Dear friends:

A few weeks back, I was having a conversation with someone about the ministry of Aslan.  This individual didn't know much about us, so I was rather surprised when he explained to me that he “was not impressed” with one particular part of our work.  As I was driving home later, it dawned on me that rather than this person's comment being offensive it was actually a compliment.  The mission of Aslan Youth Ministries is not to impress people.  It is to provide life-transforming services that touch the whole person – body, mind and spirit – of disadvantaged children.

The work we do at Aslan is difficult work.  The hours are long and sometimes our best efforts in the life of a child end up in failure.  We measure our successes in very small increments, and it takes years and years of continual care to see our children's lives change from negative to positive directions.  Aslan is not a Band-Aid or latchkey approach.  It is foundationally important to us to build lasting and meaningful relationships with these kids, because this is something most of them never experience.

Tamara is a good example of a child in need of a lasting and meaningful relationship.  This girl has been with us for almost 4 years now, and during that time we have seen wonderful growth in every area of her life.  Tamara lives with an elderly couple that she calls her “grandparents.”  We are still unsure if they are foster parents or distant relatives.  We do know they are one of the poorest families that we work with.  Most of Tamara's clothes are threadbare, and she rarely has money for anything.  But this young woman has a smile that can light up a room and a spirit within her that refuses to give up!  In spite of all the obstacles in her way, she keeps on trying again and again.  Much of Tamara's life is built around Aslan.  She comes to “Right Choices” classes, rides on the “Cheesequake Challenge,” goes with us to Creation Festival and Camp Haluwasa every summer, and comes to our Wednesday night sports & mentor program.  Basically, she comes to Aslan every time the doors are open!  One of these days, I expect I'll be writing to tell you that Tamara is in college and living a happy and fulfilled life.

Thank you so much for your gifts and prayers.  Through your generosity, the mission of Aslan is quietly being accomplished each and every day – in Tamara's life and the lives of so many other children in need.

May God bless you!

 Craig

Craig Bogard