Reflection

This semester I was involved with an afterschool ministry based out of JCBodyshop called Afternoons Rock in Indiana. It is a federally funded program to encourage kids to make positive choices in regards to things such as peer pressure, drugs, and alcohol. However, by it being done in a ministry setting we are also able to share about Christ freely. Honestly, at the beginning of the semester I choose this practicum because it was close to campus and I was able to do it through the week which left my weekends open for other practicums. It probably would not have been my first choice, but looking back on it now I would not have traded it for anything. I was considered a sponsor of the program and I basically got to help facilitate everything that went on from leading games, to helping prepare food, to leading a small group. I was blessed by the youth in this ministry so much as they opened my eyes to a love for middle school kids. I have worked with children of all ages and I have worked with high school students but I had never had direct ministry with middle school kids. I absolutely loved it and would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Upon doing the afterschool ministry, I had more like two supervisors. My supervisors included Pastor Mike Hofer and Brittan Bush. Mike was around a lot towards the beginning of the program but as it continued he allowed Brittan to fully take the reins. As far as supervised hours with Pastor Mike I did not have much more than about 6 hours. During this time we would either be talking about the ministry or working alongside in the ministry. Brittan however was the consistent form of a supervisor. We talked as well but mainly worked side by side throughout the entire practicum. There are a few things that I have learned throughout my time observing and conversing with these men, 1) that you need to set up rules up front and be prepared to stick by them or the kids will walk all over you (we had a little bit of a rough start but all was well in the end) and 2) organization is a major key in any ministry.
I think I have grown throughout this ministry in many ways. My perceptions of ministry to youth have been changed a little and I would almost consider pursuing such a career if it weren’t that I loved working with children so much. This practicum has also challenged me because there would be times that the kids would tell me about their home lives and it would just blow me away with the kind of situations that they were coming from. Professionally I think I have grown in my interpersonal relationships with people. I can come off pretty shy at times but God is working on me to come out my shell and I think I definitely did that a little this semester. God is still molding me into who he wants me to be and the plan he has. It is just so awesome to see some of that progress along the way.

Week 10

This was our last week for ASP other than the graduation on Monday. I have truly enjoyed this practicum and have felt that I have become an integral part of the program. Many times if you will only be there for a short time church's do not let you become as big of a part of their programs. I have really loved being a part of this ministry. I believe in what they are doing here. I know at times it can be rough and stressful for some but each day that I get the opportunity to spend with these kids my heart grows even fonder of them.
I have grown throughout this practicum experience in relating with middle school age kids. In all of my previous experience it has been either younger elementary kids or high school age. This was a great challenge for me but I would not trade the time or relationships that I have built for anything. I hope to be able to continue some of these relationships even after I graduate and move on to my own career in the ministry. These kids have definitely had an effect on me, and I pray that I have shown them the love of Christ in such a way that it affects their lives as well.

Week 9

This last week was a lot of fun. We only had ASP on Monday due to Thanksgiving being on Thursday. However, on Monday we celebrated Thanksgiving together with a feast. We mainly just hung out with the kids. We didn't have a whole lot of specific things we did other than just spend time with the kids. They loved the meal complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, green beans, and pumpkin pie.
I am starting to think about when this semester is over and leaving these kids. It makes me really sad. Honestly I wish I would have started helping out at JCBodyshop when I was a freshman. I have enjoyed this so much. However, I will be graduating in a few weeks and with that I will not be around here. Although I would encourage anyone who is looking for some way to get involved in the lives of kids and the community of Marion to check out JCBodyshop. They do so much for the kids and you have an opportunity to build relationships with the kids.

Week 8

Last week was great at ASP at JCBodyshop. I actually didn't get to go and help on Monday because I was sick, but by Thursday I was very ready to get back. I really missed the kids. Many of them asked where I had been and told me that they missed me. It was a great to hear that. On Thursday we had a pretty big crowd but we didn't have the gym to play in so at first I wondered how things would turn out. However, I think everybody had fun but yet it did not get too rowdy. They were going to have the rummage sale the next day in the gym. We also had a guest speaker that was great with the kids. His name was Arthur. I can't remember his last name but he was amazing. He shared about growing up and also a lot about how God intervened in his life.

I was very impressed with him and I am almost positive the kids were as well. Thursday just went extremely well. Everything seemed to flow smoothly and I felt like all the sponsors and leaders knew what they were doing. It makes a huge impact if your team is ready for the day (as one). This has been one thing that has really stuck out to me about ministry in any setting, that you need to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page. Things just go so much smoother that way.

Week 7

This last week, November 5-11 was a great week at ASP. I feel that I am beginning to make some very in depth relationships with many of the kids. On Thursday I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with one of the girls. She is an seventh grader and she wanted some advice. It was great to be able to share with her and help her to see what the Bible has to say about the situation. I really felt blessed that she would come to me asking for advice.
I also had an opportunity to play a little b-ball with the boys in the gym. I did not tell them that I was on team for six years. They thought I probably couldn't play, however, at they soon found out I could. Now it has become a little game to see who can beat me during our free time. I think through this I have earned the respect of a few of the boys who always gave me trouble.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my opportunity to pour into these kids lives. Every day that I get to go and hang out with them (Mondays and Thursdays) it seems to be the highlight of my day. At times it can be a little stressful but that is what makes the good times so much better. I am blessed to be able to help out at JCBodyshop in the ASP.

Week 6

So I just realized that I am a little bit behind on my blog. Somehow I seem to have forgotten to post anything for the week of Oct. 29 -Nov. 3. I do however remember a few things about this week. We celebrated Abby Lennox's birthday with her during ASP. The kids were excited to get some cake but I was a little disappointed to see their ungratefulness.
I am starting to notice a little bit more about the leadership style of Brittan. I have had a few times when I felt as if I had no idea what I was doing and I was just thrown into a situation. That would be ok if it was necessary but I think he could have probably told me about this before fairly easily. I like to be prepared as much as possible in the ministry. I spoke with him about this a little and it has gotten better. Hopefully we will continue to work better as a team and show the love of Christ to these awesome kids.

Week 5

This week JCBodyshop was shut down due to Fall Break. I really missed the kids a lot. Each day I get to go hang out with them it brings joy to me heart. On Monday I did meet up with a few of the kids and we played in the game room for a little while. It was nice to be able to hang out with them outside of JCBodyshop and continue to establish trusting relationships with them.
I am excited that Bodyshop will be open this week. I am looking forward to seeing everybody tomorrow and asking how their breaks were. Although I had extra time last week it seemed that I was missing some of the most fun parts of my week. Both of my practicums were shut down last week which made it nice for catching up on homework but I would much rather be ministering to kids and youth than doing homework.
In relation to my spiritual life, I have been completely blessed this week with seeing God's hand at work. I have been praying that God would open the door that needed to be open and close those that needed to be closed. God once again provided another job opportunity, one of which seems to fit my passions and goals very much. Praise be to God because he really does hear and listen to our prayers. We just have to be patient. Now we will see how he continues to orchestrate the rest. Well that is about all for now! Hope you all have a great day/evening!