Aim Right Ministries
1013 N. 13th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 462-1987
info@aimright.org
Newsletter - Summer 2002
Contents:
- Going Overboard
- Unexpected Showers - Teen Summer Camp
- What's New
- Shop at SAFEWAY?
- Current Needs
- Honor thy Mother... Mother's Day Program
Going Overboard
SPLASH! The week of June 24-28 found an energetic group of youth from Bethel Mennonite in Sarasota, Florida, being tossed out of their comfort zones and into an ocean of new faces, new challenges, and new sights. At times the lack of sleep, Phoenix heat, and needy children left some of them feeling as if they were barely keeping their heads above the surface. But simply treading water was not an option; they came with a mission and accomplished it with amazing attitudes, hard work, and perseverance.From the time they arrived Saturday evening, until their departure a week later, the church became a whirlwind of activity. Elaborately decorating the rooms according to the Jonah theme, sprucing up the church grounds and the neighborhood, as well as, assisting at a homeless shelter kept them busy.
However, out of all the experiences they encountered, they were blessed the most while teaching Bible School. Each day 2 sessions were held, one in the morning from 11:00-1:00 with kids from the projects, and a second session at night from 6:00-8:00 for the neighborhood children.
Monday morning dawned with expectation as everyone awaited the bus and vans returning from pick-up. When only 35 children arrived, visions of a packed church evaporated. BUT we serve a BIG GOD. Numbers quickly rose in the evening with 84 kids attending. By midweek we had kids packed into every available bench. High attendance for the A.M. session was 73 and the evening session topped out at 113. The offering followed a similar pattern, especially when they realized interns Charles or Kim would get a pie in the face based on whether the girls or boys were victorious. By weeks end a total of $370.68 accumulated and was sent to an orphanage in Mexico desperately in need of food.
Opening session always found a church full of excited kids following Debra's example as she lead songs. Daily skits preformed by the fisherman and a worm, which underneath all the face paint and costume looked suspiciously like Charles, introduced the topic for the day and reminded the kids of God's love for them. Following the opening session, the children visited different sites for the daily lesson, craft, and snack. Returning to the sanctuary for closing session found the kids smiling from ear to ear, and eager to sing their favorite song, “The Box Song.” Actually it was difficult to tell who anticipated the song the most, the kids or the youth from Bethel. Bob the Tomato and Clyde the Carrot, with guest appearance by Larry Boy, made Veggie Time one of the highlights of the week. With Clyde the Carrot exposing Bob's true identity as a fruit, and his subsequent dismissal from Veggie Time, to Larry Boy's dismal performance as a temporary replacement, Veggie Time kept the kids guessing what could possibly happen next. Veggie Time also gave the kids the opportunity to say the verse of the week, Micah 6:8.
Without the tremendous support of the Bethel Youth and sponsors, Summer Bible School 2002 would not have been a reality. They were a joy to work with, and would welcome them back anytime. Callie, a Bethel youth, shared the following observations on the week:“Out of all the experiences we had, we were blessed the most while teaching Bible School. Not only did the kids learn from us, but we learned a lot from the kids. Seeing the conditions in which those children live make us realize how much we have and made us more grateful. We would like to thank the staff at Aim Right for working with us and encouraging us to reach out to the kids. We would also like to especially thank Rachel, Jose, Deshaun, and Daniel for welcoming us into their community and helping us to fit in with the kids.
We had been praying for this trip long before we ever left We prayed that we would be a blessing and encouragement to the children and actually, they were a bigger blessing to us. So we thank you Aim Right for giving us this wonderful opportunity to serve your community, as well as, your ministry.”
- Written by Kim Hartzler, Intern
Unexpected Showers - Teen Summer Camp
The last evening chapel service was coming to a close. The invitation was given and nearly every teen responded by writing down the names of people who had in some way done them wrong. Not only did they write down the names of the offender and what had been done, but each teen then took the piece of paper and laid them at the foot of the makeshift cross symbolizing their choice to forgive. Immediately a staff member was present to pray with them and then they returned to their seats. The service was about to close except for a closing song, but half way through the song it was obvious that God wanted to do more. The tears began to flow and for nearly an hour and a half more, God showered us with his manifest presence in a way we will never forget. Years of anger and frustration were finally being released, teens were ministering to each other, God was revealing himself through visions and healing the broken hearted. At one point we specifically told them that if they would like to leave the tent, they could, but God was revealing himself in such a way, no one wanted to leave, and some that did came back. One staff member commented on their frustration with a particular teen's behavior so far that week, but said, “after seeing them respond to God in the way they did…it was all worth it.” Darrell started the week by talking about broken bridges or broken relationships, and then how we normally respond - through anger, and concluding with how God asks us to respond - by forgiving. It was a wonderful time and we praise God for pouring out his grace upon us.This was the highlight of our time and chapel times especially, yet we also had lots of fun riding horses, playing “mush” ball in the rain and simply enjoying God's wonderful creation. Devotional times were engaging and full of questions, while the meals provided by Circle K Ranch were scrumptious. Living with 18 teens for a week tried our patience at times, but it was definitely worth it. It was also interesting to see inner city teenage boys sleeping together in the same bed at night because they were afraid. It's hard to imagine how a little peace and quiet and a knowledge of bears can be so frightening, but to many it really is. :-)
To those of you who sponsored campers this year, thank you so much! We could never have had this experience without you.
- JoeDee Hostetler, Executive Director
What's New
- Debra Beck from Hicksville, OH, concluded her second term of service the end of May. She continues to live in Phoenix working full time with Waste Management. Thank you Debra for serving the youth at Aim Right.
- Kim Hartzler from Belleville, PA, finished her term on July 31. She will be teaching full time at Madison Middle School located in Phoenix. Thank you Kim for being willing to serve.
Shop at SAFEWAY?
If you shop at Safeway, use Budget Rent a Car, or eat at Coco's Bakery Restaurant you may now register to have up to 3% or more of your purchases go directly to support Aim Right Ministries. Through eScrip, Aim Right Ministries will now receive up to 3% of supporter's purchases at Safeway and 15O other merchant partners.
For example, a family who spends $300 per month on groceries could contribute approximately $100 per year by simply registering your Safeway Club Card through eScrip and then using it when making a purchase. Safeway, eScrip and Aim Right will take care of the rest. It really is that simple.
For more information concerning how to register or find merchants in your area, visit eScrip.com or contact Aim Right Ministries at info@aimright.org or (602) 462-1987. Aim Right's eScrip group ID # is: 9602096.
Current Needs
Aim Right Ministries is currently looking for a person with a vision and passion for reaching at-risk youth to fill the position of Executive Director beginning February 2003. This is a full time salaried position.
For more info, contact Darrell Bacher at 602-462-1987 or darrell@aimright.org
Honor thy Mother... Mother's Day Program
How do we broaden our ministry to include not only the child, but also the parents? Are we really making a difference if we are not reaching the children's families? The staff at Aim Right had been mulling over these very questions for months. An acute observation of our ministry, brought us to the realization that we can organize wonderful programs for the children, but without the support and trust of those living at home we are making little headway.
Attempting to bridge the gap is not as easy as a phone call or visit to the home. Many parents speak solely Spanish, making communication difficult. After brainstorming several ideas, it was decided by the staff to plan a special Mother's Day program for all our Bible Club Kids.
Clay pots, paints, dirt, and flowers were purchased and the children were soon excitedly producing a “surprise” for mom. After painting the clay pot, planting a flower, and giving mom an invitation, plans were in place for the program.
Vans and the bus departed on Saturday afternoon to pick up both the children and their families. With no idea what to expect, we eagerly awaited everyone's arrival back at the church. Approximately 120 people attended with about 25 of those being mothers. After singing, sharing memories of mom, and a brief drama, the plants were given to the grateful mothers. A pizza lunch was provided in the basement following the service, giving us a chance to meet the mothers of the children we work with on a weekly basis. It was wonderful to see the kids introducing their mom to the staff; hopefully the first step in cultivating a lasting relationship.
- Written by Kim Hartzler, Intern