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
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
