Praising God for progress

In September 2023, for the first time in the 18 year history of Bible Club, we were presented with a scenario which we had never experienced before. It was clear to us that our young boys were being influenced by the gang culture that is so prevalent in society, and existed right in our community as well. We knew that if we didn't take action soon, Bible Club would no longer be a safe space for children in the community to come to learn about developing a relationship with God through the principles we teach from the Bible.

Praying with the children at the end of Bible Club

I had no expertise in this area, so I called in someone who did. Cassio Anthony, also known as Gen-Ex, has a powerful testimony of how God delivered him from a life of drugs and gangs, and he now has a ministry called Gospel on d' Go where he goes into communities and shares his story along with the gospel, and many lives have been turned around through it. He came and shared his story with the older children, warning them about the consequences of following the gangster life.

He had their full attention

A couple weeks later, the children attended another session that he facilitated in a nearby church, where he shared about anger management strategies that included practical tips they could use to diffuse potentially volatile situations. That week at the end of Bible Club while awaiting transport to go home, a massive fight broke out amongst four of the boys, and the two teachers who were present struggled to get the children under control. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. Gen-Ex was called in again to speak to the perpetrators and reinforce the message of not choosing violence. He offered to do a Life Skills program with the older ones, which was conducted between January to March 2024.

The turnout to these sessions were the biggest ever

Using a variety of teaching techniques, he taught through various modules such as embracing self-talk, anger managership, citizenship and volunteerism in an effort to ensure that a solid foundation of positive values were laid. Their Bible Club teachers continued along those lines last term, challenging them to not allow others to define them but for their identity to be found in Christ. I am grateful to God for the improvements that have been seen in the children's attitudes over the past two terms. Those who were quick to lash out when provoked are exhibiting more self control. It is easier to get the children to settle down and listen when instructions are being given. They still have a long way to go, but we recognize the positive progress that has been seen, and we look to God to faithfully complete the good work He has started.

Receiving his certificate at the end of the Life Skills program

We also give glory to God for the progress seen with the children who have been coming to Homework Club. One of them really struggled with his school work during the pandemic and was kept back a standard because of his decline. His mother asked us to speak to him so we encouraged and prayed with him and continued to do work with him twice a week. We were elated to find out that he passed for one of his schools of choice last week Friday! There are two other children who have been coming consistently that have improved their performance compared to when they started coming, so we thank God for that.

Focused on their school work

Please continue to pray for our children. There are so many negative influences in their immediate environments that are competing for their attention. Pray that they would choose wisdom and make good choices instead of following bad company. Pray that they would stand for what is right rather than giving in to what is wrong. Pray that they would choose to please God instead of giving in to temptation to sin. Pray that the seeds of God's Word which are planted would produce much good fruit that would remain.

Working with the youngest ones