I have created this blog as a way to inform family and friends of the journey I am on in attempting to share the hope that Christ offers to a community in desperate need of Him. As many know, I have been with First Glance for over a year as the fundraiser. My desires have been more to serve in the ministry aspect of First Glance. So, I have transitioned in a position as a Head Intern for at least a two year commitment. In a ministry role, I oversee the Ladies Night Out Program, and the volunteers who, like myself, build into the young women. I look forward to sharing the journey God is taking me on with you.
I thought it would be nice to jump right into a few of my ministry experiences over past weekend! Last weekend, First Glance went on a trip called Rock the Road, which is an annual 48 hour road trip that we take our students on every fall. The destination is unknown to everyone except a few that are planning it. I had the privilege of helping to plan the itinerary of the trip. Our ultimate destination was Kentucky. We also ventured through and stopped in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton. Many of ours students have never had the opportunity to leave Akron, go on a vacation, or stay in a hotel. I have never heard or seen such a large uproar of cheer and excitement when seeing the “Welcome to Kentucky” sign. Driving through Kentucky was just one part of the action packed weekend. We played laser tag, kart raced, went to the zoo, rode a zip line and stayed in a hotel! It brought so much joy to my heart to see the students so happy and having such good time.
An exciting part of the trip was that this was the first year a student brought a baby... a fake simulation baby. Kayla’s* mom called me about an hour before we left on the trip and said Kayla was sent home from class with a fake baby that she would have to take care of all weekend. This baby cried, needed it’s diaper changed, and had to have it’s head supported at all times. Kayla did not allow this baby to hold her back from fun. She strapped it in her vest and took it to play laser tag and all.
Ray*, one of our toughest students, who has a reputation as a gang leader, joined us on the RTR trip again! This was shocking because last year when the trip was over I asked, “Did you have fun and would you go again?” He answered very strongly, “NO!” But he came again this year! Ray, through an injury, spent a majority of last school year at First Glance. Leaders have continuously tried to reach out and connect with Ray. One of the best part of my trip was seeing Ray, for the first time since I have known him, engaging leaders, smiling and even laughing! It wasn’t even a one time event, it happened many times through the rest of the weekend. This year I asked the question again, “Did you have fun and would you come again?” This time he answered with a smile and chuckle, “Yeah.” I don’t think there is anything really different about the style of trip last year and this year. I think it is God changing and opening up Ray’s heart.
Throughout the weekend we talked about the theme “What do you worship?” We talked about how worshiping God was more than just an act on Sunday mornings, but was a way we choose to live our lives. It’s a decision that we have to make in every situation. There were many good conversations about the challenges of their home lives and the pressures of living differently than their peers. It was encouraging to hear students that do desire to change and follow Christ. I am looking forward to the follow-up conversations that will be had in the weeks to come.
* Student named changed for privacy.
