April 26, 2003

Dear Friend:

Greetings from Aslan!  Each month when I include pictures of the children in our programs, there’s usually a smile on every face.  That’s because these kids love being loved.  And they know for sure that Aslan is one place in their battered lives they can come and be loved!  They love to be with Aslan.  We are a moment or two of happiness in lives filled to the brim with hurt and abandonment.  Even when the children are with us, their smiles sometimes fade and the broken places in their hearts begin to show. 

This is ever so true with the little ones from the housing projects in Asbury Park that God has placed in our care.  When you drive down the “mean streets” where these children live, you begin to understand a little better the enormous challenge we face in trying to turn their little lives around.  A mother who is desperate for a safe place for her children painted the picture you see here on a fence in Asbury Park.  Drug busts are an everyday occurrence on this street, and I’m sure the crack dealers have a good chuckle every time they walk by.  It is not funny to Aslan.  It only serves to accentuate the battle we’re in for the hearts and souls of our kids there. The problems are multi-layered and multi-generational.  Even though we face an uphill battle with each and every child in Aslan, there is always the chance that the vicious and deadly cycle of poverty and hopelessness can be broken. 

Breaking that deadly cycle begins and ends in sharing God’s love with these children.  No matter how bad they act . . . no matter how many times we have to take away some privilege . . . even if we have to take them home and not let them come back for a week – they know we love them.  And most importantly, they know that Jesus loves them.  A few weeks ago, Nyezaire was acting so horribly that we had to literally “hold him down” on the bus ride home from classes.  Because of his behavior, he knew he wouldn’t get his snack.  So to punish himself and us, he got off at his bus stop and started running and throwing himself into a steel garage door.  Although Lynn Ann tried to reason with Nyezaire, he continued screaming and crying and literally beating himself against that door – again and again.  Since he wasn’t doing himself (or the door) any harm, there was nothing we could do but drive away.

A few days later, we learned that Nyezaire’s problem was that he didn’t get to be held by Sarah, his favorite Aslan volunteer, during the first part of class when all the kids are together.  Another little boy was sitting on her lap, and this made Nyezaire feel that Sarah didn’t love him.  How incredibly heartbreaking it is that a seemingly small incident like this would cause this little 6-year-old to go into an uncontrollable rage!  How telling it is that so many of Aslan’s children are literally starving to death for love.

I hope that through this letter I’ve been able to give you a special glimpse into the heart of Aslan.  There is a story like James’ in every child Aslan works with.  Most of all, there is the real hope that every child who walks through Aslan’s doors can experience the life-transforming love of God!  We love these children so much, and we are ever in your debt for making this ministry possible through your prayers, your time and your financial gifts!  May God richly bless you for your gift(s).  Countless lives have been changed for the better during the twenty-eight year history of Aslan Youth Ministries.  And, God willing, we’re just getting started! 

Most sincerely,

Craig & All Aslan