Summer 2015 Hope For Youth builds and maintains long-term Christian mentoring relationships with urban youth to challenge and enable them to reach their full potential spiritually, a cademically, and socially.
Rejoicing at Jesus N The ‘Hood Over 100 youth and as many volunteers gathered June 8-12 for Jesus N The ‘Hood and what some say was our best year yet! This year’s theme, BELIEVE, based on the Newsboys’ song, presented the Gospel in clear understandable terms. It declared bold faith in adversity and the call to Live Loud and prepare for Christ’s return. Walls were broken down in small groups as we asked: What would you change in your life if Christ came back today? Or Why is it sometimes hard to follow Jesus?
Each student left with a salvation bracelet representing the Gospel and a Bible to back up the studies. It was so encouraging to see shy and introverted students who came Monday night who dancing and laughing on stage by Friday. We introduced Worship Talent Groups for the first time this year and loved watching a youth-led rap group and guys and girls dance teams perform for everyone. A highlight of the week was hearing youth recite the week’s bible verses by heart for everyone on stage. Our theme verse, Mathew 16: 2425 sums up the takeaway we
wanted youth to remember: Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” Thank you to everyone who made this week of ministry such a success. Your financial support, dedicated time and constant prayers helped us sow seeds of growth that will penetrate Houston’s darkest neighborhoods with light.
Senior Spotlight We had the great privilege of honoring our high school graduates before they crossed the stage in May. Among our group we have a future public policy servant, a business accountant, a mechanical engineer, a law enforcement officer, a pro football player and two U.S. Servicemen. We are praising God for their ambitions and accomplishments including a full ride scholarship to Texas A&M, entrance into Williams University, many with GPAs above 3.5 and one student
Brandon Prince who graduated Salutatorian of his class and gave a speech at his ceremony. He spoke of those who helped guide him in life: “We thank you so much for loving us but demanding greatness, disciplining us but demanding perfection, giving us love and care but also being supportive when we thought we were the right ones. We thank you for seeing the journey that we haven’t even prepared for ourselves, we thank you for understanding that our name is written
We’re taking a bus of youth to Kids Across America for our 24th year! Thank you for helping us get there!
in the book of life.” Terrence Jackson described how much Hope For Youth has meant to him. He said, “I don’t think I really had teenage years, I feel like Hope For Youth was my teenage years. I really appreciate everything Hope For Youth has done for me, everybody seeing potential and reaching out to hold me to a high standard. Looking back sometimes I was upset that I was held to a higher standard but now I appreciate it, it made me a better person and who I am today.”
Upcoming Events Mentorship Activity.........................July 25 Volunteer Party.................................July 28 KAA.....................................................Aug 1-8 Pool Party............................................Aug 27 Volunteer Training...........................Aug 31 Mentorship Kickoff...........................Sept 1 Friday Night Live..............................Sept 11 Fundraiser Dinner.............................Oct 15
Financial Update Hope For Youth has received $143,485 in donations YTD. We need $17,000 to finish our fiscal year before beginning anew Sept. 1. We completed our first successful phonathon in May
Have you Liked us? raising almost $10,000! If you are able to set up a monthly gift to Hope For Youth please call 832-981-9100 or go online at:
www.hopeforyouth.com
facebook.com/hopeforyouth @HopeforYouthTX