As we are continuing to adjust to "distance learning", we are encouraged to continue to work with our Young Life students and volunteers. The volunteers have done an amazing job remaining engaged and continuing to build relationships with our students. We will continue to cultivate those relationships and encourage opportunities for prayer, discipleship and fellowship.
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This week at Young Life, one of our students, Kody, shared a gospel message about having hardened hearts. After the message, students and leaders felt led to share their testimonies about how God has worked in each person's life and how each person's relationship with Christ is different. The Bible says that we will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimonies (Rev. 12:11). Each one of these student and leaders' testimonies will serve as a catalyst to encourage each other to trust in God. That even when we're apart from each other, the word of God is still powerful and true. Take time this week to share a testimony with someone in your circle to continue this practice of encouragement and evangelism.

As we were praying about what unit we should focus on next with our After School Students, we felt led to one of the fruit of the Spirit: peace. So many things have changed and it's been a difficult transition for a lot of us. Our kids feel it too as they are adjusting to doing school online, not being able to see their friends, and being stuck inside. Now more than ever, we need to remember that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard (our) hearts and (our) minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NIV)."

True peace is knowing that God is in control of everything and trusting that He is good. Sometimes we struggle to  remember that God is good when difficult things are happening. Whether we know people affected by the Coronavirus or who are struggling with job changes or loss, it can be hard to remember that God is good and that He's working everything out for good, even in this. 

This week we focused on Psalm 91:1-2 "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” It's a great reminder that God doesn't leave us alone when things are difficult. He's right here with us during this time. God is using this time to draw us closer to Him. All of our normal distractions are gone, stress levels are high, and God is waiting for us to draw near to Him. 

In His presence is where we can find all of the comfort and peace that we need. Join us as we seek to draw near to God and remember that even when we can't see it, He is still moving!

​Join us in continuing to pray for and support our families during this week. Hartford has spring break this week, so online learning is paused with the schools, some services will look different this week. We are planning to celebrate Spring break with some fun virtual games during the week.

Hartford City Mission, has been looking for ways to continue to deliver excellent God-centered programming to our children and their families while keeping everyone home and safe. We're excited to announce that, beginning on Monday, April 6, Hartford City Mission will be providing face-to-face Bible Lessons and check-ins with our students via Zoom as well as offering interactive activities through an app called Seesaw.  

Each day of the week, our goal is to have a face-to-face interaction with each student, to continue with our Bible-based curriculum for this year, and providing meaningful opportunities for students to engage with what they are learning.

One thing we know for sure is that God is still working. He doesn't keep his distance from us. In fact, He's just waiting for us to seek Him in this time where distractions and excuses have been removed. We hope that you will join us in drawing near to the Lord at this time as we continue to introduce our families and communities to the Great Physician during this time of crisis. 

Stay tuned to our social media pages for updates on how our virtual, interactive programming is transforming the lives of our children and families.