Each month YPN brings you stories of how your gifts make a difference in so many lives. This month I want to let you know while other charities and ministries have had to lay off staff or close, I thank you and God that YPN has not had to cut back. In fact it’s just the opposite! YPN is growing through our CityConnexx program.  God is calling people from all over the nation to join this custom mission program which supports our ministry partners through valuable volunteer time and resources. Amazing things are happening!

So I and the YPN staff want to extend a heartfelt "thanks" for giving your December gift. All of us at YPN know that these are difficult economic days impacting everyone in some way. Therefore your faithful and sacrificial gifts mean all the more to us in these lean times.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to introduce the person who really appreciates your gifts, letters and encouraging notes - Shelley Wallen.  She is the real brains behind the scenes. She keeps everything organized and on track. She opens the mail, reads your letters, deposits your checks and keeps the books balanced plus much, much more.  Please remember Shelley in your prayers as she works tirelessly to be sure we're the best stewards of your gifts all year round.

 

“I have had the privilege to work for YPN as Operations Manager since we launched in 2003. I appreciate you and greatly admire how faithful and gracious you have been to give even when I know it may be difficult for you at times, especially now.

I am so thankful for God's people like you that have an eternal perspective. It is such a joy for me to open your mail and think about the sacrifices you and your family make every month to bless others. I rejoice over every gift and know your gifts touch the heart of God.
 
Since Christmas is a time for giving and this year has been hard on so many, the YPN staff has been trying to decide what we could give you as a token of our appreciation. We decided the best gift would be our prayers. We figure some of you are indeed going through tough times and want to pray for you and bless you.

So in the coming days, Dee will be calling you just to say hi, say thanks and ask if she can pray with you. Dee is the wife of our CityConnexx National Director Jim Galanaugh. Her heart and passion is prayer. If we need anything as a nation and as families right now, it's prayer.

We will also forward your prayer requests to our staff and Board of Directors who set aside a day each month for prayer on behalf of our ministry.  We are also part of the prayer chain of our parent organization Compassion International.  Please let us know how we can pray for you.  We’d be more than happy to keep your requests confidential if that is your preference.

It has been a pleasure to get to know you over the years.  I wish each of you a happy, healthy and blessed Christmas and new year.”

May the Lord bless you and keep you and pour out his spirit on you now and in the days to come.

Blessings,
Shelley Wallen
YouthPartnersNET
Operations Manager

Merry Christmas,

Dean Cowles
YouthPartnersNET
President

LIVE COMPASSION!

Your Donations at Work:

La Villita Community Church is located on the west side of Chicago and is the largest Mexican neighborhood in the city of Chicago.  Though their economic power, traditions and determination is thriving, they are challenged to invest in human resources, especially in their youth and families. 

• The schools are overcrowded and under-performing
• 90% of high school students test below national standards
• 98% of public school students come from homes classified as “low-income”
• Their community has high rates of diabetes, obesity and depression
• They have 42 gang chapters with 600 active gang members

La Villita was a small church planted in 1994 to holistically serve and empower the neighborhood through Christian community development.

In addition to providing English classes, they have a Gang Intervention Basketball program, youth programs, small groups for their church members and in 2007 they started Si Se Puede After School Program which this grant will go toward. 

Currently they are able to serve 15 students from the surrounding neighborhood and have a long waiting list.  Through a group of volunteers, they provide a safe, positive and fun environment in which to enable these students for success in their schools.  Academically their goal is to come alongside the local schools and aid in their pursuits to teach fundamental reading, writing and math.  As a church based program they are motivated by this opportunity to serve Christ by serving their neighborhood.  Therefore, their response to God’s amazing grace is clearly integrated into their educational program through prayer time (photo above) and Bible study.

Prayer Request:

“One thing that I would like prayer on is about improving my grades, especially in math.  I also want prayer for all the people I know that are sick right now, especially those whose sickness are very serious, I just hope that they get better. I also want prayer for our community and how we could make it better.  Thank you – Eva”

(Eva is a 7th grader in the after-school program.  This is her second year with La Villita.  She wrote this request personally)