Aslan Newsletter of January 16, 2001

Dear friends:

First, let me introduce myself to you. My name is John Fix, and I joined Aslan as Director of Operations back in June. My wife Leneita has served on the Aslan staff for the past 4 years. We truly love this ministry, and we are so thankful for people like you who give so generously to help Aslan do what we do! All of us at Aslan offer you our sincerest thanks for your prayers and support.

Now on to my story! Have you ever had a week where your job has seemed so frustrating and without purpose that you were ready to throw in the towel? When the only thing that is stopping you from quitting is a pile of bills and poor job prospects? I recently had such a week. I was so aggravated by ministry that I was sure God must be "calling" me to a better job: one with big money and no contact with kids. It was at this low point that God reminded me of His perfect will and timing.

It was a Friday night, and my wife Leneita and I had Lawrence, one of the Aslan teen-agers, over for pizza. I’ve been mentoring Lawrence for two years, and I’ve put a lot of time into his life. Lately, however, his grades and his attitude have taken a turn for the worse. So, on the way home from dinner I stopped in a local park and asked Lawrence to take a walk with me. As we walked, we looked at the stars and I tried to explain to him the huge dimensions of our universe. I then told him that the same God who keeps the stars burning brightly also listens to his prayers. Not only that, this same God loves him desperately. When everything and everyone seems to be against him, God is still there for him. Lawrence didn’t say much as we continued to look at the night sky, but I felt he understood. After dropping him off at a friend’s house in Red Bank, I headed for home.

I hadn’t driven a block when I noticed a commotion in front of a store with six kids screaming at the storeowner. Two of the boys, Jared and Allen, were Aslan kids. I stopped and, with a little nervousness, walked over to the crowd. I wasn’t sure how the boys would react when I showed up, but I knew I was supposed to do something to calm things down. Sometimes in the past when I attempted to intervene, kids I’ve known well still reacted harshly in their enraged state. I focused on Jared & Allen and asked them what was going on. As they explained to me that the owner was falsely accusing them of trying to take something without paying for it, I grabbed one in each arm and walked them away from the store. I told them I understood why they were upset, but I asked them how they thought it would look if the police showed up while they were screaming at the storeowner. While the two boys continued to talk to me, I noticed their four friends (who I’d never met) had followed us away from the store and were giving their side of the story. Jared & Allen gradually calmed down and we talked about the upcoming Aslan ski trip. I was able to send them on their way home without further incident.

As I drove away I was struck with the fact that many of God’s most amazing miracles involve such critically important timing. It is incidents like these that drive me on when the ministry is frustrating. It’s what makes all of Aslan’s staff and volunteers persevere during the difficult times. The chance to make a difference in the life of a child makes it all worthwhile.

Thanks so much for letting me put my thoughts down in this letter for you. You are an important part of our wonderful mission through your prayers and giving. May God bless you for caring!

Most sincerely,

John Fix

Aslan Director of Operations

P.S. I’ve changed the names of these young men to protect their privacy.