Young people at YWAP's YWAP Teen Action Night at The Bread at The Bread of Life Youth heard from another great Nine Minute Life Speaker this week (3-14-19)
     When Pastor Antonio Evans from Elim Christian Fellowship told the young people to embrace their uniqueness, he said, "God made you who you are. You are unique." 
     All over the world, young people are dying physically and spiritually, it's time to help them develop their self-worth and confidence in God.
     Pastor Antonio Evans gave the young people a solid foundation of confidence as he urged them to know who they are in Christ. Ask God to help you find one thing you are grateful for. Ask God to fill your heart.
     The Bible verses that Pastor Antonio used in encouraging the young people were:
     “in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him [that is, our faith gives us sufficient courage to freely and openly approach God through Christ].” Ephesians 3:12 Amplified Bible
     “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible
     “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”  Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible
     ​Thank you Pastor Antonio, your words given to you by God, will bear much fruit in generations of young people. Jesus loves you and so do we.
Thank you Derek D Murphy for your beautiful videography skills.

     Young people at YWAP Teen Action Night heard 9 minutes wisdom from an expert on Life - God's Way.
     When Nancie Naedele Orticelli spoke, her words were punctuated with Biblical truths delivered on a teenage level.
    After a birthday song for Teen Action Mentor, Dominic Rogowski, Nancie have a powerful teaching on life purpose.
    Pastor Fred Naedele was Nancie's dad and the Pastor at My Father's House before he went to be with Jesus a few years ago. Nancie quoted her Dad by saying; "You don't have to be perfect, just do a little better each day." As a youth Pastor, those are words that Nancie urges her youth group to embrace as part of their purpose in life.
Nancie's Nine Minute Life Direction and the birthday song for Dominic can be seen on Facebook and YouTube.
     Be with us next week as Pastor Antonio Evans from Elim Christian Fellowship joins us for Nine Minutes!

YWAP Director Linda Kuebler has written a book!
​Heavenly Happenings - How The God of Heaven Revealed Himself To Me By Linda Kuebler

You may not see it at first, but there's a pointing finger in the picture above.
When young people see your actions and hear your words, their impressionable hearts are pointed in your direction.
As a Youth Leader, Mentor, Worship Leader, Community Activist. Wife, Mother, Daughter and bold believer in Jesus Christ, Nancie is an Extraordinary Leader in a world sorely in need of leaders.
Parents, if you're looking for some healthy exercise, social/emotional learning, Biblical Leadership with a nutritious ho meal for free, drop them off at The Bread of Life Church tonight 3/7/19 at 6pm. Pick them up at 8pm. They will also hear Nancie as our Nine Minute Guest Speaker provide some positive Life Direction in a culturally relevant manner that kids can understand.
     When we lift others up, we sometimes fail to mention the folks around them who support and help them do what they do. Nancie's husband Nick is a stand up guy who also goes the extra mile and helps those who can't stand up for themselves. Together they have children who walk in their parents shoes as they follow the steps of Christ.
     Soon YWAP will be launching a new program called the Great Dads Network. We're being proactive in battling a modern day leprosy or the disease we call "Fatherlesscy." In a 13 week program, we'll teach young men about the responsibilities and benefits of embracing their roles as fathers. Our initial focus will be on guys currently in the court system. Call us if you have a heart for the fatherless. 716-830-8240.  
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YWAP Director Linda Kuebler has written a book called "Heavenly Happenings - How The God of Heaven Revealed Himself To Me." All proceeds are used to help us support and enlarge programs at Youth With A Purpose." Thank you.

     Young people can face a tremendous amount of adversity through absentee parents, bullying and abuse.
     When she was attacked by Scud Missiles as a Soldier, she made a commitment to God serve Him. 
     As this week's Nine Minute Speaker, Marilyn Young told young people how to be "Champion Overcomers."
     Plenty of her words were about being grateful and forgiving. She gave credit to God for leading her in the Way of Truth that leads to a Christ-like life of perseverance in hard times. Thanks Marilyn, you are a rock star for Christ. Jesus loves you and so do we.
     YWAP is grateful to have Volunteer Leaders like Dominic, Becky, Derek, Leo, Evelyn, Robin, Jeremy and a host of others. We always looking for more volunteer mentors. GET INVOLVED! If you know of someone who has nine minutes to spare as an inspirational speaker on behalf of Christ with a story to motivate teens, please leave a message or call YWAP 716-830-8240.

If you're looking for a good book, YWAP Director Linda Kuebler just published her first book through Heart Storm Press called "Heavenly Happenings - How The God of Heaven Revealed Himself To Me." It's an eye opening testimony of how God wants a personal relationship with all of us. You can order from YWAP by leaving a message or calling 716-839-8240.

     Young people at YWAP's Teen Action Night were treated to a special presentation that brought Dr. Martin Luther King's words to life. 
     When Leo Kayembe stepped in front to the crowd, he gave a powerful and deeply moving reenactment of Dr. King's "Mountain Top Speech."
     As they listened to history come alive before them, you could sense their awe and appreciation. Leo's intensity planted a deep respect in the hearts of the young crowd.
     Prepping for his presentation was a token of his love and respect to a towering figure, a man who loved America in spite of her unfaithfulness and still gave his life for her. It's a landmark speech, the last one he ever gave which turned out to be more prophetic than anyone could have ever imagined. Onward to the promised land..... - This last paragraph are Leo's words as he describes his own admiration and respect for a man who changed the world and loved God.
     Thank you Leo. Your words left an indelible imprint on the hearts of the young people and their families. Jesus loves you and so do we.

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           Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Friends, Ywapsters & Buffalonians!
          Youth With A Purpose is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Derek D. Murphy as our new Media Director at Teen Action Night. Mr. Murphy has accepted a YWAP Leadership Role and takes over the responsibilities of photographer and videographer for our Youth Program at The Bread of Life. We are honored to have Derek as a member of the YWAP Leadership Team. Thank you Derek, Jesus loves you and so do we.  
          Teen Action Night is a program for guys and girls 12-18 yrs. old. We get physical exercise, listen to an inspirational speaker, study Biblical Leadership, eat a full course meal, make new friends and SMILE A LOT! Call 716-830-8240 if you'd like to know more.

     YWAP Teen Action Night Season Two was a night to remember!
     When young folks get exercise while they're smiling, hearts get warmer.
     After getting them hungry we feed them, after we've fed them some Bread of Life.
     Plenty of time remains for your kids to get involved as we've only just begun! Exercise, fun, food, inspiration, Biblical leadership and mentoring for 12-18 yr. old guys and girls. We help young people and their families become Christ-centered mentors for the next generation.

           Awake and unable to sleep at 1:30 AM, I had my first cup of coffee in 21 days. My first fast 0f 2019 is over. I spent my first hour of being awake reading a book called: "The Way To God" by Dwight L. Moody." As I was reading, I posted several verses on Facebook. The last one I posted was: 
                                          “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
          After I shut down my tablet and tried to sleep, thoughts about what Christ endured entered my mind. Then, peoples names and faces passed by my thoughts, I prayed for them all individually. After awhile my thoughts began to focus on people with back pain. So I prayed for them before I finally faded into a deep sleep. Now, at this later hour of the morning, I continue to pray in the same manner. During my prayers, God brought to mind the suffering of Jesus as he endure back pain through scourging (whipping) and the weight of His own cross (which He needed help with.) The caption to the picture above is from John 19:1 in The Living Bible. The picture was taken at Canaan In The Desert Prayer Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Author's Note: This article is part of a 21-day Series called, "YWAP Fast 2019." Each year, the YWAP Directors and countless other folks begin the New Year on a 21 Day Fast. We set aside extra time to honor God and seek His will for the New Year. The study follows the word “love” as it appears 280 times in 310 verses in the King James Bible. This series will eventually be written in book form as a model to teach future YWAP generations. We welcome your comments or questions. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          As soon as the words left her mouth, the tears from her eyes seemed to follow her words. Walking away from the pool table, she started to retrieve her coat and belongings. She'd broken a rule and knew the penalty for her actions was to be expelled from the youth center for the rest of the day. In the blink of an eye, my heart was cut. There had to be a better way, a more excellent way to handle a broken boundary.
          The rules in the youth center at Holy Cross were fairly simple; no cursing, stealing, bullying, fighting, play fighting or personal displays of affection. We had a code that we tried our best to teach and live by:
                    "Positive Words Only - Are Spoken, Negative Words Make People Feel Broken."
The young lady had uttered a few curse words after being taunted by some guys. She lost her cool and defended herself in the only manner she knew how, by throwing curse words at immature young boys. It was normal in our culture for people to use what we once considered foul language. As soon as the words left her mouth, the realization of her guilt and subsequent penalty brought about  instant shame and remorse. Some things don't go together very well, like anger and cursing in young girls or a skunk in a rose bush. The story of Jesus standing by a woman about to be stoned came to my mind. He questioned the would be stoners until, one by one, they put their stones down and left.
 “Is there anyone here who has never sinned?
The person without sin can throw the first stone at this woman.”
Then Jesus knelt down again and wrote on the ground.
Those who heard Jesus began to leave one by one.
​The older men left first, and then the others."
John 8:7-9 International Children's Bible    
Jesus did not condemn the woman and I couldn't throw this girl out of the youth center either.
          I stopped her as she headed for the door and said, "Maybe there's a better way to handle this." We talked about what happed and how she reacted to being teased by the boys. I told her that sometimes women have to rise above the taunting's of men. I opened a Bible to the story of a Judge named Deborah who lead a nation when men wouldn't step up to lead. I asked her to take it home and read it. For the rest of the day at the youth center she helped younger children make positive signs with their crayons. I told her my new name for her was "Deborah." I still call her that today because I believe in her as a leader for God.    

“And the Lord
​thy God
will circumcise
thine heart,
and the heart of
thy seed,
to love the Lord
thy God
with all
thine heart,
and with all
thy soul,
that
thou mayest live.” 
Deuteronomy 30:6

          Personal pollution in our hearts is like a brick wall that blocks out the grace of God. If a skunk lifts its tail and lets go of its pungent spray under a rose bush, you won't be smelling the roses! Sin, guilt and shame might as well be personal pollution that keeps us from smelling like the aroma of Christ. 
          God's Love is conditional. Circumcision is the spiritual cutting away of anything that separates us from God. Recognition of our sin is only the beginning of receiving His Love. God's regenerating grace will remove and renew our hearts after the sin has been removed. It's like taking death out of a cemetery as all of the dead bodies are raised to life (keep this in a spiritual perspective.) 
          When conviction comes from the Holy Spirit, it's the beginning or our realization that something is wrong in our hearts. We don't feel right in our inner selves. Yes, there's a skink in the rose bush of our lives. God wants to circumcise us with His love so that we "mayest live." He has promises for us, and our children of showing us the greatest lives we can possibly live. 
“We have become the unmistakable aroma of
the victory of the Anointed One to God--
a perfume of life to those being saved
and the odor of death to those who are perishing.
The unbelievers smell a deadly stench that leads to death,
but believers smell the life-giving aroma that leads to abundant life.
And who of us can rise to this challenge?
For unlike so many, we are not peddlers of God’s Word
who water down the message.
We are those sent from God with pure motives,
who speak in the sight of God from our union with Christ.” 
2 Corinthians 2:15-17 The Passion Translation

Thank You God for physical reminders of your spiritual Love.
You gave us a world that is corrupted and yet,
You have planted Your incorruptible Seed in us.
Prune away our selfishness.
Cut away anything that separates us from You.
Make us into a pleasing aroma of Life
That leads others to know Christ.
In Jesus Name.
Amen.

Author's Note: This article is part of a 21-day Series called, "YWAP Fast 2019." Each year, the YWAP Directors and countless other folks begin the New Year on a 21 Day Fast. We set aside extra time to honor God and seek His will for the New Year. The study follows the word “love” as it appears 280 times in 310 verses in the King James Bible. This series will eventually be written in book form as a model to teach future YWAP generations. We welcome your comments or questions. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          Everyday guys get out of jail and everyday guys go back to jail. Sometimes they get out and they're greeted by someone who loves them. Sometimes they get out and a gang is waiting to kill them. Some guys even successfully live life to the fullest and become contributing members of society. The sad fact is, most guys end up back in jail.
          The rate of recidivism, or the rate at which released inmates are arrested and reincarcerated is about 75%. That means that three out of four released inmates will go back to jail. Only one in four released inmates will successfully stay "cage free." I don't know how many are killed by gangs who've been waiting to get revenge.
          It may be because we are raising generations of young men who have allowed institutionalization to become the accepted norm in their lives. Guys grow up fatherless, their dads are missing or in prison. A friend of mine, Tom Burger, was a Prison Chaplain for almost 20 years. He once told me that he saw three generations of one family locked up in the same prison. In another instance, he was approached by an inmate who was filled with anxiety because his son was going to be locked up in the same prison with him. When Tom asked him why he was nervous, he said that he never met his son before.
          Is society a safe haven for released inmates who have served their sentence's? How do we lower the rate of recidivism? How can we keep young guys from getting arrested in the first place? Can we teach them that it should not be the norm to spend part of your life in jail? I believe the answer is found in disrupting the pattern of fatherlessness. Tom Burger developed a program that he used in prison called "How To Be A Great Dad." It was successful and guys graduated. The time is now to take that program to new levels outside the prison walls. Time is of the essence to help dads become responsible fathers who respect the mothers of their children.
          In the upcoming months, the Directors of Youth With A Purpose will be developing a plan to launch a Great Dads Program in Buffalo. We hope to begin in September 2019 one location at The Bread Of Life in South Buffalo. Eventually we hope to have the Court System mandate that young men attend the Great Dads Program for 13 weeks. If you're interested in attending the program or hosting your own Great Dads Program, please let us know. 716-830-8240, ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com

“If thou shalt keep
all these commandments
to do them,
which I command thee this day,
to love the Lord thy God,
and to walk ever in his ways;
then shalt thou add three cities more for thee,
​beside these three:.”
Deuteronomy 19:9

          The word "If" is a tiny word with a large impact. God once again lays out His conditions for his people to enlarge their territory. A prisoner getting out of jail has a lot of hope for enlarging the enjoyment of his life. The cities that God was speaking about in this passage were called "cities of refuge." God outlines His law concerning people who killed somebody accidentally, called "the slayer." The slayer could flee to a city of refuge and be safe if they truly were innocent of having previously hating the one who died accidentally. 
          When someone was killed, people wanted revenge. The law allowed for execution of guilty killers. The family would choose one of their own to exact revenge upon the slayer. That person was called the "blood avenger." The people were given a guarantee from God that He would enlarge their territory and would build three more cities of refuge.  The purpose of building extra cities was to ensure the safety of a slayer fleeing a blood avenger. If the distance between refuge cities was too great, the slayer may not be able to reach them before the blood avenger came and killed him. 
         History shows they never built those three extra cities. Just like the inmate who's released from jail and breaks the law causing his return to jail, the Israelites turned from God. Instead of enlarging their territory, it was taken from them. It seems to me the Israelites were practicing their own act of recidivism. Can you see the bigger picture here?
          A refuge city was a place where folks could go after they did something without purpose or out of ignorance. Jesus is a Savior to folks who've been ignorant to God's Love. Ignorance causes separation. The slayer had to stay in the city of refuge until it was proven he was innocent of murder. If he couldn't prove his innocence and there was no proof of his guilt (they didn't protect guilty people,) he stayed in the refuge city until the death of the high priest. Jesus was our High Priest who died for us so that we could be released from the ignorance of our sin.
          Jesus is like our refuge city. All of us are like slayers who've sinned and fallen short of God's love through our ignorance. Prisons are full of fathers who left their son's fatherless. God is a father who gave His only Son so that we would know how much a father loves us. A dad is meant to have a place of refuge in his heart for his children. Let it be so.

Thank You God showing us a Father's Love.
You're our refuge and strength,
Our very present help in times of trouble.
We do have trouble God and we know why.
The fathers among us haven't done enough to
Enlarge Your territory in the hearts of their children.
You are our dwelling place.
​You are the refuge for our children.
Turn the hearts of the fathers to their children.
Turn the hearts of the children to their parents.
Turn all of us to You.
In Jesus Name.
Amen.