Why we do what we do

(why do you do what you do? what is the passion that drives your ministry?)

If you’ve ever watched a Veggie Tales episode you may have noticed a short vignette near the beginning. A little child plays over top the caption, “why we do what we do”. It’s a wonderful visual to parents about the good intentions of the animators. And I suppose a reminder to the makers of why started creating those goofy videos in the first place.

Last week I visited the Lucas County Youth Treatment Center with my friend Josh who does spiritual mentoring work there each week. On this particular day the residents were putting on a dramatic performance they had written, directed, starred in, wrote music for and created a documentary of. It was clearly something that took them out of their comfort zone and got them to express feelings about the poor choices that had landed them at the Center.

The kids seemed pretty much like any other groups of kids. Except that the court system has separated them from the rest of society for a time. When the program ended that day, they had three minutes to spend with their parents. That’s it, three minutes. Then the separation, not just from society, but from the ones they love would continue.

That’s “why we do what we do” at the YMCA. To help kids like these see a different side of life and get back in the mainstream when they are released. To help young teens have a positive after-school experience and avoid trouble in first place. To give young kids a safe, loving place to get the skills they need to get ready for kindergarten.

That and so much more!

Brian

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