Last night we had our first "official" CSF meeting (not that ultimate frisbee and a cookout are not official, but they are not our normal weekly activities). In addition to talking a bit about what CSF is going to be doing this semester and having some fun icebreakers for people to get to know each other, we had a guest come in and share a cool opportunity with us. Allen Dawkins is a pastor at New Creation Community Church in the city of Reading. He is working on starting an after-school program at Southern Middle School and he came to tell us about the program and invite the students to take part. Each Wednesday, starting in October, there will be a "homework center" from 3:15-4:15 during which time tutors will help the middle school students with their homework. But it is so much more than that.
Allen talked to us about how many of the kids in the city do not have people encouraging them in their studies. At some point, each Penn State Berks student was told about Penn State Berks and the opportunities a university education can open. By going into the city, the students can bring this same encouragement to kids who have not had it before. Along with that, Allen desires for these middle school kids to see real Christian young people living out their faith on a daily basis. After the homework center each week there will be another hour of Bible study. This is optional both for the tutors and the middle school kids, but my hope is that many stay for it. The chances for friendships and for making impact for Christ in their lives will be enhanced with this second hour.
This program starts on October 7. Please pray that students will step up and be committed to this as much as they can. Pray for details that need to be ironed out, such as rides to the school. Most of all, pray that this program changes the lives of both Penn State Berks students and the middle school students in Reading who we will be serving.
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