BWAP Week 12 is in the books as an overwhelming success! The crowd ranged from about 2 yrs. old to over 72 yrs. old and they all made their voices heard. The voice filled with the most wisdom was Pastor Jaison Randall from CityReach Church or Expressway Assembly. Pastor Jaison was our 9MD Guest Speaker (9-minute devotion.)

     Pastor Jaison kept the large crowd's attention with a powerful blend of personal stories that brought home the point of his message. The Bible verse Pastor Jaison used was John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Our actions or inactions are directly related to our potential - we either do things to help us reach our potential or we don't. Great message Pastor Jaison, we look forward to more where that came from!

PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY

     On Tuesday, July 28, 2015, we will pick up any guys at 5 pm who want to go to the program at the Frank E Merriweather, Jr. Library called, "Pathway To Prosperity." Anybody who would like to learn how to go from the classroom to a career in one to two years should be there. The Event is sponsored by Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant, ECC President Jack Quinn, ECC Board Member John Elmore, Esq. and Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Running Back Thurman Thomas. Call us for more details, 716-830-8240. The Event hours are 5:30 pm tp 8:30 pm.

If you would like to help us in our quest to create an army of role models for the next generation, you can drop a few coins in our online bucket at, http://www.gofundme.com/w5p6ee4

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

     Time passes quickly. Whether you're a parent, youth director, teacher or a coach, kids grow faster than weeds in a rainy summer. I close my eyes and Seta is still 8 yrs. old; I open them again and she's now 16 yrs. old and the newly crowned Princess of the 2015 Miss Borinquen Leadership Pageant.

     I met Seta and her family over 10 years ago - they are now my family. We have laughed and cried together through the joys and tragedies. When Seta invited me to the Pageant, I had no idea of how important and professional the Borinquen Leadership Program was for young ladies and their families. The event was well attended by the leaders of the City of Buffalo: Mayor Brown, Council President Pridgen, Councilman David Rivera, former Mayoral Candidate Sergio Rodriquez and others. They recognize what a fabulous opportunity this is for the young ladies and the community.

     This was Seta's night and she had a large contingent of family and friends there to encourage her and celebrate with her. Her mom, Ruthy was alternating between tears and smiles as were her cousins and friends. My tears continue as I write this - over a week later.

     I've watched Seta grow incredibly as a gifted and compassionate young lady. I remember taking her to her grandmothers after closing the Youth Center at Holy Cross. We would ride the elevator up 8 floors as the other young people waited in the van. We did that for many years. We visited many places over those years. Seta was also an employee of YWAP through the Mayor's Summer Youth Program. (Thanks, Mayor Brown for what you do for youth!)

     During the talent portion of the Pageant, Seta recited a poem flawlessly. Among the last words she spoke, were these: "There's better days ahead." Seta's sister Roxy was sitting next to me. Roxy is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. She elbowed me and said: "I got that from you!" Roxy had helped her sister with the poem and used words that I've recited to thousands of young people over the last 12 years. They came from my Grandmother. On her 100th birthday, (Gram lived to be almost 103 yrs. old!) I asked my Grandmother a question. "Gram, you've seen some hard times in your life. You've seen a baby die in childbirth, your son died, your husband died and pretty much all your friends are dead. You've seen terrorist acts and World Wars. You've been alive in 3 centuries! You've lived through a lot of bad stuff. What do you think about the world today?" Gram didn't blink an eye. She looked up at me (Gram got shorter every year!) and said: "I just know there's better days ahead!" That blew me away and I've been repeating those words ever since.
 
     Seta is surrounded by a loving family. Seta also accomplished a lot by making the choice to be the best she can be. She studies hard in school, helps her family and neighbors as well as goes to work. Her life has not been easy in some respects, but she did not let hard times stop her. Good job Seta, we are proud of you. Jesus loves you and so do we!  

     Communities foster positive development when community organizations work together as team players. On Saturday night July 18, 2015, three youth mentoring organizations got together to celebrate at the Young Miss Buffalo Pageant Scholarship & Awards Dinner.
     Youth With A Purpose Inc. and Women Against Violence Everywhere were the recipients of the 2015 Cornerstone Awards of Distinction. The award is given to individuals and organizations who go the extra mile in creating positive opportunities for young people.
     The Event was hosted by Mistress of Ceremony, Tracy Jordan Cardwell. Tracy did a fabulous job in making everyone feel welcome as well as providing solid character encouragement for the young ladies from YMBP.
The star of the night was the Founder and President of the Young Miss Buffalo Pageant, Detra Trueheart. As a true leader, Detra dispensed wisdom with passion and energy. She also did a masterful job giving credit to a great group of volunteers who make YMBP a resounding success. 
     YWAP Director Bob Kuebler gave a copy of his latest book, "Vashti's Response" to the Founder of YMBP. The book is in it's embryonic stage with an official launch date in September. Mrs. Trueheart has been invited to read the book and submit an editorial review fro possible inclusion in the fnal release. The book is an adventure book that provides a healing journey for people who have experienced rejection and abuse. The proceeds of the book go directly for YWAP Programs.
     Most folks agreed that God's hand is on all three of these youth organizations and gave Him credit. Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. #JLYASDW

     

     The grand finale was spectacular in true Holy Spirit fashion. Doors that had been closed were opened and hearts were beating in a different way. The last day of LoveBuffalo 2015 put the final Jesus touches on several neighborhoods on the West Side of Buffalo, New York.

     There were several happenings that some folks might call coincidences. There were many God-happenings at LoveBuffalo 2015. During LoveBuffalo 2014, one of the volunteers hurt her back. This year, despite having the desire to serve again, she was flat on her back with an ice pack. She sent a text message to a site supervisor about what she felt God was saying about her continuing struggle with disabling back pain. She listed the Bible verse as Galatians 2:20. The house number that we were at is 220. We read that verse to the homeowner who smiled and accepted that God was moving in his life. Here is what Galatians 2:20 says: 



"I have been crucified with Christ.
 It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. 
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, 
who loved me and gave himself for me."


     The same verse was listed in one of the books we gave the homeowner. I suppose you would call that a triple play of coincidences. I know that God has a message for anyone willing to take notice and open their heart. One of the young ladies painted the Verse on his mailbox as a reminder. We spoke about God's love and desire to make Himself real to all people and then one of the young people prayed. The homeowner will tell you how God moved in his neighborhood, in his home and in his heart. LoveBuffalo 2015 is in the books as another life changing extravaganza on the West Side of Buffalo.


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

          The 9-Minute Direction Guest Speaker for BWAP last night was Attorney John Elmore. John's message to the young guys was powerful. In about 9 minutes, John told impactful stories, provided a pathway to success and income, but most importantly, John drove home a message of encouragement. How well received was John's message? As he finished, John asked if the guys had any questions. A hand went up and the first question was: 
"Can I have your number?"
          
          Even though the dinner was ready, many of the guys wasted no time in getting up close and personal with John. His personal compassion left a big imprint on the hearts of impressionable young folks. Thanks, John for caring enough to share your time with guys at BWAP.


          It was also an honor to meet the new Pastor of Expressway Assembly, Pastor Jason. He seems like a great guy with a heart that reaches out to serve folks who are hungry to know what love is. BWAP has been at Expressway for 10 weeks now and we are grateful the church staff, especially Rodney who goes the extra mile to help us reach out to young men.

          We had several distinguished visitors last night including YWAP President Eric Budin and Pastor Tommy McClam with the Jobs For Life mentoring program at Edison Street Community Church. There is a growing collaboration in Buffalo that is actively demonstrating that community happens when we serve our neighbors.

          Wanda Torres is one of the key players at BWAP. She's one of the first smiling and welcoming faces that the guys meet when they come in. Wanda also keeps records and serves in the kitchen. We'd be lost without Wanda.

          There is a lot that goes on during the week even though BWAP meets once a week for hoops, a word and some food. Chris Hammond keeps a record of the relationship building tha goes on during the week. Chris has a form called a "Disciple Check-up" that details the relationship building activities during the week. Thanks, Chris for all you do.

          As with any program under the sun, you cannot grow without conflict. Our take on conflict is that each struggle represents an opportunity to grow stronger and more compassionate. Last night we were challenged with several opportunities for the BWAP program to grow. We do not like when negative things happen but we believe that all things work together for good.

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