Wonder Club Early Learning Centers

Shaving cream, pet stores, sing-a-longs, and more… Watch how these experiences each help create the learning environment for children who are a part of Wonder Club Early Learning Centers. The video below, filmed by WJTL, visits two of the classrooms as parents, teachers, and staff share about the ways that their lives have been impacted by the lives of the children who are a part of these classrooms.

Salvation Stories Shared from Teen Haven Camp

1 Peter 4:10-11
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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.

The following stories reveal how the grace of God is equipping and strengthening many urban girls during their experiences at Teen Haven Camp during a recent week of summer camp:

During breakfast one girl approached Vinny, the Teen Haven Field director, and showed him the wrist bracelet she was wearing. It was designed to reflect the wordless book. The Gospel explained in color. And with little charms that symbolized the cross, heaven, heart, etc, she explained that she received that bracelet two summers ago and with that she also received a spiritual birth certificate. She shared that her mother insisted that she keep it in good shape, only wearing it on special occasions and to camp, a reminder to her of that special day. She mentioned that one charm got lost. Gina, a staff member of Teen Haven, was the one that made these bracelets and still had left over charms. She came up with the missing charm, the heart. We couldn't help but take photo. A smile, radiant and priceless. In rest and returning! The Lord leaves His fingerprint! (Her story is also captured on the Teen Haven video that WJTL filmed, and which is posted on the previous blog)

Another girl, injured her toe in the pool Tuesday, and went to the hospital Wednesday to make sure that everything was alright. During this time the staff had a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ, one-on-one with her. Then on Thursday we found out that she had a slight fracture in her toe. Through this time we were able to minister to her physical needs, and on Thursday she accepted the Lord as her Savior. Made whole and STRONGER in Him!

Recently at Teen Haven Camp there were 35 young ladies who came for the week, and 20 in this group were first timers to camp. Praise God for his transformation in the lives of 18 girls who made decisions to know the Lord – and were made STRONG in HIM!!! 13 girls who accepted Christ were attending Teen Haven Camp for the very first time.

Please pray that God would continue to allow these girls to step out with a renewed identity as His chosen daughters, and that they would use the gifts He’s given them to glorify Him.

Teen Haven Camp

Teen Haven Camp is a ministry located in Brogue, PA that welcomes urban youth from Lancaster, York, and Philadelphia. Check out the video below to hear testimonies of: Teen Haven campers, counselors, and staff as each person shares a glimpse into the experiences they’ve had as a part of Teen Haven Camp.



This video was filmed by WJTL.

Volunteers Creating Impact

“I have the privilege of volunteering with Water Street Ministries once a month on an official vacation day from my full time job. Volunteering gives me tremendous satisfaction as I can align my value with the Mission’s Core Values.

The staff I interact with are more than staff members. They are so wholly committed to the mission of Water Street as evidenced by the conversations I have with them. I have no idea what their pay is (nor do I want to know) but I can feel they give 100% plus to the mission of Water Street. I consider it an honor to be able to give a few hours a month to support Eunice in the office.”

Cheryl

Warmest regards from Lancaster County,

Cheryl Deaven, Director of Membership & Community Outreach
PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau

Water Street Mission

Experience some of the life changes that are happening at Water Street Mission by watching the following video that was filmed by WJTL. Hear from residents, counselors, and staff as they share testimonies and reflect on the way that transformation has taken place in their lives during their experiences at Water Street Mission.

Urban Youth involved at Teen Haven York

Alex Mikusow is the Field Director of Teen Haven in York. Here, he shares a little bit about what God has been doing in the lives of the urban youth who are connected to the ministry of Teen Haven:

Several weeks ago, at our first week of summer camp, we had 5 boys from York city make decisions to accept Christ. Three of them were in one cabin. The Jesus film helped the boys see for themselves what Jesus Christ went thru from them. Yesterday, we had Bible study for these boys and 4 out of the 5 attended. It is amazing how much they don't know about the Word of God, as we continue to teach through the Word of God.

The involvement of youth in York continues outside of camp too! Recently we partnered with a local church to put on a Youth Rally in the city. Over 20 teens from the church joined with me and several of our Teen Haven teen leaders to host the event. Together we passed out over 800 flyers to the local community, and many children, teens and families came out for the events. Later that same week, we had another outreach at Bantz Park on the west side of the city.

Please pray for our outreach ministries, so we can reach these young people for Christ and continue to be salt and Light to them and their families.

Alex Mikusow, Teen Haven

Watch... to learn about Water Street Health Services

The video below, filmed by WJTL, explores Water Street Health Services, as you hear from clients, doctors, volunteers and staff about their experiences and ways that God is working through their interactions at Water Street Ministries.

Sharing Life Together

Today we loaded up our truck with furniture that a departing resident picked out. A couple guys are helping him move in as I write.

It’s been real neat getting to know him over the last couple months he worked with us. I came to appreciate his struggles and challenges more, and it’s fun to celebrate with him on getting his own place. He was smiling and wanted to be sure we were coming to pray over his new home. He may be coming back to volunteer some with us. Our lives have become better as a result of the opportunity to share life together for a short time.
It’s pretty amazing to think of the large number of people working together to make all this possible for him—counselors, furniture donors, pick up scheduler, truck driver and helper, caseworker, landlord, friends who lent listening ears, every donor who gave to his welcome home gift box, doctor, prayer warriors, and others I missed- but most of all God who orchestrates all this as a demonstration of his love and ability to redeem things that some of us would see as hopeless!!

- Dean Wenger, Redistribution Manager, Water Street Ministries

My Day

The computers keep freezing, why does the patient schedule not print in chronological order, we don’t have test strips for the diabetics, the copy machine isn’t fast enough and it puts lines in the copies, I don’t like it when she says that to me, well I think we should do it this way, I can’t believe she forgot what I told her, guess I’ll have to get it in writing next time, I need…, we must have…, if this keeps happening…, the refrigerator temperature is to high, we have to cancel, the part is not in, we can’t fix it….

Lord, is there anything positive to this day? I have been working since 830a and it is now 1030p & all that is racing through my brain is that everything is broken or not good enough! Why do I keep pounding my head against a wall of people that are complainers and ungrateful in a decaying world? Does anyone really care what happens to those who don’t have access to healthcare? Do You care….?

As I sit here at my desk at 1030p I am exhausted and discouraged. Sure didn’t think that after 6 years I would be fighting some of the same battles day in and day out. Fighting often against those that are supposed to be working together to help others. Fighting against those who want to help others, but let’s not get to close to this Jesus freak perspective when we care for others.

My hearts says NO!! You Lord are the ONLY reason that I am here, the ONLY reason that I care. If I listen to those who would have me whine and complain like they do and want to not talk about Jesus too much as we care for people, I would give up immediately. You fill me with your love for others, You fill me with your sweet presence, You fill me with your joy that doesn’t depend on my circumstances or what is going right or what is broken.

I was whiney, broken and ungrateful and You died for me anyway and loved me with a love that is beyond my comprehension. Why do I keep serving day after day? Because Jesus lives within me and I am serving Him. When I am weak, He is strong! So may I boast in my times of weakness, pain and tears, for that is when He does a mighty work, in me and in others around me. As I speak to the Lord He brings to mind His words of truth and comfort. Thank-you Lord!
Oh yeah…

• The baby with diaper rash is now not crying so loud due to the healing balm you provided for me to smooth over the painful blisters.


• The Spanish woman with eyes wide with fear due to pain in her belly and fear of getting her blood drawn, yet as I speak your calming words to her she begins to smile and relax, You have her.


• The middle aged, graying gentleman looks so sad, he’s not sure he wants to keep living, does he have a plan to kill himself – No, will he be safe if we let him go home, yes, for he is grateful that someone finally stopped to listen to him, is he going crazy, no, he has had a day like mine, Lord thanks for passing on to him your hope.


• The young angry man broke his hand a couple of weeks ago by punching a wall, better than punching a person, now he is in daily pain, splint and some pain pills, an x-ray and a touch of truth as to why he punched the wall and why is he so angry that he hurts himself and others. He leaves calmer than when he arrives.

As I think about those I have touched and who have touched me today…Oh yeah, now I remember Lord why I do this day in and day out, You show up!

- Gale Thomason, Executive Director, Water Street Health Services

Lydia Center Interview - Part 1

Lydia Center Interview on WJTL - pt 2

Teen Haven Summer Camp 2009 - Has Begun!

The first week of Teen Haven Summer Camp was on July 22-26 - here are some details from the week:

There were 20 young men (Ages 9-11 yrs) - many broken hearts, broken spirits and scarred bodies. There were 7 who had never been to Teen Haven Camp before, of which 4 came to the Lord. During the week, 11 youth made decisions to accept the Lord, and each were issued birth certificates with their names signed by the interns, and had their picture taken. At the end of the summer the certificates will be mailed to every youth who came to the Lord this summer. This will be a beautiful reminder of their decisions this summer.

God worked powerfully throughout the week, in the hearts of the youth. Here are some stories...

- One boy, sat in front of the chapel attentively. The Lord was really dealing with his heart. Thursday right before dinner he came up to me and said, "Mr. Vin, when I was in the pool, I just couldn't stop thinking about Jesus. You know, I decided to sacrifice my life to Him."What a wonderful way to describe salvation.

- Another youth’s cabin won the quiz down word game. The winning cabin earns a pizza. As the cabin was partaking in the pizza, he sat with head down weeping. When approached, he shared something very special. He lifted up his head and said, "I can't eat this pizza. It's not fair to the others that didn't win. Why can't they all share in the pizza? The entire cabin stopped and marvel at this young man's compassion for the others. His gentle spirit blessed our hearts.

- Finally, before the campers went home, each one got a blue T-shirt with the camp theme “I AM STRONGER IN HIM,” written on the front. As the campers left on Friday morning, they all had their shirts on, and it looked like a wave of blue shirts, heading out to Philadelphia and York. Pray that the youth will continue to step out with the knowledge that they are STRONG IN HIM.

- Vinny Mikusow, Field Director, Teen Haven Camp

Wonder Club Interview (2) at WJTL

Wonder Club Interview at WJTL

Little Blessings

Working in the front office I get so see many of the residents throughout the week, there is one particular family I have gotten to know. This single mom is usually trying to control her rowdy four and five year old while caring for her other younger children. These two adorable kids like to wander the dining hall at lunch, sometimes getting into trouble. With other little ones to attend to Mom has a difficult job trying to keep everyone together.

In the past few months, since the birth of the newest child, the older daughter seems to be taking more responsibility. The other day Mindy* wasn’t running around the dining hall, instead I saw her carefully carrying a full tray to the table. Her sweet little face was focused in concentration as she walked cautiously as to not spill its contents. It was a big help to her mom who had a stroller to push and other lunch items to carry. It’s great to see that God is working in Mindy’s* life to bless her mom.

*name changed
- Emily Towers, Water Street Mission

Local VBS provides support to Water Street Mission

I recently was invited to speak at a church as a representative of the mission. They wanted me to speak for about 5 minutes and accept some pillows and blankets their children had made in VBS for the mission.

Right up until that morning I had not a clue what I was going to say, but God is always in time. As I drove north on 501 that morning, a long line of traffic was stuck behind a very slow moving vehicle. I know it is hard to believe, but I became terribly frustrated and agitated.

After about 15 minutes the car finally pulled off to the side of the road. As I past I notice the gentleman had a large map (no GPS) and was trying to figure out where he was. In that moment God spoke to me and showed me that just like that man, we are all born with no GPS. There is no written out directions on how we are to live our lives. Because of this, sometimes we turn left when we should have turned right. We make mistakes that can have profound effect on our lives. Sometime, life takes on a direction of it’s own that we have no control over. It gave me a chance to share a little about our residents and their needs.

The church then presented me with the blankets and pillows for the mission. They have the children’s handprints all over them, and the words “God Cares for You”. I gave them a word picture of our residents wrapping themselves in God’s love and knowing that they are loved when they go to bed at night. I wanted the people(especially the children) to know that their loving handwork was going to touch many lives.

- Sharon Houck, Water Street Ministries

Illuminate 2009 - RECAP

Here are some pictures along with quotes of attendees from Teen Haven's Spring Leadership Conference, ILLUMINATE 2009. Listen as each reflects on how the conference impacted and challenged them to grow in their leadership roles.


We learned WHO is THE LIGHT…

“The candle light service made me realize that the source of my light, and strength of it comes from the Lord, not me.”

I learned, “to be in the light and to be at the feet of Jesus always, no matter what.”

We learned to WALK in THE LIGHT…

As a leader I need, “to be able to look to the Lord for guidance when making decisions as a leader.”

“It helped me because I got to talk to some older people who helped me learn and grow as a leader.”

“I learned that I can’t let fear stop me from fulfilling my purpose.”

“I learned that those who I am leading are watching me. I need to live as Christ.”

This weekend, “motivated, broke me, molded me, and fixed me in the process. Amen.”

“It made me realize I have to be a follower (of Him) to be a leader.”

“I cannot be, I should not be, like the lone ranger. I should be a committed member of my church home to bring more light.”

We learned to CARRY THE LIGHT…

“Helped me to be a servant. As a light I need to stick out and help others, and be a light no matter what.”

“Be the light in my city, my school, anywhere.”

“I am the light of the world through Jesus”

“It’s helped me face the darkness around me, at home, in my neighborhood and with others with a different perspective.”

I learned, “to let my light shine; forgiveness; and to focus more on God.”

“Learned that leading is more than just “leading” it’s your lifestyle, your actions, your words. It also helped encourage me to step up and lead more.”

Prayers were a powerful tool that impacted many during this conference. Thank you to all who prayed and invested in the lives of these young leaders through your support.

A Story From Dave

Dave Miller, a faithful driver for the Collection Center, regularly has the opportunity to pick up furniture donations to be distributed to those in need. In the story below, we learn of how Dave recently had an unexpected donation pick-up where he left with something completely different than anticipated, and so did the donor…

About two weeks ago, on a Wednesday afternoon, Dave drove to a local home to pick up a couch. One tricky element in receiving donated goods is the importance of excellence – for all items being offered from the ministry they must not have stains, tears, or be in need of cleaning or repair. Unfortunately, when Dave arrived at this donor’s home their couch was in need of cleaning, from a pet that happened to enjoy the couch a bit too much. Dave informed the donor that although Water Street Ministries greatly appreciates their desire to give, that he wouldn’t be able to accept this couch due to the concern of allergies among those receiving such donations. He also shared the importance the Collection Center upholds in the need to maintain a standard of quality for all donated goods.

Dave was happily surprised that this donor’s response wasn’t at all one of disappointment, even though they were not able to accept her couch. Instead, she shared with Dave that she wanted to actually support the ministry for the faithfulness of driving all the way to her home to help her get rid of her couch. She then went on to share that only the day prior, she had read in the newspaper about some of the needs that are really growing for non-profit organizations in Lancaster, and knew that this was an opportunity that she didn’t want to miss to give to the ministry of Water Street Ministries. And with her own excitement to give she exclaimed, “I want to write you a check!” Dave was absolutely shocked! This was the first time in 8 years, as one of the drivers for the Collection Center, that he received a check for Water Street Ministries.

As she was writing the check, she mentioned that that she was hoping to have the couch moved from inside the house to the garage. She asked if there was any way that Dave and Anthony (a volunteer) would be willing to move her couch. When Dave said that they would give it a try, she said you really don’t have to, but Dave and Anthony were able to bless her with her request. Together they shared a similar generosity, and insisted that they wouldn’t mind trying.

After this transfer of blessings took place (between the transporting of the couch, and the gift to the ministry) both the donor and Dave were ecstatic! Both had received an unexpected blessing through their engagement with the needs around them. God worked extravagantly through this situation.

Listen for Water Street Ministries on WJTL

Tune in to FM 90.3 WJTL, starting this Monday, June 29, through the month of July, 2009! During these 5-weeks, Water Street Ministries will be featured on air. This opportunity will provide Water Street Ministries with a chance to continue to share the vision of the ministry which is "to create healing communities where lives are transformed."

Each week, WJTL will have a specific focus on a specific division of the ministry.

Tune in for interviews on the Morning Show from 7am-8am on the following dates:
- June 29, 2009
- July 6, 2009
- July 13, 2009
- July 20, 2009
- July 27, 2009

Be sure to check out online videos, and listen for 30-second promo spots, along with several morning shows and DJ announcements - these stories and updates will explore what opportunities exist to partner, and support Water Street Ministries in order to further the impact of the organization.

Please pray that God will bless this time of sharing with our surrounding communities.

For more information visit WJTL online: http://www.wjtl.com/

The Songs of Children – Wonder Club

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

It is incredible how the sound of children singing brings delight to the teachers at Wonder Club - and even more exciting to know that it brings delight to the Lord! This verse reveals that God actually “rejoices” in “singing.” Just imagine… God singing, as the children at Wonder Club shout out his praises! What a sound that must be!!

PRAY – That as the children are now experiencing the beginning of summer, away from Wonder Club, that God will continue to “quiet” these dear children “with his love”, as He “rejoices over” each of them “with singing”.

Watch, and experience some of the sounds and sights of a typical day at Wonder Club. Children – singing, laughing, and simply enjoying the day – as they learn and grow together.

The following videos were recorded by WJTL at the Lancaster location for Wonder Club Early Learning Centers: