April 1, 2008
Today at The Bridge Youth Centre I had a good conversation about marriage. I find it interesting what the view of marriage is nowadays. Marriages are under so much strain. Got to share about the commitment of marriage and my own marriage. It was a great conversation that I was able to engage while chatting over a game of pool.
March 20, 2008
I was part of a two day training with all of our staff in Kawartha. That is one of the great things being a satellite in that we all come together. Mark Anderson came and presented his thoughts on Remix and what POD’s could resemble. POD is a community where youth can engage life with some committed volunteers. But it is more than just getting together, the idea is to be involved in the community at large as well.
“Act your way into a new way of thinking” Alan Hirsch. POD’s are a new way of acting and living.
March 13, 2008
It was a fun week to interact with several youth this week. Tuesday brought out 3 youth to be creative and that they did. It was freestyle arts. Wednesday was street hockey with 7-8 youth and 2 amazing volunteers. I had to watch since I hurt my back. It’s OK now. Thursday was tobogganing and then drop-in time to warm up with a half dozen youth. Great times and interaction. Tomorrow,we have our regular Friday night drop-in.
March 12, 2008
So, it is that time where I write personalized notes to include with my newsletter. It is a rewarding time as I pray for people as I send them out. Was just reminded of a story. I got involved with Big Brothers in 2001 or 2002. You never realize the impact one can make at the time. We spent lots of time hanging out at the local attractions, paint ball, camping trips, wax musuems, go-karting and so on. It was time together over several months. So, fast forward several years and I am involved with youth still and doing it full time. His mother was one of my first partners and still continues to be. Now, the youth I spent all that time with is partnering with me as well. God used me for a time in his life at time when he needed it the most. Incredible how God works.
So many people are part of impacting the youth of Haliburton Highlands. Each person is part of it. So incredible. I am the guy that is provided with the opportunity to share hope in the lives of these teens. And several years down the road, you too will see how God used you to change a life. What an incredible journey we are part of.
March 6, 2008
Wednesday at The Bridge, I was chatting with a youth about life and what is it this person wants to get out of it. School is just something that happens and now ‘the classroom’ stuff is winding up and he is looking for a co-op. So, I asked what are you interested in? Do you have any goals for the future? Chatting back and forth, he shared that is a question I think about every day. Life just simply happens for him. I enjoy chats like this over the pool table. I turning into a better, bad pool player.
March 6, 2008
Last night, I had opportunity to connect with a community action group in Gooderham. They are interested in hearing about our mobile dream. It was good to give a brief history of who we are and sharing this dream. I sense the concept of the mobile is incredible. To be able to bring something into a community that will draw youth out; to train up local volunteers; to continue to ask what the greatest felt need is. I am excited to see this new vision be created.
March 6, 2008
Teams are signing up to bowl. I think there is 13 all set to go and are currently getting pledges for our March 29th MEGA Bowl. Lots of great prizes and sponsorship. This event is great because it connects The Bridge with the greater community and provides the resources to keep it going. Lots of youth are checking it out. In Feb. alone, 50 new youth came out. God is going amazing things here.
February 25, 2008
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.
February 22, 2008
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.
February 22, 2008
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.
