Gloria Reichert - Director Leadership Team: Director: Gloria Reichert Communications Coordinator: Marjorie Gray Celebrations Coordinator: Maureen Shorts Prayer Partner Coordinator: Susan Scott Pastor: Chuck Knerem
MENTORS & PRAYER PARTNERS Ben Blake & Connie Nielsen James Clouser & Sue Schmidt Deb Geschke & Kasie Geschke Marj Gray & Peg Gall Joelle Kluck & Carolyn Roman Chuck Knerem & Audie Kiplinger Reiner Mueller & Deb Coleman Gladys Otto & Susan Scott Gloria Reichert & Dawn Zima Bob Strong & Amy Kuntz Ron Warzel & Bob Jacob Madge Buckley & Sue Ludwig Lori Forse & Tracy Dinin John Gray & Mary Whitecar Bruce Holderead & Steve Gall Kathy Kluck & Wade Zwingler Barb Krueger & Karil Piskur Bonnie Newbould & Cory Newbould Kerry Ramsey & Beth Ramsey Sam Reichert & Dorothy Krenz Paula Trill & Doyne Botterman June Zakrajsek & Jerry Krueger		SUBSTITUTE MENTORS: Marsha Ginley Bob Mizer
Yes, we do make a difference. Will you prayerfully consider becoming involved in our very successful program? We always need Mentors and Prayer Partners. Pick up a volunteer application at the Welcome Center or call Gloria Reichert, Director at 330.225.3922 for more information.

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11

February is the month of LOVE. It is also a time for HOPE. Here are a few stories from around the country about kids who have felt LOVE and HOPE from their special relationship with their KIDS HOPE USA Mentors. We are constantly making our own stories here at First Lutheran. Do you want to make a ‘LOVE’ story of your own?

Sticks and Stones - Mason sang this song to his mentor Mr. Brian, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but you make me VERY HAPPY!"

Christmas Wish - A new KHUSA mentor has been meeting with a boy who has been struggling this year. After Christmas Break, the mentor asked Caleb, "Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?" Caleb answered, "Yes, you came back."

Writing Skills - A fourth grade boy recently wrote a note to his mentor stating, "I know that one of the reasons why I see you each week is because I'm not good at writing. I hope I'm not good at writing next year, so I can see you each week next year too."Although, Alex's writing has improved immensely, he was told that he would be able to continue meeting with a KHUSA mentor next year also.

BFFA - note written by Gabrielle, a 2nd grade KIDS HOPE USA student, to Miss Lisa, her mentor ..."In my in tire life I love you the most! First comes friends, then comes BFF! That's us ... I love you and you are my BFF!"

Giggling and Laughing - Every week, Sarah's teacher asked me the same question after our KIDS HOPE USA session: "How was your session with Sarah today?" "I hear Sarah giggling, laughing, and saying funny things," I said the last few weeks. "That surprises me," said the teacher. "You see, Sarah cries a lot during school because of her unhappy home life."

MENTORS NEEDED - We need three more!!!!!

Qualifications: Must know how to be a friend and encourage, throw a ball, swing on swings, read, color, draw, make puzzles, assist with some homework, and most importantly be a good listener and Christian role model.

Part time: One hour per week at school with future opportunities to befriend your child and their family outside of school.

Salary: “Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.” Ephesians 6:7-8

Bonuses: Every week: smiles, hugs, laughter, “I love you,” “You’re my best friend.”

Do you have a day to give? 24 hours to change the life of a child? Is this you? Contact Gloria Reichert, Director at 330.225.3922 if you would like to learn more about mentoring.

WHAT ARE THE KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE MENTORS AND PRAYER PARTNERS?

If you would like to become a Mentor, pick up a volunteer application at the Welcome Center or call Gloria Reichert, Director at 330.225.3922. If you would like to become a Prayer Partner, call Susan Scott at 330.241.4599.

The Leadership Team would like to add the position of Encouragement Coordinator. For further information, or to volunteer, please contact Gloria Reichert (330.225.3922). We would also like to create a Hospitality Committee. To volunteer, please contact Maureen Shorts (440.582.3535) .

Our Belief:
We believe in Jesus’ Way.

Our Values:
Children – Because every child matters
Relationships – Because love is only possible person to person
Faithfulness – Because if I say I will, I will
Prayer – Because it is our language of hope

Why is KHUSA needed?

• Many U.S. children are at–risk
• Churches want to reach and love these children but they don’t know how
• Principals and teachers, parents and students are asking for it

What is KHUSA?
KHUSA churches give hope to children in public elementary schools through a relationship with a caring church member.

H: Helping to meet the emotional, social and academic needs of at-risk children by giving them a one-to-one relationship with a mentor from our church.
O: Owned by our church, this is our ministry to children and families in our neighborhood.
P: Prayer is the foundation for our work. A behind-the-scenes prayer partner from our church prays for each adult-child relationship.
E: Elementary school children are our focus. They need mentoring the most because they are at that critical time when values are formed, self-esteem is developed and critical academic skills must be acquired.

Why does KHUSA work?

• Lives are changed
• Proven model: one child, one hour, one church, one school

What is KIDS HOPE USA Ministry?

KIDS HOPE USA gives church members an opportunity to model the love of Christ by building a relationship with an elementary school-age child in the neighboring school. This relationship affirms the child while helping him/her learn to develop academic skills. A prayer partner is identified with each relationship. Volunteers spend one hour per week with one child at Drake Elementary School.

Who can be a KHUSA Mentor?

Any adult church member (16 years and older) who can read is eligible for the ministry as a relational Mentor. The most important requirement for mentors is that they love children. All mentor volunteers will be interviewed by the director (Gloria Reichert) and must agree to a police background check.

What is the role of the Prayer Partner?

The Prayer Partner must be a prayer warrior and know the significance of lifting everything up to God. A commitment to consistent communication with the Mentor is desired. The Prayer Partner agrees to devote intercessory time sharing needs and reasons for thanksgiving to our God.

We now have 12 kids assigned to our Mentors at Drake Elementary School. We are already seeing positive results with relationships and we pray that more children will be recommended for this ministry. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor or a Prayer Partner, contact Gloria Reichert, KHUSA Director, at church 440-238-7890 or home 330-225-3922. We ask the congregation to continually be in prayer for this ministry.

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13