Leadership Institute
by Rachel Kramer
If you’ve been by Mercy Street this summer, you might have noticed a bit more activity than usual. No, I’m not talking about the myriad building renovations or even the numerous camp workdays. I’m talking about
THE INTERNS.
This summer, Mercy Street has had the privilege of running its first ever Summer Leadership Institute, also known as the summer internship. Mondays through Thursdays, 13-18 high school students and four college students come together to grow in the Scriptures, serve, and learn more about various issues or topics such as social justice or discipleship. It has been incredible to see the Lord develop leadership skills in each of these people who are passionate about serving others and serving God.
Some highlights from this summer include a field trip to Watermark and a poverty simulation down in Waco. Todd Wagner and Jeff Ward of Watermark simply shared how God has worked in their lives and through Watermark’s ministry, yet their testimony was powerful. In Waco, the interns experienced a different kind of life style. After spending a weekend in the shoes of the homeless (they quite literally exchanged their shoes), the students have been talking about how blessed they are and that they need to stop taking things for granted. Their eyes were also opened to more of the unseen difficulties of homelessness, such as having to walk everywhere in the heat or not being able to bathe. Some of the students have since been talking about how they want to get more serious about their lives so they don’t ever end up living on the streets. It was definitely a life-changing weekend.
I asked some of the interns what this internship has meant to them and here is what they had to say:- “This internship has given me a renewed belief in my future.”
- “It’s been the most awesome opportunity in my teenage years.”
- “I have learned to be thankful for what I have.”
- “I got to meet awesome people - the other interns, the leaders, speakers.”
Our prayer for the interns this summer is that they would follow the example given by the disciples in Luke 5:11, “So they…left everything and followed him.” Please join us in praying that they will continue to fight against the pressures of this world to follow Jesus.
by Matt VanBeber
Probably like a lot of busy executives, I have struggled with the demands of my business, coupled with the demands of my family. It feels as if everytime I commit to something Godly, the devil causes a problem at my business that requires extra time. But this summer, with God's grace, His agenda won out.
My mentee, Keywoun, and his best friend, Josh, worked at my printing company. Last year, I would go by and pick up Keywoun on the weekend and bring him in to work for 3-4 hours on a Saturday. As summer approached, Keywoun & Josh asked if they could come to work everyday of the Summer.
I said they could join the team if... (Full Article) they could take the bus and get to my house by 7:00 in morning. It would have been impossible to pick them up every day since my printing company is in Garland. The boys, on their own, figured out they could take a bus downtown from West Dallas and then take the rail line north to Park Lane and Greenville. I would pick them up each day about 7:30 and then bring them back to the rail station about 4:30. We did this Monday through Thursday. It blew my mind to witness 2 High School juniors get up every morning at 6am meet me by 7:30am.
I'll be honest, it was time consuming to pick up the boys & drop them off everyday, but it was wonderful to help the boys get a chance to see how a business works & to teach them about the expectations of the workplace. Both boys worked hard all summer long! I even asked my managers to cut them zero slack, but rather treat them like the other employees.
God was faithful, as He promises, & multiplied my eny & time, all the while encouraging these young men in their pursuit of the future.
Larry and Bill - an Exit Interview
An exit interview with Bill Farrell and his mentee, Larry Cardell, as they complete the Mercy Street journey, but as you'll read, their relationship is far from over.
Q: What was your first impression of Bill? What was your first impression of Larry?
Larry: He was tall. I thought he was a basketball player. I thought you were hoopin’ or something. -Giving a thumbs up he continues- “I knew he would help change us, me, my family, us. Period. He gave out that vibe.” First thing Bill ever fed me was a steak omelet with tobacco sauce.
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| Larry in the 5th grade! |
Bill: He was little. He was also determined. When Broddrion (Bill’s 2nd mentee) entered the picture, he said, “Remember, I’m first.” I fed him a lot, especially pancakes.
Q: Best memory with Bill? Best memory with Larry?
Larry: My first SMU basketball game. I didn’t know anything about college and he’s an SMU fanatic, you know.
Bill: When you caught your first touchdown pass, no don’t put that down, people will think I’m a sports fanatic or something. No, but the first football game, really. They didn’t pass you the ball though. (Bill and Larry share a laugh)
Q: Most difficult conversation with Bill? Most difficult conversation with Larry?
Larry: When he got on my case, but this year he really did open up my eyes and help me focus more. He said, “you’re not acting the same and you need to change your ways, you need to do what you say.” If you make a deal, do it.
Bill: Same. It took me only 8 years.
Q: 3 Truth's learned?
Larry:
1) ANYONE, no matter race, age (Larry gives a smirk to Bill) can come in your life and change you. They can have a big impact on your life.
2) If you open up, you can meet the greatest friend in your life.
3) (No matter what background you come from – there is hope that you can be changed and become something better than anyone expected you to be. You won’t be a statistic.
Bill:
1) We all need relationships. Relationships that are based on our desire to see someone else mature.
2) Long-term relationships are the best and we’re not through yet, got to get him through college and a good job so that he can take care of me. (Bill repays Larry’s previous smirk with a smirk)
3) I expected him to be and I’m still expecting him to be a mature Christian man.
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| Graduation Celebration in May |
Q: What has Christ done in your heart through this relationship?
Larry: He’s helped me open up as an individual and he taught me that everything is possible as long as I believe and trust Jesus for strength. (Insert fist hits here)
Bill: He’s drawn me much closer to himself, as a result of my relationship with Larry, as I’ve prayed for him.
Q: Anything you want to say?
Larry: (A very sober Larry kicks in) Thank you for everything. He’s been there through the worst times and back. He’s trying to give me all the credit. He’s the mastermind behind the whole plan.
Bill: (With a grin larger than life) Larry’s had very few worst times. He’s been a pleasure. He’s what every mentor would like to have.
...the new REALITY
With this in mind, we began to mentor 39 students! Our hope for these young men and women was to place a caring, Christian adult in their life. Our prayer was that through a relationship with them and their family, the student would become all that God intended for them to be. We praise God that over 70% of those who started with us has either already gotten their diploma or will receive one in the days to come.
The Celebration
The event was comprised of a time of food and fellowship between
the students, their families and their mentors. We had about 15 mentored students and about 65 people total. After enjoying a delicious meal, I gave the students a picture of the road ahead. “Young people when you leave your parents house and step foot into your next phase of life know that you will face the 4 F’s- Fun, Freedom, Fine Girls and Guys and Fraternities and Sororities. In the midst of all of that, please don’t forget about a 5th F, Your faith. You must know what you believe and why you believe it.” I closed by saying, “My prayer for you is that you will fall in love with Jesus and run toward His plan for your life no matter where it will take you.”
The Crowd
I was filled with joy when I looked into the crowd. Taking visual pictures of the audience, I reflected upon each student’s story. They all were different, powerful and deserving to be told. God had given them His grace to preserve through various challenges. What was so breathtaking, was to not what they had been through but, to hear about their plans for the road ahead. Many had been accepted to colleges and universities, some said they would enlist in the military, but all had a game plan for their next phase of life. It was clear that these cute little boys and girls, had grown to become handsome young men and beautiful young women, destined to do awesome things.
The Congratulations
Mercy Street gladly stands and salutes its 1st class of graduates! With extreme pleasure, we congratulate them on a job well done. To God Be The Glory and the Honor forever and ever. Amen!
Mercy Street's 2011 Texas College Tour traveled through the heart of Texas visiting 9 colleges in 5 days!
A big shout out to these generous donors who make this transformational trip possible.
Here is a link to the detailed schedule for the Tour
Here is a link to the College Tour Application for Students.
College Tour - Atlanta 2010 from Brett VanderMolen on Vimeo.
