Bunco Tournament

Play in a Bunco Tournament June 9, 2012 at Park West Church on Middlebrook Pike from 9am-1pm and hel

Why? Why not?—What?

Life throws us curveballs at times. The unexpected collides with our “normal” life. How we respo

Touching Lives

We have always said, “Events don’t change lives, relationships do.” Alisha was re

 

Memories and Traditions

October 19, 2011 in Get Involved, Sidewalk Sonday School

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. All the events and aromas make this a joyful holiday. I can still remember the Christmas traditions my family had when I was a young girl. It was all about family gatherings and food. When Bill and I married and had our four children at home, each year tradition was a big part of our Christmas. We all still talk about the things we did every Christmas Eve and on Christmas day year after year. Now our children are married and have their own Christmas traditions with their spouses and children. As you may well know, traditions at such a time of year are very important to the stability of a family’s life.

But believe it or not, not everyone has fond traditional memories at Christmas. Many of the children in our city’s urban areas do not have traditions that bring smiles at the memories. For various reasons, their lives always seem to be in transition. Some of them don’t even know what to expect when they come home from school each day. So much uncertainty leaves little room for family traditions in any respect.

You may wonder why I’m telling you this. Well, I want you to know that you can be a part of bringing some sense of stability and tradition to over 1,000 children this year! This December KICKO will be taking the Christmas story to our inner city children for the 17th year! Every year the lesson is the same—we play the same 3 games and sing the same 3 songs. Our Bible lesson is always about the very first Christmas. Our memory verse every year is John 3:16 where we teach that Father God was the very first giveron that first Christmas day. We do the same five object lessons and our Life Story has always been the story of the Little Drummer Boy. We teach the children that they have something to give also during the Christmas season even if they have no money or gifts. The drummer boy gave what he had—a song. Every year we close the lesson by playing Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s “Happy Birthday Jesus” sung by an angelic voiced little girl. And of course, we celebrate the season by giving each child a wrapped Christmas toy.

Seventeen years—that’s a lot of miles for the same program each Christmas. But the kids would be so disappointed if it was not the same. You see, we have established a Christmas tradition in their lives. The Word of God at any time of year brings peace and stability, but especially during the holidays. Help us put a smile on their face and a good memory in their heart by partnering with us this year to keep the tradition. Each child receives a gift valued at $10. We need your help to make this year one of their best memories ever.

Janice Clark
Co-Founder

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A Momma’s Dream

August 29, 2011 in Junior Staff

Dennisha & her mom Kim

This week has been all about getting Dennisha ready to leave Walter P Taylor to start Mission 21 (a residential discipleship program). It has also given me opportunity to spend time with her mom, Kim.

Sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for Dennisha to get her physical, Kim began to open up to me. As an adopted child, Kim grew up in an abusive home. At the age of 14 she moved in with her granny until granny died. Her aunt’s home became her home during high school until she became pregnant during her senior year.  Kim wants a better life for her children. And she knows it means helping them make better decisions than she made.  “No telling what my life would have been like if there had been a KICKO around back then.”

Having not graduated from high school, you can imagine the pride as she watched Dennisha walk across the stage and receive her diploma from Austin East in May. But I heard the heart of a caring mother as she talked through her own tears of her dreams for Dennisha and seeing them actually begin to unfold.

Mission 21 will also allow Dennisha the opportunity to attend Lee University’s Internet Degree Program. She has chosen the counseling major because she hopes to give back with KICKO to those in her own community.

Now, knowing that Dennisha has the chance to realize her own dreams—to live in this godly environment as she is discipled and to actually go to college is almost overwhelming to Kim. This life-changing opportunity has been made possible for Dennisha through the support of many. She received a laptop computer and her school supplies from one of our caring supporters (via Compassion Coalition). A former Jr. Staffer, KristiKay, also starting college this semester to study Missions, took Dennisha to pick out and pay for her bedding. Wow, this touched me as much as it touched Dennisha!

Like natural parents, Janice and I see ourselves as “spiritual” parents to the kids in Knoxville’s inner city. We have dreams for them and seeing them fulfill their God given destiny is just amazing!

Kim said, “Now I got to get those three boys (her sons) involved with Junior Staff so they make it too.” Would you join us in mobilizing the message of hope to change a generation in Knoxville’s inner city?

Bill Clark
Co-Founder

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Hope and a Future

July 14, 2011 in Junior Staff

One of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11, promises a life filled with hope and a future. A promise like that offers real encouragement to a child regardless of the circumstances in their life.

Recently, I was reminded how important our work really is. We were invited by a group of Lonsdale community churches to take part in their Vacation Bible School. During one of our short Sonday School lessons I shared a life story that stressed how God can heal the areas in our lives where we have been hurt. I didn’t realize how important those words would be to one child listening that day. Angel (not her real name), now 12, approached me afterwards and told me how three years ago she had attended my Sonday School while at the Caswell Boys & Girls Club. She continued saying that Sonday School was one of the only happy memories in her life during that time. Her mother was on drugs and often abused her. One day her mom had even put a lit cigarette in her mouth. Since that time the court has taken her from her mother and placed her in the care of a guardian living in Lonsdale. She began telling me about stories she remembered from Sonday School that gave her hope. Giving me a huge hug she said, “I really like you.” It was at that moment that God reminded me of His faithfulness.

KristiKay is another  young lady who God placed in our life at just the right time. Our Sonday School truck showed up right in front of her apartment the week she moved in to Western Heights. She responded to the “tugs” on her heart, surrendering her life to Jesus. Following Him has allowed her to graduate from high school, and she is married to Robert, a fine young man. Her future is bright as she continues to follow the path God has laid before her. KristiKay has been accepted into the Missions Program at Johnson University this fall to pursue her dream of working with orphans.

 I don’t always know what the kids are going through while teaching each lesson, but I am so thankful that God is allowing us to speak into the lives of children who might really be hurting and in desperate need of hope. As I reflect on these encounters I am reminded that God’s desire for these kids is that they hear His Word and come to know Him in a very real way—that they discover the hope and the future He has destined for each of them. Thanks for helping us “mobilize the message of hope to this generation.”

Alisha Ballenger
Sidewalk Team Leader

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A Season to Face Your Fear

June 17, 2011 in Uncategorized

 

Have you ever experienced paralyzing fear? A fear that immobilizes you and keeps you from moving forward oftentimes goes unaddressed. Therese Borchard says, “Fears are like annoying relatives. You can’t avoid them forever, and ignoring them won’t make them go away.” It is just as important to know when it is time to face these fears.

On a recent trip to Chick-fil-a my daughter showed some signs of being afraid of the person dressed up as the cow. Even though she was only one and a half, I thought it would be better to show her that the cow was nothing to be afraid of. Dr. Phil has his own take on facing fears (and I certainly don’t agree with all of it), but he recommends differentiating between rational and irrational fear. Most of our fears are irrational, but there are others that are for survival and are instinctive.

I would never advocate as fear as our guide, rather I believe we should be kept in perfect peace while navigating through discernment. We should discern our season and know if God is leading us to face our fear at this time. Earlier this week I was talking to a volunteer about visiting our kids in Walter P. Taylor Homes. He said, “That’s a scary place, isn’t?” To natural eye, I guess it could be thought as such, but when God has called you who really can be against you. I am not talking about being foolish, presumptuous, or cocky. Rather, through faithfulness and love watching God’s favor grow in a community, and over the past 16 years that is what has happened in Walter P.

Remember, fear fights faith and neglects the love of God. The love of God, however, drives out those fears (deem them rational or irrational). Join me in striving to enter Christ’s rest, keeping our minds on Him in perfect peace, and allowing the love of God to drive our all fear!

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Experiment or Commitment

June 2, 2011 in Get Involved, Uncategorized

Recently, I have been challenged with commitment. While lack of commitment is a huge epidemic in our society, the kids I work with see it more than most. Starting in their family unit to being misunderstood and passed off in the school system, lack of commitment runs rampant. Unfortunately, churches and organizations have approached them with the same level of faithfulness. If the ‘program’ doesn’t work bags are packed, the group never seen or heard from again, and (worse of all) those they were ‘reaching out’ to left feeling like an experiment.

Why isn’t our ‘Yes,’ yes? Instead, in the name of flexibility we have forfeited faithfulness. We see it in our most meaningful relationships, as well as in our social service. Today, my dad was telling me why he is not a big fan of ‘Events’. He said events a.) don’t change people, relationships do and b.) they only set the stage for a one hit wonder approach in service.

Think about the most meaningful people in your life. There is no one who you have only seen once on this list. Let’s decide to give ourselves to community transformation more than just one day a year, but make it a lifestyle, imitating the faithfulness God has shown us.

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Salute to our Graduates

May 28, 2011 in Junior Staff, Sidewalk Sonday School

This weekend, lots of smiles and high fives were exchanged as friends and families gathered to celebrate a milestone—graduation from high school. The Knoxville Civic Coliseum was the site of many such events as it played host to five area high school’s commencement exercises. The excitement was evident both on the part of the graduates as well as the throngs of family and friends who came together to celebrate what in some communities is a monumental occasion! Graduation from high school for those who live in some of the urban areas where we work is considered a major accomplishment—a rare feat for some. And even though the graduation rate is showing marked improvement in these schools, one could still sense the feeling of pride for the grads and their families and friends.

This year, we were privileged to attend three high school graduation services and share the experience with four of our Junior Staff members—one from Austin-East, one from Central and two from Fulton High School. We could not be more proud of these young people and want to share our joy with those of you who read the KICKO Kids News and follow the ministry.

Friday, May 20th, Xavier Fletcher walked across the stage as a 2011 graduate of Central High School. Xavier has been a part of KICKO since he was in 3rd grade. He has been Mrs. Janice’s “sound man” at Sonday School at Christenberry Heights for several years. The one thing Janice has always said about him is that he is dependable! If he did not come to Sonday School she was concerned that something had happened to him. We will continue to disciple Xavier as he continues on the journey with the Lord, on his way to becoming the man he was created to be.

On Saturday morning, May 21st, the 2011 class of Austin East Magnet High School took center stage at the coliseum. AE’s arts program  was featured during the service as the dance team and West African Drummers performed. But the highlight for us was the graduation of Dennisha Wallace.  “Nisha” as she is called fondly has been a part of KICKO since she was a little girl. As a member of our Junior Staff she is on the dance team and has danced at our banquets and churches as she shares one of her many talents. Her artistic gifting has been featured previously in our newsletters. We pray that Dennisha will find her place in the kingdom of God as one of His precious girls. She knows that God has great plans for her life and she is on the journey to discover her destiny!

Saturday evening, May 21st, two more KICKO Junior Staff members reached their goal of becoming high school graduates. The Knoxville Coliseum was once again the host site as Fulton High School’s 2011 class held its commencement program.

We have known Jamarcus Mattress since he was in the second grade. He has grown into a fine young man who loves the Lord. We love the fact that he chooses to fill his mind with Christian music. Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac, and David Crowder Band are just some of his favorites. Although his next step is still being formulated, some of the things he is praying about include enlisting in the Marine Corps as well as pursuing studies which will prepare him for a career in law enforcement one day. We are proud to have played even a small part in helping him build his life on biblical principles. Congratulations Jamarcus—way to go!!!

Richard Higgins Jr.(aka ‘Lil’ Higgins’) also entered the world of high school graduates from the Knoxville Coliseum stage Saturday night. He became involved with KICKO’s Junior Staff group as a 9th grader; introduced by his younger brother Ryan who asked that Richard be given the opportunity to join the group. We have seen his life in the Lord grow from one of disinterest to the broken confession of a young man in need of a Savior. It has been a joy to see him grow and develop over the past four years. Richard is a thinker. During many conversations he has shared observations of things he has noticed in the news and his understanding show how he thinks and evaluates the behavior of others. He is determined to not follow in the footsteps of some who have made bad decisions that dramatically affected their life. Richard plans to take his next step at Pellissippi State Community College. We look forward to a continued relationship with Richard as he matures in his faith and life.

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Surrounded by Opportunity

May 6, 2011 in Get Involved, Junior Staff

While walking through the various KCDC housing developments yesterday, I was overwhelmed with the unmined opportunities. I could have filled up a bus then and there with middle and high school age kids wanting relationship. Yes, a few of the kids were excited about the fun things I might have planned for them, but many of the olders teens expressed how they want to be challenged and grow. I saw high schoolers I hadn’t in years, some graduating this year others next.

How could I mine these communities, these teenagers lives, and make a lasting difference? I am challenged with this thought, this task. And, frankly, I can’t do it alone.

Didn’t Jesus say the harvest is plentiful? I couldn’t agree more. Pray that others will come alongside me and help in this daunting task, and look for where God is asking you to do the same.

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Graduations and Growing Up

April 29, 2011 in Junior Staff, News & Events

Do you remember as a kid when someone asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up? Now, we would do most anything to not be grown up.

The answers haven’t changed all that much since you and I were kids. When I ask this question to some of the boys and girls coming to Sonday School I still hear, “Fireman, Pro-Football/Basketball player, Singer, Actor, Astronaut.”

Among our older Junior Staff we have those thinking more seriously about what they “want to be when they grow up”. We will be attending graduations this year for Fulton, Central, and Austin East High Schools. Jamarcus is graduating from Fulton, and plans to enlist in the military. Xavier has been filling out job applications, while Dennisha looks for ways to use her tremendous artistic gift.

My little girl will be 2 this August,  and nothing would please me more than if she decided she wanted to be like her Daddy when she grew up. In only a matter of words that is what one of our Junior Staff has decided. He will graduate next year, and is working toward attending a local discipleship and training program while working with KICKO.

Equipping, empowering, and giving them ownership must be intentional in our efforts, and nothing pleases us more than seeing them “get it”. During this season of graduations and growing up, I am reminded of my spiritual desire for these young men and women. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,” (Gal 4:19). Seeing Christ formed in each of our youth is why I do what I do.

Every 1st Friday we have The Journey where our more serious youth come to my house for discipleship. We have been discussing the spiritual disciplines, and every time I am impressed with their genuine interest and desire to know God and make Him known. What we have each learned during our Fridays together is that we get to choose who we become and if we will allow Christ to be formed in us. These teenagers have chosen to take responsibility for their lives and future by maturing in their faith.
Join me in celebrating those who are growing up and graduating both from High School and in their spiritual lives.

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Are Choices Opportunities?

April 15, 2011 in Uncategorized

Everyday you and I face many choices. Are these same choices opportunities? I recently heard the founder of another non-profit organizations describe how the people that he is reaching out to oftentimes have nothing but bad choices to choose from.

If we don’t make choices when we have the chance to make them we will be in a place where there is nothing but bad to worse as our selection. I talk with kids weekly that if they don’t make a choice soon then their options will narrow to a negative selection.

I remember hearing “the opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity.” That opportunity will not be there forever, but it too has a season. Sometimes our best choices can be prevented measures.

Today is the day. Now is the time. Choices can no longer pend. We cannot continue to put them off. Seize the opportunity of a lifetime during the lifetime of the opportunity.

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Of the Essence

April 1, 2011 in Uncategorized

Each first friday of the month I have the more serious youth over to the house for what we have called The Journey. I started walking them through various Spiritual Disciplines as found in Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. If you haven’t read it I highly encourage you to grab a copy (it has become a classic).

So, think about this…I am talking about disciplines in Twenty-Eleven to a group of inner-city youth. This topic would be hard enough to keep the attention of adults, but this group has surprised me. They have enjoyed Lectio Divina (Divine Reading), and opened up and shared each week. We have covered Meditation, How to Study God’s Word, and hit on a few others. This week, though, I am especially stoked. I am talking about Prayer.

Richard Foster says (33):

Of all the Spiritual Disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father. Meditation introduces us to the inner life, fasting is an accompanying means, study transforms our minds, but it is the Discipline of prayer that brings us into the deepest and highest work of the human spirit.

There is nothing more central to our spiritual life than the communication we have with our Creator. I hope, like the youth I meet with tonight, that you will endeavor on this journey to have a life more fulfilling by making prayer more important. The conversations we have with God are just that, conversations. While I will discuss various types of prayer (i.e. adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession), what it boils down to is a life led by the Spirit in constant communication with God. Join us on The Journey!

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