Here at Grace Adventures, we're committed to many things, fun, excellence, safety & service. One of the ways we serve, building bridges to the world around us, is by supporting ministries outside of ourselves. Metro Kidz is an inner city ministry in Baltimore and a part of Charm City Church. Colleen Smith, who's God given vision gave birth to Metro Kidz, labors to no end simply to show love to kids who are struggling in a dark world.
For three weeks this summer, our penny war money will be going to help throw a party for the children at Metro Kidz, to celebrate the end of our their "summer camp." It might seem trivial to us. We have parties every other weekend, but pizza is a luxury much like a nice dinner out would be for us. Treats and rewards are hard to come by in their neighborhood.
About a week ago, tragedy struck to very heart of the community in which Metro Kidz resides. In fact, it occurred right in front of many of these kids very eyes. Of course, to us it seems shocking, beyond belief, but to them, it's just another day in the hood.
Five year old Raven and her cousin were walking down to a corner store, probably paying little attention to the scuffling across the street. Fights are quite common and sadly they probably thought nothing of it, until one of the kids involved went home, got a gun, and returned with intent to kill. I'm sure, though, that it wasn't his intent to shoot little Raven, but that's exactly what happened. According to our friends at Metro Kidz, the people of this community were catapulted in their own version of the Truman Show, a spotlight on their community, and not necessarily in a good way. The Mayor converged on the scene along with the media and other city officials ready to take back the neighborhood. And all little Raven could do was fight for her life. Immediately she was taken to Shock Trauma where she's remained since the incident. To tell you the truth, it's a miracle she is still alive. Honestly, I have no idea what is going to happen to Raven. The situation is dire, and the family is struggling to grasp on to reality. Amazingly though, they've been open to the support of Colleen and her crew at Metro Kidz. In every way possible, they've been there to do whatever is necessary.
So we asked Colleen what we could do from almost 20 miles away. We've been praying for Raven and her family daily and our kids have been crafting cards for her hospital room, even though she can't see them. But it just didn't seem like enough, so on Wednesday, I asked again, "What more can we do?" Colleen asked us to collect coloring books, crayons, teddy bears, & books for her siblings. "Done, We'll send a note home to parents today." I left the room to ask Amy to draft up a note when the thought occured to me, we're a day camp for children & her twin brother is of camp age. I skipped back in, leaned over to Colleen & Nicole (who was with her) and asked "Can her brother come to camp?" Suddenly the juices were flowing and we began to plan on how we could make this happen. In the last 48 hours, we're raised enough money to bring both her 5 year old twin brother & her 8 year old brother to camp next week. We're still continuing to ask for donations as we'd love for them to come for as long as it's necessary.
"Do you now know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Though this is a tragedy, the Lord is still Lord and he is "working all things together for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." He has proven his sovereignty over and over again. Join us in praying for this entire situation, for light to fill in the darkness, for lives to be changed, for more and more people to be added to the Kingdom of God. What Satan has intended to destroy, God will use for good.
If you want to be part of helping us love these kids in the most difficult time yet, please feel free to donate food for the family, money for the scholarship, or toys & activities for the kids. As well, they are not the only family in need that are at camp. We've scholarshiped many, and still need to fill in the gaps in our budget. We turn no one away simply based on a little thing like money & we trust that God will provide for those he wants to be at camp. Thank you for being our partners in building bridges to our community.
Posted by Hillary
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