Performance from 2008-2009

Out of such ugly circumstances, our children have the opportunity to apply their talents and create something beautiful together through our dance program. They eagerly await each class and advance by leaps and bounds given the opportunity. I think it’s very healing for them as well. Some of our children have been through the most horrible of events already in their young lives, but then to see them perform with such skill, such confidence, such beauty, it truly inspires us all.

As we start a new year in the dance program, I have the privilege of teaching two of the many weekly classes, a Gymnastics class and a Creative Movement class just for the smallest boys. These little boys have truly inspired me this week. They are often the most difficult for us to care for because not only are they the youngest with the most needs, but they have every bit of the energy and adventurous spirit that comes with being a boy. When you get about 20 of them together, even the most simplest of tasks can be quite a challenge. Consider the task of lining up.

As my first class with these boys began, it was obvious right away what an issue we were going to have in lining up. In order to do the various activities, they would have to line up quickly for each one. However, they would scream all the way to the line, start fist fights and pushing wars for first place, and as others would run all over the room, others would just refuse to get up at all. Having experienced the power of God and the potential that He has put in these children, I knew there was still hope for this class. Others had already given up on them, but here at Emmanuel Ministries is where that stops. I simply adjusted my expectations for the day and met the kids at the level they were at: lining up.

For the rest of the class, that’s all we did – practice lining up. I challenged them by explaining the importance, stating the rules, and timing them each time. The first several times were no different, just as chaotic, and I won’t lie that it didn’t challenge the hope I had. We still had some class time left, so I just kept going, stating specifically what went right and what went wrong each time… “These three lined up perfectly. Good job! But I saw some pushing back there so we need to do it again.”

As they realized we were going to do it until they did it well, I think they realized it was actually expected that they could do it well. I can’t tell you exactly what triggered what, but all of a sudden, they just did it perfectly. It shocked me. Not a word spoken, no pushing, no fighting for places – just this perfectly straight line before me of the most beautiful smiling little boys, probably shocked themselves. Just to be sure this was actually happening, we did it a few more times including once for the head of the dance program. We shocked her too.

There is hope. A friend once told me, “Don’t despise small beginnings.” That has never been more powerful than it is here with these kids. We may have to start small, very small, but what amazing things result when we don’t ignore what God can do with the smallest beginning.

Practicing cartwheels in Gymnastics

Having fun exercising in Gymnastics

Some of the boys in Creative Movement

Reciting the Bible verse at the end of class

Performance from 2008-2009

Performance from 2008-2009

Performance from 2008-2009

This update is dedicated to Michael and Sheri. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement that is enabling miracles to take place here. Together, we are planting and watering seeds in these children that their own children will someday be thankful for many years to come.