Kristina and I primarily work with children and teen girls. Most of these children and teens are in single parent homes, and live in an environment where they often see and experience the up close reality of drug and alcohol sales and use, cohabitation, verbal abuse, and frequently suffer physical and emotional neglect. We teach, disciple, mentor, and pray. In our Church’s weekly Children’s Bible Club we teach Bible lessons, lead in song time, and share the gospel. On Sundays and in our mid week service on

Thursdays we teach Bible lessons. Also on these days we have the privilege of spending one-on-one time with the children and teen girls, helping to counsel, disciple and mentor. Sometimes the children are simply starved for love and attention, and we gladly offer both. Our church has a food and clothing ministry. Kristina and I help in this ministry by sorting and distributing the food and clothing. Because meeting practical needs is important, we especially look out for the food and clothing needs of the children and teens.

    The greatest joy is when a child or teen receives Jesus Christ as Savior. It also brings great joy when we see them understanding and living the truth of God’s word that they have been taught. It is a blessing to hear them share testimonies where they have applied the principles from the word of God in their daily living.

     Many of the children and teens in our ministry area have a daily exposure to the negative side of inner city life. Because sin is considered the norm, it is difficult for them to consistently live for Christ. For example, with the teen girls, we frequently discuss the importance of living a life of purity. However many of them live in homes where their mothers have live in boyfriends and a large number of their friends are sexually active. Therefore it is very challenging to help them see the importance of a life of purity.

    For the past 3 years Jessica and I have been counseling a 14 year old girl whom we will call Michelle. Michelle’s mother had her and her 3 sisters out of wed lock. Michelle is the youngest, and her 3 sisters have all been pregnant outside of marriage. Michelle told us that she did not want to follow in their foot steps. She expressed a desire to please God in that area of her life. Through counseling and mentoring we have seen Michelle make a commitment to remain sexually pure until marriage. She has seen the problems, hardships, and struggles that her mother and siblings endured because of their decisions. It is our prayer that she will remain sexually pure and this pattern of sin that has been in her family for generations will end with her.

    The greatest need in the inner-city is for the message of the gospel to be shared. Jesus Christ changes lives and He is the only hope for the problems of the inner-city. We have found that in order for the people to be receptive to the spiritual, we must show concern for their practical needs. Food and clothing are the greatest needs in many inner-city communities. Meeting these needs opens a door of opportunity to share Christ. Also please remember to pray fervently for the souls of the people and that after salvation, they will surrender to following the ways of Christ, while still living in an environment that discourages their faith.

    For young women who are interested in inner-city ministry, we would recommend that they start with their church to see if they are involved in any inner-city work. If not, perhaps the young women can generate interest among fellow church members. Then they can find an inner city church or ministry where they can volunteer, helping to meet needs and share the gospel. Please remember to PRAY! 

Regular prayer and Bible study helps to encourage and sustain us, keeping us focused on God, and what He is able to do, rather than on the overwhelming and discouraging problems. God’s word reminds us that He has a plan for every life. From the scriptures we see examples of lives that were transformed through the power of Christ.

The word of God also highlights the importance of prayer. Through fervent prayer, in accordance with the will of God, we understand that lives can be changed.   Also our parents help to keep us focused when we become discouraged. It is discouraging when someone who was doing well and growing in the Lord suddenly goes in the opposite direction. Our parents, who have been            

in this ministry for 13 years, help by reminding us to never lose hope and never stop praying, teaching, and mentoring the person. Christ is the answer and they encourage us to continue following Him and serving Him by serving the people He gave His life for. *