Summer Day Camp 2020 - Camp is now over and the school year has just begun. If you want to see a short video from our camp director, Ahmad, go to the 2nd Mile Ministries facebook page. Honestly, it is probably one of our best videos we've done! Check it out! Ahmad is in college now and participated in our high school program when he was in high school. His heart for his own community has been evident as he has worked with us for the summer to create a uniquely awesome camp!
School year 2020-2021 - For right now, 2nd Mile Ministries has decided to meet virtually across all programs, unsure of how the school year will shake out. Currently, in Duval County, elementary school students are back in person Monday through Friday (but parents had the choice to enroll them in virtual), and high school students are in person twice a week and virtual the rest. We cross our fingers and send up prayers that our students, teachers, parents, and other educational workers are safe, wise, and diligent. I pray that all of said people will have grace for each other as 2020 will truly be a year for the ages. Pray for the two:fiftytwo After School Program as it goes online. Pray for the recruiting process, the curriculum, strength, patience, and innovation. Pray for the BLOCK middle and high school program. Pray for wisdom in how to approach this program online as well. The students who have been coming are gaining so much knowledge and wisdom. Pray for leadership to create a program that kids will want to be a part of, despite already being online for a lot of their day.
The Nutritional Garden - Last month, I asked if anyone had started doing anything during the pandemic that they might not have otherwise done. Answers included meditation, spending more time with family, exercising, etc. For me, one of my go-to's has been the garden. 2nd Mile has helped out at the Nutritional Garden for a number of year now. It's located just a couple blocks from the church where we do ministry and if you were new to the neighborhood, you might think it was a little out of place. It is built in a previously empty lot with residential houses on either side. We've grown many different vegetables, fruits, and herbs over the years, some of which I am still unacquainted with. Just in the last couple years, the garden has been given over to 2nd Mile Ministries to run and manage. I'm assigned once every other week or so to help water, weed, prune, harvest, clean, etc. Lately, weeding has been my primary focus at the garden. It's amazing how fast those weeds grow, especially in Florida. I want to devote a blog post just to how much gardening reflects life. I can understand why Jesus used parables involving trees and seeds and water to describe the spiritual life. Oh well, for another time.
We have recently received grant money specifically to be used in the garden. This money allows us to put in new wooden fences along the sides of the garden (the old ones have rotted and been overtaken by vines). There is also a chain-linked fence near the back mural that existed as part of an alleyway that probably was utilized decades ago. This fence will also get removed and allow for a more open feel. If you have any interest in gardening and would like a tour, (even a virtual tour), I'd be happy to give one. If you would be interested in giving towards our garden expenses, thankfully, it's pretty cheap to run. Right now, our only cost is our water bill. On average, our water bill is $37 per month. Would you consider donating this amount to 2nd Mile Ministries on our website, 2ndmilejax.com?
And lastly, if you'd rather give a one-time donation, I have one more request. Our basketball hoops at the church have been a game-changer for how many people have come to the church to just hang out. Within the last school year, one of the backboards cracked, and those cracks have over time turned into giant holes. The backboard/rim system that fits our cemented poles at the church are here, amazon.com/backboardandrim It is specifically the 48in one. If you're interested in shipping one to us, you can send it to my address at 3646 Brentwood Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32206. If you are interested in just donating money for us to buy them, they are $179 each. We are hoping to get two. And if you are unable/unwilling to give at this time, perhaps you know someone who may be interested in giving.
(If you decide to give, please either give those specific amounts (so we know their intent), or just leave a comment in the comment section when you give.)
Thank you for reading. May God bless you and encourage you as the new school year begins!
