Rev. Anton Lagoutine
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Summary after VBS - 2006/08/21 15:29
This is to keep you all informed of further developments regarding our work with the Hispanic kids.
There have been a number of key meetings amongst the church leadership, during which the issue of Hispanic outreach has been brought up and addressed; it will be good that you'll be aware of the general attitude and how it might affect our future undertaking in regards to the Hispanic mission.
Youth Board Meeting
The board was made aware of the developments with the Hispanic kids. They were asked as to how they think they can help with the Mission. The Chairman, Doug Travis, Jr., shared an interesting insight. The kids asked him whether they are in trouble and whether they could come back. It was his impression that the Hispanic kids have been invited to churches before and upon getting into trouble there were not invited any more. Thus he thought it was vital to keep on working with them. Note that the new Chairman is Scott Weber beginning next month.
The main issue with the Youth groups on Sunday is that they might not be able to pick the kids up for their activities.
Elders Meeting.
The Elders, in particular the Head Elder Jerry Yount, were very much interested in the progress that has been made it terms of reaching out to the Hispanic kids. As a whole, the Board of Elders was pleased with the work that has been done so far. They are fully supportive of this new mission, and are willing to help in any form we deem necessary.
To that end, I could only request two things:
- First, seeing that the Elders were enthused about the Hispanics mission, to share their positive attitude with the others in the congregation. This is very important, as the Elders (not so the pastors) are the usual recipients of the most of the questions that people have regarding anything -- especially something new -- happening in the congregation. Their desire and ability to present issue in a positive light is thus crucial.
- Second, the Elders are willing to help out with transportation. When we have our pick up schedule worked out, they will put themselves on that schedule.
Council Meeting.
The council meeting opened with Randy Baker wax eloquent about seeing the Hispanic kids in our midst, in particular comparing it to what he saw in Alaska during VBS there. It was a very positive, enthusiastic and uplifting report that set the tone for all the others discussing the Hispanic missions. Here's a quote from the minutes: "His comments were about our Vacation Bible School this past week and how it reminded him of the Alaska Bible School. Children who had never been to a Bible School learned about Jesus and they changed till week’s end. He compared the Alaskan children to the 25 Mexican children who attended our school this year. They didn’t know how to act the first part of the week but completely different and wanted to learn more by the end of the week. They wanted to know when they could come back. A difference is that this ministry with the Mexican children can and will be an on-going ministry, not just for one week."
Michelle Taylor made a report on the VBS as a whole, however, a considerable part of her report dealt with the Hispanic kids. Here's a quote: "The change in these children was very apparent from the beginning to the end of the week. They did not know what to expect and how to behave, but by the end of the week they were involved and interested in the activities and anxious to come back. This should become an on-going ministry."
We've discussed at some point the issue with discipline, and it has been agreed that while it is a challenge, it cannot discourage us. While we had a lengthy discussion on this issue, suffice to say we've come to the understanding that it will be address in an appropriate, Christian manner, and by no means should it prevent us from working with even the most difficult children.
Logos Meeting.
I've approached the Logos leadership with more of a question whether they'd like to do anything with the Hispanic kids or not, leaving it up to them to decide, since the Hispanic kids would not fit in the normal expectation of Logos that stresses the parent participation and paying of fees. It was my feeling that in those two aspects the Hispanic kids might be found wanting.
Dwight Gryder, the head of Logos, summed it up nicely stating that we welcome the Hispanic kids into Logos, we will extend to them the financial help as needed, we will work out all the issues since it is the Mission of Logos to reach out to such children as they. Dwight is very supportive of the idea. Even in reference to discipline, he mentioned that the founder of Logos was a "troubled kid" and that's what Logos is about, reaching out to kids with troubles.
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To sum it all up, we've had a positive, encouraging feedback from all the key boards. I wanted to share it all with you so that you might also be encouraged.
If you have any questions or comments, please share them.
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