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!
