Report Cards

Why do kids show us their report cards all the time? Even if they
have all Fs and Ds...they still show us.

Well, here's my hunch...they know we care. The reason I got good
grades in school was because I knew my parents' cared. I knew they
would be very upset if I didn't do well...and I knew they would be
happy if I did well. I even got cash for As...I raked in some dough
back then.

I'm really hoping that our Good Grades Banquet in January is packed --
maybe wishful thinking...but I hope that 15 kids earn it. Usually
there are 6-8 kids who get As, Bs, and Cs are their report cards
(that's what they need to earn the Good Grades Banquet). So far, I'm
seeing good grades...let's hope they keep it up!

This is why I say that what we really need is people wiling to come
down and hang with us....get to know our group...build
relationships...play Frisbee with us...be present in our community.
Sure, tutors are needed, but relationships make such a bigger
difference. Christians in this country need to think more like
missionaries. They need to move into communities and get to know
folks...it's tough to help people if you don't know them. I still
cling to Eugene Peterson's interpretation of John 1:14: "The Word
became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood." Don't be
afraid to take some risks.