we had ten riders that would mean charging them $20 per session.  Can you guess how many teenage skateboarders, bikers and scooters would be able to afford that rate? Not very many.  Charging $7 per session reduces our number of riders by half so charging $20 would put us out of business...which we want to avoid.  
  • Second: Fundraising is good for us and the community and our kids.  If someone approached us with millions of dollars for an endowment that met our entire budget...I would gladly thank them and accept.  But then I would continue raising funds within the community.  What we are doing here is too big for the Joel's Place staff and Board by themselves.  Building assets within high-risk youth takes time and energy and money that is larger than any one person or group of people.  I want the staff to know that they are not alone in caring for these kids.  I want our youth to know that there are members of the community who find them a worthwhile investment.  I want this community to be building up young people instead of degrading and discarding them because that is a significant marker of communal health.  A person's heart follows their money or their money follows their heart...either way they will end up in the same place.  Every check that we receive...every deposit that we make...every dollar that comes in is another partner who is pouring resources into kids who are on the edge of crisis and deciding how to deal with it.
Thanks to everyone who partnered with us this past month.  We deeply appreciate you.  I hope to see you at the BBQ tomorrow and hear your stories about what Joel's Place has meant to you over the years.

Friday, April 24, 2015

I don't want your Altruism

Why do people give?  

You work really hard to earn money to pay for the things that you need to get through this life.  Why would you simply give some of it away to someone else?  Why would you sign up for a walk or a run or a cruise or a dinner or an auction in order to give money to a non-profit organization?

Researchers will say that people generally give out of one of these two options:
  • Altruism: a desire to help mankind without any expectation of personal benefit or gain
  • Private Gain: the giver receives something of value from their donation
 Most people that I know, especially Christians, will look at those two options and self-identify as Altruistic Givers.  They want to care for their community and the less fortunate.  They do not give for the tax write-off.  They do not want a lot of praise.  They just want to help.  As someone who has been fundraising for over 15 years, allow me to share this with you:

I do not want Altruistic Givers...ever

If you read the title of this post, this statement probably does not surprise you...but it may give you pause.  Before you tear up that check that you had written out to Joel's Place, allow me to explain.

I believe that all positive human interactions are mutually beneficial.  Both sides benefit.  I believe that is how we were created to operate, how we were created to interact with God and with each other.  When only one side benefits there is a shift in power and right relationships that skewers the entire interaction.  If someone is going to give money to Joel's Place, I think they should benefit in a number of ways:
  • They should feel good about the gift.  Donations that are acquired through guilt or panic will pay the bills, but they drive people away from the mission instead of drawing them further into it.  When you give a gift, whether it be $10 or $1,000, know that we are deeply grateful.  Someone asked me the other day, "Will my $10 save Joel's Place?" with a laugh.  Well, no.  Not by itself.  But this endeavor was never meant to be taken on by one person alone.  His $10 will join up with the $10 gifts of his nine friends and we are looking at $100. A smaller donation means that you get to be a part of a larger group, all working towards a common goal.  I do not despise the $10 gift and if that is where you are in your life, neither should you.  (Side note: I do not despise the $1,000 gift either...just to be clear.)
  • They should be building their character and integrity because they are living out their convictions.  Want to know what someone truly values in this life?  Look at their bank account.  The money trail points directly to their priorities.  Every time.  Saying that you care for the poor without investing any resources into helping the poor has no integrity. 
  • Giving is good for the soul.  It promotes compassion and gratitude.  It crushes materialism and fear.
  • They are making their community a better place, both now and for the future.  This is the area that I think has the most tangible, external benefits of giving to Joel's Place.  When you invest in Joel's Place, you are pouring resources into the young people who will shape our community.  You want to lower alcoholism, suicide, and physical abuse in Interior Alaska?  Invest in youth.  You want to break the generational cycles of violence and substance abuse?  Invest in youth.  You want a spiritual awakening?  Invest in youth.  You want creative minds who will be able to bring new industry and vitality to our area?  Invest in youth.  You want certain neighborhoods of our city to get cleaned up and rejuvenated?  Invest in youth.  The key to the big picture problems that we wrestle with is not programs or policies...it is building up the next generation.

The Joel's Place April Alumni Challenge is about a week away from completion.  We have about $2,000 left to raise.  If you were thinking about donating to us because you feel sorry for us or you pity our kids or you have some compelling sense of duty that is driving you, I want you to stop.  Before you give I want you to stop.  I want you to give to Joel's Place because it benefits us and it benefits you.  I want you to give to Joel's Place because you feel good and you grow as a person and it improves this community that you are invested in.  When we have someone who gives out of that place, we gain more than just a donor.  We gain a partner.  A donor can help pay today's bills.  A partner can help transform our entire organization from now far into the future. 

If you have read this blog before, you know what Joel's Place is.  You know what we do and why.  You know our vision of seeing high-risk youth blossom and thrive in this world.  Would you consider partnering with us as we finish up our April Challenge?

Friday, April 17, 2015

Foundational Beliefs

     I have always been more comfortable writing than speaking...well, almost always.  My handwriting grades in fourth grade were low and I almost gave myself an ulcer because of them.  But the sloppiness of my penmanship aside, give me a keyboard over a microphone any day.  Part of that is the freedom of the Delete key and the ability to craft my ideas in their purest form.  A large part, however, are the beliefs and perceptions that I developed as a child that I continue to carry with me as an adult.  These Foundational Beliefs shape how I see myself, how I see others, my expectations entering a room and my interpretations of the day's events.  Foundational Beliefs are powerful lenses that we see the world through.

     I had a sever stutter growing up.  I would get caught on sounds and be unable to get the words out.  Kindergarten through third grade were an incredible challenge.  I was terrified that someone would want to talk to me or that I would be called on to speak in class because I knew that there was a good chance that I would not be able to get all the words out.  I began practicing what I was going to say in my head before I actually spoke the words, going over the sentences to try to eliminate problematic sounds and phrases.  Little kids laughing at you is hard, but it was secondary to how I felt about myself.  I was so angry that my body would not do what I wanted it to.  I felt such bitterness towards myself because I could not get out my thoughts and feelings without having a lengthy internal monologue.  Every word that I spoke was measured in a cost/benefit analysis.  Would the value of speaking and connecting with people outweigh the potential pain and embarrassment of stuttering again?  Often it was just easier to be quiet and listen...gravitating towards the fringes.  I chose sports like swimming where I was underwater for most of the time and did not need to speak.  I took on support roles instead of leading roles.  I convinced myself that my voice did not matter so that I would not be disappointed that I could not reliably use it.

     I have learned to mask my stutter over the years through speech therapy and by recognizing some of the triggers.  Fatigue and stress will make the issues more pronounced.  There are still some times where I go to start a sentence that begins with a vowel and cannot get anything out.  Fortunately I have a large vocabulary and can usually think up a way to start the sentence with a consonant in order to get rolling without most people noticing.  Now I find myself talking all the time.  All. The. Time.  I have meetings and public speaking events and fundraising events and trainings sessions and more meetings and so on and so on.  I have mostly conquered my fears of public speaking and talking with people in small groups...but I have found that I still carry those Foundational Beliefs with me.  I am usually tempted to listen from the outside instead of speaking up.  I gravitate towards service instead of leadership.  I frequently find myself believing that I am the outsider whose voice does not matter.

     I bring this up not to fish for affirmation or wallow in self-pity.  I bring it up to point to the power of Foundational Beliefs which are often embraced when we are children.  People see what they are looking for.  Once you take on a belief that you are an outsider, you will see more and more supporting evidence.  Once you believe that you are funny, you will see more and more supporting evidence and that belief will grow into becoming an integral part of you.

     The youth that come to Joel's Place are smack dab in the middle of establishing their Foundational Beliefs.  Beliefs about themselves...about how the world works...about who God is...about what they can and cannot do.  Many of our kids already have the understanding that they are unwanted...undesirable...broken in some way.  They may come from homes where one or both parents have left.  They may come from a home where one or both parents are abusive.  They may have trouble learning at school or troubles sitting still or difficulty speaking.  They come to us feeling insecure and angry and afraid.  They come with the unspoken whisper of a hope that someone might think they are valuable...worthwhile...not a mistake or an accident.  Could their voice actually matter?

     Yes.  Yes.  A thousand times, yes.  Joel's Place is here to offer a chance.  A chance to exchange these doubts, fears and insecurities for a new set of Foundational Beliefs.  The teens who come through our doors are Adventurous and Creative, filled with laughter, capable of deep friendships and they are loved.  So immensely loved.  They are loved by our staff and even more by their Heavenly Father who created them unique and perfect, not a mistake in the whole group.

     These are the Foundational Beliefs we want to pass on to the kids who come to Joel's Place.  The more they hang out here, the more they take those in...the more they put them on and take ownership of them.  This is Eternal Work we are doing here and I am so honored to be a part of it.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Visitors

Joel's Place is putting on a special workshop this weekend.  We have some new friends from way down south who will be up here the next few days to offer their insights and experiences in building relationships with young people.  Pastor Alberto Suriel and David Greshel, both from City of Refuge Church in Melbourne, Florida, will be joining Christy Bauman who teaches in Haiti. 
  • Saturday night will be the first session from 7-10. There will be worship and discussion around shifting church trends among this next generation.
  • Sunday's session will be from 3-7 with a potluck dinner with conversation focusing on Reaching Youth and Re-engaging our Society.  There is no cost and the event is open to everyone who is interested in engaging youth for the kingdom.

One of the interesting things about having guests is that you get to observe their first impressions of you.  What do they see?  What do they not see?  What jumps out to them as they look around for the first time?  Alberto writes a blog at  http://forerunnervision.com.  This is his entry entitled "Alaska, Day 1"

Alaska Day 1

Painting
Alaska is such a hidden treasure. You have a massive state that is largely unknown by the other 49 states below it. Dimensionally it’s enormous. Let’s put it this way if you were to cut the state in half it would still be bigger than Texas. But despite the size of the land it’s only populated by roughly 700,000 people with an estimated 300,000 of them living in Anchorage alone. To offer perspective, Orlando has about 3,000,000 people in just one city! So the largest state, that can fit Texas, California and Montana has 700,000 people living spread out in small villages and towns that take planes and boats to visit. This naturally creates isolation and a problematic obstacle to vault over when responding with aid and assistance. How do you respond to a cry for help when it will take several hours to arrive on location?
Alaska draws different people groups that create a large spectrum of very diverse cultural backgrounds. From Russians, Bulgarians, Samoans, to exclusive cults and a growing mormon community. I haven’t mentioned the diverse dynamics between the varying natives living both north and south of the Arctic Circle with their difference in languages beliefs and traditions. Then you toss in the local transplants. These are the people that have lived here all their lives or moved here when they were young and have seen the economic woes, the long winter depressions, and the beauty of spring when it finally buds. I’m sure I’ve only experienced the tip of the iceberg (Get it? ‘Cause icebergs exist here!) There is also a growing Asian, Filipino, and hispanic community. Diversity right?
Now after a while you begin to sense a quiet loneliness. This is where the substance abuse and suicide rates (which are higher than anywhere in the US) start kidnapping lives one by one. With all this distance and very little way of policing the far off villages, who’s to stand against the dangerous coping mechanism that people develop and fall prey to.
I’ve also failed to mention that with all this diversity comes tension. Tension between each individual group that strives to integrate and have hope for a better tomorrow and those that choose the isolation maintaining a distance from being known. When no one knows your story and struggle who’s to empathize? Who’s to tell your tale? Isn’t that what life is about? Knowing and being known?
Here in Fairbanks is an incredibly thriving community seeking to develop reconciliation in some of the most difficult circumstances. The church strives to be a light in the dark because they truly are an outpost in a very real frontier. “City set on a hill” takes on a new meaning when the illumination of your twilight hours brings hope to a traveler seeking asylum. In all this you have Joel’s Place, a thriving group that is at the edge of transformation for a lost youth seeking a place to belong to. Like a lighthouse offering safe passage for a community tossed by the tundra of addiction and clashing cultures. A place where you can run away from the abuses at home. A place where people want you to feel safe. A place where you’re fed and taken care of. A place where your story is told.
During this trip I hope to tell you their story piece by piece.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Easter: Heaven's Long Con

Satan stood at the foot of the cross, shaking his head at his brilliance.  His anticipation grew with every passing moment...what would happen next?

The Holy One hung from the tree, bloodied and battered.  His final moments on this earth were to be spent in suffering as he was killed by the very ones whom He had come to save.  The Deceiver moved among the crowd, drinking in the mixture of shock and anger and fear and disappointment and hopelessness that hung on the spectators.

"It was destined to end this way, you know," he called out to the Holy One.  The beaten face slowly turned to look Satan in the eye.  "You never had a chance to save these people.  This," he spread his arms wide, "is my realm.  I decide what happens here.  Who profits.  Who loses.  Who goes to war and who has peace.  Who lives," Satan raised an eyebrow and returned the Holy One's stare, "and who dies."  The Deceiver noticed a small band of soldiers and slowly walked over to them.  "You see," he continued as a smile spread across his face, " when you all created these poor creatures, you gave them the power to choose...but not the power to see." 

He came up behind one of the soldiers and whispered, "The clothing of the King of the Jews...I bet that will be worth something.  Why not claim it?"  He turned and walked back toward the cross as the soldiers began gambling for the Holy One's garments.

"They can't see me!  They can't even see you...at least not who you really are!" Satan ran his finger along the foreheads of the men and women in the crowd as he slowly made his way to the dying man.  "Oh...but they can hear me.  And they want things and I am very good at telling them how to get what their petty little hearts want.  It's like you made them to become mine!"

Satan reached the cross and leaned on it, eyes closing as his head rested on the wood.  "You made me work for this one, though.  I will give you credit for that.  This was significantly harder than those prophets that you used to send."  He smiled again, savoring the victory.  "Do you know how hard it was to arrange all this when you kept feeding people and healing people?  Fulfilling prophecy and raising the dead?  Come on...it would take a master tactician to be able to manipulate enough events to defeat that movement.  To guide you on a path that ended up in an entire mob chanting for your death?  Betrayed by one of your closest friends?  No one can pull that many strings,"  His eyes snapped open, glistening, "Except me."

Satan looked up at his victim, gasping and groaning as He approached the end.  "No rebuttal?  No Holy Scriptures to quote?  No Divine Revelations?  Hmmm, disappointing.  Let's go check on your friends, shall we?"

The Holy One was hung in between two other criminals.  The dark chains of Sin hung across their torsos, ready to pull their souls down to Hell once their bodies released them.  Their names were as insignificant as their lives had been.  These two souls would be added to the millions that he already possessed...the central piece in his plan to defeat the Creator.

"What you have never understood," Satan called back to the Unchained One, "Is that humans only see what they want to see.  They see the here and now.  They see the physical and tangible.  They see what they want and what stands in their way.  They do not look around themselves and see souls that mirror the Divine.  They look around themselves and see obstacles to profit and pleasures to be conquered and wrongs to be avenged.  You came preaching a new kingdom.  They don't want a kingdom that brings peace!  They want a kingdom that brings them power!  They want control over their lives and you and the Creator simply get in their way!"

One of the other prisoners happened to call out to the Holy One at that moment.  "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!"  The Crucified King turned and told him, "Today you will join me in paradise."

Satan exploded.  "You fool!" he cried at the prisoner, "You see these chains!"  He grabbed the bindings and gave a firm tug.  "These mark you as mine!  You will never get so much as a glimpse of paradise!  This Lord of yours has wasted his years here in my realm to try to save you pathetic beings.  But he failed, and you are mine!  Weren't you paying attention to his cute little stories?  He said a landowner went away and sent messengers back to collect from his land.  The messengers were killed.  I killed them!  Then he sent his son...and his son was killed!  Guess what I'm doing now?  After that the "landowner" attacked his vineyard and there was a great battle.  Don't you see?  When I kill this wretched excuse for a man, he is returning to heaven as a failure and the Creator is going to have to come down here and try to retake this realm!"  Satan ran to face the Holy One, pointing a finger up into His face.  "But I have a secret weapon.  Millions of them actually.  Go back to where you came from and tell your "Father" that I have His beloved children under my control!  If He attacks me, He will have to kill every single one of those precious souls to get to me and everything He has ever wanted will die too.  You go back home with this message, Son of Man: Earth is now and forever off-limits!  It is mine!  Go find somewhere else in that great big cosmos to play god!  I have won!  Do you hear me?  I HAVE WON!" 

The eyes were what Satan noticed first.  The eyes that had been glazed over in agony sharpened in an instant.  The face that was smeared with dirt, sweat and blood clenched its jaw as the Holy One drew himself up.  For a split second His mouth turned up into a smile before he yelled, "It is Finished!"  The eyes behind that fierce gaze closed and Jesus breathed his last.

Satan let out a breath that he did not even know he had been holding.  It was over.  Satan turned to leave.  All that was left was for the body to release the soul to the heavens and then to see how the Creator responded to his ultimatum.  A flash of movement caught his eye.

The Deceiver froze, his mind unable to comprehend what he was seeing.  The dark-as-night chains that had been draped across the other prisoner were gone and now hanging on the Holy One's still form.  The chain from the third prisoner flew off and circled around His legs.  Satan watched in horror as chains began flying from the crowd and wrapping about the prone figure.  Soon there were countless streaks of darkness emerging through the ground and streaking through the sky, thoroughly burying the Holy One.  The cross now held an enormous cocoon of chains, more than Satan could count.

"No!"  The Deceiver ran towards the cross.  "No no no no no!  What have you done?"

Slowly the cocoon began to descend from the cross.  The physical body was releasing the soul, now  bound by these supernatural chains, and it was now sinking into the earth destined for Hell.

"No!  You can't go there!  That realm is reserved for those who have been separated from the Creator!  You can't be separated...you are a One with Him!"  For the first time in history, Satan felt fear.  Dread alternated with disbelief as he tried to figure out what was happening and how to regain control of the situation. 

Satan raced ahead, marshaling all his forces to assemble in the receiving chamber.  Newly acquired souls were brought here first for processing.  It was completely dark and quiet, save for the echoes of screams that carried from other areas.  The mass of chains came to rest in the center of the room.  Satan and his angels surrounded the invader, weapons drawn.  Silence hung in the air as Hell waited.  The cocoon twitched.  A slight movement became an unmistakable shaking.  The surrounding angels took a step backwards as a rumble began to be heard.  The chains trembled and cracked; the rumble grew into a roar.  Suddenly everything stopped...there was no sign of movement...no whisper of noise.

The pile of chains erupted in a blinding explosion of light and sound, knocking Satan's entire army to the ground.  The entire chamber was filled with a blazing sun.  From the dirt the Deceiver squinted and shielded his eyes, making out the form of a man in the middle of the inferno.  This was not the broken and bloodied form he had mocked only moments ago.  This was power and strength personified, the Light of Creation, the Word of the Almighty.  "Now," His voice echoed for all to hear, "It is my turn."  The Holy One was unleashed upon Hell.


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This was not the first confrontation between these two.  After Jesus' baptism he spent a month in the wilderness.  Satan came to tempt the Incarnation and, failing in his mission, left Jesus.  After his departure, Jesus was joined by angels who ministered to him.  "So.  That is the enemy."

"Yes, my Lord.  The Deceiver has taken millions of souls captive over the years.  The gates to his realm are well defended and he knows that we will not dare an assault that would result in the deaths of so many lost ones." The angel bowed its head, "I do not see how we can rescue those hostages without sacrificing the living.  Satan will never open his kingdom for you without a substantial offering in return."

Jesus smiled and shook his head.  "There will be a substantial offering...but not as he is expecting.  We are not going through the front gates.  We are not going to sacrifice the hostages.  Satan himself will escort me into the heart of his realm and then watch helplessly as I bring all the lost souls out with me.  Don't you see?   I am going to break down the gates of Hell...but from the inside."

"But my Lord, why would he welcome you in?"

"People will see what they want to see."  Jesus gave a small laugh as they began walking out of the wilderness.  "The enemy believes we are setting up to have an enormous battle for this planet.  He believes that we are battling over who gets to control humanity, because that is what he would do.  He expects that I will gather forces and he will gather forces...that if he can win the day that my Father will be forced to either wipe out everything or go somewhere else and start over."  His eyes narrowed in determination. "I am not here to win the day or the year, or even this generation.  I am here to win eternity...and he is going to help me do it."

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The Deceiver wandered aimlessly, stunned and uncomprehending.  The Holy One had torn through everything he had.  Death broken.  His angels scattered.  His fortress ruined.  Every time he came across one of the captive lost souls, the Holy One had knelt down and removed their restraints...gently uncovered their eyes...called them by name and invited them to freedom.  Once they said yes he resumed his rampage against Satan's forces.  For days he did this and there was nothing the Deceiver had been able to do to stop Him. 

He came to an abrupt stop, shocked at where his feet had brought him.  Satan stood at the mouth of the empty tomb, shaking his head in disbelief.  His panic grew with every passing moment.  What would happen next?

Friday, March 27, 2015

The April Alumni Challenge

A Quick Update on My Presentation:
      So we did not get the grant.  Not terribly shocking, but still disappointing.  Thanks everyone who offered words of encouragement and support.  There are some amazing organizations that were awarded the money and some amazing organizations that are on the outside looking in.  As I said last week, I had very mixed feelings about applying.  Congrats to everyone who had successful applications and thank you to the Commission who had an incredibly difficult task.

     Now, onto some really good Money News...


April Alumni Challenge!!!

   What is this?  So glad you asked.  Joel's Place has been serving teens for 15 years.  We have been here at 1890 Marika in the form of a Skate Park for a decade now.  Do you know how many kids we have served over that time?  Do you know the long-term impact that we have had on lives?

Neither do we.

One of the greatest things about Joel's Place is that is has never treated its kids like they are just part of a program.  These teens are not statistics.  They are not "The Mission."  These youth are, and always have been, family.  Loud, rambunctious, laughter-inducing, heart-breaking family.  You know what you do with family?  You love them and hold them close.  You check in with them.  You celebrate their successes and mourn their losses.  You know what you do not do with family?  Keep files on them.  Enter them into databases.  Lose track of them.

That brings us to the here and now. Joel's Place has gone through a heavy amount of turnover in the past 15 years.  I only know a small fraction of the faces and the stories that have come through our doors over this last decade and a half.  What I do know is that there are thousands of young adults whose lives have been impacted by this place and I want to find them for a number of reasons:
  • Stories:  Stories are what drive ministries.  Statistics are nice.  Pictures are fascinating.  But a story can connect us with other people from other generations in other places more powerfully than any other medium.  I would love to find more stories about Joel's Place and specifically how those experiences served to alter the trajectory of people's lives.
  • Partnership: We are always in search of partnership.  People who will give of their time, of their money, of their creativity and gifts in order to make Joel's Place a better place for kids.  The best place to look for partnership is among people who have been blessed by Joel's Place.
  • Long-term reporting: Many grants and proposals that I submit have the same question in some form.  "Does your organization make the world better?"  I truly believe that it does...but that tends to not be a sufficient answer.  I would love to be able to point to young men and women in their teens, twenties and thirties who could testify to the benefits of Joel's Place.
  • Mentoring:  I list this one last because it is the most important and needs the most space.  As an adult with some positional authority, my words carry some weight with the youth here.  I tell them to stop and they do.  I tell them the storms of life will pass and they kind of believe me.  If I bring in a 25 year old skater who grew up at Joel's Place...walked the same hallways...got yelled at by the staff in the same way...faced the same challenges and struggles...and has come out the other side with a good job and a solid social life?  Pure gold.  We have 15 years worth of mentors out there.  15 years worth of young people who have struggled through the worst that life could throw at them and made it.  15 years worth of voices of experience and compassion who have walked in the same footsteps as our current generation of youth.  To be able to bring those generations together would be like pouring hope and perseverance and passion directly into the hearts of our kids.  As I said...pure gold.
So why bring this up now?  We have a dear partner, Mr. Dennis Wise, who has offered us a challenge related to the men and women who used to frequent these halls.  He has pledged to match any donation that Joel's Place Alumni make in April, up to a total of $10,000.  Anyone who was a kid here or had a kid here.  Anyone who was on staff here.  Anyone who was on the Board or in AmeriCorps or played shows at Joel's Place over the past decade and a half...if you are older than 18, all of you are considered alumni.  Your gift could be $10 or your gift could be $1,000 and he will double it in the month of April.

This is an exciting proposition for me.  I have been talking to the Board about connecting with alumni for a couple of years now.  The money will help us get back on track after a rough first quarter, but the connections and relationships are the true prize here.  How many mentors and partners are there who could help turn around the lives of these kids?  I am eager to find out.

If you have been connected with Joel's Place over the years and want to participate in this April Alumni Challenge, check back here in a couple of days (when it is actually April) and I will have a link embedded so you can give towards our $10,000 goal or feel free to call Joel's Place, visit our website or just swing by the Youth Center at your convenience.

Finally, I am so grateful to all of you who have come before me that helped to create this amazing place.  Blessings upon you all.

James

Friday, March 20, 2015

The Presentation

I have a big presentation this weekend.  Remember that big grant that I wrote about last month?  Well it has been read and dissected and the commission would now like to speak with me for 15 minutes about the proposal and the flaws and omissions from my application.  I feel pretty calm about the interview...although I seem to not be getting very much accomplished today.  Hmmm.

I had mixed feelings about applying for this grant.  First off, it is a lot of work.  I know that writing a 30 page document and including another 35 pages of support may simply sound like a fun afternoon for you, but this took a good chunk of my time.  This is also a competitive process.  There are 18 really high quality organizations that are applying and only around 8 will receive funding.  That means a couple of things.  First, I am going up against several very experienced and accomplished grant writers which means there is no faking this.  Second, if we do happen to be one of the 8 chosen, it will come at the expense of someone else in our community who is doing outstanding work.  I wrestled with the pros and cons for quite a while.  Did I really want to invest a large amount of my time...trying to do something that did not have overwhelming odds of success...that might hurt another organization...just for $50,000?  That is a nice chunk of change, but was it worth it?

My Board of Directors thought we should apply.  My staff were not excited about me being wrapped up in another project, but they thought it was probably a good idea.  What actually swayed me was the Joel's Place kids.  Our Ride Team is comprised of 8-12 teens who have both immense amounts of skill and high character.  They teach lessons, perform demos, help promote Joel's Place and get to ride for free as a perk.  What they have been talking with Kelli about is what they can do in order to raise money for the other riders at Joel's Place to be able to ride for free also.  Instead of gloating and reveling in their elevated status, they are trying to find ways to serve the other kids at Joel's Place.  If they can sacrifice their time, resources and energy to serve then so can I....and I actually may have the skills and experience to make their vision a reality.

I made the grant out for 10 months of free skating.  We already have sponsors that can fill the other two.  This proposal would allow us to offer an entire year of free riding to our members.  When we offered that last summer our attendance tripled, our meals served went through the roof and the number of kids who attended development programs increased somewhere near tenfold.  We don't charge much through the year, but when we can remove the cost barrier for our high risk population, Joel's Place blossoms into what it is intended to be.  Kids come because it is safe.  They stay because it is fun.  They receive mentoring and training and we see both their skills and their characters develop over the year/ 2 years/ 5 years/ 10 years that they stay with us.

A funny thing happened as I worked on the grant proposal.  The process was not just time consuming and hard...it was also really good.  It led to finding an outcomes-based system that does a great job of highlighting what we do and how we can measure that.  It led to conversations among the staff about what we value and where our priorities are.  It led to implementing systems and structures that will both allow us to gauge our effectiveness in transforming lives as well as focus our programs and our staff trainings.  It led to identifying our major barriers in growth and effectiveness and developing strategies to overcoming them.  We are in a significantly better place as an organization than we were a month ago, and it is completely unexpected.

I don't know if we will get this grant this weekend.  I still have mixed feelings about it.  However I can talk to my Board and my staff and the Ride Team with integrity about realizing the vision of year-long free riding.  I can look at the progress of our organization and the tremendous course that we are on and I can honestly tell the commission that Joel's Place, and the 1,100 kids that we serve, would be an excellent investment of their resources.  I can't ask for much more than that.