Teen Volunteer-- Mercedez's favorite memory

My favorite memory from this past year of volunteering at City Impact is learning how to send kids to reroute (where kids go to work out behavior issues and take personal responsibility for their actions). I know it sounds mean, but I do it because I love her, and by her I mean Katherine. I don’t want to pick favorites, cuz I love them all the same, but Katherine is my fav. I love her so much.

One day I had to give her 2 warnings because she wasn’t following directions and she kept on not listening. So I had to send her out of class to reroute. It was very hard for me for me because I used to be just like her. About 2 years ago when Mrs. Ashley first started at CI she sent me to reroute all the time. Oh my gosh, I hated it! But now I see why she did it, because she loves me and now I have a great relationship with her. I shared that with Katherine and she loved my story and then she willingly went to reroute for me with no problems.

Praying for Others

Sunday evening at ILA, Erica (6-8th grade Classroom Leader) decided to mix up the normal routine schedule. Instead of beginning the night with stamps, goals, and journals, Erica asked the girls to look at a map of the world and pick a number. One of the students chose a number and Erica turned to the map to see that the number picked was located on Asia. Erica explained the importance of praying for people around the country even though we don’t know or see them. So, the 6-8th grade girls classroom spent time praying for the country of Asia and the people who reside there. They prayed that God would come into their lives, protect them and strengthen their faith. Erica used an excellent example to teach the junior high girls how to pray for others rather than only your personal wants and needs.

Addison's Story

Seven years ago, City Impact welcomed Addison into the Bible Club program. Addison enrolled in Bible Club when she was in first grade and she has enjoyed her years spent with City Impact as she continues to grow in her faith and evolve into an exceptional young lady .
Some of Addison’s favorite Bible Club and ILA memories consist of game time and summer activities. She stills remembers a valuable lesson she learned at Bible Club back in 1st grade. The lesson was about the story of Adam and Eve. For game time, the 1st graders were asked to just look, but not eat, out of the giant bowl of yummy candy that lingered within close reach. Just as Adam and Eve were instructed by God not to eat any of the fruit of the tree in the Garden of Eden, Addison and her peers were told not to eat the candy. That night at Bible Club the students learned a valuable lesson. God wants His people to obey His word and resist temptations from Satan. Addison still reflects on this lesson seven years later. In addition, Addison also shared that City Impact has helped her understand how praying is like a personal conversation with God and it really does work.
Not only have the lessons and prayer impacted Addison’s life, so have many of her classroom leaders. During an interview with Addison, she expressed her love for the classroom leaders she has been blessed with while involved at City Impact. The following have ministered to Addison during her walk with Christ at City Impact: Wanda, Ashley, Miriam, and Erica.
Recently, Addison has been blessed with the opportunity to spend extra devotional time outside of club with one of her role models. Erica, the 6-8th grade girls leader, has a vibrant compassion to share the Lord’s unconditional love with her students. Addison and Erica meet outside of ILA nearly once a week to spend time in the scriptures together. Addison shared how grateful she was that Erica has helped her grow in her relationship with God. They discuss how God sent Jesus to die for their sins and community reach out opportunities. In addition, City Impact is blessed to have Erica take extra time outside of club to build a one-on-one relationship with Addison. This has been an amazing opportunity for Addison to grow in her faith and have a positive role model to look up to.
One way Addison has used her faith to reach out is through her peers. Addison and one of her close friends call each other and share prayer request two to three times a week. It is such a blessing to watch Addison grow and strengthen her faith with the Lord. We pray that Addison stays strong and continues to share her faith with the people around her.