By Tammy Michmerhuizen, Discipleship Coordinator
Pizza, pork BBQ, sub sandwiches… that was what was on the menu for the kids when Maranatha provided lunches for the Career Connections work crews through Escape Ministries this summer. I had the privilege of purchasing, assembling, delivering, and serving these students and their crew leaders in the parking lot of Escape Ministries once in the month of June and twice in August. Over the past couple of years typically we have met with a group of us at church to assemble sack lunches for the kids, but with the additional protocol in place during the pandemic, I offered to purchase what was needed to supply the meals representing Maranatha. I was pleased to accept this opportunity. It was a joy to meet some of the kids and their leaders.
As the kids returned from their morning work assignments, one small group at a time, they were energetically welcomed back to the property by AJ Westendorp: “Hey! How was your morning? Welcome back! Good to see you.” And AJ didn’t cheer out the greeting anonymously, but spoke personally using the student’s name, showing genuine interest to each of the kids. I noticed that each of the kids responded in their own ways, some full of energy in return, others more subdued, but each one was touched and validated by the individual attention offered. That’s the work of Escape MInistries: to love and affirm the students, right where they are at...specifically their vision is:
To intervene in the lives of those who fall between the cracks of existing education, economic, family and religious resources and help them successfully navigate to a positive life experience through meaningful Christian relationships.
During each of the visits to Escape, it was apparent that for some, basketball was wayyyy more pressing than food (hard for me to believe, especially since these particular young men had just spent three or four hours in the hot sun weeding and throwing bark...but it was true). Food could wait, because a basketball rivalry between the crew leaders and a few of the young men needed to be settled! It was intense but still fun and relaxed with smack talking, cheering, and money on the line. If the students could make more baskets than leaders Malike and AJ...there was $20 in it for one of them! With that it was game on...for the students and leaders alike! I know you want to know how it ended, right? Well, the adults got beat and had to pay up!! AJ did so with a smile on his face...he was a really good sport. :)
Each of the times I left the campus of Escape I was touched by the personal care directed toward the students.
Relationships have been established and are growing at Escape; the staff, mentors, tutors, and the young people that participate are doing life together. It’s making a difference. If you want to hear for yourself, I suggest listening to ESCAPE The Bubble podcast. In these episodes AJ interviews a student and they get to tell their story. By listening, we get a glimpse into the lives of young heroes at Escape who have overcome incredible obstacles right here in our community.
The work that Escape is doing is making a difference in the lives of the students and their families but equally important is the fact that it is making a difference in the lives of AJ, Kristina, Ruben, and the other staff members, mentors and tutors. If you want to see for yourself, that can be arranged! Escape is always looking for tutors and mentors especially on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3pm-5pm.
The reason I was able to represent Maranatha and provide lunches for the work crews at Escape is because of your gifts to the Faith Promise fund. Thank you for your faithful support and also thanks for the work of the Outreach Team who is faithfully discerning the best ways to use these gifts.
Here is a personal thank-you card we received from one of the Career Connections students:
“My name is Xavier and I had a summer through Escape Career Connections. I learned how to save my money which is important because I used to spend my money on stuff that I really didn’t need. Thanks for your help with the program by providing lunches for us. Stay passionate, Xavier”
