A New Partnership & Season at Teen Haven

I’ve learned about seasons. Some seasons are good, and some are not so good. For me, I’m not a winter guy. But if I endure Winter, I get to appreciate Spring and Summer.

Last year was the season for me to be a gym teacher at a local charter school. It provided finances, but it meant a lot of sacrifice, like me not being at home much with my family. I didn’t have a peace about returning this year, but the school didn’t want to lose me. In the end, God saw fit for the school to contract with Teen Haven to provide the physical education classes this year. Now several of our staff will be sharing the role of gym teacher.

Not only is this relationship providing finances for the ministry, but it’s providing opportunity for Teen Haven staff to connect with over 120 students daily, to be role models, and to promote Teen Haven programs and Camp. You see, part of the state’s requirement is that students get plugged into community programs. Because of our staff’s influence, it is likely that the students will get plugged into Teen Haven.

Already we’re seeing results at Teen Haven. Numbers had been low for our girls program. After we got connected with the school, the girls program exploded. When one of these new girls first started attending our programs, her attitude was very poor – especially at school. She didn’t want to get to class on time, and she didn’t want to participate in anything. What she found at Teen Haven was people who really cared for her. It wasn’t long before she gave her heart to the Lord!

Since then we have seen real fruit: her attitude has changed, her music choice has changed, the way she speaks and dresses has changed, and who she spends time with has changed. Plus her grades are up, and her teachers are seeing the difference. She’s plugged into a local church, and her mom even has become involved in Teen Haven.

God in His sovereignty knows the needs of the ministry of Teen Haven and knows our hearts to partner with the community. Before anyone else knew, he knew the relationship He was establishing. What people see to be impossible, God makes possible. With the right heart and willing people, God can do anything. Even through this economic state, God knows how to take care of his people.

By Jose Jimenez, Teen Haven, Lancaster Field Director