Street Youth Ministry of Austin

Worth It All!

2012-01-29T14:49:00.001-06:00

A street-dependent client ran up to me recently on the street. He's made himself unwelcome pretty much everywhere, but SYM continues to serve him because he's reaching that special age between 24 and 28 where he might turn his life around. He ran up to me with a gleam in his eye I've never seen in the three years of working with him. He said, "Terry, last night I reached the end. I gave all the bad stuff in my life over to Jesus." He's been difficult and hard to handle, but it's all been worth it!

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
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Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

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The Parables of the Sower and the Growing Seed

2012-01-25T13:55:00.001-06:00

We recently studied the parables found in the first half of Mark 4. The first is very famous about the sower and four types of soil. A second one is connected but less well known: the parable of the growing seed. After looking at these a couple of weeks in our weekly Bible study, I asked the street youth to explain to me some examples of things from the street that relate to these parables. Please keep in mind this comes from a group of about a dozen street youth who on this particular day were almost all were under age 24, most living and sleep on the streets or in tents in greenbelts, about three quarters abusing drugs and alcohol, and almost having grown up churched at one point or another. We wrote theirs ideas onto the white board during class:

What makes me a hard path when it comes to letting faith take hold in my life?
o Feeling stuck
o Trying and failing every time
o Drug addiction
o Legal barriers (ID, tickets, warrants, felonies)

What makes me shallow ground so that my faith withers?
o Drugs
o Pushy Christians
o People (including myself) who believe once homeless--always worthless
o Love of money and materialism

What makes me a briar patch so that my faith cannot be shared with others?
o Ridicule
o Peer pressure
o Stereotypes
o Being judged

What does the parable of the sower tell us about how to be good ground where faith grows and is shared?
o You need to find the right light to grow
o Do our part
o Let God do his part
o Don't resist... if something make you feel wrong, do something about it.
o Be present and respond to growing pains

This lesson was possible because someone sacrificially provided sandwiches over which these important discussions take place. Won't you consider making a difference by checking out volunteer.StreetYouthMinistry.org?

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A Poem By a Street Youth Client

2012-01-24T11:36:00.001-06:00

This poem was shared with me to share with readers. It's from a 22 year old girl who lives and sleeps on the street.

The world is a kaleidoscope of color,
Moving,
Shrinking,
In and of itself.
Words follow a line.
A line in that world.
They fall,
Like water.
Moving from stone to stone.
They land on someone’s shoulder.
A gentle smile.
They turn and see you.
Maybe they love you.
Maybe they have loved you.
But they will always turn away.

I was recently asked by a street youth what my ministry needs most right now to help out. I replied without hesitation that we need more food volunteers to make sandwiches for our Monday, Tuesday and Friday events. Volunteers have dried up for reasons unknown since Christmas. Help us fill our calendar again at volunteer.StreetYouthMinistry.org.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve What We Do Get Involved Support Us News Publications Ministry Needs Speaking Service Projects Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:

"I have a dream" inspiration

2012-01-16T09:06:00.001-06:00

Like the great man that we as a nation pause to honor today, I have a dream, but before I share it, I’d like to take you back a just over 40 years.

In second grade, I came across the word “cancer” in my “Weekly Reader.” I didn’t know that word. When I asked, the teacher said, “Shhh.... It means someone is dying. We don’t talk about it.” Today, we have a different reaction to cancer. We ask, “Oh... what type? what stage? Is it operable? Will there be chemo? radiation?” We ask, “What type of support do they have? How can I help?” We ask, “How about their family? Do they have a support group?” Cancer is no longer a hushed-up word to avoid. We dissect it and talk of survival rates, of multiple bouts and battles, and of winning.

My passion lies with helping young homeless people in Austin. Homeless people come in all age groups, including high school and college. Young indigents have been hanging-out on the edge of the UT Campus for more than 50 years, and they’re still coming. Each week I see about 10 new faces, an average of about 80 individuals per week. That’s more than 1500 in the past three years, the vast majority 17 to 26 years old. There are as many paths to the street as there are individuals, but about half were in foster care. Four of ten have mental health issues. One in four are women. Almost all have been abused. Many, but not all, overuse alcohol or drugs or both. Most street youth were churched in one form or another as children. And most have concluded that church and Christians are judgemental, hypocritical, and simply not relevant to their lives. They have nailed the church doors shut. Street Youth Ministry seeks to change that.

We offer Christian services every day. We meet street youth non-judgementally, transparently, and on their own terms. Partner churches open facilities to us. Volunteers prepare and serve meals, sit at tables with them, pray with them and simply talk. Donors gather things so we can provide for some of their needs. We make referrals to local agencies, shelter, and partner social workers who help them access limited but complex help available in our community. Our role in the midst of this care is to bring the the abundant love and grace of Jesus Christ every time and every day. And street youth have responded. They have shown they are hungry to be treated this way and for meaning and significance in their lives.

One late afternoon, I prayed in an alley with the self-confessed angry alcoholic. “Lord, you made this precious child. He’s hurting and doesn’t know what to do. Help him to lay these troubles at your feet and, together, you and he can begin to deal with them.” Tears rolled down his cheeks and onto our joined hands. During the counseling that followed, he imagined tearing away the dark tarball that surrounds his heart and keeps him numb. He allowed himself feel for the first time in years and imagined a future where he helps people like himself. We closed in prayer, “Lord, this is but one step of many. Help this young man to turn past pain into strength. Help him to find his path to recovery and be able to help many others.” He left with new found hope.

When it’s too cold to sleep outside in Austin, we go out and help the youth figure out their options: “Do you have the right gear to survive the night? Can you call a friend to sleep on a couch? Can you go to a shelter?” We give out warm clothing, we serve hot cocoa and food, but the most important thing we do is to stand with them. We see them, meet them, and treat them with love, respect, and grace in a time a great difficulty.

Back to my dream. In it there is no outcast. There is no more throw-away young people. No more do we walk by silently. No more... “Sh! She’s a street kid. Such a waste.” We will talk of homelessness like we do today about cancer... churches will lead the charge to ask “What kinds of challenges and set-backs?” “What kind of abuse, neglect, addiction, developmental issues?” What kind of help and support are needed?” “For how long?” “What can we do?” Yes... I have a dream. And I know that God is taking action in that dream. And the future will be different. One day we will frequently talk of winning, of preventing, and of finding stability for those who are homeless. Every Christian will know the blessing of personally caring for the poor and homeless in our neighborhoods and city. We will gratefully claim Jesus’ statement, “You will always have the poor.” We will understand He wasn’t making a scientific statement about our inability to find a fix. He wasn’t indicting the poor as hopeless. Our incarnate Lord, who has prepared everything good for us, was promising something of great value... that even as some have much and some have little, we are a blessing to one another. Our lives will be richer because we love and share and care for one each other as neighbors.

I invite you to get involved. We need people who provide food: sandwiches, snacks, and breakfast tacos. We need people who provide stuff: socks, coats, sleeping bags, blankets, dog leashes and collars. We need people who come be with our clients, helping to make them feel comfortable and loved. We need people who give money so we can focus even more on Christian ministry and less on fund raising. We don’t ask you to do everything, but we do ask you to do something. Won’t you consider our invitation? There’s more information at volunteer.StreetYouthMinistry.org. You will be blessed. I promise.

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Farewell to Juelz

2012-01-10T16:21:00.001-06:00

It was cold, but we gathered on the property of University Lutheran Church to say farewell to a street youth on Friday, December 23. The flowers were set at the base of a big tree. We spread out tarps so people could sit on the damp ground. We welcomed everyone to this memorial and opened with a prayer that this would be a safe place for everyone and that we could grieve together the loss of Jalitza, "Juelz," Villatoro, May 11- 1991, to Dec 14, 2011. Almost everyone present knew her. It was one of the largest crowds for a street youth memorial because Juelz knew everyone. She was one of those people who moved in all sorts of circles with the ability to get along with everyone.

We listened to a song by Pennywise called “Bro Hymn.” It was spot on with the message that life is the most valuable thing you can lose. Then, outside under the open skies (our present setting), I read Psalm 150 about praising God and praising him with all sorts of instruments. My intention was that it would invite everyone to participate no matter what type of instrument they felt like playing today. We opened our first round of comments designed to share in a celebration of Juelz's life. People shared warm memories they had of Juelz. People shared happy moments, partying. People shared how she confronted them fearlessly. People shared how fond they were of Juelz. We celebrated Juezl's life.

Then we listened to a surprise song. Juelz sometimes participated in a Friday band with other street youth and social workers. She reluctantly recorded a song, and now I had the honor of playing it back to those gathered to remember Juelz. Juelz sang “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Synyrd quietly. Then I read John 11:35. And explained the importance of grieving. Many wept. Then we opened a second time of sharing for what we missed about Juelz. Friends shared that they will miss her amazing smile. Many commented on how they would miss how she seemed to always have something good to say.

Choosing the songs for this memorial was hard because Juelz had such a wide variety of friends. Different groups of people all claimed Juelz as their own, including wanting to choose iconic music from their experience with her. However, in a gathering of about 20 of her friends, everyone agreed on this particular song. It's a difficult song, a cover of “Let it Be” by the Beatles. The group was insistent that it be the version of Let it Be from Across the Universe. The song is the soundtrack for the scene where the boy is shot and the mother is told. The funeral march ensues. It's very beautiful. We played that song. Some sang along. Many sobbed uncontrollably. Then I read Hebrews 4:15-16: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." I explained that Juelz had first told me that she didn't believe in God. But she kept coming, and it was clear from her comments that she did believe. One day, she explained that she couldn't talk to God. She had lost her ability to pray, and that really disturbed her. She kept coming and kept hanging around. And it is my joy to report that Juelz found her words again. She reported in letters to many friends that she was once again able to pray to God and had renewed her relationship with God. She was so happy about that and shared the news with her friends.

I then shared additional words because it was two days before Christmas. I had struggled with how to deliver this memorial honestly and be true to the context since it was almost Christmas Eve. As I considered this, a recovering street youth sent me a message and a poem. It tied the memorial to Christmas in a most beautiful way:

"Matthew 2:9-12: After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.”

What I take from this, today, is that to give to this child gold and frankincense, they were aware that this child was to be their king. To give this child myrrh, they were aware that their king would die. They did in that day, and we do on this day, mourn the loss of this king. We do, however, choose to celebrate his life.

I see that we wise men and women have gathered here today
from the east,
from the west,
and from everywhere.
Today we are missing one of our wisdoms.
And I ask that we not mourn,
but Celebrate the life of Juelz."

Together, we finished the memorial by celebrated what Juelz believed... her amazing sweet spirit, her view of God, her view of life. Many there directly shared about addiction pand romised not to let Juelz's death be in vain. Her life certainly wasn't lived in vain, but her death seemed senseless to many there. Many promised to make sure it would serve as a wake-up call and warning. Many promised to work harder to help friends turn the corner of addiction. We closed in prayer that Jesus receive Juelz's soul and that there be a big celebration in heaven.

Following the service, volunteers served lasagna and a hot meal to the very cold crowd. Many kept listening to the music selections over and over. A small shrine began to be assembled around the flower. One girl left her necklace with a buffalo charm because "Juelz was a strong as a buffalo." Several left notes or drawing for Juelz. We distributed clothing, dog food, toiletries and other goodies. And because it was almost Christmas Eve, we also distributed Christmas stockings and Christmas Bags of Grace, filled with candy, hats and gloves, flashlights, fruit, and a Bags of Grace.

It may be our last memorial on that property for some time, not because I suppose that no one further will die in the coming days, but because the property is to be used as the construction office for a high rise residential unit being built next door.

Farewell to Jailbird Jay

2011-12-19T21:03:00.001-06:00

They came from out of town, from across town, from uptown and downtown. They came to remember Jailbird Jay on Friday afternoon, Dec 16, 2011. He was a friend; he was a lover; he was a partier; he was a cell mate; he was a road dog; he was a teacher and mentor. Each knew him in some unique way.

Jeremiah Zoeller, or Jailbird Jay, passed away in Austin after a day with friends. It was an ending he had seen coming many times, the outcome of living hard as a traveling street-dependent young person for many years.

We began our memorial service by welcoming everyone, no matter how or if they knew Jay and no matter what they believed. We listened to a happy song that Jailbird would have approved: "What a Wonderful World" by the Ramones. I opened by reading Psalm 150, calling for people to praise God everywhere, including in open spaces--just like where we were holding our service on the grass under a tree. Psalm 150 calls for people to praise Him in every way possible, with all sorts of instruments including many played by travellers--banjo, drums, fiddle and mandolin.

I asked people to share happy memories of Jailbird. Jay had pet names for many people, and they shared them. They weren't always flattering but each person savored their nickname today. Jay had partied with many, and they recalled some of the stories. Jay had taught some to ride trains. There was a story about how Jailbird developed a taste for a particular soft drink to go with his drink, and it had caught on among his friends. The stories went on.

We then considered our loss. We listened to GG Allin's "When I Die." It's definitely a sad song in many ways. Then I read "Jesus wept" and "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." One person asked, "Why should I mourn." I answered, "It's a great question. I read that passage--shortest verse in the Bible for those of you who like trivia--to try to explain. Jesus wept for his friend's death. And that's weird because just a few minutes after that, Jesus raised him from the dead. Now if Jesus is who the Bible says he is, I think it's odd that he cried knowing he could raise him. That tells me there is something very important about mourning the loss of a loved one with other friends. It doesn't take away from the joy of our live with our friend... it adds to it."

One friend admitted being angry that Jay is gone. Another admitted being pissed because they can't bring him back. Many admitted to being regretful that they couldn't party with Jay one more time. Others talked over how they miss their friend.

We returned to celebrating Jay by listening to a final song, "Waitin' Around to Die," by Townes Vann Zandt. I shared Hebrews 4:15-16, explaining that Jesus understands all our temptations personally and still has mercy for us. We considered how Jay lives on in our hearts and memories and how we can go on, too. There was talk of special tattoos so they won't forget Jay. There was a suggestion of remembering Jailbird each time they drink. There was talk of not wanting the pain of loss to fade away for fear of Jailbird's memory beginning to fade, too.

As friends continued to swap stories, seated on the ground in several groups, we served a fellowship meal of Rudy's Bar-B-Que sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and potato salad. We had cookies for desert. We shared donated dog supplies, fresh socks, toiletries, sewing kits and floss, clothing and other helpful items.

As we talked, I asked how I could be praying with people there. "For a job. To keep my job. That I stay out of jail. For safe travel. That I find my road dogs. That I don't forget Jay. That I grieve well in the coming days." One young man whom I just met, a new traveler from up north, shared that his brother passed away earlier this year. He was reminded by the memorial and was thankful for him and missing him. All street youth experience many losses... too many. We will do another memorial next week for a young girl who passed away in Austin.

Before we left, everyone pitched in to clean up the church that hosted our service. Though this will not be the last memorial service for a street-youth client, this is potentially the last memorial service on the "grassy knoll" for some time. The knoll is being used as the construction office for a new apartment building complex being built on the parking lots next door. Jailbird and I talked many times on that grassy knoll. He didn't like me at first, and I found him to be very prickly and ornery at first. However, we grew on one another over time. He decided I wasn't all bad, and would even talk about faith issues from time to time with me. I'll miss you, Jailbird, as will all those people you blessed over the years with your wit, your arguments, your horseplay, and your friendship.

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Nostagia

2011-12-16T15:22:00.001-06:00

This post comes from our fall intern, Jessi. She has completed her internship with us and we greatly enjoyed her time with us. This piece seems retrospective in some ways, touching on some very complex ideas that are a reality of our daily work at SYM. We believe that God has the power to fully restore our street-dependent young clients. It can taken years, maybe even the better part of two decades, but we see it happen all the time! Please enjoy Jessi's commentary:

A youth recently ventured to off to a small house church unaccompanied by other street youths. As he returned, I asked him how it was for him: Uncomfortable? Overwhelming? Good? Bad? He mentioned how it was a very rare encounter because he actually felt at peace and comfortable being around “normal people.” It was not uncomfortable nor was it overwhelming for him. However, he could not rest upon whether the experience was good or bad. Rather in response to that question he answered, “It was mostly just nostalgic.” Miss college student (i.e. me) had to ask what exactly he meant by that. The way he explained it made me think it was like a dream or déjà vu for him. He said it reminded him of what he used to have, who he used to be, the life he used to be a part of, and what it was like to be “normal.”

With the youth’s experience and the word “nostalgia” still on my mind later that evening, I looked up the exact meaning in the dictionary. Here is what I found: nostalgia is “yearning for the past; a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.”

It is so easy for a youth to get caught up in street life and even to convince themselves that the street is where they want to be and that it is not so bad. This is a straight up lie of Satan. You can ask many youths and they will tell you that they chose and like the street. There is some truth to that. Yes, there are aspects of the street that are appealing – the adventure, freedom, lack of what society calls responsibility, etc; and yes, some of the choices they make keep them on the street. However, there is a deeper reality to the reason they initially became street dependent. It is this reality, this separation from “normalcy,” family, happiness, society, etc and the memory of what used to be (despite the fact that what used to be may not have been necessarily a physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually healthy place to be) that keeps them nostalgic and possibly even hopeful.

Still, this nostalgia is a complex thing. For, as previously mentioned, a youth’s past “normal” life may not have been healthy; it may have consisted of abused, neglect, and extreme crisis. Therefore, what keeps one youth hopeful may be what keeps another bound to the street that separates them from that pain. As someone who is part of the street youths’ lives, it becomes an even more complicated thing to figure out how to help the youth to stay separated from the hurt of the past and at the same time to separate them from the street that continues to hurt them today.

Complexity continues to arise as a youth longs for who they used to be over who they currently are. Although who they used to be may be housed up, in relationship with family, and a part of society, this person of the past is possibly just as broken, self-destructive, and desperate as the street person is today. What we need to help the youth realize is that who they used to be and who they are today are not the only two options for the future. New constructive behaviors, healed relationships, brighter dreams, stability, and abundant life are all realistic options for the future. Nostalgia may not be a bad thing; what would it look like, though, if a youth began to think in terms of a fully restored future self rather than nostalgia?

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I don't have to go to hell?

2011-11-23T09:02:00.001-06:00

Jessi, our fall intern, shares this blog. She just spent a hectic week soaking up a lot of training away from the ministry (integration of community health and evangelism), but this incident with a client kept circulating in her mind during her stay.

We are still praying for our spring interns to apply. Information and application process are described at internship.StreetYouthMinistry.org. We are happy to connect you with past interns if you want to talk about that it will be like!

A couple weeks ago, we were having a conversation with the street youth concerning salvation by grace. We were discussing that you can still go to heaven no matter what you have done and that it essentially does not matter whether or not you follow the “rules.” (What does matter is a personal and saving relationship with Jesus.) After discussing for a little while, a youth from the back of the room solemnly spoke up, “You mean I don't have to go to hell?”

How such a simple statement can tell so much not only about the youth but also about the church she encountered! It seems to have spent way too much time preaching condemnation. I feel like the impression many nonbelievers have about Christianity relates to “fire and brimstone.” Not only that, but how many times have you heard nonbelievers deny a call to salvation because they do not want to or do not think they have the ability to follow all of the rules we put forth? I am not saying that the church should eliminate the sermon on judgment nor should congregations stop seeking holiness. I am saying is that the church (that means not only the pastors and church staff but also you and I!) need not forget the reason God brings judgment and that is to eradicate anything that hinders love.

The tactic of scaring and condemning people rather than loving people to Jesus has played a huge role in the lives of the street youth. A great number of street youth grew up in church, yet today will not even set foot in a church building. I have heard multiple times from multiple youth something along the lines of, “Oh I cannot come to your bible study because it is in the church and God will strike me down” or “the church will be struck down on behalf of my sin.” In the youth’s times of great brokenness and of most desperate need, the church's message seems to be that they are not good enough--that they have gone too far and done too much. I believe many of the youth probably spent some time in their pasts trying to live up to exceedingly high standards of "church,"and through each failure they began to condemn themselves even more than the church ever had. In their failures they have deemed themselves unworthy of the treasures of heaven as well as the treasures of this earth: health, prosperity, stability, strong relationships, self-respect, purpose, etc.

In spite of this, let us no longer look at the street youth and preach to them in accordance with the way that the world sees them. Rather, let us see them as our heavenly Father sees them. Let us stop defining them by their weaknesses and rather by the inherent strengths and purposes that God has destined in them. Despite what they have done (and do) and despite that they may not follow all the rules, God has called them his own, he has called them his people, he has called them his beloved. Let us also look upon them with these same eyes of love, and let us never cease to tell them of our love and acceptance of them and the even deeper love and acceptance of their Father.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve What We Do Get Involved Support Us News Publications Ministry Needs Speaking Service Projects Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:

A Street Youth Psalm of Lament

2011-11-08T20:46:00.001-06:00

We finished the book of Luke in October in our weekly Bible study attended by street youth on Tuesdays. We decided to do some Old Testament work until we are ready to read the Christmas story later in December. We'll start a new Gospel book (probably John) in January.

Today we covered Psalm 88 and Psalm 107. We discussed the various types of Psalms and how these two represent the biggest types: lament and thanksgiving.

We read Psalm 88. Did you know there apparently were street youth 3000 years ago? Read this from Psalm 88:15 and tell me there weren't:

From my youth I have suffered and been close to death;
I have borne your terrors and am in despair.

We then studied the four parts to a lament: a call for God to listen, presentation of the situation ("the complaint"), asking God to fix it ("the plea"), and then anticipating that God is already at work and thanking Him for it. We then wrote our own. Here is the combined lament from today's group:

God! GOD! I want you to listen!

Why are you so far away?
Why don't you hear my prayers?
Why are so many bad things happening?
Why do I want things I can't have?

God, show me that you are near... that you hear.
Help me today... even if I need it again tomorrow.

I will wait...

We finished by reading Psalm 107. It gives "thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever" (Ps 107:1). It continues with several stories of restoration. Two jumped out at the group today as applying to street youth today:

Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains. (Ps 107:10-14)

Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave. (Ps 107:17-20)

Throughout this lament study, we noticed that the Psalmists spend a lot of time and words describing their circumstances. At first this seemed puzzling and self-centered. But we discovered as we talked about it, that by sharing it all with God and giving words to all our problems, we are better able to let go of our fears and anxieties and issues. We are made more ready for whatever solutions are coming our way.

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How we view volunteers and donors

2011-11-02T14:37:00.001-05:00

We involve hundreds of volunteers and in-kind donors at Street Youth Ministry. It's in our DNA today as a ministry, although we didn't know how important it would become when we began in 2008. We knew we needed financial donors back them, but we had no idea how much we needed volunteers and in-kind donors, too.

It was a pastor guiding me who first suggested the idea: "Terry, you need find a way to involve volunteers." I couldn't imagine it, but he challenged me. So our first sandwich ministry was born. Since then, volunteers have made 25 sandwiches and now 50 sandwiches a week. That's about 4500 sandwiches in the last two and a half years!

And we have grown more than that. We have food providers, dog and pet helpers, proof-readers and administration helpers. These people keep the ministry supplied and working. In-kind donations total thousands of dollars per month and hundreds of hours per month.

And we have volunteers who come to build relationships. They help us with hospitality, driving, do laundry for our clients, and our very popular mini-mission trip on the street. Each hands-on volunteers is challenged to build a relationship with our clients, showing love and compassion to someone who doesn't expect it!

In-kind donors work at their jobs for an hour or two to provide the average in-kind donation. It's their mission. We think of you as standing beside us on the mission field with the street youth.

Some donors work a couple hours per week for the financial gifts they give so that we can be present. We invite you into ministry and encourage you in your work.

It's important. It matters. It makes a difference. It pleases God. Together we get the chance to love on the street youth of Austin, God's beautiful creations, helping to solidify the Kingdom of God in it's not-yet and still-becoming form. God would do it without us, but we have the great honor to be here.

Volunteers, financial donors and in-kind donors: Thank you for all that you do!

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Heart Check

2011-10-24T16:34:00.001-05:00

This heart felt article comes from our intern, Jessi. God bless her for her love of Jesus and of street youth. If you want to be an intern, we have openings this Spring, Summer and Fall! Read more at internship.StreetYouthMinistry.org.

This past week I walked up on a conversation I did not expect to walk up on. A couple of youth, whom I believed have their minds made up about Christianity and to be anti-God, were talking about the God-man himself. They were discussing their past experiences with religion- particularly in relation to their parents- and how they came to believe what they currently do.I sat down quietly, only half-heartedly listening and not expecting to contribute anything to the conversation. Soon enough, however, one of the youth asked me, “So why do YOU believe in God?”

I found myself shocked. I was not only ill-prepared in the moment to answer the question, but what convicted my heart even more was that even after I composed myself and spent a little time thinking about how to answer the question, I simply did not know the answer. The conversation continued along the lines of me responding, “Without God I have no purpose… blah blah… I am nothing without God…. because he is fully worthy…. Blah blah…. Because I refuse to believe that the hell on earth is the end-all.” There is truth to every word I said, however my heart told me it was not enough.

The youth replied, shrugging her shoulders, “Yep. That is what every ‘Christian’ says.” My argument was that God shows himself genuine and true in all Christians having the same response, because God is the same to everyone. I added that it is not a script Christians babble off when asked that question, rather it is truth from the heart. The youth did not believe it, and--to be honest--I am not sure I believed it either.

The street youth pressed on with “I know why Christians believe in God, but why do YOU?” I quickly pulled out my personal “raised from death to life” story that includes struggle with sickness, change, loss, and relational hurts. Even so, I felt unhappy with my lack of ability to provide examples of God’s goodness in my life and still, almost a week later, my heart is unsettled. I have an image of God, in response to my answer, cupping my chin, looking me in the eyes with sorrow saying, “Really, beloved? Have you still yet to understand?”

Tears well in my eyes as I realize how selfish and how blind I am even now after walking nine years with Jesus. Still, I am humbled yet again to remember that my belief in God has no relation to a purpose or identity I have gained, to a hope for more, or to the circumstances of my life. My belief in God has to do with GOD. Yes, I understand God by the way he relates to me, but this is not the bare end or even the core brunt of my belief. The reason I believe in God is because of who He has proven Himself to be inside my heart and not on what He has done on the outside.

I do not have words to explain, examples to prove, and enough scripture for apologetics because God exceeds all these things. As cliché as it sounds, I truly feel like the only way I can answer this question is with action and not words.

I am still struggling with knowing how to convey who God is to people whom the Holy Spirit has not settled in. I am still burdened to know what words I can use to convince non-believers that God is worthy, God is righteous, God is real, and God is good! But until I stumble upon such wisdom, here is my new answer to the question of why I believe in God: “I believe in God because of God. Watch and learn…” ;)

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God Can Change People

2011-10-18T19:16:00.001-05:00

Street youth are considered by many to be homeless by choice—and some street youth will even agree with this. Almost all are, in point of fact, homeless because of profound loss of family. Perhaps they never had family. Perhaps their family was unable to care for them. Perhaps their family disintegrated. Perhaps it was better for the youth to leave than to stay in their family environment. And one of the first things street many youth find on the street is a new family.

It is our privilege to walk with about 80 to 100 street youth every week. We are not experts in how to fix or solve their problems. We are not experts in repairing their lives. We believe the youth are the experts in those respects.

We are, however, experts in the change process, which includes the roles that faith and God and Jesus can play in change.

Youth identify problems in their lives, be it drug addiction, out-of-control rage, sexual and relationship confusion, a propensity to run away rather than face difficulty, an inability to be alone, an inability to trust anyone. We listen and help them find the strength to access and assess options. There are always options. It's a difficult process for them and for us, but it works over time.

Many youth struggle with rage problems and often work with us to learn and practice self-control. The rage may stem from some identified family crises that the youth were unable to navigate well. The youth often face some of those past issues through counseling, peer work, and just plain talking about it. Many youth work hard to develop more self-control—though not without mishap. After falling back into rage (in a very difficult situation), we hear things like these, marking much progress and growth:

It hurt me more than the person I did it to. I can't believe it. I'm not that person anymore. …
I never want to be that person again. So, I had to stop myself even if it wasn't soon enough. I had to run away. …
I was so sorry and miserable for days. I laid it before God and asked for forgiveness and strength. And then I had to come back and apologize. I won't be that person anymore.

Youth who choose to investigate faith as a resource access a powerful thing. God can change people. He does it every day.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
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Street Youth and Death

2011-10-13T08:23:00.001-05:00

Street youth have a closer relationship with death than most people their age. Death is only occasional, but certainly much more common than any mortality table would suggest. Last year, for example, we held memorial services for five clients who died in Austin. This year, so far, it has been four. We hear of many more deaths around the country of people we know, and many more of friends of friends. In addition, our clients’ photo albums on Facebook and Myspace clearly show they have lost a significant number of loved ones over the years.

We are frequently contacted by clients upon the loss of a close friend, boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse with questions, or accusations concerning the role of religion in their loved-one’s death. The following are a few of the more common questions asked by believers and non-believers alike. These questions are usually generated by the realization that the faith world is somehow more real and more substantial than previously thought. We address these questions with grief counseling and a listening ear.

"Is my friend asleep now or in heaven?" The Bible does use the word “sleeping” when talking about the dead, especially in the Old Testament and occasionally in the New Testament. However, I like to seek out the red letter words and see what Jesus says. For example, Jesus promised the repentant thief who died on the cross next to him that "this very day you will be in heaven.” Therefore, Jesus knew the man would not die or “sleep,” but go directly to heaven. The Bible also talks of two resurrections - an immediate spiritual resurrection in heaven, and then later, a bodily resurrection in connection with the end of time. This latter resurrection would consist of rebuilding a new heaven and earth, and restoring God with his people. With that said, I believe that someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus is immediately taken to heaven upon death, and that it's more magnificent than our imaginations could ever comprehend.

"How can you be a Christian and believe my friend went to hell? I hate you!" First, I don't know what happened to your friend. However, I do believe what the Bible says in terms of judgment. Although there are several views, I believe the one most compatible with your question is the one which describes Jesus as judge, and that all people come before Him for judgment. If that person's name is in the book of life (because they have a personal relationship with Jesus), then the process is over. That is, they are "in" no matter what they have done. However, if their name is not in the book, the person's life is judged by Jesus. Although the Bible doesn't say specifically how that judgment is carried out, we can assume that it incorporates what we understand to be real and true from the Bible. It considers what is in your heart, and the intentions behind your actions and deeds. If Jesus finds you lacking, the consequences are dire – you are cast into hell. At the end of the day, all judging is done by Jesus - not me, or any other Christian, and a Christian who tells you that your friend is in hell is overstepping anything that he, or she can know to be true.

"Does this life matter on earth or is heaven the only life that matters?" What a great question. Certainly heavenly life matters, and we can find that easily in several places in the Bible. Jesus tells us that our earthly treasures don't matter at all - only heavenly treasures (which I believe to be relationships with people). God showed that the end of life isn't as tragic as we consider it to be. We recoil from the slaying of Job's good and upright family, but somehow God sees their life as full and complete and ends their lives early. We can call it callous and cruel, but I think it’s all a matter of perspective. However, if heavenly life were all that were important, why would God have created anything good on earth? Why would He have given us enjoyment and pleasure? Why would He have given us relationships, spouses, children, friends to enjoy? I think life on this earth matters a great deal to God. I think He is revealed through the beauty of nature, the good relationships we have on earth, the pleasures in life, and more. The Bible says that great things are coming in a new heaven and a new earth. Some believe that nothing good will come until then. However, when I read the bible, I don't see that as being the only truth. “Goodness” is not just for the future, but it is happening right now! When people form personal relationships with Jesus, they begin the process of restoring a new heaven and new earth today. When people respond to God's love and follow the good rules He has given us by which to live our lives (Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. Love your neighbor as I have loved you.), the future kingdom becomes more and more about the present as well as the future. Yes, there will be a cataclysmic time as described by the Bible when the Kingdom is dramatically completed, but times can be good now, but only if we follow Jesus and act accordingly.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
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Ministry as Guide

2011-10-08T12:13:00.001-05:00

This is an update from our fall intern, Jessi. She is making wonderful progress in learning how an urban, poverty-informed ministry operates. She is become secure in her role. She is learning how to know, love and serve street-dependent young people so they may come to know Christ! We have openings for the spring and summer!

In the last four and a half weeks of internship with Street Youth Ministry (SYM), I have moved from a “deer-in-the-headlights” phase, to an "trying hard" phase, and to the phase where I am in now: performing a consistent and purposeful role at SYM. Upon coming to the ministry, I found myself as an “ adviser.” When people spoke of their circumstances and problems, I always had something to say. Four weeks later, I am learning to use the great tool of listening and questioning--learning to guide street youth to find their own answers. I no longer feel as if I have to rack my brain for the perfect wisdom, but rather the words that come are more natural, life giving and long lasting.

I have found strength and confidence in the role of being a guide. It has become such a joy to go to ministry every day knowing I have what it takes to minister to the street youth. The first weeks were “oh so questionable” for me because I felt like I had no experience and no tools to minister with. SYM intern training has been very helpful, and God has shown me that what I need most is the Holy Spirit. God has placed within YOU and me the abilities we need for every circumstance he calls us to. It is He who grows us in the abilities we yet do not yet know we possess. I know two things are true: “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not follow”; and “God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”

Ministry, careers, relationships, and all the opportunities that life presents to us are not limited by our abilities. Praise God for that! It is true for the street youth, too. However, they often feel limited because they lose touch with their God-given abilities. They feel limited and trapped by their feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, inability and weakness. We could also say that they are limited by LIES. For, they are absolutely made in the same image of God that you and I are and to say that they have no worth and no abilities is to say that our God is worthless, our God is unable, and our God is limited. We know this is not true. Our God HAS worth, He IS able, and He HAS NO limits. And because of this truth, Street youth also have no limits.

What they need are able vessels of God to guide them to the truth of who they are, to guide them to become knowledgeable of their strengths and abilities. Those vessels are you and I! The street youth, as well as others in our lives who see themselves as worthless and unable, are nothing less than beautiful and beloved. If we have the opportunity to place a mirror in front of them so that they can see their beauty with their own eyes, let us not delay any longer!

Not only do street youth have inherent beauty, worth, and abilities, but they also receive knowledge and resources to overcome the darkness, addictions, consequences of bad choices, and unfortunate circumstances of their lives. They do not need ministers of the Gospel to prescribe for them a list of resources or helpful hints; by the grace of God the resources and knowledge they need is already within them. What they do need, however, are ministers of the Gospel, good neighbors in our community, to act as magnets to point out and encourage such inherent abilities and to place that mirror in front of street youth so that they can see their beauty. Those ministers are you and I!

Through it all, we pray, that then they will finally “taste and see that the Lord is good” [Psalm 24:8].

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Dramatic Relief of the Empty Tomb

2011-10-05T19:35:00.001-05:00

Each week we hold an event for street-dependent young people in Austin called Chillin'. It includes a fellowship meal, Bible study, and prayer time. We have now taught each of the synoptic Gospels in two years of Bible study. Each week, we search for new and engaging ways to bring the Gospel to people who have long ago shut tightly the doors to church in their life. Street youth as a general rule are very disappointed in their experience of church. We always create a safe place where anyone can encounter the Word for themselves. We offer help in understanding but don't insist on any particular interpretation in our study. This has allowed all sorts of people to come to our event and feel welcome. We often use humour, games, discussion, and videos.

This past week, we asked our participants to act out in modern day some application of the Gospel found in Luke 24 1-12, the empty tomb scene. They made their own story lines. Here is what our two fantastic groups gave us:

Women's Group:

Two street youth are on their way to a camp of a homeless friend. They are taking beer and pot. They arrive and find the squat empty. "Where is our friend. She is always here. She is homeless and we can always count on her to be here! What has happened? How can this be?" Suddenly an angel appears, "Your friend is not here! She is no longer homeless. She is doing great. And you can find a home and do great, too!" The two friends abandoned their booze and pot and began to search for their friend!

Men's Group:

A drug dealer of the future is roaming the street of Austin looking for a buyer. He is selling some new-fangled type of crack, and it's the size of a bar of soap! A buyer come near, looking to score. They negotiate the price... 10,000 new something or anothers -- some type of new dollars used on the street. Suddenly an angel appears and asks: "Why do you look in this low place for a high? It isn't here! You can get high on something that's free and never want this stuff again! You don't have to stay in this low place anymore!" The street youth threw away his drugs and began to seek this new substance.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve What We Do Get Involved Support Us News Publications Ministry Needs Speaking Service Projects Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

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What it means to know and to love

2011-09-21T18:41:00.001-05:00

Our intern Jessi has completed here first weeks. The shiny newness of everything is wearing off in some ways only to be replaced by things of more substance. Below are Jessi's reflections on what it means to her to get to know our clients and to begin to learn how to love them--and to begin find her own identity as intern and to apply all that she is learning on a daily basis:

After a few weeks, I do not think I am just the “new intern” anymore to the street youth. For most, there is a level of respect given toward me because I am Terry's intern. However, for many, that respect is no longer an act they put on. Rather, they have pushed that “inherited” respect to the background and have wiped the clean, which calls me to EARN respect for myself. I am finally getting to see the heart of some of the youth. Their true colors are showing. As I look at this situation, I assume hopefully that this is because there is a level of trust building.

Some of the guys are no longer chatting about how they have a crush on me (information revealed to me by a female client). Instead, I imagine some of them are talking about how I ticked them off or how I am a “goody-" or "rich-two-shoes.” They are no longer hiding drugs when I walk up or resisting the urge to light a cigarette, rather they go right along as their cravings and desires arise. In addition, they are no longer saying things just to catch me off guard or get a reaction; rather they seem to speak to me as they do to any other acquaintance.

The same goes for me concerning them: they are no longer just this peculiar group of street youth. Although I am still intrigued by their behavior, some individuals have angered me, frustrated me, and made me not want to speak with them. Often they make me smile though, and constantly they make me laugh when they try to prey on my naivety or simply say wild and funny things. The freedom they have taken to be themselves has given me a freedom to bust out the silliness of who I am as well as a boldness in my faith in the name of Jesus Christ. I find myself being less timid in terms of what they think about me (I thank you for your prayers concerning this!) and more confident in sharing not only my identity as silly, down-to-earth Jessi, but also identity in Jesus Christ. It doesn’t bother me anymore when someone just walks away in silence or when my questions, comments, and proclamations concerning Jesus get a laugh. I find myself laughing along with them at my awkwardness but also giddy in pride to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ- knowing that even if their response was negative, simply speaking the name and truth of Jesus planted seeds into their lives.

I find myself needing a daily reminder of my purpose for being here. When reviewing a day with the youth I often realize my lack of intentionality. Did I continue to build relationships? Do they trust me more? Did I get to know them more? These are all good things and tools to build with. However, the most important question remains…. Did I boldly speak the truth of the Gospel and offer the saving power of Christ to them through the truth that I spoke? This is the question I am challenging myself to answer with “yes” on a more consistent basis.

I ask for your encouragement and accountability in prayer for the upcoming weeks. Pray with me that I would “not grow weary in doing good” [Galatians 6:9], which is to preach the name of Jesus Christ. Also pray that I would, as Paul, “resolve to know nothing while I am with them [street youth] but Jesus Christ and Him crucified” [1 Corinthians 2:2].

Be blessed as you go about your weeks on this continuing journey of faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. Let not life get in the way of your first love, rather let that first love become your life and in that do everything you do to the glory of God! [My encouragement to you based on the song “Do Everything” by Steven Curtis Chapman!]

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve What We Do Get Involved Support Us News Publications Ministry Needs Speaking Service Projects Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

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Welcome to Jessi (Fall Intern)

2011-09-06T19:46:00.001-05:00

It is our pleasure to welcome Jessi, our forth intern. Jessi comes from Kansas and is taking a one semester break from her MDIV degree plan to study with us. Our interns learn how to lead a poverty-informed urban ministry through our study together and our hands on training within our ministry. SYMs goal is to train 100 leaders for the church in the next ten years, praying they will great news ministries all across the country. We have one spot open for the Fall, two spots open for spring, and three open for the summer. Here is Jessi's reaction to her first week:

I just completed my first week with SYM and am diving into the second. I am still processing my first experiences with the youth and the ministry even now as I write; yet I hope to enlighten you with what is currently in the forefront of my mind in relation to my thoughts concerning what I experienced this past week.

Every day after ministry Terry helps me to debrief by asking, “What did you like? What surprised you? And what didn’t you like?” So… you may be wondering what exactly my answers would be to those questions… lucky for you, answering those specific questions is the best way I can think of to sum up my first week.

What I liked: First off, I immediately took a liking to the youth and the diversity they contain among them and as individuals. Coming into the internship it has been my prayer that God would not allow me to see and get to know the youth by categorizing their unique qualities under and secondary to the reality of them being “street-dependent”, “drug abusers”, “rebellious”, or other such “face value” things. Praise God that he has allowed me to see beneath the tough skin and culture of the street and has already given me an abundance of knowledge concerning the street culture which has allowed me to greater understand the words, actions, and hearts of each of the youths. Concerning the ministry, I like the authenticity of Terry’s approach toward the youth. He understands their needs and is bold about addressing them. To some, his approach may seem unstructured and lackadaisical, however there is truly a “method to his madness” Everything he does is for a purpose and he is constantly looking for opportunities to witness, counsel, and encourage the youth. He is absolutely intentional about every moment he is with the youth and every opportunity provided. What I liked…is that I can learn so much from Terry. Seeing the way he interacts with the youth, the respect that they have for him, and hearing a bit of the reasons for his actions has built a respect in my heart for him right off the bat.

What surprised me: This is probably the most obvious one for me. I was warned and well aware of the reality of drug use among some of the youth. Still this did not actually become a reality for me until I heard prayers such as “God thank you for my marijuana, alcohol, etc” and “God please give me more marijuana, alcohol, etc.” As well as the constant conversation concerning different drugs and their usage therefore resulting in the breaking of a somewhat naive innocence in me. What surprised me…is how different my world is from so many others and how unknowledgeable I am about worlds and lives different from mine. What surprised me is that although I have known and practiced loving and serving others, in a way I have been ignorant to the idea of KNOWING others. No doubt, I have taken time to know people as individuals- their likes, dislikes, etc- such surface level things; however there is a part of knowing the culture, the what, how, and why people do things, and the essential “world” of others that I have neglected. I have read the books and listened to the lectures about being careful to truly teach, preach, and encourage based on Kingdom principles and consider the culture of those unto whom I am witnessing and to not teach, preach, and encourage based on “western” or “Johnson County” (the wealthy suburb where I grew up) principles or Kingdom principles warped by such cultures and sub-cultures. Still yet, it is not until now that I have realized the importance of leaving my cultural values and ways of thinking and personal opinions behind and truly becoming- in mind, heart, and knowledge- a street youth in order to win the street youth (compare to 1 Corinthians 9:20-23).

What I didn’t like: Finally, it was my unfortunate selfish concern of being liked and fitting in and living up to the expectations that the past interns may have left behind that I did not like. In such concerns, I have faltered in standing in and sharing the confidence of Christ and Christ in me. I have faltered in being a living example of the Gospel and have settled for portraying even a flaky image of myself. I thank God that he has revealed such things to me in my first week in order that I may, as Terry does, take every opportunity and moment at hand with the Gospel and not myself in mind. My prayer for this next week is that a boldness and security would arise in me and that I would gain the eyes of a true missionary- the eyes that see the opportunity, see Christ in the opportunity, and bring him to the surface for others to also see.

As I continue on this journey, please pray with me that Christ would be revealed to the youth in me and in every opportunity. Whether we have met or not, I also ask that you would be bold enough in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to hold me accountable to becoming the answer to even my own prayers.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve What We Do Get Involved Support Us News Publications Ministry Needs Speaking Service Projects Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

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Sexual Abuse and the Street

2011-08-23T10:15:00.001-05:00

I am asked frequently about sexual abuse in the shaping of homeless street youth's lives. It is a certainly a component that is very present in the lives of many clients. Its effects may be very visible or they may be lurking beneath the surface in maladapted behaviors. Or they may be very hidden, tucked far from reach. By the time a youth gets to me, they almost all report physical abuse and violence and often sexual abuse. But the abuse often comes on the street. I believe sexual abuse is both a cause of street-dependency in some cases and a by-product of street-dependency in many cases.

Young sexual abuse victims often need to be in a relationship with someone at all times. Their attachment model is different than a young adult who didn't experience abuse. And young sexual abuse victims often numb themselves with drugs and alcohol, either knowingly or sub-consciously. But with help and maturation (the adult brain doesn't fully mature until age 26, not even accounting for any delayed development factors), they can improve.

I don't often go into the sexual abuse backgrounds of clients. I learn to identify them by behaviors and focus on moving them forward with strengths-based solution focused methods. The street is not usually a safe place from which to dissect their past and confront the terrible reality of sexual abuse. My goal is normally to help them become more stable and begin moving forward, believing they will come to a safer and more stable place in the future where they can better deal with their past.

Several clients have a poor history of selecting boyfriends and girlfriends, of bringing children into the world who need foster care, and of generally having maladapted coping skills to navigate the world. I work with them as they are and am privileged to get to know their strengths and gifts. They are highly troubled young people, but they do improve.

One client was discussing with me how she no longer sees her body as something she can simply give away for comfort or protection from a boy. She is learning to be single. It's hard because she feels unsafe and exposed. But she's proud to be single right now.

Another client told me how she's learning not to use her monthly income to buy favors from friends. She's seeing that these aren't all real friends. Some of them just use her to get stuff. She's proud to be saving money for a down payment on an apartment.

Another client went through a crisis where she had to face a recent violent sexual incident. She had to tell her boyfriend (a source of support) what she needed from him. She was unsure she could do that, but she's proud to have used her voice to better cope with the situation and to improve her relationship with her boyfriend.

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Adventures of an Intern!

2011-08-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

Hannah filed this as her final blog for the summer. We loved having Hannah with us and will miss her. The clients bonded with her easily and will miss her, too! Note that we still have one opening for the fall and 3 for the spring!

Here's what she wrote to share at the end of her internship:

HOLY COW! Where has this summer gone? I cannot believe that its already August and I will be going back home to Missouri in 2 DAYS! WHAT?! That means I have to go back to doing homework in roughly two weeks! Yikes! No way is that possible!...Right?

Many people have asked me, including the street kids, “What have you gotten out of this summer?” “What did you gain from us, and what have you done?” When this was asked of me a couple weeks ago by one of our clients, it really took me back. What have I gotten out of this summer? What have the street youth of Austin Texas taught me? So then that forced some much needed processing and evaluating for myself.

If I had to describe my experience this summer with one word it would be, AMAZING. I’m going to be cheesy for a second: Dictionary.com defines the word amazing as,

“To overwhelm with surprise or sudden wonder; astonish greatly. To cause a amazement, a new art show that delights and amazes. Astound, dumfound, stun, flabbergast or to see surprise”. Yep! This defines my summer 2011 with Street Youth Ministry. I was overwhelmed with surprise when I saw the bond that our clients have with one another and how quickly that was extended to me. I was in sudden wonder many times in thinking and dreaming with clients about the future. I continued to astonish greatly at how much our clients respect Terry and are so receptive of what God brings to them through him. Everyday was like it could have been an “art show that delights and amazes”, no day was the same as the day before. God also continued to “astound, dumbfound, flabbergast and surprise” me with His overwhelming, mighty LOVE for the poor.

One of my main prayers for this summer was that I would see these kids as Jesus sees them and to love them the way that He loves them. Jesus sees them and loves them where they are, not where they could be or who they could be. He created them, and they are beautiful, funny, real, tell you how it is, creative, inventive, down to earth creations of the Creator.

I have learned a tremendous amount from Terry, the street youth, all the volunteers, and so many others within this great city. Terry told me today right before departing that, “There will never be a summer like this one” and that, “This was a season, a great season in our lives but its over, and another one is about to come”. Both of these statements really stuck with me. No, there will never be another summer like this one at all! I do not regret one thing either. And this has been a fantastic season! I am sad to see it come to an end, I don’t want to leave these kids and go back to mounds of homework! That is my next season however and I cannot wait to see how God acts in it!

MISSOURI.....BE PREPARED, HERE I COME....AMAZED!

Hannah

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Caring for Others

2011-08-06T12:03:00.001-05:00

We recently concluded a series of service projects for adults, high school and middle school students this summer. We focus on making sure that each service project benefits our street youth in some tangible way as well as making subjective benefits available. Tangible benefits include receiving food, clothing, cold water, refillable water bottles and other supplies. Supplies are passed out by service project volunteers and even partially provided by the service project organizers. In-kind donors supply a majority the supplies distributed. Subjective benefits to the street youth include having fun talking with the volunteers, seeing volunteers care for the neighborhood by picking up trash, and prayer.

We also put a great deal of energy into making sure each of our volunteer participants is challenged to change during the service project. We provide age appropriate education about homelessness and, in particular, about our targeted street youth. We aim to see the volunteers change their viewpoint from knowing very little except popular homeless media information to seeing the group as similar to themselves in many way. And then we seek to complete the transformation by helping our participants to see the street youth as wonderful individuals with cool strengths and gifts of their own. We answer questions in terms they can understand, relating the subject to their own experiences and lives.

This summer, we provided 193 hours of community education to groups of volunteers in our service projects. This is an almost overwhelming undertaking, but we know it is important. Each participant gets a chance to answer questions about what they liked and what they learned. The quotes are very rewarding:

I found out that homeless street youth are really neat people.
I don't like that they have to live this way but they are really cool people.
I will be less judgmental in future. I now know there are no easy answers for these people.

And the street youth are changed too. They often modify their behavior when guests arrive. They tone down their language and discussion topics to PG when appropriate. And we don't ask them for this. It's purely voluntary on their part. The sense of rising self-expectation is a good one for them. The consider the contrast between the Christian volunteers serving them and the church as they imagine it or even have experienced it in the past. It leads to a more open mind for the street youth.

One street youth came to me after a visit by middle schoolers (8th graders accompanied by many sponsors and pastor). He was very interested in protecting their innocence. He said, "Really? Do their parents know what they are learning? What they may see? I can't control everyone down here, you know. Their innocence at this age is a precious thing." I replied, "Thank you for your concern for them. Yes, we explain what they may be in for. And we don't explain every detail of everything they see and hear. We give age appropriate answer." And I explained that the main goal is to help all our volunteers understand more about their own compassion. I continued, "We aren't running a zoo. You're aren't on display. A big part of this is about them really. Giving them an opportunity to grow so that they can change the world for the better. So they can discover who they are."

At one service project, I told the middle school volunteers about the above conversation. They were very touched and told me to explain to the youth, "We want to be here. We want to see our faith become more real. We are going home different people."

I understand the street youth's concern. And SYM struggles hard with the balance of ministry, education, and service. We take "helping without hurting" seriously. We wrestle constantly to make sure we aren't enable our clients, trying to fix them, or simply trying to become rescuers to make ourselves better. We affirm that we want to have one and only one aim... to know, love and serve our street youth clients so they may come to know Christ. Jesus will fix. Jesus is the rescuer. And he has given each of our clients wonderful gifts and strengths, and waits faithfully until the day street youth can turn to Him and begin to use those God-given talents and abilities to further His Kingdom.

-- Terry

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The Humbling River (a poem)

2011-07-22T08:30:00.005-05:00

The Humbling River

Against its might, as individuals, we are helpless to this river. It's a constant current, we must work quickly; build a stable foundation to cross.

2 persons may build a raft, but this will not withstand the rage of the river.

23 people could build a boat sturdy enough to cross, but they would

not have enough storage for food.

46 people can built a boat fit to carry food. 23 will be left behind.

69 people can create the boat that carries its entire people, food, water

and supplies across to the other side
.

69, is the representation the ever outward spiraling yin and yang.

Imagine if 7 billion people could find a way to help one another. Food,

education, and clothes not a single person excluded.

We could explore other planets, solar systems,

reaching out to the galaxy.

This is a poem written by a young street-dependent client, Matthew Hudgins, and shared with you by permission. Matt has a 16-page draft of a children's book he hopes to finishing editing, illustrate and publish one day soon. Enjoy!

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve What We Do Get Involved Support Us News Publications Ministry Needs Speaking Service Projects Sign-up
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Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terry.cole

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The Day to Day Difficulty of Doing the Right Thing

2011-07-19T09:17:00.001-05:00

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

-- Romans 7:15-17

Earlier this month I was talking with a client who was expressing just this. It was such a humbling conversation for the both of us. I don’t know how many times that I have caught myself in doing the very things that I hate and I do not even understand why I continue to do them. And the things that I would like to be doing, I’m NOT doing! This was exactly how Paul was feeling when he wrote this, and he makes it so applicable for today. The client that I spoke with was so heavy burden in these thoughts and Paul wrote them thousands of years ago. This client and I continued to talk and our conversation grew more and more into a self-evaluation and looking to the scriptures. We began to talk about how it can be so hard to not only know the Truth, but also be living it out in our actions everyday.

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

-- James 1:22

When our conversation ended it made me continue to think about the other street kids that may be feeling like this but also myself. Over these past few months God has opened my mind in so many ways. And the people that we serve have also taught me so much. I am so blessed to be apart of Street Youth Ministry!

-- Hannah

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Naturally Compassionate

2011-07-07T10:07:00.001-05:00

On outreach, I saw something that has stuck with me for more than a week now. I watched a volunteer simply sit with a street-dependent client. The client was in bad shape, suffering from substance abuse, exposure to the heat, as well as having recently been mugged and beaten. The volunteer offered no assistance and no conversation. The volunteer just sat with the client, side by side, on the sidewalk in silence.

What strength it takes to not try to fix something! To simply enter compassionately into the space of someone hurting and be with them. To offer your presence as a gift. What wisdom to realize that the gift of yourself can be prized and even healing. What courage it takes to face that silence.

The volunteer wasn't asked to do this. He wasn't told it was an option--in fact, he was told that we shouldn't sit on the sidewalk because it's illegal to do so in downtown Austin. He wasn't told a case history of the client or how to do what he did safely. It was all natural for him.

The most surprising thing, is that this volunteer is a young boy! When do we stop being so naturally compassionate? When do we stop being willing to take risks to comfort another? When do we stop believing that we can help?

Lord, give us all the strength, wisdom, and courage to love others without reserve.

-- Terry

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Greater Things Are Yet To Come

2011-06-29T22:32:00.001-05:00

We are delighted to welcome Meagan, our second summer intern, to the outreach team at SYM! Meagan had a great first week and shared the following experiences. Meagan's internship is sponsored through Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS), where meagan is attending. Meagan wants to be a parish pastor in an urban setting one day. Our internship program aied to help equip future leaders of poverty-informed urban ministires is a perfect fit! We have opening for two additional interns in the Fall and two in the Spring. Check out our web to learn more about the program and about how to apply for Fall 2011!

-- Terry

"Two street youth (left and right) give a "thumbs up" for our two summer interns--

Meagan (center left) and Hannah (center right)!

Hi! I’m Meagan. I’ve lived in Austin for about four years and have attended Austin Presbyterian theological seminary for two. This week, I have been frequently introduced as Terry’s new intern for the summer.

I would describe my first week working with Street Youth Ministry as rejuvenating. I can already tell that this is exactly where I belong. This is all thanks to God and not myself. After all, it is the last place I expected to be.

My first and last day of my first week working with Street Youth Ministry perfectly bookend this feeling. On my first day, Monday, I attended Talk Time, our weekly time of prayer. Although things were a bit frantic at the beginning of the hour, because I didn’t know how to get into the building to set things up, once Terry and Hannah arrived with the youth, they gracefully moved into action to set up food, turn on our background music, so that we could begin to eat and talk, as we prayed in a chorus of voices. My experience of Talk Time certainly did not match my expectation. It exceeded it. With the music on shuffle, one song stood out to me, as it perfectly aligned with our spoken prayer in that particular moment: “God of This City” by Chris Tomlin. I understand that a similar experience occurred the week before. It was unexpected and beautiful.

On Friday, shortly after I arrived to Friday Outreach late, our weekly Mini-Mission Trip with volunteers, I was introduced to a youth, who was previously street-dependent, but managed to get off the street and is maintaining a stable and faithful life, living into the ability to be whoever he wants to be, whoever God is calling him to be. He is a powerful testament to the things God can do, is doing, and will continue to do in this city.

Unknowingly, the song that so beautifully harmonized with our Talk Time on Monday, continued to shape my week and my initial experience working with Street Youth Ministry. Our God is a God of the unexpected. In hindsight, this is something the youth continued to teach me this week, through several different interactions. My first week began just as my placement with Street Youth Ministry: chaotic and unexpected. It ended on a hopeful note, witnessing the fruit of what God can do, even in the least likely places. This particular youth’s story is powerful and encouraging. But this week, and working with the youth has shown me that, as Christ Tomlin says, “greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city.” So far, I’ve seen some of the hurts, and the needs that the youth are experiencing. I’ve also seen glimmers of hope and pockets of light in the community. While I hesitate to put my expectations for working with Street Youth Ministry in a box, I can say with certainty that for me, this is a theme song for the summer.

As an almost-third year seminary student, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the world. I already feel that God has done more in this past week, in my heart and with my faith that speaks to my vocation, than I have experienced in the past few months. As I reflect on that statement, the truth is that this space and location of ministry in which I find myself, has better opened me to the work God has been doing and continues to do in my life. I know that God has not been working less in my life in the past few months, but rather working with this ministry already in this first week has enabled me to experience to the work God has been doing in my life for a long time coming.

It has planted and watered a seed of gratefulness with in me. I’m blessed to be working with Street Youth Ministry. I’m excited to see what God will continue to do in the lives of the youth and all of those connected to this ministry. For I know, that greater things have yet to come in this small facet of the kingdom of God on The Drag.

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So Blessed!

2011-06-24T20:50:00.001-05:00

I just finished a day that was just wonderful. Here are some views in brief. Keep in mind that all this is just today!

Family blessings

Heard through FaceBook from elder daughter, who's safe in Honduras having a great time.
Younger daughter is having a teenage party tonight and it sounds very happy and fun.
Wife and I are having a very relaxed summer together, eating lunch together almost every day. Today was a nice pork-salad sandwich.

Ministry Blessings

Taught my intern class this morning. The interns learned more about street youth and how to deescalate unnecessary conflict.
Met with my pastor this morning and we celebrated an intern the church is providing to the ministry and a grant that was approved and will be announced July 1 to help support the program.
Received a donated set of dominoes in the mail from someone I don't even recognize after posting this on FaceBook a couple of weeks ago.
Received 30 sandwiches and snacks from a volunteer today, all ready to go. This volunteer chooses to spend his time helping. He has a terminal disease. He shared this with the street youth at an event with tears streaming down his cheeks.
Received lots of books to give to bored street youth after requesting them just this week.
Was met by NINE volunteer helpers today on outreach. We served more than 30 people tonight together.
Was able to teach the volunteers about the ministry and the street youth tonight at the end of outreach.
Used a new ice chest with wheels that showed up just as our previous one gave up the ghost. It was listed on our needs list for several months but it showed up just when the other once broke hopelessly.
Got two groups to sign up today for a Wash Day service project in June.

Client Blessings

Was told by a pregnant client that our "Get unBored" booklet with schedule of ministry events was very helpful to her
Met a client who's been stable, sober Christian and connected with church community now for 24 months this June. He shared his story with the volunteers. I never tire of hearing how God throws people line. They just need to grab hold!
Deescalated a major conflict a client wanted to have with me. Was able to hear him, move the conversation to a better place, and he ended up praying for the ministry after being heard.
Counseled a client who is trying to kick heroin. He's hurting. He's dreaming. I asked, "How can I help?" He said, "Motivate me. Kick me in the butt. Pray with me." He led the prayer for the first time. He agreed to make some hard decision. Then he sat down on the curb and cried. I believe he will make the changes... him and Jesus.
Talked with a client who wants to get clean again and go into tattoo business. He was even concerned with whether this would be a God-honoring profession. He wanted to discuss the Leviticus passage on tattoos.
Talked with a client who continues to use music as a therapy. He plays a guitar donated by supporters every day.
Talked with a client who is kicking heroin. He asked for books by two specific authors. Both were in the bags of books I received today and distributed.
Talked with a client who is clean from heroin for a few weeks but has been lost in idleness. Found him today begging on the side of the road trying to get enough money to start buying his medicine, getting a but ticket to go home, and start making something of himself again. He looks so much happier now that he's up and moving again.
Ran into a client who's stable, sober, God-fearing and surrounding himself with Christian community. The first and last are under attack by some decisions he's making as well as from the outside. Was able to give him a tent and backpack to help him stay in a safe place. Was able to remind his of the important of seeking out Christian community as a source of strength.

-- Terry

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