My Unlimited Journey

Things are moving ahead with adding the arts space at The Bridge. Just met today with a local artist who is helping us purchase supplies and got some money donated through a group of ladies. So it is happening. We are creating a visual arts space as well as a small stage for performing arts with a lounge like atmosphere. Lots of planning and fundraising to do. A list of needs will be on our web page soon.

Today was an eventful morning. Nick and I spent time on the air talking about The Bridge and our open house tonight. It was kind of nervous at first, but more relaxing as I got into it. Great things are emerging as we step forward in meeting the needs of youth. The audience listening likely was not youth, but parents and grandparents heard it. Tonight, there will be a live remote interview from The Bridge leading into the open house. Check it out tonight at 7pm.

Observations from a Snack Bar – Patti Abel

As I drive into the parking lot 20 minutes before opening, I see half a dozen kids waiting impatiently to get into the centre. I’m pumped before I even get through the door!

From my stool perched behind the snack bar (for sure the best seat in the house) I watch:
-groans & then high fives from the pool table (“I am getting gooood!)
-air hockey pucks flying periodically across the room
-crazy moves & laughter from the dance mats
-guitar hero prodigies being discovered every few minutes
-budding artists with their sketch pads (“Do you like my drawing? I’ll sign it for you”)

At my snack bar (notice the possessive!) games are being signed out, snacks bought & shared (lots of generosity here), ‘freebies’ being gratefully snatched up (“Wow, is this all for us?”). Respect & gratitude being shown – ‘thank you’s’ all around.

And I’m actually remembering names! (a challenge for the memory-deprived, but its amazing what you can do when your heart’s in it) “How do you know my name?” (asked not with suspicion but with curious appreciation)
Simple things….

Smiles and laughter and quiet conversation – evidence of a safe respite, if only brief, from some difficult life circumstances. Relationships are slowly being built. Heaven and earth coming together. Pretty awesome to witness!

Growing respect, growing trust, growing love – its how Jesus reached my heart – I think it might be how He’s after theirs.

As I sit here and type before the 2nd shift at The Bridge, I am thinking of the youth I interacting with tonight. It is easier for me to connect with a youth for the first time and begin conversation. One youth brought three other friends and when leaving said this is a great spot to come before the movies. I played pool with another youth and she almost beat me. There was several 10 year olds which is great. I love having the 2 shifts to cater to two different age groups. I chatted lots with two brothers who love their video games. Being present and available in the lives of these youth is so incredible. Connected with a mother who thought this was a great idea and thanked me several times for offering something for the youth to do.

The Bridge hosted a birthday party for the brother of a youth that attends regularily. It was a great afternoon of laughter and an opportunity to show case the Bridge. It was a packed house with about 15 here. This was a need that we heard and glad to connect with youth in this manner.

We are hosting a baby shower for a youth on Sunday, March 2nd from 2:00 till 5:00pm at The Bridge. This will be a great opportunity to bless this young couple. So invite your friends. Any money that will be given will be collected and someone from The Bridge will be using it to purchase something.

Hey Everyone,
It is with great anticipation to announce that we are now offering two programs at The Bridge Youth Centre on Friday Nights. An after school till 6:00pm will be happening for ages 10-14 and then 8:00-10:30pm for ages 14-22. We have seen lots of youth coming out, last week there was 19. We have observed two age groups emerge and want to offer the drop-in time to each of the groups. This has meant recruiting and training new volunteers. It has been exciting for me to learn people’s stories and passions. God has created each of us for a specific purpose and has called us to go and make disciples.