LITTLE LIGHTS TIMES SPRING 10.
ACT JUSTLY. LOVE MERCY. WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD.
760 7th Street SE Washington, DC 20003 202. 548. 4021 www.littlelights.org CFC# 89156
LETTER FROM STEVE
IN THIS ISSUE. LETTER FROM STEVE BLAST FROM THE PAST RASHAD JAMES DONOR INTERVIEW SAMYAN LOVE
Steve Park, Executive Director of Little Lights with Elijah, one of our teen interns.
Mother Teresa was once on a talk show with a Nobel prizewinning biologist who contemplated future DNA research and the possibility of biological immortality. When the host of the show asked Mother Teresa for a response to the scientist, she simply stated, “I believe in love and compassion.”
“I believe the human soul still yearns for love and compassion. It still yearns for intimacy and acceptance.” We do live in a complicated world with cultural and societal changes that swirl around us and technology that seems to ever expand. Science continues to stretch the bounds of imagination and education opens doors to many mysteries.
tance. In all of our sophistication, our souls remain simple. We need love and compassion. At Little Lights, we value collecting data on student progress and achieving measurable results, but at the core of what our mission is, we know that the most important things are not always measurable. I believe in compassion and love. I grew up a devout atheist and went through an incredible period of fear and darkness after college. Yet, God’s compassion broke through and gave me hope beyond description or measure.
“God’s compassion broke through and gave me hope beyond description or measure.”
program is set to expire at the end of the summer, but many have already stepped up to help meet the gap through the 31 X 31 campaign. Thank you! We are committed to build strength as an organization We recently had a young man who and community and expand our grew up with us get stabbed and impact in changing lives. nearly die. We are so thankful that he made it through, but who knows Let’s continue to come together and what this year will bring. We need battle the cyncism we can so easily to still continue to show compassion fall into in our fast-paced world. and love. Let’s believe in the power of God’s compassion and love and not give I am so thankful for you, our friends up doing good. At Little Lights, we and supporters, who give us the are still as committed as ever to, as incredible privilege of ministering Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the this message of love and compas- gospel always, using words when sion in city of DC, especially in necessary.” Potomac Gardens public housing.
Yet, I believe the human soul still yearns for love and compassion. It THANKS AGAIN still yearns for intimacy and accep- Our grant for our teen internship Steve Park, Executive Director
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT FELLOWS EXPERIENCE VIVIAN MAH STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ACADEMIC UPDATE IMPACT CONFERENCE 2010 CAMP HOPE 2010 RACHEL LEE PRAYER MEETING LLUM PROGRAMS GIRLS’ NIGHT, BOYs’ NIGHT, CHOIR
CALENDAR JUNE 16 LAST DAY OF HOMEWORK CLUB JUNE 21-25 OFFICES CLOSED JULY 5 FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY OFFICES CLOSED JULY 17 COMMUNITY DAY / TALENT SHOW AUGUST 9-13 OFFICES CLOSED
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
and a minor in coaching. I continue to keep a relationship with Christ by being one of the leaders in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). We meet every Thursday at 8 o’clock to talk about problems in our lives and things on campus. But most importantly God’s game plan and how God is working in our lives and steps on how to get closer to him. We call our Bible study meetings huddles. This summer I will be attending the FCA leadership camp to better myself not only as a person but as a Christian. A little advice for the people that are struggling and think that there is no hope, all ends either to go get some sports things are possible through Jesus clothes or just to workout. So one Christ. He is the best friend you can day my coach picked me up but ever have; he will never betray or he never told me where we were forsake you. going. I figured we were going to pick up some football gear, clothes Rashad James or to go see a football recruit. But strangely I was in the car less than 30 seconds because he pulled right around the corner. The first place we walked into after getting out of the car was the church I walked past every day. That was the day I got saved and started a personal relationship with God.
“…all things are possible
through Jesus
Christ. HE IS THE
BEST FRIEND YOU
CAN EVER HAVE; HE
WILL NEVER BETRAY OR FORSAKE YOU.”
Rashad and his mother Lisa Johnson with the directors of Little Lights.
During my years in the Little Lights camp it was very exciting. I have had the privilege to meet lots of different people and go different places. My favorite memories of the Little Lights camp are being with my child hood friends learning and singing different songs. I still remember a song that we used to sing that was in a different language. I’m not sure of the title of the song but in the English language the lyrics were, “There’s no one there’s no one like Jesus, there’s no one there’s no one like him.” As of today I still sing those lyrics in the language I learned it. Also the huge Christmas and Halloween parties were the best, and
I really appreciate what the Little Lights program has and still continues to do for the community. As a young child and being in the Little Lights camp I knew of Jesus Christ but didn’t really have that personal relationship with him. During my high school years things changed. Coming back and forth from school I used to walk past a church every day, and I always told myself I’m going to go in there some day but never did at the time. So days, weeks, and months went by and I never had the courage to walk in. My high school football coach used to pick me up on the week-
Now I’m an upcoming junior attending Frostburg State University, Steve Park with Little Lights youth in majoring in mass communication 1999. Rashad is pictured on the right.
DONOR INTERVIEW of my friend Angelo Capili who attended the same church (McLean Bible Church, Frontline) as me. We were both part of the same Men’s Small Group and he told me about Little Lights.
Name: Samyan Love Age: 34 Occupation: Geospatial Analyst Little Lights: How long have you been involved with Little Lights, and how did you first get involved? Samyan Love: I have been involved with Little Lights since Camp Hope 2008. During that time I volunteered on a part-time basis at Camp Hope 2008. I first got involved and knew about Little Lights because
LL: Why did you decide to become a member of Ignite the Light (Little Lights’ monthly giving partnership), and at the Lighthouse of Love giving level!? SL: I decided to become a member of Ignite the Light because I believe the Lord is working through Little Lights to reach the kids that they serve on a daily basis. Also, I wanted to be a more consistent partner with Little Lights in my giving. The reason for the Lighthouse of Love giving level is because after I went to the recent banquet that Little Lights had and first heard about the program I wanted to give more financially.
LL: Tell us about an experience LL: You’ve invested time and you’ve had with the kids here. money in Little Lights. Have you seen a return on your investment? SL: At Camp Hope this year my kid Navin was good to be with because SL: I have seen a return on my investI could see all his potential in life and ment because through my giving I this encouraged me to be a Christ- could help Little Lights impact at like example to him. In those short least one kid. If Little Lights were three plus days, we both learned only able to help one kid and show a lot about one-on-one relation- that kid that God loves them and ships and the importance of having wants to take care of them then someone there to listen and have my investment is worth it. Also, a conversation with. This led to I thought that by giving more deeper discussions as the camp than I did in the past, Little Lights went on. During our one-on-one would be able to fulfill its mission times we talked about the Lord, of empowering underserved youth school, nature (Navin wants to be a and families with the love of Christ Scientist), people, struggles, things with a larger amount of funds. we like and dislike, etc. It was as if we were family during those times. The LL: What are your hopes for the experience with the other kids was kids at Little Lights? nice too because I could see how they interacted with each other over SL: My hope for the future for the the course of the camp and how kids at Little Lights is that they some have grown closer to each are provided the spiritual (so that other and their counselors. they can become followers of Jesus
SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 3
Christ), emotional, physical, and mental care needed to grow and be the person the Lord created them to be. I also hope that the kids will learn to treat each other with respect and become friends during and after they leave Little Lights. Finally, I hope that the older kids at Little Lights help support and be role models for the younger kids so that it can be a cyclical program that helps each new generation of kids. LL: Thank you, Sam, for your time and your dedication to the kids here. And thank you to all the donors and volunteers who are integral to the Little Lights family, especially the more than 55 members of Ignite the Light!
How your gift helps. $50 - Covers costs for one week of summer program for a student $75 - Covers costs for two Youth Night sessions for teens on Friday nights $100 - Provides one month of reading and math tutoring sessions, including curriculum $250 - Provides one month of after-school programming including art, recreation, and homework help $500 - Provides one month of housing and utilities for full-time staff at our ministry house $1,000 - Sponsors approximately one month of living expenses, excluding housing and utilities, for a full-time staff
To learn more, visit www.littlelights.org and click DONATE!
CHANGE THE CITY Here’s a great project for your small group, Sunday school class, VBS, book club, etc! Participate in our coin can drive to CHANGE THE CITY! Contact: donate@littlelights.org to get involved.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT “Everyone [at work] loves Wednesdays because I always have some crazy/fun story to tell from tutoring the night before!” But tutoring isn’t all fun and games, as Emily Johnson can tell you. After all, she has been a committed volunteer with Little Lights for more than three years, and has recently started coming out TWICE a week for both Reading and Math Heroes! Her enthusiasm and flexibility make her an incredible asset to Little Lights, and to the assortment of LLUM students she’s been able to work with. Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Emily! There are few people out there who’d prefer working with kids going through, quite arguably, the worst part of human existence—middle school. Catherine Finn, however, is one of those special people and her commitment to our middle school students has surpassed a gauntlet of challenges. Transitioning with us from Reading Heroes, to Little Lights News Network, to Little Lights Productions, and then back to Reading Heroes again is no walk in the park! She’s seen lots of kids come and go and her heart for our middle school students is evident in her faithfulness as a volunteer. Thank you, Ms. Catherine! Matt Toigo has been an enthusiastic and energetic member of our Little Lights com-
munity since his first day here. A devoted Math Hero for our younger kids, Matt has been willing and able to take on some of our more “challenging” students with much avail! On top of programs, Matt has gone beyond to help out wherever necessary—by helping us install TVs, evaluating and setting-up new (and donated) computers, or even by getting his DC Kickball team to take our kids out to a Nationals game. Matt’s commitment to Little Lights is one we really appreciate! Thank you, Mr. Matt! Mijin Paik, Volunteer Coordinator INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Contact us at 202.548.4021 or email volunteer@littlelights.org.
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FELLOWS EXPERIENCE
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18
Vivian Mah hanging with some of the kids outside the Little Lights center.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Here’s a question for you to think about. Do you know of a place where the more love you show the more you will receive it? Or a place where you can learn what it means to be patient, compassionate, and humble? What about a place where the second you step into it you are immediately welcomed to a community of people who are passionate about what they do? Ask me this five years ago and I don’t think I would have been able to give you an answer. Now, as my one year Fellow’s experience comes to end I can confidently say “YES! Little Lights Urban Ministries!” I remember asking God a few years ago to “break my heart for what breaks His.” Since then, He’s been
slowly opening my eyes to the brokenness that exists in this world. Through a chain of events, God led me to serve as a fellow at Little Lights for a year after graduation. In these past months, I’ve witnessed the spiritual battle here in DC. I’ve seen how hard Satan is trying to fight to get a foothold in people’s lives, especially in the lives of the kids and families we work with. The influence of sex, drugs, and violence are strong, but I KNOW God’s influence is even stronger. As much as I’ve seen Satan fight, I’ve seen God and His people fight harder and stronger because our God is both mighty and powerful. He has, time and time again, provided for and protected His people. My experience here reminds me of the urgency to share God’s love with the world. Being here at Little Lights has encouraged me to commit to living my life wholly for Him and to be open to however God will use me for His plans.
I am confident that God will use my experience here in some way for His glory. I encourage anyone looking to meet and experience God working to consider becoming a Little Lights Fellow. It’s something you will never regret doing. Vivian Mah, Fellow Little Lights is selecting Fellows for the 2010 - 2011 school year. For more information about the Little Lights Fellows Program contact: mary@littlelights.org.
PRAYER MEETING We believe in the power of prayer (James 5:17) and that God still answers the prayers of those whose hearts are broken and contrite (Psalm 34:18). We believe that no (lasting) real change can happen without prayer. Through the many changes that Little Lights has seen and experienced, prayer has always been our most constant and effective tool for ministry. As a staff, we meet everyday to lift up the fears and joys of our Little Lights community to the Lord through prayer. Recently, we were able to host a prayer gathering for devoted volunteers and staff to pray into God’s promises for our Little Lights students. Thank you to those who were able to attend for a time of praise, prayer, and fellowship! A special thank you goes to members of the George Washington University’s Hope Christian Fellowship praise band, who led praise for the event. And a very special thank you to all of our prayer warriors, near and far. Just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ weary arms so that Israel could defeat the Amalekites (Exodus 17), your prayers are what holds us up so that our surrender can become God’s victory for Little Lights, for Potomac Gardens, for Washington DC and beyond. Mijin Paik, Volunteer Coordinator To be added to our prayer listserv, email: admin@littlelights.org.
SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 5
ACADEMIC UPDATE looking at their habits, setting personal goals, and taking concrete steps to confront choices that until now may have hindered them in school and in life. And last but not least, be sure to check out the amazing things happening in Art this semester--from book-making to paper -making and beyond, students’ process and wonderful products are being posted on the Little Lights website. These are just a few highlights of academics this spring -- we continue to be grateful for the relationships fostered by these and our other programs with our students and their families, and we welcome your prayer support as we continue this semester and as we plan exciting programs for this summer, including staff trips and one-on-one time with students, academic programs for students in July, and more. Beth Dewhurst, Academic Director
Volunteer Kathy Turner with Ty’tiana during Reading Heroes.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
As the Academic Director, I am happy to report that our students in Elementary and Middle School Programs have been hard at work building their reading and math skills with their tutors, as well as learning and having lots of fun in their Homework Club activities. At the Elementary Programs, we have seen kids have fun and learn new skills during our programs. Students have enjoyed being paired oneon-one with a tutor during Reading and Math Heroes. At Homework Club, students are learning about different cultures throughout the world through various staff and guest speakers. They participate in a Bible study and spend time making art and playing academic computer games. After receiving report cards from students, we were able to determine which students were not turning in their homework. We have taken extra effort with these students to ensure that they are completing their homework each day. Also this spring, a different student each week has read a story out loud to the group at Reading Heroes. Students have played “Are you smarter than your tutor?” at Math Heroes where they get to see if they can answer flashcard questions quicker than their tutor. Students have also had the chance to enjoy the park once a week. This spring, students who have had perfect attendance at Reading and Math Heroes are looking forward to their reward of a trip to Six Flags! In our Middle School Programs, we have seen steady improvement not just in our students’ reading and math skills, but in their behavior. Little Lights has always been an excellent program, but we remain open to ways we can constantly improve. We have gone from frequent middle school grades suspensions and repeat suspensions to almost none. This is key because in order for learning to happen, students (and adults) need to feel they are in a safe and respectful place. With that increasingly in place, students are able to focus and do the hard work of remediation and taking the risk to make mistakes as part of mastering new skills. Using one-on-one support meetings--with an ever-increasing number of parents now joining in these sessions, behavior contracts, and more detailed and efficient staff communication on behalf of our students, we can see evidence that students are now beginning to own these expectations for themselves. And now for a look at our spring line-up of Homework Club activities, back by popular demand we have Drama class, where students are learning how to work together to express themselves and are preparing a presentation for our July Community Day. We also provide a Word Processing class--so be ready if students ask you what your WPM is--they mean business! Other favorites returning for the spring are Photography and World Cultures classes. And, we are excited to provide a new class this semester based on the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens in which students are
Little Lights’ SLC members: Bryant, James, and Sa’Niya:
Little Lights Urban Ministries Middle School Homework Club is proud to present our very first Student Leadership Council! This group, known as SLC, is comprised of a small group of students that have exhibited a strong potential in leadership. Interested students were asked to fill out an application answering questions about their personal strengths and weaknesses, what they would like to see change at Little Lights, and how they could use their interests and skills to serve in leadership positions at Homework Club. Applicants then had to undergo a short interview process, and a few select students were picked from these interviews. We were both excited and challenged to have such great applications! All of our students have such great potential for serving in SLC. However, we only had a few spaces to fill, and so it came down to decision time. After discussing each applicant among our staff, we were proud to select three students to become members of our very first Student Leadership Council. This year our members are Bryant Wheeler, James Guerrero, and Sa’Niya Smith!! It was a tough decision process, but these students exhibited the greatest amount of maturity and initiative to help serve Little Lights through leadership. The SLC meets every other Friday for an hour to discuss biblical examples of people in leadership and how they teach us to be Christian leaders and servants. Furthermore, students will take what they learn about leadership and apply it to their lives as they serve in various roles at Little Lights. SLC members will be helping serve with taking attendance, monitoring computer room usage, organizing student events, taking student surveys, updating our student blog, and many other tasks. It has been so wonderful to see our students grow into these leadership roles. They have each been assigned some daily tasks, and it’s exciting to see them arrive at Homework Club and check in right away eager to do
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their tasks. We have been so blessed to see how successful the SLC has been in its first year, and we’re eager to continue having this group evolve throughout the future of Little Lights. Our goal is to see these students grow in Christ as they strengthen their personal skills in leadership, being a good role model, loving one another, and serving the Kingdom of God. Down the road, it is our hope that our Student Leadership Council members will return to be part of our beloved teen interns!! Diana Mojica, Middle School Program Coordinator
BOYS’ NIGHT
filled with food, fun, laughter and lots of talent. Praise God for sending us kids that love singing and dancing. The choir would welcome any other future opportunities to perform. We are thankful to God for every chance to spread the gospel in song and dance. Pray for Mrs. Linda Rice, Ms. Mijin Paik, and Mrs. Mary Park as we musically train our youth in the nurture and admonition of the Lord to allow their lights to shine for God. Linda Rice, Associate Director
GIRLS’ NIGHT
Vince and Elias enjoying the word together during Boys’ Night.
So far this semester, Boys’ Night has been a blast! Not only because we have fun being together, but we have learned lots of various truths about God and his amazing love throughout the school year. We started off the school year about learning about the life of Jesus and the things he did while he was active in his earthly ministry. We started off the spring semester by learning about different things that tend to run our lives such as violence, materialism, sex, and then the final lesson discussed Jesus running our lives. We just finished a curriculum by learning about what a true man of God looks like and we are beginning our final series on the armor of God. While teaching these old truths we attempt to use relevant illustrations that apply to the boys’ lives such as using modern day retelling of stories or movies clips. Boys’ Night rocks! Andy Miller, Program Coordinator
GOSPEL CHOIR
Mrs. Linda sharing at CBC’s Arts Night. Many thanks to organizer Chris Gnip.
The Little Lights Gospel Choir began the semester January 9, 2010 by singing the background music (“God of the City”) for a promotional video that was produced and used at the Chinese Bible Church Arts Night Fundraiser where they raised over $800 in support for our programs. Also, the choir has been busy preparing for an upcoming singing engagement in May at First Christian Church at Brockhall in Upper Marlboro, MD. It’s also time for the choir to prepare for participation at The Potomac Gardens Community Day and Little Lights Talent Show in the summer. This is a annual event
Mrs. Linda showing our girls how to take care of their small plants.
The 2009-2010 academic year has been an eventful one for our middle school girls and their leaders here at Little Lights Urban Ministries; through the Girls’ Night program, which meets on Wednesday evenings, we’ve studied the Bible, participated in discussions about God, life and integrity, had fun at parties and watched movies, and contributed to various projects and group assignments. The purpose of the Girls’ Night program is to create a safe place for girls in 4th-8th grade, in which they can discover God’s love for them and be discipled by caring adult leaders. This year, as we learned more about the love of Christ for ourselves, we also learned about God’s love for others through several service projects. In November, we made Christmas cards for some of the troops stationed in Afghanistan. In December, the girls participated in Operation Christmas Child by purchasing and packing small Christmas gifts for children in developing countries. For our latest service project, the girls spent an evening decorating flower pots and potting small plants; these plants were watered and cared for at the Little Lights Center until Mother’s Day, when the girls took them home as gifts for their mothers. What a joy it is to see our girls work so hard for the good of others! Kati Mapa, Program Coordinator
SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 7
IMPACT CONFERENCE
CAMP HOPE
Camp Hope counselors assisting William during an activity.
Our teen interns had a great time at the Impact Conference, held in Maryland.
As the counselors arrived at Camp Bennett, we waited anxiously for the children’s arrival. The children pulled up in two buses and excitement filled the air as they got out. . . Camp Hope 2010 had begun. Counselors greeted the kids as they unloaded all the bags, and within minutes connections were made between counselor and kid as each walked side by side to the cabins.
Thanks to the financial support of a generous donor with a heart for high school students, Little Lights was able to take 11 teens to Impact, a well- This year’s theme was “Taking the Plunge from Good to Great,” focusing known Christian youth conference that was attended by more than 2,000 upon how to continually dedicate our lives to God. This reminded me of youth from 7 different states from March 26th-28th. my own spiritual relationship as well. When I first decided to do Camp Hope, I questioned whether or not I was capable of making a difference in Our teens, as well as the staff, had been looking forward to this event for a child’s life. I looked upon my own relationship with God and wondered months, and at long last it was finally here. In the days leading up to the if I was ready to take this step. Prior to camp I found myself praying and event, I could not get the teens to talk about anything else. Seriously. And asking God to prepare my heart for the four days ahead. so when the promised day finally arrived we set off, 12 happy, excited teens and one more than slightly nervous Teen Coordinator. Thank goodness for The child I was paired with was an outgoing girl who is often confounded the other staff members who came along to help! between doing the right thing and doing what everyone else is doing. The moment I met her, she was in timeout with Ms. Linda. I was immediately But once at the retreat, I found that I had nothing to worry about at all. The concerned about whether or not I would even be able to handle her. But teens dived right into all the activities with an almost child-like enthusi- as the one-on-one sessions began I saw a deeper side of this girl. She asm. Rather than being bored as I feared, they were very attentive to all was able to tell me about her family and issues going on at home. I was the speakers there, who spoke to the youth on a variety of topics such as touched when she opened up to me tremendously in such a short period relationships, a holy lifestyle, God’s unchanging love, and how to live for of time. In spite of our many ups and downs, we were able to develop an Christ in the face of adversity. Our youth enjoyed interacting on those inexpressible connection. topics, and were hungry to hear God’s Word applied to the issues they deal with as teenagers. Through Camp Hope we gave the children an escape from the many problems they deal with on a daily basis. We provided a safe and supervised At the close of each day, we would gather together in our hotel room to environment for the kids as they were able to reconnect with God. After discuss the events of the day and what we had learned. It was especially attending camp, many of the kids decided to confess their sins and dedigood to hear from the teens how the messages had inspired and impacted cate their lives to God. Watching the children’s happy, smiling faces made them. It was evident that God was in the process of revealing himself to all the preparation well worth it. As the children packed their bags and gathered onto the buses, counselors said their goodbyes, and everyone them and calling them to himself. was saddened that Camp Hope 2010 was officially over. The good news In addition to be spiritually blessed, we all had a lot of fun being in Ocean is that we’re all excited to stay in touch with the kids, whether it’s through City away from the hubbub of the city and life in the Gardens. It was great email, mentoring, or volunteering with Little Lights. to see the teens bond so quickly with each other and with staff over a two day period. On Sunday no one wanted the conference to end, and the Rachel Lee, Camp Hope Counselor whole way back teens talked about the truths they had learned, the friends they had made, and of course. . . how great next year’s Impact was going Camp Hope is held annually during Spring Break. to be. A few weeks later I still couldn’t get them to talk about anything else. For more information, visit: www.camphopdc.org Jerry Redfield III, Teen Internship Coordinator
8  Little lights urban ministries  SPRING 2010 LITERARY MAGAZINE
LITERARY MAGAZINE Little Lights kids are quite talented and this is just a small glimpse of the many things produced this semester during our after-school programs. In our art classes students made their own paper and books, in photography kids made their own photography portfolio. Reading Heroes students wrote postcards to friends, poetry, and also instructions on how to do the various activities they enjoy.
LITERARY MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 9
POSTCARDS, POETRY, WRITINGS, & HOW TO’S…
EMONIE’S VACATION | Emonie Blackwell, 11 Dear: Ms Cathy, I went on a vacation to Fun Land and I went on a lot of rides. Where did you go on a vacation? I went with my aunt, my sister and my nephew. We ate pizza and funnel cakes. Then I went on 80 rides at Fun Land. It was fun. It was last weekend.
HOW TO RIDE A BIKE | Bryant Wheeler, 13 Here’s how I would tell a person how to ride a bike. First you put your hands on the handle bars. Then you sit on the bike seat. Next, you put your feet on the pedals and you press down on them. After that you start to circulate your feet on the pedals. You will start to go. If you want to stop, you press the brakes on the handle bars. I have a trick bike. A trick bike is like a regular bike but the wheels are smoother, the brakes are better, and it’s very fast. My favorite bike trick is a jump twist on a ramp.
MY GAME | Terrence Jackson, 11 I am a sweethearted child my rage is very mild On my down time I play my game but when I start a new game it asks me for my name When I play my game while I eat my father said “boy eat your meat” I am sweet and kind but don’t get me wrong I can be crazy in my mind When I play my game my mother said my eyes will turn bad And that makes me mad When you’re my opponent don’t face me because you can’t see me like Muhammad Ali I’ll float like a butterfly and sting like a bee When I’m finished with you, you won’t believe it because you have been defeated
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POSTCARDS, POETRY, WRITINGS, & HOW TO’S… A BOY THAT LIKED BASKETBALL | Jalone Kent, 11 Once upon a time there was a boy name Tom. Tom was 12 years old. He liked to play basketball so he played every Friday after school. Tom played at home in the back yard. Tom went to eat breakfast in the morning. His mother gave him healthy food. One day he didn’t go to school because had to go get his medical check up. Tom weighed 94.2 pounds and his height was 5 feet 1. His clothes style for the gym was sports clothing like nike. The clothes Tom wore were Gucci and black label. He loved his mother’s cooking. Tom’s favorite was fried chicken and easy mac. Dessert was ice cream. Tom lived in Washington D.C.
A HAIKU | Queshawn Wheeler, 11 I love to jump rope. I can do tricks and sing songs. When I’m tired, I stop.
MY UNIQUE TALENT | Sa’Niya Smith, 10 My unique talent is singing. This is how you sing, before you start to sing you have to warm up your vocals. First you sing a song like “mama, made, me mash, my, m&ms.” I learned that in choir at Little Lights. Next after you do the warm-up you can sing a song like “Imagine Me.” You can just start to sing along with the song and try to learn the motions that go with the song. If you don’t know the lyrics learn them.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JAYNESHA | Nakia Wheeler, 14 Jaynesha is 16. She lives in Maryland and she likes going shopping and hanging out with her friends. She also loves hanging at the mall, eating ice cream and dancing at the club. One time when she was at the mall with her friends, they went to a different store while Jaynesha was in another store. Her friends got her something that she always wanted for a longtime – an iPhone. Jaynesha was so happy that she gave them a big hug and she said, “thank you so much.” She went to a store and got friendship bracelets for everyone. She also got her sister an iPod and her little brother a football at the mall. Later they had a cookout and they went to a party where they swam and then all had cake and ice cream. After the party, Jaynesha and her friends went to get their nails done and took her little brother to the football field. When they got home, they took their puppies on a walk to play at the park with other puppies and played games with the dogs. That night they all had a sleepover. The End
LITERARY MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 11
IF I COULD BE ANY ANIMAL…
If I could be an animal I would be a cheetah because they run fast. I like their spots. I would beat my friends in a race. I would live in a Jungle. I think being a cheetah would be cool. William Smith, 8 If I were an animal I would be a lion, Ashanti! Is the queen of the jungle. Queen Ashanti attacks all the hippopotaumus on site. Ashanti Smith, 8 I want to be a cheetah because it is fast, and it does not do very much work. and gets to take long naps. If I was a cheetah I would climb a tree and chase my prey. I would live in a warm place so I won’t be hot or cold. I would have fur and spots on my body. I would have a good time chasing my prey and drinking my water. I want to be a cheetah because I look tight and I do not bite any body. Amari Watson, 7 I would like to be a Chihuahua because they are so small and they have such small feet and they are little babies and they like to be held. They like playing dress-up. They like to be warm. They like to be rubbed. Sharnae Niblet, 9 Tiger if I were a tiger walking around eating playing If I were a tiger Marquelle Wheeler, 10 I want to be a panda bear because people let you do whatever you want. Also, they give you food! Lastly, it would be cool to be big and strong. Thaddeus Campbell, 6 I will be a Bat because I like Batman and because I like the cartoon. My name is George Jones. My name is George the Monkey. I will be a monkey Batman because I like the name. My name is George the Bat the Monkey the Monkey Bat Jones. George Jones, 9 If I could be any animal, I would be a cat because I know how to make a cat sound. They pur in a funny way. I love cats because they’re cute and small. Their fur is soft. I would be an indoor cat because I would like to run around the house, and lick people’s bodies. When people would pet me, I would be happy. I would be a brown and white cat named Ruby. I would like to hide places like in a couch, or in a pantry. I would like to eat all the cat food, but I would prefer dry food. I would like to have many other cat friends, and I would live a happy life. Zyanne Williams, 9 The animal I would want to be is a dog. What I like about dogs are they are loyal and they are playful and you can play with them when you are bored. I will be a gray dog, a big dog, a good dog. I will be a girl dog. I will have long legs and arms. I will want short ears and black eyes. I will want to play with a ball in the park. I will want to have a lot of dog friends, and some cat friends, and some human friends. I will want to have a lot of fun being a dog. Bryana Battle, 9
12 Little lights urban ministries SPRING 2010 LITERARY MAGAZINE
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FRIEND? Having a good friend is the best thing in the world. It means to take up for your friend. And to always hang with your friend everyday. If my friend was sad I ask what is wrong she tell and I go for the person. If my friend do good on the test when I get something I will give her some. If my friend tells me to do something wrong I am not going to do it just because she is my friend. If my friend had to do something by herself I will help her. If she get in troble with the teacher Im going to say what happen. My name is Tatyanna Liggins. My friend name is Tytiana Corbin. Having a friend means being kind, nice, sharing, caring, honest, respectful. Tatyanna Liggins, 8 A friend lets me ride their bike. When a friend hears a boy saying something mean to me they say “Stop Messing with her!” Ty’tiana Corbin, 7 What makes a good friend? To be a good friend you need to treat each other like you want to be treated. We share things that each other likes and we go places that each other want to go. Me and Brittany Johnson like to go to Sixflags and the movies. We play together and make each other happy and joyful. We do not lie behind each other back. We speak the truth. Friends help each other out if they are in trouble. Simone Mayrant, 9 What does it mean to be a good friend? When you are a good friend they share with you, they help you, and care for you, and trust you. They give you things on your B-day. You give your friends toys and presents. They play with you, and they care for you, and they help you solve problems. They give you ideas and many kinds of things, and when you get hurt they will help you get a bandage so that it will help stop bleeding. A true friend will tell you all their secrets, and you will tell them your secrets, and they will never tell on you. A good friend has a good heart!!!!!! xoxoxxo Brittany Johnson, 9
LITERARY MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 13
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY? My favorite activity at Little Lights is chill time because of the games. We can go outside and play, and we can chill out and talk with each other. The best thing is to have fun with your friends and do the things you want to do and play what you want to play. Jalone Kent, 11 My favorite activity is chill time. It’s my favorite activity because I get to chill and we get to go outside. What I like about typing class is the teacher and the way that the teacher teaches us how to type. What I don’t like about typing class is when we have to turn around every morning. Bryant Wheeler, 13 My favorite activity at Little Lights is chill time. It’s my favorite because you can use the Wii to fight, sing, and race with Mario and play on the drums. I can do beats on it and other songs that people sing with me, and that is it. Pedro Hall I like to play typing games. Also I like to learn how to type. But I don’t like to get words misspelled and incorrect. Terrence Jackson, 11 My favorite thing at Little Lights is playing games and getting on Gmail in typing class. That’s my favorite thing. Javonne Jordan, 12 Typing class is my favorite because we learn about things. We have fun typing. Ms. Kati is the best. Everybody is fun. Dontae Gordon, 10 Typing class is my favorite activity at Little Lights because when I grow up I might have to be a secretary and because I can learn a lot about typing. Someday I might have to go to college. Tajma Dockery, 10 My favorite activity in Little Lights is typing class, photography class, and drama because they are fun. I love drama because I love acting. I love taking pictures. I love to chat on Gmail in typing and love to learn new things. I think typing will help me write better and help me to get more education. I like to learn new things about college and how to type fast. Queshawn Wheeler, 11 I like typing class because I can learn about typing fast. My favorite activity is drama because I like listening to music and doing funny stuff. Emonie Blackwell, 11 These are the three things I like about reading heroes. I like my tutor because we have so much fun together and she is the best tutor. I like to read and I like to write about the book that I read because it is interesting to me. Lastly, I Like to play reading games like hangman because it makes reading heroes fun! My tutor, reading and writing, and reading games are why I like reading heroes. Daynise Wilson, 9
14 Little lights urban ministries SPRING 2010 LITERARY MAGAZINE
PHOTOGRAPHY
TH E H U L
K | James
Guerrero
“WHAT?
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ND | Queshawn
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wheeler
BIG MAN
| BRYAN
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LITERARY MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 15
ART 1212 In Art1212 (middle school art class) kids learned how to make their own books, and their own paper. Their first book focused on the theme “This Is Me”, where each class they were asked to address a question or respond to a statement. By the end of the semester each child will have their own small blank book that they will have made by hand. Many thanks to volunteer Katie Keister for all her help!!!
Nate PA
“THIS IS
ME” Book
RKS excited
about the
pages he
made .
covers
Sa’niya SMITH holding her book with pride.
books made
with handmade
paper
760 7th Street SE • Washington DC, 20003
$31,000 $ 31,0 00 b by yM May ay 3 31st 1st MAKE ROOM FOR TEENS
THANK YOU
…to all the friends who have supported the Teen Interns and helped us reach the goal of $31,000 to fund the Teen Internship next year!
“I have a birthday tradition to have a dinner, invite my friends, and ask them to donate in lieu of any gifts, birthday dinners, etc etc. I am blessed enough to give back to those doing God’s work and so I hope this is just a little more encouragement to you as you labor and love the children and teens in DC. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also praying for your work and for your needs.” -Tina Lam - Donor “My pastor did a series of sermons a couple months ago unpacking what it means to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. It really got under my skin. If something breaks the heart of God, it should break ours as Christians. When I think about what breaks my heart, it’s the plight of teens in DC.” -Laura Ingalls - Volunteer, board member, & Ignite the light partner “I am thankful that I have people around me that help me to succeed when the government only sees me as a number.” -Cierra Peterson - teen intern