The Redemptive Seed

Most people living in a city have noticed the stubborn strength of plants growing out of tiny crevices. I have wondered at
the tenacity of thriving plants sprouting between sidewalks and building foundations, in minuscule fissures between bricks 30 or more feet above grade or in a darkened cellar wall. The obstinate growths withstand back-breaking tugs, mechanical cuttings, and chemical applications.

It is obvious that a wild-growing plant is not planted by an eccentric gardener. The plant begins as a seed, a power-laden germ of life that finds just enough soil and moisture to germinate. Blown by wind, swept by a broom, or accidentally scuffed into a crevice, the seed thrives because it is full of life!

At-risk, urban children often are blown about by violence and broken systems or are carried about on the whims of irresponsible people in their neighborhood. But the redemptive seed is more powerful, has far more potential, and is as persistent as the long-suffering of Jesus. However, the urban child’s soul must be planted and nurtured like fine, quality seeds that germinated in well-planned, deliberated cultivated gardens. Spring Garden Academy was aware of that dynamic truth at its founding, intentionally creating a space in the city to help grow children.

Today, we are thrilled to report that the first child ever enrolled in Spring Garden Academy has received a full scholarship as a student athlete to an excellent university. This is not an accident. Surrounded by an amoral city, she
was intentionally placed into a family, school, and church committed to her growth. Another eighth-grader, nurtured by the school and church family, is entering a top high school in our city and desires to be a missionary. Let’s continue to nurture the children in Philadelphia together.

-Otto & Pat Wegner
U.S. Missionaries

With a Heart to Serve in the City

There’s something distinctive about the hearts of individuals who are intentional about serving. In 2015, we had several missions teams come bless our community. And we have witnessed first-hand the pivotal role that missions work continues to have in urban ministries.

Missions teams have shown our youth how to pray, praise, worship, and serve. They have shown children how to use their unique gifts and talents to bring glory to God through service. God has also used these teams to (re-)calibrate the narrow scope in which many youth have come to understand what it means to live for God.

We invite you, your missions team, and/or your church to partner with us for a short-term missions project. Email: candace@nextgenministries.us to learn more.

Youth Leadership Center Update

At our partnership weekend, we announced the 2016 launch of the Youth Leadership Center. Our dream is to open the doors of Resurrection Life Church in North Philadelphia to 7th-12th grade youth for afternoon and evening hours all year long, to strategically invest in city youth.

The Youth Leadership Center will provide a range of opportunities for youth to participate in enrichment, physical and healthy living, and discipleship and mentoring activities.

This center allows us to continue to build on the connection we have with the youth in our community beyond the summer and church services. We are incredibly proud to say that we have officially launched the Youth Leadership Center with the start of this new year. We now offer youth life skills through Indoor Soccer, Chess, and Girls on the Run. Later this year we are looking to open a computer lab and transform our gym into a recreational center. Thank you for your investment in our youth.

Learning to Give

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
Daniel 4:2

We thank our partners for giving toward our Growing a Child Fund and Youth Leadership Center. However, our partners were not the only ones with benevolent hearts.

December was our Giving Month at Spring Garden Academy, a month to teach our school children to give without receiving. Every day in chapel the children were reminded that God is generous with his love, so he wants his children to be kind and generous to one another. Every classroom had a giving jar which grew heavier with the fruits of their kindness. By the end of the month, our classes, including the preschoolers, raised over $400.

Although the money was raised for our Growing a Child Fund, our leaders and our children decided to give a portion of the money to Faith Assembly after we heard how they were robbed days before their Christmas party for community children. We thank God for allowing our children to be a blessing to others.

Calling All Missions Teams

We invite missions teams and churches to come and partner with us for short-term mission projects. With our summer camp and high school internship ministry, summer is an ideal time for many. If you are interested in serving during any of the summer weeks or another time of the year, now is the time to sign up. We are currently in the midst of our annual planning, so the sooner you contact us the better! Individual volunteers or students looking for internships are also welcome. Please contact Candace Wegner at candace@nextgenministries.org for more information.

God’s Power: The Mintze Family

God never forsakes us. Even in our darkest moments, he is there. Recently, Ethel Mintze, parent of 4th grader Scott Mintze, gave a testimony that spoke truth to God’s steadfastness. When Scott enrolled in Spring Garden Academy this September, he was angry at everyone and everything. After being given up by his birth parents, Ms. Ethel gave him love and a home, but he did not feel accepted by the world.

However, God has been showing his power to the Mintze family! Scott is a part of our Jr. Bible Quiz team and attends our Friday family nights; Ms. Ethel is one of our best volunteers. Scott finally feels like he belongs somewhere, and his mother is right by his side supporting him. “He didn’t believe in God before. He thought that God didn’t like him, but he prays now. He believes now,” says Ms. Ethel.

One of Scott’s biggest changes is the affection he shows toward Ms. Ethel. Although she raised him, Scott rarely expressed his love. “He says ‘I love you’ almost every night now,” she explained, “The school has been a blessing to not only Scott, but to me. I have peace now.”

God is always working, and he always has a plan. We are grateful for all that God has been doing and know that without him none of these miracles would be possible. We would like to thank Scott and Ms. Ethel for all that they do for Next Generation Ministries. God has not only blessed them, but he has blessed us with a wonderful addition to our Next Generation family!