5/25/2007
Left in Philadelphia,
Could You Find Urban Hope?
The National Institute, CE National's youth ministry program at Grace College, held the module "Cross-Cultural Youth Ministry" from May 3-9, 2007, at the Urban Hope Training Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They traveled from Winona Lake, Indiana, all the way to the east coast in order to accomplish the task of the students not only learning about cross-cultural ministry, but that they would experience it and have hands-on opportunities in a cross-cultural setting. The course professor was Brian Gornik and the Teaching Assistant was Timothy Clothier.
The students had plenty of time learning different philosophies and techniques through lecture in class. Skilled presenters, currently in ministry, who devoted their time to this course included Dr. Randy Smith, Bill Campbell, Ruben Ortiz, and Ron Tinsley. Gornik taught portions of the curriculum, as well as Urban Hope Staff Member, Jason Holt.
An integral part of this course is the experience that is involved for the students. They took part in Urban Hope's ministries, "Friday Night Rock" and "Kingdom Kids." A lot of their "free-time" was spent getting meals in the community, talking with passers-by, and getting to know life in a different culture. The favorite experience for most of the students was the "Cultural Observation Project." The students were put in groups on the second night of the module and were taken to different sections of the city: Chinatown, Cambodian section or "Philabodia," where many homeless live, the homosexual section, and the Puerto-Rican section.
They were given passes for public transportation and the address of Urban Hope. The task was to observe the different culture by talking with people, watching for certain ways of life, and eating dinner in that part of the city. Then they needed to make their way back to UHTC via the subway, the bus, walking, and asking for directions! It was a great experience for all the students. The stories from the day were never-ending, many were inspiring, some were just plain hilarious, but all were worthwhile.
The last night was a treat for many mid-westerners as they received a tour of Philly and ate world-renown Philly Cheese-steaks!
The students now have books to read, papers to write, and projects to do that are due in the fall. Please be praying for these students to continue learning from this experience and that the knowledge would now affect how they live and do ministry.
Students playing games at Friday Night Rock
Dodgeball is great fun
The Hoops Game
Brian Gornik (left) talks with Peter Rauch, on staff at Urban Hope
Katie Snyder (left) talking with Urban Hope teens
Alyssa Carlin (left) talking with teens at Friday Night Rock
Zac Hess, Erica Todd and Katie Snyder in class
