I originally wanted to create the youth center, that grew into a campus, as a place where young people could go to hang out, get involved, in a positive, productive way. There are so many teens that are involved in street activities..drugs, underage drinking, illegal activities, etc. even in the local area, alone. And why? Because they're broken. They're empty. They come from dying homes and lives, and they're longing for something to fill the hole in their lives. And no one is really doing a thing about it. Yes, there's youth group. yes, there's school activities. But what happens when schools out, and church is closed? Where do the youth have to go? What do they have to do? Who do they have to turn to? Not many or much of anything. Why? Because there's literally *NOTHING* directed at teens in this area. What is, is directed at tourists on vacation for a few days. It's all very superficial. I want to change that. I wanted it to be a Christian outreach, nonprofit. But the center wouldn't be one of those intense, shove in your face Christian centers. "You're nothing but a sinner, come get God." True, yes, but there comes a point where you can be "Too Christian" to the point where you can actually turn people away from Christianity because if it. The theology and philosophy of the campus would be "Love out loud". Not sermonize life, wrapping words up in a pretty pink bow, but living out your faith. "Faith without works is dead." I wanted it to be a place where teens could go, and just..be themselves. To always have activities going on or opportunities available for them to do, instead of wondering what they're doing from day to day. Giving them a point to life. It'd give opportunities to learn, and grow, and share interests they have with others. To socialize with people that are like them, even if they didn't think it possible. There'd be multiple buildings--The main center, which would have the cafe, the game room, the lounge. The hobby rooms. Those sort of things. The main center is very relaxed and open, where teens can just hang out and chill and talk. Eat, or do homework, whatever they need. The arts center would be where you would find the main music stage and classrooms, the theater and classrooms, the art classrooms and student gallery/display. The education center would hold a library, different classrooms for tutoring and educational groups, a computer lab (that would be monitored, obviously.), the faith center is a support center..it would be where people could go for youth style classes and groups, counseling and help in life situations. Where teens could go for help, and to help them realize they are never alone, and don't have to fight anything on their own. Although the staff for the entire campus would be people any teen could go to, at any time, for any reason. They wouldn't have to go to the faith center itself. Attached to this would be the "safe house", which would be a legal guardian house for teens to be able to take shelter in when they are homeless, or need out of broken and/or abusive homes. Then there's the sports center, which would have an equipment and training building, and then all the fields, stadiums, the like. The building would have the gymnasium for basketball and indoor volleyball too. There would also be a full size marching band, that would give shows and compete in the same competitions Branson high does. However, all the classes, teams, opportunities given would be accredited for college, and they would be open to students who aren't enrolled in the local public school systems and aren't given the equal opportunity. Plus, with this possible barn addition, we can add horse back riding to the mix, not only offering classes and competition opportunities, but using this as another form of therapy for special needs youth, much like some of the classes that would be offered. The entire campus would be supported by those willing to support it, with fundraising opportunities, and church/business/organization sponsors. It would partner with some of the local organizations and systems for things like counseling and addiction or abuse help, for those in need. And it would run on Faith, the faith and trust that God will provide a way, because this is of His will, and we walk in His will. And I have no doubt He will.
I've just..been seeking God so much about this. I don't want teens, current and future, to have to deal with what I did. With what people I know and care about, did
It started out as something so simple..a single building with some activities..a place people could go so they could socialize and not be alone, and have opportunities..but the more I prayed and sought God, the bigger the project, the campus became. And the more I truly believed it could help people. It could give them opportunities far beyond their imagination. It could show them love..that they truly are worth it and cared about and they are not the rejects this world has labeled them as.
There's a ton more, but that's a good gist.
