Welcome to the Atlanta Metro Kidz blog! We hope to use this to keep our supporters more updated and more closely involved with our ministry, as well as to spread the word to those who don’t know about Metro Kidz! Metro Kidz is a part of the Atlanta Dream Center. The Dream Center is based upon the idea that God created each of us with unique dreams and He desires that we live lives that fulfill these God-given dreams. Many of us, however, have lost these dreams, had them taken away or thrown them away due to discouragement, pain, and difficult circumstances. Through relationships, acts of kindness, and the love of Christ we seek to change lives and restore these dreams. The Dream Center works with people who have lost their dreams, their hope, and their way, from prostitutes, the homeless, drug addicts, youth, children and many other groups living in Atlanta.
Here at Metro Kidz we work specifically with children in the city that are growing up in at-risk communities. We spend our days in the midst of their neighborhoods, walking their streets, spending time in their homes and taking them to our own. Just last week we began working at two new sites and have been blessed with an incredible response at both of them. We now visit 6 projects each week to do a high energy sidewalk Sunday school program in which we teach them about God, play games, sing, give away prizes, and get to know each of the children. Site pastors at each site spend time throughout the week one-on-one getting to know the kids and their families, and seek to be a consistent positive influence on their lives. Statistics tell us that unless we intervene before these kids reach the age of 11 most of them will end up dropping out of school, using and/or selling drugs, in jail, or dead by their early twenties. We believe that the message of Jesus Christ can radically change the direction of these kids’ lives.
Many view the areas and children we work with as hopeless; most have long ago written them off as a lost cause. We believe each of these children is precious to God, that their lives and hearts matter. Our heart is to teach these kids they are valuable, that they have potential for more than what they see around them, and to teach them to follow God. 1 John 3:18 says “Children, let us not love in words only, neither with the tongue only, but with actions and in truth.” We believe it is not enough just to talk about God’s love-we must be actively living it out in the midst of the need surrounding us.
Each month we focus on a specific goal, as well as continually working toward a year-long goal. Our specific goal for this month is to send kids to Camp Grace. Camp Grace takes kids from the inner-city and gets them sponsored for $370 to spend the week at camp. This only leaves $30 for each child to pay, but many of these kids are unable to afford even such a small amount. We are working to get as many kids sponsored as possible. Words cannot explain the impact a week at camp has on these kids and we do not want money to be an obstacle. This past Monday we were able to bring 23 kids to camp, and we hope to bring many more over the next few weeks! We are asking God to provide $500 more to sponsor kids. On a larger scale, this year we are working on raising funds for a portable stage. This site truck will enable us to reach more kids across Atlanta, as well as make set up and take down at each site quicker and easier, thereby allowing us more time to spend with the kids. So far we have raised $4,000, and only need $8,000 more!!! We are so excited to see how God continues to provide the money we need! We as the Metro Kidz team are so blessed by your continued support and encouragement! We could not do what we do without you! Please continue to keep our team and our kids in your prayers!
Katie Morgan
