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Author Archives: Staff

Winter 2020 Newsletter

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Staff
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Service During a Global Pandemic

This pandemic pushed us in to new territory; we could not serve children and families as we have in the past. Instruction is now virtual, and events have been canceled, yet we found a way to ensure the bible reached our community. We are proud to say COVID-19 did not stop our mission! To date, we have served food to over 2500 members of our community. In addition, we distributed over 1000 Family bible activity bags into the homes of our students and residents of the community. We engage in daily bible instruction for all grades online and have extended Bible videos to our wider community.

We want to close this pandemic year strong! We have raised over $27,000 towards Next Generation Ministries’ $50,000 year end goal. We need your help. When we educate children, they become followers of Christ. When we educate children, they become independent, critical thinkers. When we educate children, they become world changers.

Will you partner with us? Donate today to help us reach our end of the year goal.

You can give online: www.nextgenministries.us/give or by mail: P.O. Box 15191, Philadelphia, PA 19130

*Make all checks payable to Next Generation Ministries

A Message from REV Otto

One year ago, today, mid-morning, I called Joanna (our youngest who lives a few houses up the street) and asked her to take me to the hospital. I surmised (from extensive study of Reader’s Digest articles and AARP research) I might be having a heart attack. And I was!

In less than an hour I was on a table, under bright lights, and surrounded by six or more people I had never before met, each poking, probing, and promising me that I would probably be alright. Three days later I returned home — to an empty house. (Pat was in rehab following hip replacement surgery.) In the silence of those days I began a new journey, a more careful time of reflection, of meditation, of stillness.

Once I thought myself invincible. “Nothing-can-stop-me” was my internal mantra and mode of operation. Mortality is now more than academic; it became personal. Yesterday, 365 days after the “coronary event,” the cardiologist called, not to celebrate an anniversary, but to say, “I thought you would want to know that your lab reports are well within the range we had hoped for.” I guess I am in good shape.

Well, I am glad for the cardiologist’s report and assurance of good health, but I am committed to continue to reflect on what is most meaningful. I am reminded of a single class session at Wheaton College in spring of 1987 which I visited with my daughter. The professor taught a powerful life lesson. In one of the Apostle Paul’s earliest writings, he considered himself as “the least of the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:9) Mid-career, he identified as “the least among the saints.” (Ephesians 3:8) In one of his last writings, Paul called himself the “chief sinner.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

This anniversary day I am celebrating the grace of God more than surviving a coronary event and good lab reports. I am spilling over with JOY. Jesus rescued me! He saved me as a boy and entrusted me with responsibilities so huge that I had to trust Him or fail! This last year has been as good as all the others. Jesus is present. Jesus is our peace. Jesus keeps his promises. Jesus is generous in His provisions. No one deserves to have life this good!

Jesus paid it all.
All to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.

Otto Wegner, NGM Founder

12/5/2020

Current Family Story

Shamaya, Tiesha, and Serenity (left to right)

The Dolby family found Spring Garden Academy in 2004. Tiesha, mother of Shamaya (20) and Serenity (11) was looking for a school that was safe. Tiesha found more than she could have imagined. Spring Garden Academy not only called attention to her girls’ academics but also taught the girls to memorize bible scriptures, participate in chapel services and outreach events, and use their gifts and talents in school. Initially,

Tiesha did not know how to introduce God to Serenity and Shamaya, but they were growing in faith at school. Today, the family are participants of Resurrection Life Church.

Today, Serenity is in middle school. She has led school chapel by singing and is being transformed into the confident leader God has called her. Shamaya has served as a NGM intern for several summers. She attends Penn State College and desires to become an English teacher, showing future generations in the classroom how important and how loved they are by her and God.

Past Family Story

Kevon graduated from Spring Garden Academy in 2017. Here is what his family shared about their experience

“Spring Garden Academy feels like home. This is a school that does not make children feel like they are just a number. The teachers know about all their students. You can easily communicate with them and they do anything to help students succeed. Because of the smaller class sizes the school is more flexible in the way classes are taught. This was very helpful for Kevon because they were able to try out different ways of instructing him. The teachers and all the staff were incredible which has left a huge impact on my son. SGA taught him how to get involved and challenge him to be accountable. Moreover, SGA taught him moral values and helped him create a strong relationship with God. SGA helps you to become better… This is a school that cares, and you can’t beat that!”

Kevon is a senior at Belmont Charter and is excelling academically. He plans to attend college to be a game designer.

Our impact by the numbers

THANK YOU!

We are beyond grateful for your prayers and donations. Because of your commitment to our ministry, we can serve children and families through education, discipleship, and leadership ministries! We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Next Generation Ministries

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Posted in NGM Newsletter | Tagged 2020, 2020 impact, bible bags, bible club, Covid-19, elementary scholarship fund, family chapels, giving campaign, Giving Tuesday, kevon, missions, ngm impact, Otto Wegner, pandemic, scholarship fund, summer outreach, U.S. Missionary, virtual instruction | Leave a reply

FALL 2020 Newsletter

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Staff
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Invest. Inspire. Ignite. Educating Resilient Children in North Philadelphia.

In September, Spring Garden Academy safely reopened its doors for children and staff for in-person instruction as well as remote learning. COVID-19 can’t stop our ministry to children! Amaya, 6th grade student, and her grandmother, Latanya, had a difficult time transitioning to remote learning in March when we closed the building because of the pandemic.

Fear of disconnection, scheduling unrest and work/school balance for the family were overwhelming.

However, with individualized academic support from our ministry, a donated laptop, and persistence, both Amaya and her grandmother transformed a situation that seemed hopeless into a story of resilience and growth.

Latanya shared about her granddaughter’s success:

“I am so proud of Amaya. She has come a long way; she has become more confident in her abilities, she works independently, taking ownership of her work, and she has established a love for learning. We are looking forward to virtual learning in September!”

Spring Garden Academy serves as a hub to nurture families by meeting their physical, spiritual, emotional, and academic needs. Students like Amaya thrive and grow because of the individualized support from positive, caring adults who love Jesus.

Partner with us to ensure children like Amaya have access to an education designed to fit their individual needs in a school committed to Christ and His Kingdom.

We have raised $25,000 for our Elementary Scholarship Fund this summer. This will cover the financial gap for at least 8 children! We still need to raise $55,000 for 50% of our families to afford the yearly tuition.

Will you help us reach this goal?


Partner with us on December 1st for GIVING TUESDAY.

During this online event, we will highlight our families, celebrate our mission and share our impact!

Follow us on Facebook @NGMPHILLY to join.

Your partnership will help close the financial gap for a child to ensure they achieve academically, pursue Christ passionately, and lead boldly!


Meet Ms. Ulexis, PreK Teacher

Ms. Ulexis began working at Spring Garden Academy in 2019. This year, she leads our remote preschool classroom and Bible Clubs at our 18th and Spring Garden location. Ulexis has grown tremendously in her leadership skills since working with our community. Here is what Ulexis shared about her love for teaching and ministry.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

I had great teachers as a child. There are also many educators in my family, so I was heavily influenced by what I saw in them. I would watch and sometimes help my aunt plan activities for her students. She has such great passion for what she does, and it seemed to make her happy, so I followed in her footsteps, and I’m so glad I did. Fun fact, if I wasn’t a teacher, I would probably be living in New York running around to auditions trying to be a Broadway Star.

How do you define leadership inside and outside the classroom?

Leadership is the ability to quickly assess the environment and act. A leader is not one who is in charge but one who can feel the needs and then fulfill the needs of those around them. To do this well, the leader must be one who can not only give direction but also take direction.

Share your faith journey and your understanding of your calling.

I grew up in church and at an early age I began to have a personal relationship with God. I had desire to learn and grow in Him and see other young people feel confident in their walk with Christ.

How do you see God working in the daily Bible ministry for preschoolers?

I see the spiritual growth in the children; specifically, when they pray aloud. The children are using the language in our lessons when they pray. In September, they were asking God for toys and thanking Him for their family. Now, they are praying a little longer, and expressing genuine love and thankfulness to God!

Our city funds preschool, but Next Generation Ministries funds Free Bible daily for all PreK families as a ministry to the community.


WAYS TO GIVE

By Mail: P.O. Box 15191, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Online: www.nextgenministries.us/give

Text: “Give” to 215-608-5595

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Posted in NGM Newsletter | Tagged bible club, Covid-19, Giving Tuesday, in-person instruction, Leader, Remote Learning, Teacher Spotlight | Leave a reply

Invest. Inspire. Ignite.

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Staff
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EDUCATING RESILIENT CHILDREN IN NORTH PHILADELPHIA

On August 6th, we raised over $8,000 on our Online Day of Giving for the Elementary Scholarship Campaign. This amount will cover the financial gap for at least 3 children! We still need to raise $70,000 in order for 50% of our families to afford the yearly tuition. Will you help us meet this goal?

Ambria, a rising 6th grader, has been attending Spring Garden Academy since she was in Kindergarten. Ambria is praying about becoming a missionary. She loves to give when people ask for help, make friends, and travel for new experiences. At Spring Garden Academy, Ambria has been given opportunities to lead classmates and younger children in daily school activities, chapel, and ministry.

Spring Garden Academy is an engaging environment that has nurtured Ambria’s interests and giftings and challenged her to follow the Lord where he leads. Partner with us to ensure children like Ambria have access to an education that prepares them to lead in the church and city.

SPONSOR A CHILD

70% of our schools’ families can not afford to fully cover their child’s tuition. On average they contribute between $1200- 2500, leaving a $3000 financial gap. Join a team to cosponsor a child. Your gift will help close the financial gap for a child to ensure they achieve academically, pursue Christ passionately, and lead boldly!

NGM SCHOLARSHIP AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Do you have a passion for storytelling? Do you get excited about giving or sharing about giving opportunities? Do you have compassion for resilient children who find Jesus and a loving community? Become a Scholarship Ambassador for Spring Garden Academy. Ambassadors meet bi-weekly via Zoom. Call: 215-226-1000 OR Email: dtillery@nextgenministries.us for the Zoom link.

Meet Shamaya, Youth Intern Summer 2020

Shamaya has participated in every facet of programming Next Generation Ministries offer. She attended Spring Garden Academy (SGA) for preschool and elementary grades K-4th, Summer Camp, and she has been an intern for 2 years.

Here is what Shamaya shared about her love for the school and ministry: “Spring Garden Academy opened me to what love outside of my family felt like. Looking back I really can’t imagine not being a part of their school family. When I attended another school, I noticed the lack of family and closeness with teachers.

I now want to be a teacher and show kids the love that I felt from SGA at a young age. I want to show future generations how important they are, and how loved they are from me and from God. I want to become an English teacher to do just that.

This Fall, Shamaya will be attending Penn State
Abington to major in English. We are very proud of Shamaya.
Let us pray for Shamaya as she transitions to college!

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COVID-19 Can’t Stop the Mission

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Staff
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Our community has faced an abundance of uncertainty, stress and anxiety on a daily basis during this pandemic season. As a small Christian organization, we have worked diligently to stay connected with our students and the community at large during this time of uncertainty and unrest. We quickly made the following adjustments to our programming:

  • Virtual academic instruction 3 days a week and social support for our PreK-8th classrooms
  • Wellness check-ins for families offering community resource referrals via phone and video 
  • Twice daily prayer calls open to all our families, staff and online networks
  • Adult Bible Study offered once a week via Zoom
  • Daily Bible initiatives for PreK-8th grade classrooms

Growing Students in Faith,
Leadership, and Opportunity

Scholarship organizations in Philadelphia are few, yet 80% of Spring Garden Academy elementary students need financial assistance to attend our school. Families should not have to sacrifice high-quality, Christian education because of financial hardship. The Next Generation Ministries scholarship fund supports families in our community and is an investment in future leaders. Give today so a student can learn tomorrow. Your gift helps students grow in Faith, Leadership, and Opportunity.

Give Now!

Virtual Vacation Bible School

The mission must go on! This summer, we will be connecting to families through virtual sessions and weekly Bible Power Bags and meals. If your team would like to participate in virtual Bible activities or in the supply and delivery of Bible Power Bags and food, email bible@sgaphilly.org. This is a great short term mission opportunity for all.

We are updating our databases. Please email us with your updated contact information. Also, include if you prefer to receive information via email or direct mail. All updates can be emailed to info@nextgenministries.org Or message us directly on social media!

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Spring 2020 Newsletter

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Staff
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A Testimony of God’s Provision

On March 16th, our school, Spring Garden Academy moved online as the governor closed all schools in PA. Over fifty percent of our students did not have access to computers and/or internet. Malaysia, a sixth-grader, was using a shared cellphone with her mom to complete schoolwork. At the time, Angela, her mom stated “Learning is a longer process now. We receive the assignment on my cellphone, write it down on paper, and then type it on the phone to submit. On top of that, Malaysia wears glasses, so we take frequent breaks from the small screen because her eyes hurt, and she gets headaches. We are working until 9:00 pm some days.”

God answered our prayers to help Malaysia and other students.

In early April, we received sixteen laptops from Children’s Jubilee Fund, a scholarship organization that worked tirelessly to provide resources to Christian schools in Philadelphia.

Because of their commitment to educating children, our students can complete essay assignments, receive tutoring, and participate in Zoom instruction three days a week as a whole class. God’s provision and the goodness of God’s people is a testimony of hope; though the times seem uncertain and unprecedented, God remains faithful!


We need your partnership! Donate to Summer Ministries today. Sharing the love of Jesus with children not only transforms children’s lives, but also families, and ultimately the community. Summer Ministries is our largest programming of the year. We serve over 150 children and families during our 8-week summer camp, family night events, and compassion ministries. COVID-19, social distancing, and the economic recession our nation faces causing uncertainty in the security of funding for our summer programming. We are praying about alternate delivery of ministry in the face of ongoing closure. Your partnership will allow our organization to share the gospel, stay engaged with the community, and make a lasting change in the future leaders of the school, church, and community.


  • Effective Ministry
  • Vulnerable populations (Individuals in shelters, transitional housing, or homeless)
  • Safety in homes
  • Families who do not have access to food
  • Missionaries in the fields
  • Spiritual awakening

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others”. – Philippians 2:4

“One of the most impactful ways we can share God’s heart with others is by living compassionately.

To show compassion is to step outside of ourselves and love another in times of weakness. And to live compassionately is to posture our hearts continually toward giving grace and love to those who need it most.” Fatima Fulks, NGM leader.


We are updating our databases. Please email us with your updated contact information. Also, include if you prefer to receive information via email or direct mail. All updates can be emailed to info@nextgenministries.org Or message us directly on social media!

Looking Ahead…

Summer Ministries begins in June
Dessert reception to celebrate our Elementary School

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Posted in NGM Newsletter | Tagged Christian School, Compassion, Covid-19, Distance Education, Distance Learning, Fatima Fulks, Jubilee Scholarship Fund, Philadelphia Christian School, Prayer Commitment, Prayer Requests, Remote Learning, Scholarship Organization, Spring Garden Academy, Summer Camp, Summer Ministries | Leave a reply

Bible Power Hour

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Staff
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Bible Power Hour Chapel
Ms. Se’mona leading Chapel

For the past five years Ms. Se’mona has been leading the children at Spring Garden Academy with hands-on bible experiences. She enters the classroom with great expectation knowing that the children will react positively to her creative expression of God’s Word through dress-up, poetry, and role-playing. Ms. Se’mona is looking forward to leading Kids Bible Power Hour this year, she says,

“The kids always have an expression of pure joy and excitement when I enter the classroom. I teach them knowing the Bible is the most important and valuable thing in their life. God’s Word is transformative and no one can take that knowledge away from them; nor can they settle for a lie after experiencing the truth of God’s Word.”

Bible Power Hour Activities
Ms. Se’mona leading small group Bible activities.

This fall, we are committed to a free, intensive launch of God’s Word to the children in Philadelphia. Our Kids Bible Power Hour will provide bible instruction one hour every day to over 150 children across both our school communities.

Every day during the same hour of the day, our staff, interns/volunteers, and children will be praying, learning, and exploring God’s Word together.


THERE IS POWER IN UNITY!


Will you stand in agreement with us? We need your partnership!


· It costs $35.00 per child per week to staff and run this Bible Power Hour. Help us with a donation to cover the cost of one child.
· Are you or your children’s ministry team passionate about helping children grow in their faith? Come and speak in chapel or take a hands-on approach and lead children in bible activities.
· If you can’t make it to our communities, we are always looking for prayer partners. Commit to praying for a student, intern, staff member, or family unit.

There is an intense need for God’s Word. Every day we encounter children and families who are hurting, broken, and in need of restoration and reconciliation with God. Next Generation Ministries has a place for you to make a difference! A smile, an act of service, or fervent prayer can be transformative in a child’s life.

“Children are innocent with open minds, therefore, they
trust the pure Word of God. Everyone needs to know that
our Creator has the perfect plan for our lives. There is an intense need to teach children because they must learn and know God loves them and will never leave them.”

Ms. Cordella
Bible Power Hour Activities
Ms. Se’mona leading small group Bible activities.

“I live by Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me’. This will be my first time teaching and with the help of God, I am looking forward to teaching the children the love of Christ and compassion.”

– Ms. Marion

You can make a donation online using this link or by sending a check to PO BOX 15191, Philadelphia PA 19130, please make the check out to Next Generation Ministries.

For more information about other ways of getting involved please email: candace@nextgenministries.us

  • Winter 2020 Newsletter
  • FALL 2020 Newsletter
  • Invest. Inspire. Ignite.
  • COVID-19 Can’t Stop the Mission
  • Spring 2020 Newsletter

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Posted in NGM Newsletter | Tagged bible class, bible club, bible power hour, bible school, bible study, children's bible study, children's church, children's ministry, kids bible power hour, kids bible study, sunday school, urban children, urban ministry, urban youth | Leave a reply

SUMMER 2019

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Staff
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Summer Ministries

Our full-day summer camp is in full swing! We have also opened our doors to children in the community who otherwise are hanging outside on the playground or wandering idle around the neighborhood; they enjoy a free lunch with our camp children and stay for Bible Exploration. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve. Next Generation Ministries and Spring Garden Academy are on the mission to reach children and youth through the Gospel!

July Missions Teams

Thank you to Bellerose Assembly and The Dream Center for serving our children, youth and families this month! The children enjoyed engaging in fun activities and Bible Exploration. We love working
alongside other ministries to advance the Kingdom of God.

Short-Term Missions Opportunities

Is your church or ministry interested in a missions project for this year? Partner with us! We have various ministry opportunities that focus on children and youth ministry, evangelism and community outreach, as well as facilities and outdoor work projects.

Contact our team or sign-up online!

Leading with Compassion

Helen is a teacher-leader at Spring Garden Academy. She commutes two hours every day to invest in urban children and youth. With a childhood marked with trauma, Helen knows first-hand the impact caring adults can have. Her family was not devoted church goers, but because a church group drove around the neighborhood taking the children to church, Helen’s family eventually gave their life to Lord and were all baptized together. In high school, Helen’s track coach was a positive role model by taking her to church, supporting her on the field, and teaching her to respect her body and empower her mind.

Here is what Helen shared about her first year teaching: “I am teaching children who were me…. I can easily put myself in their shoes. I was homeless, I didn’t always have food to eat, I witnessed and experienced abuse in my home. I feel blessed that there is freedom to talk about God and His love for our children. The Christian values we teach at Spring Garden Academy—love, honesty, compassion, forgiveness; I see the difference we are making in the lives of our students and we’re a witness to their spiritual growth.”

I feel God using my pain and my past to do good, and to bring children and their families closer to Him.

– Helen Gillman-Hanna

Helen came into teaching blindly but the Lord has given her so much direction since then. She leads her classroom with a heart of compassion.

While teaching a lesson about Jesus’ sacrificial love for us, one child politely raised his hand and asked if he could shout Hallelujah. This was the highlight of the year for Helen!

Bible Power Hour

Focusing on our core mission, we are launching the Kids Bible Power Hour for our PHLpreK students. During the same time every day, we will provide 150 children with Bible instruction for one hour. Stay tuned for more details of how you can get involved!

We are praying for committed interns and volunteers to serve in the Bible Power Hour, each day for 1-2 hours, as we present Jesus
to over 150 kids five days a week during the school year. Details will be coming soon about this intensive launch of God’s word
to our community. If you would like to do an internship (with possible payment) or volunteer at least one afternoon a week, please reach out to Candace Wegner at candace@nextgenministries.us. We will be interviewing and training during the month of August for a September launch!

VBS Extras

Now that your VBS is over…do you have leftovers (crafts, music, student books, gifts) that you would like to donate to our ministry? Next Generation Ministries offers free Bible programming all year for children in our community and helps secure materials for teaching Bible at Spring Garden Academy. We will make sure your extras are used to share the love of Jesus with our Philadelphia children. Candace Wegner at candace@nextgenministries.us.

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Hours & Info

1801 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130

P.O. Box 15191
Philadelphia, PA 19130

3501 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 226-1000 or (215) 593-9192
Monday-Friday: 7am - 6pm

Thursday Family Nights (1801 Spring Garden Street): 6 pm-8:15 pm
Friday Family Nights (3501 N. 17th Street): 6 pm - 8:30 pm
visit US Mission America Placement Service
visit Spring Garden Academy's web site
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