Buffalo has been ranked as the most dangerous City in New York State.[1] We don't pay attention to rankings at Youth With A Purpose. BWAP LVII provided another peaceful haven for 18-30 yr. old inner-city young men to experience God's love and wisdom through a dedicated staff of volunteers and guest speakers.
            When three Police Officers walked into the building at City Reach Church, they witnessed the internal affairs that make up BWAP; Basketball, a good word, a good meal and relationship building through accountability and commitment.
            As Elder Larry Goins spoke, the eyes of the young men, a young lady and a baby reflected his story. Larry was invited to become a 9 Minute Speaker by BWAP Staff member Wanda Torres. He is the Founder of Cops For Christ and shared his life story as a Vietnam Veteran, Police Officer and Elder at El Bethel Assembly. In a life filled with many decisions, Larry's greatest decision was to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
            Police can be intimidating authority figures to inner-city young men. Truthfully folks, cops can intimidate all of us! Larry came to BWAP with two friends who are also Law Enforcement Professionals. All three guys gave respect and received respect. They answered a ton of questions from a young audience eager to know more about professional authority.
            The YWAP Family would like to say thank you to Larry Goins, and his friends from the Erie County Sheriff's Department Willie Stewart and Donald O. Allen. Don is going to visit a young man in the Erie County Correctional Facility who has climbed mountains with YWAP. The relationships we build with community members bring fruit in immeasurable ways. Jesus loves you and so do we.


[1] http://www.wkbw.com/news/buffalo-named-most-dangerous-place-in-new-york-state

      Bringing home prodigal sons is a great reason to celebrate. Sean Brennan spoke for nine minutes to 18-30 yr. old inner-city young men about fatherhood last night (6-16-16) at BWAP LVI.
     When you look up the word "father" in the Bible, you will find that the word is used over 1,500 times. Sean used the Bible as a textbook to talk to the young men about the importance of taking fatherhood seriously.
     As Sean grew up, he endured the hardship of losing his own dad when he was only 14 yrs. old. He struggled through that process and became distanced from God for a season.
     Pursuing positive role models to learn from, Sean became successful in many areas of his life. One of the proudest accomplishments of Sean's life is being a Dad. On Father's Day he will remain in bed as his children bring him lots of pancakes! Happy Father's Day Sean and thanks for bringing some inspiration to the BWAP guys. Jesus loves you and so do we. #LIFETICKET #JLYASDW
 
 
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     Breathing in some life wisdom after breathing hard on a basketball court is a unique feature of BWAP.
     Wisdom from Professor and Station Manager Sean Brennan is on tap for the 18-30 yr. old young men tonight.
     Air at BWAP is rarefied through 9 Minute Speakers like Sean. A good message will elevate your expectations.
     Plenty is a good word to describe the long term residual effects for those at a BWAP Event.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody..
#LIFETICKET #JLYASDW

    Being a Dad is one of the greatest things that Pastor Steve Schenk has ever done. At BWAP LV, June 9, 2016. Steve sacrificed some of his time as a Dad to become a Father to some guys in Buffalo. The 18-30 yr. old inner-city young men came to play basketball, but they got an education about respect - Jesus style. Pastor Steve Schenk was the BWAP 9 Minute Speaker this week.
     Wrestling rather than basketball is what Steve excelled in. His words to the young men covered some personal stories about how he grew into a Christ follower. Jesus changed his life. According to Pastor Steve; "In the world we fight to prove we have value, and are worthy of respect. It's different with God. Christ has all the honor and worth."
     As a young man, Pastor Steve knew what it was like to feel ashamed. He could identify with the struggles of the 18-30 yr. old young men that he spoke to last Thursday night. Steve learned that God's grace covers shame and His mercy removes it. He left the young men with a lot top think about. "He spills it all because we are worth so much to him. We don't have to fight to get Jesus respect. He loves us so much that He came to die for us."
     People who make it a habit to read the Bible on a regular basis get hungrier for more of the Word. Here are two verses that Pastor Steve shared with the young men.
 
Revelation 5:11-14 "Then in my vision I heard the singing of millions of angels surrounding the throne and the Living Beings and the Elders: 12 “The Lamb is worthy (loudly they sang it!), the Lamb who was slain. He is worthy to receive the power, and the riches, and the wisdom, and the strength, and the honor, and the glory, and the blessing.”
13 And then I heard everyone in heaven and earth, and from the dead beneath the earth and in the sea, exclaiming, “The blessing and the honor and the glory and the power belong to the one sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.” 14 And the four Living Beings kept saying, “Amen!” And the twenty-four Elders fell down and worshiped him."
 
1 Peter 1:18-20 " God paid a ransom to save you from the impossible road to heaven which your fathers tried to take, and the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver as you very well know. 19 But he paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him for this purpose long before the world began, but only recently was he brought into public view, in these last days, as a blessing to you."
 
     Pastor Steve Schenk cast a vision of God's grace by passing on some wisdom to inner-city young men. Guys in gangs are hungry for power and wealth. Steve gave them the key to true treasures through a life in Christ. Thanks Pastor Steve, you delivered a meal of respect that was digestible for hungry young men. Jesus loves you and so do we.

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Photos of Pastor Steve Schenk & BWAP LV Courtesy of Linda Kuebler

     Basketball, a good word, a great meal and building solid character relationships with inner-city young men - that's BWAP!
     When a man like Pastor Steve Schenk comes along and shares his great big heart, something special happens in the city. The neighborhood around his church has been enlarged by love.
     All the guys at BWAP are hungry to learn. Teach-ability is a character trait that we try and instill in their emotional toolbox. Pastor Steve will fit into their hearts perfectly.
     Perhaps you'd like to join us. Stop in for a good word and bring your basketball shoes and your appetite - for the food of Life!

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      Bringing inner-city young men to the point of trusting them as mentors is a giant step for these guys. Change is happening and their smiles of understanding are broadening. Look at the proof in these pictures!
     When Rev, Will Coplin talks to God, He talks back. Will felt that God was leading him to have the BWAP Team pray for all of the guys individually and that's what we did.
     A couple of the young men stepped up as leaders and shared the 9-Minute Speaker duties as our Speaker had to cancel. The young men have a desire to lead and want to do it in a way that brings respect to all of us at BWAP. 
     Positive peer mentoring is helping the young men build trust in the BWAP Leadership and each other. Good things are happening among the 18-30 yr. old inner-city young men in Buffalo, NY. Maybe it's time to start planning more BWAP centers for both guys and girls.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
#LIFETICKET #JLYASDW

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