A Ministry to At-risk Young Adults Ravenswood opens it's doors every Wednesday night to neighborhood youth for open gym Basketball at 7:30 PM.

Our basketball program is an act of mercy to a group of young people who have started out life with some fairly serious disadvantages. They are often called "at-risk" youth. Often they come from single parent families. Many struggle with feelings of abandonment and neglect. There are sometimes issues of physical or sexual abuse. There is a great lack of positive adult role models, especially male. I have had some of our ball players tell me that they never get any direction or encouragement. A lack of a father figure can inspire hatred for authority, deep-seated anger, and a lack of a sense of identity. They turn to gangs for a sense of identity. But the gangs steer them in the wrong direction and encourage bad impulses.

Other problems they face are things that typically face low-income people. There is a lack of opportunity and resources. The schools they attend are the poorest. The dropout rate for minority youth in Chicago is over 50%. Without a high school degree, their prospects for meaningful employment are small.

They may come from violent neighborhoods. This year, one of our own ball players was shot and killed in a gang slaying. Drugs and alcohol are a constant temptation. They may also face the repeated barrier of racism.

Our society looks on these young people with a mixture of fear, hatred, and distrust. They are considered lost causes. We'd like them to go away. After having worked with them for five years, I am convinced that God does not see them that way. God looks at them through eyes of compassion and sees young people with great potential. God wants them to experience healing and to become members of his kingdom.

I have had more than one young man come up to me and tell me he had just gotten a job or he was trying to get his GED. A common refrain is, "I'm trying to stay out of trouble." I believe God is calling Ravenswood to minister to these young men and call them into his kingdom. It is our hope to soon hire someone to begin evangelism/discipleship work with them. We are exploring avenues for funding. We ask for you your prayers and support.