Buffalo City Court Judge, Hon. Craig Hannah does not act like a Judge. Craig walked into BWAP on Thursday night, May 26, 2016 looking like one of the guys coming to play ball. Too often in life, we see authority figures acting like they are better and smarter than the young guys from the inner-city who come to BWAP. This Judge treats all people like they are his equals. Judge Craig Hannah wears no titles, he was just regular old Craig (well maybe not old!) He visited BWAP as a friend and made more friends and those friendships are like seeds, they will keep growing.
     When it came time for the Judge to give his 9 Minute Speech to the young men, he smiled, - he smiled a lot! Craig told stories about his life including his desire to never disappoint his Mom. He loved college because you have the choice of what to study. He told the young men that when he was their age, he didn't really know what he wanted to do with his life - "and that's okay!" The young men asked lots of questions. The Judge built relationships with answers straight from his heart.
     Always "Go the extra mile!" The Judge urged the young men to do their best to stand out among their peers by doing more than what's required of them. He spoke a lot about the first Law Book where today's laws originated from - The Bible. He quoted it often, even though he didn't give the Chapter and Verse, if you knew the Bible, you could tell where he was coming from. A good verse to kind of sum up what the Judge said to the 18-30 yr. old inner-city young men would be Colossians 3:22-24 in The Message; "And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ."
     Perhaps we could redefine BWAP as Bird With A Purpose. One of the young men brought his bird and we formed a winged relationship. The meal for the night was pizza and wings. This bird's wings were safe. He sat on the dinner table next to a Bible and became a Bird with a Word. The Judge, a bird and The Word - it was another fantastic BWAP night. Thank you Judge Craig Hannah, you made a difference in the lives of young people in a beautiful way. Jesus loves you and so do we.
 
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Buffalo City Court Judge Craig Hannah will be on the BWAP Courts on Thursday, May 26, 2016.
We teach inner-city young men how to play ball on the courts of life.
All it takes is 9 minutes of wisdom each week to make a huge impact on a young man's heart.
Peace has a chance when a guy puts his gun down and picks up a Bible.
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     "Be thoughtful and compassionate- it goes a long way." That's one of Frank Downing's Platitudes for Life that he brought to the 18-30 yr. old inner-city young men last night at BWAP LI. Frank brought many different kinds of seeds to plant in the hearts of the BWAP guys.
     "When you get knocked down, get back up." Never giving up is the hallmark of a great leader and Frank demonstrated that truth repeatedly with the young men. Adversity is only a kick-starter for perseverance and perseverance develops good character.
     "Attitude is everything; life can be rewarding and fulfilling - even from a wheelchair!" Your life will be filled with the attitude you fill it with. Make the best of every situation. All things work together for good!
     "Positive impact - make a positive impact on someone, let that be your legacy!" Frank Downing and his wife Shari have been leaving a positive impact on inner-city young people for many years. They are thoughtful and compassionate folks who expect the best in building relationships. Thank you Frank and Shari for all you do for other people. Jesus loves you and so do we.

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     Believing in hard work and compassion, Frank & Shari Downing have been making a huge impact on Youth With A Purpose for several years now. Cars and horses are a few of their favorite things and they share them happily.
     When some inner-city youngsters needed a lift to a horse camp, Frank and Shari provided the wheels to allow the youngsters to ride on hooves. They showed love to kids they had never met - that's special.
     A business must attain a certain degree of success to remain a viable business. Frank Downing expects success. At BWAP, we expect that our inner-city young men will be successful and we are committed to making that happen.
     Painting a picture of success for guys who live in an impoverished and violent city is no small task, but BWAP is working. Former gang members are now legally employed. Young men are embracing fatherhood as a serious responsibility. Guys are beginning to respect the ladies. Frank Downing is this week's 9 Minute Speaker. His wisdom given to the 18-30 yr. old young men will be a seed of success. We will keep watering the BWAP seeds as we invest in our community by investing in our young men.

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     Buffalo Councilman Rasheed Wyatt arrived for his BWAP 9 Minute Speech with these words:
                                "I knew I had to be here because I gave my word."
The Councilman had an enormously busy day at Buffalo City Hall. He's a man of integrity who keeps his word. That's what the inner-city young men at BWAP need to see and hear - folks who keep their word and demonstrate commitment.
     When someone hears the word politician, they might be tempted to have negative thoughts. Rasheed is a man who moves mountains to help people. Both Rasheed and his staff have been an integral part of the "community-strengthening" programs at BWAP.
     As the young men listened, Rasheed told many stories about how his life had changed through personal experience. He knows how to fight and he knows how to forgive. He knows perseverance and he knows patience. He knows heartbreak and he knows victory. He knows how to avoid foolishness and grow friendships.
     Prosperity is usually something that people associate with money and sometimes that's true. BWAP does need money to pay expenses. A very wise Pastor once said: "You can't put chicken in the gas tank!" Rasheed knows that it takes a lot more than money to run programs. He came with a wealth of compassion in his heart. Rasheed brought an invaluable demonstration of commitment - that's the prosperity of good character that young people need to see in their elders.
 
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     "Behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." - Luke 24:49. Pentecost marks the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ when the Holy Spirit came with a fast break of power. Tonight (5-5-16) marks BWAP FIFTY and it also happens to fall on the National day of Prayer in the United States. Fifty is a good number for the inner-city young men at BWAP.
     We play basketball, listen to nine minute guest speakers and eat a home-style meal as we build relationships. God is at the center of what we do. The young men who are 18-30 yrs. old and from the inner-city of Buffalo, take turns praying before the meal.
     A "Game Plan for Greatness" is our Leadership Bible Study held on Wednesday evenings. The young men learn about loving God, loving themselves and loving others.
     Prayer is something that most people desire. We can prove that by the responses the young men get when they are on the streets praying for people. Yes, we go from basketball to prayer at BWAP. Please pray for the next FIFTY BWAP's.

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     Basketball With A Purpose will reach another milestone on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Buffalo Councilman Rasheed Wyatt has been one of our strongest BWAP supporters since the very beginning of BWAP.
     When BWAP needed help, Rasheed Wyatt and his Buffalo Council Staff provided a solid foundation to launch the program for inner-city young men 18-30 yrs. old. Now BWAP is making history with BWAP FIFTY.
     Answering the call from the community for more mentoring programs, Rasheed and his Staff are changing the face of the community, one young person at a time.
     Peace in Buffalo begins with people creating peace in their own lives. Buffalo and BWAP have both experienced greater peace because of Buffalo Councilman Rasheed Wyatt. Thanks Rasheed, Jesus loves you and so do we.

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     Beckoning would be a good word to describe the BWAP "Luncheon Conversation About Inner-city Young Men." Compassionate folks from Buffalo to Oklahoma felt BWAP beckoning them to come and share in this unique ministry. The Youth With A Purpose Informational Luncheon held at City Reach Buffalo was a success and God gets the credit. Rev. Cleveland (Perry) Howell took time out from serving in the kitchen and lead the opening prayer.
     Wailing is a sound heard in Buffalo when a Mom learns that her son has been killed. The BWAP program helps young people build a personal LifeTicket that points them in the direction of pursuing their fullest potential. LaTashia Martin was our Emcee. She shed some tears and caused some tears with her heartfelt compassion. She cares deeply about everyone she meets and that love in her heart is contagious. BWAP Director Rev. Will Coplin and some young men gave powerful life transformation stories - how a gang member becomes a T.H.U.G. - True Hero Under God.
     Abounding in enthusiasm for the BWAP mission, many folks surrendered their hearts to serve - smilingly! John Elmore, Pastor Jaison Randall, Pastor Tommy McClam spoke glowingly about BWAP and urged more folks to get involved. Wanda Torres, Rodney Anger, Linda Kuebler, Mr. & Mrs. Law along with a host of others made this a truly special day. Pastors and young people laid hands on and prayed for Chris Hammond and Matt Crouch as they launch a new program at Gloria Parks. Thank you to everyone who came with your heart in your hands - you gave away your love and we appreciate you.
     Pathways to excellence in a young person's life are created through the unity of compassionate people. Buffalo is becoming a model of compassionate collaboration. It's a new day for a renewed city becoming bound together in Love.

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