I just wanted to update you about some happenings here at St. Paul's. We have been in our new church for a little over a year. Our eyes have been opened to see what God had in store for us with this move. That is to raise up His children. As you know we are next to a very poor section 8 apartment community. We have been ministering to the children next door from day 1. Before our move we didn't have a youth group. Well, I am happy to report that we now have a youth group. We meet every Wednesday night and average 50 children a night. We feed their hungry bodies and souls. We give them peace and safety outside of the walls they live in full of violence and drugs.
We have recently partnered with the Henderson Police Department to help show the kids their is a world outside of the little community they live in. We also want them to trust and respect the police. Almost every Wednesday you will see officers at youth group just hanging out and visiting with the kids. The overnight squad has practically adopted all of the children. The first night officers stopped by, one of our children looked at one of them and said, "you kicked down my door and took my dad to away". I don't think myself or that officer will ever forget that. But that is what it is all about. Restoring that trust, being a friend a mentor.
On April 27th, we are having "Prayers, Police and Pizza". The department is sponsoring youth group and bringing pizza and desserts. They are going to teach the kids and play games. The SWAT team and K-9 officers are coming. Most important, they are coming just to get to know the children. Know them by name.
I have attached a couple of pictures from this past Wednesday. Some officers stopped by and were racing the children. You can see the smiles on everybody's face.
Blessings,
Fr. Chris Moran
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