WHAT IS OUR WHY…
With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, I have worked with children from high income areas, handicap, and special needs, foster children and children living in poverty. I have found that their circumstances define them unless someone steps in to teach them their identity in Christ. That is the only healer that can set them free from the bondage of poverty, neglect, abuse, and trauma. No matter if these children come from high income families with emotionally neglect or from poverty where they have nothing, it all comes back to knowing you are valued and have purpose. If they continue letting their circumstances identify them, then the generation cycles and patterns will continue. We desire to see them set free and step into an identity in Christ that will lead them to live a productive life and give back to community.
Think back to the bible where the enemy tried to kill off Moses and Jesus as a baby. The enemy has been after children for a long time and today it is a blatant attack on the minds of our youth. This is our next generation! If we do not step in to teach them who they are in Christ, then the world will teach them worldly identity and we see what that looks like. When dealing with this generation, it can be daunting as we see what they are surrounded by on a daily basis. If only a small seed is planted then it is all worth it! These children have so much to offer, but they cannot see it right now. We cannot sit back and think someone else will help them…we are called to teach this next generation, not only with words, but our actions.
Children’s brains develop connections faster in the first 7 years than at any other time in their lives. This is the time when the foundations for learning, health and behavior throughout life are laid down. What age group are you seeing the most evil influence today…toddlers through elementary school! At NELA Youth we love to invest time in the entire family, which averages from ages 3yrs to 18 yrs.
We need bold parents to stand up against the corruption and lies fed to our children. We need spiritual moms and dad to step in and to protect these children. How do we do that? We must build relationships and spend time mentoring and discipling them! That’s what we do at NELA Youth. It’s in the building of relationships and trust that enables us to speak life over them and teach them who they are in Christ!
Many of the children we deal with are mostly single mom homes and it can get overwhelming for them. We see them just trying to survive, so we step in to show them there is so much more in this life! It is truly a mindset of bondage that must be broken. We must rise up and step out of our comfort zones. So, go be the hands and feet of Jesus and watch what He will do in our community! Do you want change? Then be the change!
GO build the Kingdom! Andrea Greer
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11