Graffiti 2 is celebrating 12 summers of ministry in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. Since August 2005, Graffiti 2 has worked with the family of God from across the country to host summer programs for kids and teenagers in our community. This summer, groups from Clearview Baptist (Franklin, TN), Pioneer Drive Baptist (Abilene, TX), North Laurel Baptist (Valdese, NC), Forest Baptist (Forest, MS), First Baptist (Kingsport, TN), and Colorado Christian University served with Graffiti 2’s year-round staff, church members, and volunteers.
Although we count our blessings for each of these people, a highlight of the summer has been our Summer Youth. These are young people, age 14-24, placed with us by one of our community partners, Aspira. These youth receive a minimum wage summer job funded by NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. Graffiti 2 receives the blessing of local youth investing in our community. Our staff receives the blessing of investing in these local youth.
All of us worked together to have a summer of worship. Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking worship is only music.However, worship is so much more!
We worshiped by glorifying God in all that was said and done in Summer Tots, Summer Sports, Summer Kids, and Summer G.S.A.L.T.
We worshiped not by being perfect, but instead having a heart that wanted to be better.
- Our staff and volunteers demonstrated hearts of worship each day as we debriefed, celebrating good things and addressing challenges.
- Our kids and teens worshiped by learning respectful behavior as our coaches consistently set expectations and patiently reminded the students of those expectations.
- Nobody was perfect, but we all got better!
We worshiped through personal evangelism.
- Evangelism wasn’t just a four-point-plan presented to a group. Evangelism was revolutionized revolutionaries sharing the good news about Jesus. The summer was abundant with fruitful conversations. These “salty” conversations left people thirsty for more of Jesus!
Praise God for a worshipful summer! To Him be the glory for the great things, known and unknown, He has done!