In January 2017, our Tioga school family grew by forty students when we launched participation in the Mayor’s Office’s free Philadelphia Pre-K program. We could not miss this opportunity to serve new community families in Jesus’ name. With these new students, our need for an outdoor playground is more critical than ever.

In April, a suburban YMCA donated two like-new playground structures to NGM. Groundbreaking is scheduled for July! We will provide community and school families with a secure, high-quality playground in a neighborhood where public playgrounds are few, poorly-maintained, and aging.Year-round, the playground will draw families to weekly outreach events and block parties.

We cannot miss this opportunity to give children a safe space to play. The total cost of professional installation, including excavation, surfacing and fencing, is $60,000. Please give today, and earmark your donation for “the Tioga Community Playground Project.” Thank you for partnering with us in God’s call to disciple Philadelphia’s families. Your ongoing support makes our mission possible.

Come, Witness The Gospel

Come To Life

Are you considering volunteering with NGM this summer?

Mark Proto encourages you to jump right in and “[watch] the gospel come to life” in Philadelphia.

Proto runs Martial Arts for Christ, a taekwondo and hapkido training ministry which helps adults and children build valuable leadership traits like self-confidence and self-control.
This 2017 season, Proto will return as a weekly NGM summer camp volunteer to lead martial arts. Director Fatima Fulks notes that, without Proto’s service, most students would have no access to martial arts training.

A fifth degree (taekwondo) and first degree (hapkido) black belt, Proto believes he holds those honors to spread the love of Christ.
Currently mentored by Pastor Otto Wegner, Proto is pursuing his ministry license and is passionate about serving people struggling with a variety of challenges.
When asked what he would say to potential volunteers interested in serving with NGM, Mark responded, “you will see Bible verses come to life, and you will see that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…I come back because of the relationships.”

Opportunities to SERVE & GIVE This Summer!

MINISTRY PROJECTS
· Vacation Bible School
· Family Night Block Party (every Friday)
· Community Outreach
· Assistance in Summer Camp Philadelphia.

WORK PROJECTS
· Repaint classrooms and restrooms
· Repair and replace worn carpeting
· “Deep clean” space used daily for school and extracurricular activities
· Install shelving donated by a local merchant
· Renew landscaping
· Organize closets and materials
· Install classroom partition walls

WANTED: Summer Ministry and Work Teams

Pat and I (Otto) have reached the age when our peers too often converse about supplemental insurance and restaurant early-bird specials. Personally, I am weary of conversations about the not-so-good “good old days!” Waking up to birds singing, sitting on our deck sipping black coffee, and meditating on the Word are enjoyable, but I still have an urge to DO something that lasts for eternity.

If you share my desire to add blessing to those enduring a bleak existence, there is a full-throttle ministry that will satisfy your urge! Since its inception, Next Generation Ministries (NGM), based in North Philadelphia, has thrived on volunteer support. Her parent churches, historic Highway Tabernacle and Resurrection Life Church, have received thousands of hours of donated manpower. The need continues! Will you help NGM fulfill the mission to Philadelphia?

This summer, Next Generation Ministries invites teams and individuals to help with several possible ministry or work projects, including our bi-weekly vacation bible school for the children in North Philadelphia, a block party, community service, and/or physical work on our facilities.

NGM project leaders can adapt to your schedule, and materials will be on site when you arrive. We can use men, women, and responsible teens. If you are like me, you will find a deep satisfaction in your service in North Philadelphia. If you are willing to “rough it,” you may cut costs by staying in the church building overnight. Coffee is always perking, cold drinks are in the refrigerator, donuts are delivered every morning, and lunchtime fellowship makes the days fly by. Volunteer for a day, a week, or longer.

Your help is a huge costs saving for NGM. The rewards are eternal, and you will impact the destinies of many! To schedule individual, family, or church team volunteering, contact Candace Wegner at candace@nextgenministries.us. We’ll see you this summer!

MINISTRY PROJECTS

· Vacation Bible School
· Family Night Block Party (every Friday)
· Community Outreach
· Assistance in Summer Camp

WORK PROJECTS

· Build a storage shed for equipment used in
neighborhood outreaches
· Repaint classrooms and restrooms
· Repair and replace worn carpeting
· “Deep clean” space used daily for
school and extracurricular activities
· Install shelving donated by a local merchant
· Renew landscaping
· Organize closets and materials
· Install classroom partition walls

PLEASE PRAY FOR AND GIVE TO OUR SUMMER MINISTRIES

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Estimated Funds Needed: $10,000

SUMMER MINISTRIES NEEDS

• Journals/notebooks           • Games and Puzzles (gently used or new)
• Pencils                                   • Legos and small building toys (gently used or new)
• Pens                                       • White Boards
• Markers                                • Gym/Sports equipment
• Glue Sticks                           • Dramatic Play items
• Glue                                       • Used Tablets (For books, video, or audio)
• Playdough                            • Bean bags & Comfort Chairs for reading
• Watercolor                           • Construction paper
• Crayons                                • Stamp pads
• Colored Pencils                   • Index cards

Dreams of Promise

No one has ever told me, “You are a natural athlete!” While others played Little League and Pop Warner, I was learning a trade. As a boy my baseball experience was playing catch with my brother, and as a young man, church softball teams only allowed me to play because I was the pastor. I shared a baseball with my brother, but I am still not sure of the nuances of the game and have never donned a set of pads or laced up cleats.

That is why a recent dream of mine has been so striking! Perhaps a prescription medicine triggered the most unlikely nighttime theater. In my dream I won a major league home run derby!  As ball after ball sailed over outfield walls, I heard, “Back! Back! Back! It’s gone!” Ernie Harwell, the Tiger’s Hall of Fame announcer, offered vivid descriptions of my swing and the soaring spheres I sent bouncing off the outfield scoreboard. And then, I was suddenly awake! It was only a dream!

One ought to be a bit careful with dreams. Both arrogant autocrats, like Pharaoh, and sensible servants, like Joseph, have dreams. Pharaoh’s dreams were instrumental in bringing his downfall. Joseph’s dreams scripted the roles he played in life. The Lord’s plan for the New Testament’s Joseph was revealed in a dream. (Matthew 1:24) The Magi were warned in a dream and escaped Herod’s tyranny.

God-given dreams can, and ought to, shape our lives. The Apostle Peter cited the Old Testament prophet Joel in his Day of Pentecost sermon,

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)

We believe in God’s promise for this next generation of young people in Philadelphia.

My few seconds of fame in foolish early morning revery is of no consequence, but my need for God-initiated dreaming remains. I need to escape the world of “What-I-can-do” and explore and experience the “Will-of-Him-whom-calls-me-to-the-impossible.”

Oh, I wish you could see how I crushed those balls! It was fun! And, what I told the reporters interviewing me at the trophy presentation . . .

— Rev. Otto Wegner

More Students, More Ministry!

Preschool students from the Tioga campus

In January 2017, Spring Garden Academy welcomed nearly 60 new preschool students into our school family. God has shown His favor by allowing Spring Garden Academy to be selected as one of the designated early childhood education providers for the City of Philadelphia’s PHLPrek initiative. The PHLPrek Initiative makes preschool free for thousands of families throughout the city.

This expansion has translated into more students and employment of community members. As the socioeconomic impact of this initiative continues to unfold, we also see God‘s divine plan unfolding.

When God placed these new students and their families in our care, He presented us with a unique ministry opportunity. We can invest in more young leaders for the city of Philadelphia and beyond. Please continue to pray for our school family as it grows!

ON A MISSION TO SERVE

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

This summer we have been privileged to serve alongside several missions teams and families with hearts full of grace and souls generated by God’s love. The Dunham family from the Chicago area, Bellerose Assembly of God Team from Queens, NYC, Student Life Team from Christ Church Vienna from VA, Marlton Assembly and Bethel Church Teams from South Jersey, and Kingsway Church Missions Teams from Cherry Hill, NJ have blessed our community and our ministry.

Teams led Vacation Bible School, shared at our community family nights, taught in classrooms, distributed literature, and worked on the building. They expanded God’s work in Philadelphia and encouraged our staff and youth intern team.

Missions Team’s Reflections:

“We were blessed by the experience in many ways: many students and leaders were forced to step outside their comfort zones; they learned to be servants and share His love­—not in their own ability, but through the Lord’s strength—;and [they also learned to] serve in ways that they perhaps would not have chosen.”
– Sarah Nunez, Student Life, Christ Church Vienna,VA

“Our trip to Philadelphia this past summer was, in a word, awesome!! I love how God uses experiences like these to bless the visiting team and the team already planted, faithfully doing the work. Our Soldiers in Training team had an amazing time doing ministry and meeting new friends in Next Generation Ministries. It was great watching God use the talents of each student (on both teams) and even watching their gifts grow and expand while ministering. The young people we are investing in today will be shaping our tomorrow as they trust in and follow the One we’ve been called to serve, Jesus Christ.”
-Pastor Kevin Bateman, Bellerose Assembly of God, Queens, NYC

“We had the opportunity to minister at Resurrection Life in Philly…to run a VBS for the community and their camp kids. It was hot, it was long, but it was filled with the Holy Spirit! We developed relationships with the kids as we shared the love of Jesus with them each day. These kids were amazing! They memorized a Bible verse and Bible point every single day, which means the Word of God is in them!”
-Brooke Lane, Kingsway Church Missions Team, Cherry Hill, NJ

MEET NEXT GENERATION MINISTRIES’ COLLEGE INTERNS, NAOMI AND LATRELL

Naomi Henry | Graduate Student at Temple University

What are your personal convictions when it comes to ministry?

“I believe that ministry is the call that God has for every believer. We are all called to use our gifts and talents to minister to the people around us.

One thing that I am continually learning is that love is the foundation of ministry. 1 John 4:7 says, ‘Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God.’ Ministry begins with love, and the source of love—true love—comes only from God.

The only way I can truly love others is to receive that love from God. I have been learning how essential a deep intimacy with God is when it comes to ministry.”

How do you think this internship experience will impact you?

“This experience will get me closer to living a life that is an imitation of Christ’s. Philippians 2:3-8 sums up what I desire to gain from this experience. I want to chase after the humility and love that Christ had, which made it possible for him to make the sacrifices that He did for us.”

 

What drew you to this internship opportunity?

Latrell Alford |  Student at the University of Valley Forge

“The opportunity to live where I work. I love the city of Philadelphia and I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of a mission seeking to help families in the neighborhood.

I want to work in an atmosphere that has an impact on the area in which I live. I want to help families be restored, grow, and produce young men and women who will serve the Lord.”

What impact has it had on you thus far?

“There is no bottom to the depth of humility. This internship has pushed [me beyond] my limits and challenged me in ways I wasn’t aware I needed to grow. It has also awakened good things in me to use to minister to others.”

Javonnie Newton, a member of Resurrection Life Church, speaks of the example that Latrell has set, “[Latrell has] been like a mentor to me. Every since I’ve met him he’s had positive energy and God’s presence [in] him.”

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

Youth Interns ministering at Crossroads Assembly of God

Just last year God planted the Youth Leadership Center in the hearts of Next Generation Ministries’ leaders in the form of a seed. A seed that allowed the leadership team to re-imagine what youth outreach could look like in the community. A seed that would expand upon Next Generation Ministries’ vision of reinserting the church in the community as a hub of everyday life and activities and believing that youth are the key. As our partners and ministry have worked together to cultivate and nourish the seed, God has been faithful to allow it to yield fruit.

The Youth Leadership Center, located in Resurrection Life Church in North Philadelphia, provides opportunities for youth to participate in leadership development. Since early this year, youth have been coming weekly for a range of fun, enriching activities laced with subtle yet intentional demonstrations of God’s love and life skills; in a safe, nurturing environment. These activities include, Bible Quiz, chess, Girls On the Run, basketball, martial arts, and our weekly youth nights.

This summer, we reorganized our summer youth internship ministry under the Youth Leadership Center and expanded to include 11 students. Over the course of eight-weeks, our youth interns have been challenged to view their lives through a new lens, a lens that puts God first.

Youth have been visiting colleges, receiving job training, engaging in personal development activities, and traveling to use their gifts and talents to minister in the community and churches. Each Friday night they lead an outdoor block party in the Nicetown-Tioga community. Interns have also spent a week in Pittsburgh getting first-hand experience with missions work. Lastly, they have experienced spiritual growth as they studied God’s word, prayed, and worked with our leadership team.

Youth Intern’s Reflections:

Brenda helping member of the Tioga community during Family Night

Brenda says that the best part of her experience was being in Pittsburgh, sharing in ministry and telling the little kids about God. She adds that she’s walking away from this experience with a relationship with God.

Damir ministering to the Tioga community at Family Night

“It’s really fun and exciting serving and praying for a community that isn’t [privileged],” says Damir. Like Brenda, Damir’s experience also helped him build a stronger relationship with God.

Dayvon speaking at Resurrection Life

Dayvon speaks to the impact the internship had on his life, “This internship has affected my spiritual life by showing me how to lead people to the things of God and not the world.” He also says that he sees himself traveling to churches to talk to and work with their youth.

A Leader on Assignment

The dela Cruz family with Rev. Otto and Pat Wegner

Next Generation Ministries has been blessed with exceptional leaders who have served and impacted our lives and community. Recently, we said goodbye to several, including our Director of Operations, Amy dela Cruz.

Ms. Amy started with us in 2003 before leaving to serve at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) in the Philippines. In 2012, Amy returned to Next Generation Ministries and she brought with her two new additions to our ministry family, her husband, Roli, and her daughter, Katie.

Amy’s diligence and willingness to do whatever it takes to make things come together helped our school, Spring Garden Academy, expand to two locations while maintaining high quality standards. She grew our scholarship fund and gave leadership to the expanding work of Next Generation Ministries.

God has called Ms. Amy and her family to share the love of God in Costa Mesa, California where Roli will be teaching as a professor at Vanguard University, an Assemblies of God college. We are thankful for the investment of the dela Cruz family in Philadelphia.

Meet Lexi, a NGM College Intern!

What are your personal convictions when it comes to ministry?
“One of the strongest convictions I have about ministry is something that drew me to Next Generation Ministries. I believe that God has called all his people to love their neighbors. However, to do so we must come to know our neighbor. Next Generation Ministries is rooted in community and connecting people to each other and God. The programs and events that I have been involved with so far have been tailored to serve the needs of the community. This, I believe helps to bring Christ into the communities.

What are your goals after you graduate?
I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Peace and Global Studies. I know that I want to continue my education after my undergraduate studies.  At the moment I am open to either enrolling in a Master’s of Education program or Law School. I am passionate about education and hope to one day help with public policy to restructure some of the injustices found within our current education system. However, I’m leaving my plans open so that I may be able to go wherever God intends to take me.

Leaders on the Rise

Every once in a while we encounter a talented young leader whose commitment to excellence inspires us all. This year that leader has been Cambriae Bates.

Cambriae’s positive energy has been nothing short of infectious. In a few short months, she has won over the hearts of our school families, her colleagues, and the community with her kind spirit, caring heart, and sense of humor.

Consistently going above and beyond the call of her marketing and outreach internship job description, Cambriae’s lent her talents and resources to enrich the lives of the families and people we serve.

Cambriae speaks of her experience “When I first came to NGM I was looking to build in my life not only professionally but also spiritually. NGM allowed me to truly reflect on my relationship with God and strengthen my spiritual bond with Him. The first step to becoming a leader is to figure out what God is calling you to do, so the fact that NGM emphasized spiritual growth along with professional growth was wonderful because God’s call began to ring louder in my ears.”

She continues, “While working for the organization I also learned more about what it means to give and how much giving is a part of leading. In order to be effective at all of these things you have to give pieces of yourself and truly follow God’s example if you want to make a difference. I’m thankful for my time here and I will always be a supporter of NGM.”

Girls on the Run Recap

On June 11th, our 3rd-7th grade girls participated in the Girls on the Run Philadelphia 5K race. Our girls trained for this race for 12 weeks and focused on running and personal development.

“The lessons were so well planned out, and they give the girls a moment to reflect inwardly,” says one of our volunteer Girls on the Run trainers, Se’mona. She continues, “Already I can see some changes in the way some of the girls see themselves.” We are so proud of our young leaders’ hard work and commitment in this journey.

500 HOURS OF SUMMER MINISTRIES

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise… from another place… And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, ESV) As we prepare for our transition into summer we are increasingly aware of how strategic God is in planting us in the heart of North Philadelphia. We are called to a city such as this, at a time such as this.
A time when the city’s failing education system yields high school graduates that lack basic literacy skills, which significantly contributes to the city’s high [1] illiteracy rate of 22%. A time where upward mobility is threatened by a [2]16% (three times the national average) unemployment rate for youth aged 16-19; and neighborhood schools’ inability to get more than [3] 1 in 4 of their high school graduates in college. And a time where the safety and well-being of our children are compromised by a declining crime rate that’s still roughly[4] 179% higher than the national average. The city is failing our children and youth in many ways; however, our God—who is mighty to save—cannot fail.

The enemy is clearly waging war against our city by coming after our children and youth; he seeks to undermine their future hopes by demoralizing their expectations. However, no matter how fierce the enemy’s attacks are, God faithfully  provides a route of escape for his people and the glory of His name. God has given us the vision to transform our city one child, one family at a time.

This is a crucial season for ministry as we increase the number of children and youth we reach in our community through our summer camps, Youth Leadership Center, and Family Night Ministries.

Each summer we minister to children and youth over 500 hours (11 hours a day, 55+ hours a week over the course of 9 weeks). That’s 500 hours of community-building, 500 hours of exposure to God’s love, 500 hours to nurture our children’s potential, and 500 hours to reverse cycles of destruction and defy statistics. Let’s continue to partner to minister to our youth.

Finding An Identity in Christ

“In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams.’” (Acts 2:17, NLV). In preparation for the 2016 Winter Youth Retreat we asked ourselves, “What would happen if God poured a new identity, a new purpose, and a new legacy out on the youth of Philadelphia?”

At the retreat, God answered our prayers. Youth were at the altar crying out to God; worshiping God without restraint; and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit for the first time.

One youth from Faith Assembly of God in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, Trisha, shared, “I don’t do the things I used to do. I’m changed.” Coming into the experience Trisha said she was going through a lot personally, however, she began to see God working in her as she connected with other young believers. She
was blessed being around other young people who were worshiping and praying in one accord. And now, both her and her best friend have rededicated their lives to God after the retreat.

Another attendee Mai, who’s been a part of Next Generation Ministries for several years now, went into the experience merely expecting to have fun with friends. She spoke of the retreat, “I didn’t expect to understand the testimonies and messages, but I did. [The retreat] brought me closer to God and I felt the Holy Spirit while there.” We’re grateful for the work that God has done and is continuing to do in our youth! Let’s continue to work together to reap the harvest of souls in this city and pray for these emerging leaders.

From Highway Ministries Intern to
Resurrection Life Church Pastor

As many of you know, before there was a Next Generation Ministries, there was Highway Ministries.
Every year through Highway Ministries our U.S. Missionary, Rev. Otto Wegner, would disciple a group of promising young leaders. In 1999, a young seminary student, Finney Kuruvilla, took an interest in this intership after learning more about it online. Kuruvilla said, “I met with Rev. Wegner and I was impressed with his vision for reviving the church.” After a year of training under Rev. Wegner in Philadelphia at Highway Tabernacle, Kuruvilla continued to be involved with the ministry as a volunteer, worship leader, and even a deacon during the renovation of Resurrection Life Church.

Although Kuruvilla already knew for some time that he wanted to do c h u r c h – r e l a t e d work, he did not see what was coming next. Pastor Mark Boucher, the current pastor of Highway Tabernacle, shared with Kuruvilla that there was a need for a pastor for the newly restored Resurrection Life Church. After months of prayer and contemplation with his wife, Elizabeth, Kuruvilla embraced the call once he received confi rmation from God. He is fully committed and loves the people of North Philadelphia.

 
For Pastor Kuruvilla embracing the call has meant encouraging and preparing others in evangelism and making sure the church and the individuals that make up the church are growing. Now that he’s on the other side of it, Pastor Kuruvilla has remained excited to see young people passionate and committing themselves to God. He strongly believes that the discipleship focus of NGM youth leadership ministries and internship are needed because of the struggle reaching this age in the city. And now his two eldest sons Mark and Andrew carry the torch.

Recap of Chess and Soccer

“Chess is a game of patience and thought,” says Coach Dorsey. “The students learn to think before they move and to look at the entire picture before making a decision.” For two months now our Youth Leadership Center
participants have not only been learning how to play soccer and chess well but also been developing the virtues inherent with mastering each. Coach Vernon Dorsey from the University of Valley Forge has been leading the charge to help our youth build character and social skills. “It is my hope to create a love for the game within them and to guide them in the next steps of their development,” says coach. He says of the group, “Their excitement to learn is exceptional.” However, some participants stood out, including an SGA 5th-grader, Deaquan. “Deaquan is consistent in his attendance, always has a good attitude and is accepting instruction well.” We want to thank you for partnering with us as we build youth.

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!