Nathan@YoungAmerica

Teen Winter Camp 2012

2012-01-03T13:34:00.002-05:00

Thirty of us packed up and headed out to Winter Xtreme in Pigeon Forge, TN last Thursday and had an amazing time. The bands were great, the speakers were challenging, and the kids all behaved themselves. We were able to have some fun at the Dixie Stampede, Nascar Speedpark, and Ober Gatlinburg before coming home.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the trip possible with your financial gifts. A special thank you to Gracebridge, White Oak Baptist, Rising Fawn Baptist, and Westside Baptist for your generosity and to Bill Davenport for providing all of us with sharp fleece vests and beenies complete with the new Young America Logo.

Check out our pictures we posted on Facebook and thanks again for helping make this all possible.

For His Glory,

Nathan Cravatt
Director

New Pictures

2010-08-05T00:59:00.009-04:00

I promised some pics of the new Community Center and here is the link... so amazing!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075250&id=1144628134&l=edbc29f229

We are in the new Community Center!!!

2010-06-16T22:59:00.003-04:00

Well, tonight was our first night in the new trailer. We have worked SO hard and so many of you have given to make this possible. WOW! What a great night. The kids were so excited. We had around 35 kids and there was still room for more! The place looks amazing. There will be pictures coming soon!!! I promise. God has brought us so far in the past 6 years... in spite of us, he continues to bless and kids are hearing the good news. We still have much work to do, but we now have more tools than ever to accomplish the task set before us.

We talked about PROGRESS tonight from Phil. 3:12-14. None of us are perfect... Especially me... even Paul said he wasn't there yet, but we have to press on! "We lose our way, we get back up again" as the song says. We PRESS (showing a struggle) toward the GOAL (to glorify God with our lives) for the PRIZE (it will be worth the effort)! The main point is that it is a daily fight. We work 12 years (some even more) to graduate and get our diploma. There are ups and downs, but in the end the prize is well worth the struggle. Some us us have quit pressing on... it's time to get back in the fight. (I'm talking to myself)

I'm so encouraged at where we are, where we have come from, and where we are going. God is good... so good... and we are so not!!! BUT, through him we can accomplish great things.

To the fight! Press on!

Nathan

Young America Block Party/Teen Night

2009-09-12T09:40:00.001-04:00

Young America Community Center

2009-09-02T11:01:00.003-04:00

Our new trailer is now set up on our property. We have been praying so long for this happen and each time we see the trailer we are reminded that God still answers prayers.

We are now beginning the remodeling process. We already have the plumber and electrician lined up and they should be getting started this week. We are taking this project one step at a time. We do not have all the money we need to complete the entire project, so we are going to do all that we can as long as the Lord provides... and He will provide... in his time. We must continue to be faithful with what he has given us and to trust his plan. He has been so good to us. The community center is going to open so many more doors for us to minister to the children of America.

Please continue to pray about how you can help us accomplish our goals. We need financial help, building materials, laborers, and most of all prayer. Thank you all for what you have done to help us reach this point.

I am including our most recent to-do list. If there is any area you would like to help with please call (423) 227-9604.

1. Get security bars built and installed for entire trailer
2. Gut all carpet
3. Clean up
4. Sheet Rock repair
5. Spray Ceilings
6. Paint
7. Replace Floors
8. Plumbing
9. Electrical
10. Porches
11. Fence
12. Asphalt

Thanks again for joining in with us as we share the love of Christ with America's Youth!

Nathan

Camp Joy

2009-08-25T11:15:00.001-04:00

Camp Joy

2009-08-25T11:14:00.001-04:00

We took 21 kids to Camp Joy this year and they had such a good time. They were so excited when we dropped them off and so exhausted when we picked them up. Many of the kids made decisions for Christ and we are ready to help them in their new walk with the Lord Jesus.

Keep "Pushing"!!!

2009-05-15T19:21:00.003-04:00

This morning I listened to a message from one of our third graders, Meghan. She had called last night and wanted to tell me something about her day. Since a call from Meghan is rare, I feared the worst. But what a great surprise and triumph when I talked to her this afternoon and she shared the results of her CRCT test. "Ms. Jackie, I passed! And you know how I hate math? That was the highest score on my test!" Meghan's excitement and desire to share her great news was the highlight of my day.

Just a few minutes ago, I read a piece on Bill Cosby in the Chattanooga Times and will quote the following. "Actor and comedian Bill Cosby told staffers from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America that it's everyone's responsibility to reach out to struggling children. Cosby, himself a high school dropout, attributed his rise above his inner-city Philadelphia roots - and his return to school to get his GED and, eventually, his doctorate in education - to adults in his life pushing him to do better. 'I was the kind of kid who needed people to sit on me and be there all the time, people to say, This is not acceptable,' said Cosby."

What a privilege it is to work with staff and volunteers who are loving, encouraging, and pushing our kids to be all that God has planned for them. Better yet, we are empowering them with the knowledge that through the power of our awesome God, all things are possible.

Congratulations to all our kids who worked so hard this year and are looking forward to moving on to new challenges next year!

Missions Conference

2009-04-24T00:44:00.002-04:00

We run the Young America van every Wednesday night to pick up all the Y A teenagers for our youth service. This week we joined the main service for the first night of our Global Outreach Conference. The service was very good, but I could tell that most of the teens were pretty bored. I was praying in the service that something would stand out to them and that it would be profitable if not pleasant:)

At the end of his sermon Bro. Tom Lancaster (Missionary Pastor to military families in Germany) told of how his dad was a drunk and his mom committed suicide. He told how God saved him and had blessed him with a wonderful wife, children, and grandkids. I believe the Holy Spirit was whispering in every ear, "I have wonderful plans for your life... Trust me and you will never regret it... I saved him from a messed up, broken home and I can do the same for you... you don't have to be tied down by your past... your future is as bright as the promises of God!"

Help me pray that God will continue to use us to shine His light in the darkest of places. I know God sent us here to rescue those who will hear and believe. If they could only taste and see how good he is... they would never settle for anything short of his will for their lives.

Our Kids are Missionaries!

2009-02-25T13:48:00.005-05:00

I visit Westside Elementary each Wednesday for tutoring sessions with some of our kids and to have lunch with as many of them as possible. As I walk the halls of the school or sit in the lunchroom, I am constantly hearing, "Miss Jackie, Miss Jackie!!!" as the kids from Young America recognize me and run to get a hug. (Confession - I do get as much from these visits as they do!!!)

Of course, their classmates want to know who I am and what Young America is all about. I can't help but smile as I hear the kids explain what they do at Young America, or "church", as they so often call our gatherings. They are so proud that they are part of this special club and their enthusiasm is infectious! I received 2 notes with kid's names and addresses written on lunchroom napkins begging to come to our church. Other children are constantly asking, "Are you going to pick me up this week and take me to church, too?"

I am seeing for myself how the crowd following Jesus must have looked as it grew from a small group of twelve to tens then hundreds then thousands. What an opportunity God has placed in front of us! Praise God our kids feel loved by the Young America staff and are making those around them want to be a part of this special community.

To the crew at Young America, keep on shining and being a "witness to the light" (John 1:6-9). You are changing lives and those changed lives will change lives and then .....

Words from the church van!

2009-02-06T01:15:00.003-05:00

Our van driver, was sick Wednesday night, so I ran an abreviated route at the last minute, yet still managed to pick up a full load. I really want to be positive, but I feel I need to share some random things I noticed on the way to and from church.

1. "We have power again... (when I picked them up) Look Nathan, our lights are on!!! (when I dropped them off)

2. "she is getting so big!" (referring to 15 yr old single teenage expecting mother)

3. "... he drove me to school drunk again. We were doing like 80 around the parking lot of the school"

4. "we have two gangs on our street... the bloods and the crips... I live by the bloods... don't wear blue when you come over"

5. "Why are they saying you think the baby is yours... I didn't say that, She's lying... I would like to get a blood test though..."

6. Phone call: "Nathan, when are you bringing them home... In about 30 min's, why?... Their step dad trapped their mom in the bathroom and put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her... she's hurt and very upset, he's in the back of the cop car" (They kept asking me to pray for them when I dropped them off)

7. You better watch out for her... you don't want her diseases

That is just a VERY small portion of what I heard, but I can't write any more. I'm just sick thinking about all these kids go through every day. The sermon was, "God is in Control" from Proverbs 16:4. The point was that God wins in the end, so get on board with his will and he will bless your life... He has a plan for your life... His plans are best! I pray they listened.

Dear Jesus,
Please open their hearts and minds to see that it doesn't have to be like this. Show them your hope, give them some peace... Rescue them please! I am so helpless. All I can do is point them to You! I can't do this without You... but You CAN do this through me... please allow me to reach them... Enable me to reach them.

Bible Club Success!!!

2009-01-29T14:10:00.002-05:00

The first meeting of the Believe Bible club was a tremendous success! Six giggly girls met at my home for the first of our weekly meetings designed to encourage spiritual growth, develop life skills, and promote a sense of family and accountability amongst our group.

I want to share two special memories. First, nothing was more precious than joining hands with these girls as we circled together for a chain prayer. Hearing them ask God for more shifts for the Mom whose hours have been cut, asking for Mom's safe return for the Mom who left her child with a neighbor for a few weeks, blessings for me so that I don't get sick and am unable to pick them up and have Believe club (funny the things they think about), and multiple thanks for their friends blessed me immeasurably. All my concerns seemed so trivial compared to what these girls deal with each day.

Secondly, I will always remember quoting God's word with some major attitude! For our first devo, we made a "I believe in God" scripture collage with verses that showed us the power and love of God. Our goal is to memorize these verses so that when we are faced with times of doubt, we can quickly recall God's words. Little did we know that we would need these within the hour. As one of our girls later asked how God could possibly hear all of our prayers when there are millions of people out there, we stood up and gathered at the window and looked outside at God's marvelous creation. With our hands on our hips and some major attitude, we pointed to the trees, sky, and birds and quoted Jeremiah 32:27 as though we were God answering her question. "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?!!!!" The laughter and joy we shared in knowing that we are united in our awe of our Lord will be a memory I will treasure for a lifetime.

I anxiously await what God has planned for us next week!

2009

2009-01-16T14:49:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!! We are back to work and have successfully made it through our first week of 2009. The new schedule is posted on our website on the Outreach page and we want to invite everyone to find time this year to come out and see for yourself what is going on at Young America.

We were very busy over the holidays with the Christmas Party, Christmas Parade, and of course Winter Jam. I will be posting some pictures from these events asap. As you pray for Young America this year please ask God to give us wisdom to accomplish the goals he has set before us. It is our desire to be as effective as possible in the short time we have with these children each week. God has a special plan for each of them and we are planting the seeds of faith in their lives confident in the power of God to bring forth fruit in due season!

For His Glory,

Nathan

Praise God !

2009-01-14T22:25:00.005-05:00

I want to praise God for the three Young America kids that got saved last week. God is still on the throne and saving sinners. Please pray for these kids as they face their new life as Christian teenagers. It is not the easiest thing to make a stand when it seems like everyone around you is doing their own thing. I thank God for how he has moved in our services and in these young hearts the past few weeks. Please continue to pray/support us as God uses us to impact these awesome kids.

Totally Unacceptable

2008-12-30T00:40:00.003-05:00

Ok, so there is no excuse for the HUGE lapse in between posts. True, I was without internet service for 2 months at home and got out of the habit, but I could have gone to the office and updated the blog... I'm sorry. Not that anyone is reading this anymore... but I will start managing this journal again. Slacker...

Alright, enough of the self inflicted guilt trip. A lot of things have changed in the last 6 months FOR THE BETTER!!! Thank God for his grace and guidance. I look forward to sharing how things are going very soon.

5-16-08 Teen Night

2008-05-18T09:09:00.003-04:00

We did teen night on Friday this week since I was leaving on Saturday morning. We picked the teenagers up and made a quick stop at McDonalds. It's just about the cheapest place we can eat (2 things off the dollar menu each) and the kids like it better than pizza.

Then we were off to the movies. It's not very often we go to the theatre because there is rarely anything decent to watch, but we caught National Treasure 2 at the cheap movies (2.50 Each).

The kids were GREAT! Everyone behaved and we all had a wonderful time. We spend a lot of time teaching and preaching to them, but sometimes we like to just take them out for a good time and build relationships. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. We always make it a point to make them realize that whatever we do must honor God.

Teen Night 3-22-08

2008-03-23T00:09:00.002-04:00

Arriving... We had around 35 people tonight

I want some pizza!

Trading Yesterday doing an acoustic set... Tait and Jon were great, the kids loved them, I did too (especially their totally rockin' version of Father Abraham)!

Debbie Garner spoke to the kids tonight about the spiritual man, making choices, and trusting Christ. She did a wonderful job and...

there were 4 decisions for Christ! AMEN!!!

Thanks Daniel for helping out tonight (even though you had a terrible headache) and I was glad Cole made it out and brought his mom (not pictured)

Harlen and Debbie Garner... You two are such a blessing! I love you guys and hope you can come back soon! (I wish I knew a dozen more just like you)! What a wonderful night! Goodnight.

Desire...

2008-03-22T09:27:00.009-04:00

We put our time and effort into so many different things in life. Why do we do the things we do?

Let's just be honest... We do what we want to do. Unfortunately, we have a bad habit of wanting all the wrong things. C.S. Lewis wrote, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Jesus put it this way;

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

"Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it." Luke 17:33

The Apostle Paul added;

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

So... What do you want?

BrOkEN LiVEs...

2007-10-30T00:21:00.000-04:00

Eleven kids... We picked them up from all over North Georgia to take them to Judgement Day, a walk-thru drama about life, death, and the judgement. They all had so much in common. They all come from broken homes. They have all been dealt a bad hand. Disappointment is the rule... not the exception. They learn young to hide their feelings. They learn to laugh when all want to do is cry. They hurt... I see it every day.

Three sisters, I haven't seen in about six months, came tonight. They all have different fathers... it's not their fault. They have been abused, dragged from place to place. The oldest counted over 30 different times she has moved in her life. When I met them they were so happy that their mom was marrying a nice guy. They moved into a nice double-wide and things were looking up. The marriage lasted little more than a month. Then they left to live with relatives until they could afford a place of their own. I usually don't see them again, but God brought them back for a reason.

Two brothers and their sister came as well. They recently moved out of the trailer park they were in when I met them and now live in a small hotel room with about 6 or 7 other people. They told me that the place is known as a crack shack. Their parents split up, but are back together for now. Their older sister just moved back in because of her divorce. Her new boyfriend was recently put in jail for getting drunk, going after her with a gun, and busting her windshield out.

Another girl that used to live in the same trailer park just moved in to the same hotel. Last week they got kicked out of their ex-mother-in-law's house and had to find a place of their own. They are borrowing a friend's car so the mom can keep her job. While we were on the way home she called me crying because her boyfriend had walked out on them and she was afraid her daughter was going to be devastated. She said he was the closest thing her daughter had ever had to a father. He promised her he would never leave, but decided to go back to his other girlfriend tonight. They had been together for one year. Now, her mom doesn't know how she's going to be able to buy groceries for the week and pay the rent (240 a month). There were 2 other families staying in the room with them.

We picked her cousin up from another park. She was in bed already, but got up to go with us. I don't know much about her family situation, but gathered it was much the same as the others.

Three other kids we have been picking up came with their dad and step mom. We went by last week to get them and they had moved again. Their sister recently left because she was in trouble with the law and had to go live with an aunt. I didn't even know they were coming. It was a nice surprise.

They have so much in common... but I left the greatest common denominator out...

THEY ALL TRUSTED CHRIST TONIGHT!!! Eight of the eleven we took and one of the girls that came with her parents chose to publicly repent of their sins and follow Christ.

We have taken 4 groups through Judgement day since last week and every night some of the kids have responded. 22 in all have confessed their new faith in Jesus.

GOD IS SO GOOD!!! He knows how to put broken lives back together again!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2007-06-07T02:22:00.001-04:00

Tonight was officially our biggest night ever for the Wednesday night bus ministry. We had 26 kids. I actually had to make 2 trips in the van. I'm not getting smarter... I just couldn't talk them into packing onto the van for one trip. That was for the best thought I think.

Tracy preached on a hot topic tonight... HELL!!! He did it with tears in his eyes. It's not easy talking about such a serious topic, but Jesus taught about hell more than he did Heaven, so I think we would be foolish to skip over it. I prayed that we would have someone saved from our group and one boy raised his hand to say that he needed to be saved, but he didn't go down to pray with anyone. He told me that he prayed to himself, but said he didn't really understand. I tried to talk to him and explain, but he wasn't too serious about listening. I don't think he's too far from it though.

We went out for pizza after church and then we took everyone home and on our last stop Cole started talking to Ashlyn about being a real Christian. She said she was saved, but after we talked to her a while she said she went down to get saved when she was a little girl and didn't know what she did. Somebody prayed with her and then told her she was saved. We talked to her for about an hour at her house and explained the Gospel and answered her questions. Then SHE PRAYED HERSELF AND GAVE HER HEART TO JESUS. She said she was trusting JESUS ALONE to get her to Heaven and help her live the right way.

She was a little worried about praying out loud so she asked if she could pray silently... and she did. I expected a short prayer, but she prayed silently for about 3-5 minutes. I have been praying for her for about 1-1/2 years... and Jesus answered those prayers tonight. June 6, 2007 is her spiritual birthday. Cole told her the angels were partying down in heaven... HE'S RIGHT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLYN!!!

NASHVILLE CITYFEST

2007-06-07T00:52:00.000-04:00

Our trip was a success overall. It was trying at times and there were a few things we had to overcome... but one young man gave his heart to Jesus and that makes it all worth it.

Check out the slideshow of our trip.

http://www.gospeltube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=50e280d8e2b535462ec1

Thank you Cole and Jody for all of your help. I could not have done it without you!!!

KETCHUP

2007-06-07T00:29:00.000-04:00

Today was just one of those unbelievably incredible days! I don't even want to go to sleep because I don't want it to end. I'm actually a little bummed out right now (just a little) because I realized that it has been almost a month since my last post. Don't say I didn't warn you that it would be like this. I've got to do better.

Anyway, I need to catch you up on all that's been going on. School is out and our summer program is in full swing. We are partnering with the Catoosa County Child Nutrition Program to start a seamless summer lunch initiative for 5 of our parks.

We are feeding a healthy lunch to anyone 18 and under in 5 of our parks. We have the program set up in 2 sites and we are bussing in kids from 3 of our other parks every day. This is obviously very expensive and labor intensive so we need your prayers and financial support (hint, hint). Or if you would like to volunteer, we would love to have you.

We are still doing our normal Bible studies and activities daily. We have changed the schedule around a little due to the fact that school is out, but we are still rolling down the road taking the Gospel to these precious little kids.

May God bless and keep you.

NASHVILLE, HERE WE COME...

2007-05-01T23:52:00.000-04:00

Nashville Cityfest is coming up soon! We took 21 people including myself, Patrick, and Brittany. We partnered with the Luis Palau Cityfest and Purity Dairies to hand out 1,000 pcs. of ice cream to inner city kids. I've included the pictures from the trip. Thanks everyone for your help!!!

http://www.gospeltube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=05321542838d77f85522

Please pray for a young boy who is about to be placed back in foster care. His mom and step-dad were evicted from their trailer this morning (that whole paying the rent thing) and he is staying with his dad for now, but is probably headed back to foster care. He was abused by his previous foster parents and needs to see the love of Jesus.

Also pray for a family who is in the process of splitting up. There are 4 kids involved that I have been working with for about a year. I am worried that I will lose track of them if they move off and really hope that I can keep in contact.

LORD JESUS please save these hurting children. Use this ministry to reach out to them with your love. May we show many kids the way to live... FOR YOU!!!

TIME WILL TELL...

2007-05-01T00:34:00.000-04:00

There is a thin line between discontent and discouragement. I have been reeling back and forth between these extremities for the past few weeks, and I honestly find it hard to tell the difference between the two. Discontent is a good thing if it results in determination to improve, but it can also be negative if it pushes you in the direction of despair. I am not about to quit!!! However, I am very determined to see this ministry become more and more effective as we continue to serve our Savior by reaching these precious kids.

We have faced some tough challenges, but they were expected. Nobody said this would be easy! I believe it is worth any obstacle we have to face and only time will tell how many lives are being changed through our struggles. Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
It will be worth it all... TIME WILL TELL!

I'm going to try posting slide shows instead of individual pictures... we'll see how it works.

Here is the first one. It is from the pizza party for all the kids in our tutoring program. We reward them based on their attendance, behavior, and grades.

PIZZA PARTY
http://www.gospeltube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c6938f52cb96f7e08794

Last week (as best as I can remember it)

2007-04-17T10:40:00.000-04:00

Tuesday: Sherwood Forest, Arbor Mill, and Dalton RYDC

Psalms 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

The greatest thing we can ever teach these kids is that JESUS IS ALIVE!!! We watched the Easter video this week and the kids loved it. Last week I asked them what Easter was all about and most of them had no idea, this week when we asked them questions they knew the answers. It is so easy for them to believe that Jesus rose from the grave and that he is coming back one day. The faith of a child is always inspiring to me. True faith will result in following. But the Apostle Paul said, " How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14 Sharing the Gospel with these kids is the most important thing we could ever do. Sometimes it feels like we're not making much of a difference, but we are planting the seeds, and God will make them grow!
Wednesday:
I had 10 pre-teens and teenagers on the van Wed. night. We had an excellent service and THE KIDS ACTUALLY LISTENED THIS TIME!!! I'm finally getting the message across that God's house is a special place that should be respected and reverenced. We stopped for pizza after the service and had a blast.

Thursday: Hickory Grove

We had the tutoring session and the Bible study at Hickory Grove. Rob, J C , and Jolee did a great job helping the kids with their school work, then Brittney and Brianna Seagroves showed up to help with the Bible study. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! We have the best helpers ever!

Friday and Saturday;

Young America put on the very first PURE POWER WEEKEND for The Bridge Student Ministries. We had around 16 teenage boys and helpers. We focused on Purity and Integrity all weekend. We stayed up all night Friday playing football, wiffle ball, X-box, PS2, and even wrestled a few steers. (NO JOKE) We all had a lot of fun, but more importantly we saw many of the boys make decisions and commitments to live clean in this dirty world. Help us pray that God will give them the strength as they walk with HIM!

Sunday:

Sunday morning I presented Young America to The Young Married Sunday School Class at Temple Baptist. I am so thankful for the friends we have made at Temple. We were very encouraged and had some people interested in volunteering.

Sunday night my family and I had the pleasure of sharing the ministry with our friends at Pleasant Valley. I sang, presented the ministry, and preached. Pray for this church as they are seeking a pastor. They gave a very generous gift to help the kids Young America is reaching. God will bless their kindness.

Ups and downs...

2007-04-06T22:26:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a long, but good, week. I'm thankful for all God has let us accomplish. I've really struggled with some discouragement, but I suppose that's to be expected. I've gotten a glimpse into some of these kids lives this week and it has really broken my heart. I see the things they are faced with and it seems like all the odds are stacked against them breaking the chains. BUT we serve the all-powerful God who "specializes in things thought impossible", and I don't believe that He's given up, so I'm going to keep on loving these kids, planting the seeds, and leaving the results up to Him! I'm so glad we serve a Risen Savior!!!

Wednesday:

1:20 - 3:30 Preached at the Catoosa County Jail

5:00 - 9:00 Picked up Justin, Lewis, Trevor, Nikki, and Melissa for church. We usually have a few more, but I think spring break kept them out. I picked up from Hickory Grove, Oglethorpe Ridge, and Homeplace. After church we stopped for pizza.

Thursday:

8:30 - 12:00 Seminary classes as usual (time to start working on those finals)

1:00 - 2:00 Spent some time with Michael and Trevor talking about living the Christian life. Both of these boys have been saved under the ministry of Young America.

2:00 - 6:00 Met with the kids at Oglethorpe Ridge Apartments. We had a great turnout (around 20) mostly younger kids. They were a little more frustrating than usual, but I just had to smile as I felt God was testing my patience. Sometimes, He choses to veil his workings, but this time it was BLATANT!!! It takes time to build a relationship with these little fellas, but having a positive impact on their lives is well worth it.

Friday:

11:00 - 12:00 Met with Wes to review the week, and focus on our mission and methods.

1:00 - 6:00 Picked up Michael, Trevor, Kelsey, and Ashlyn, then headed to Forest Green in Rock Spring. Talked to the girls about living what they say they believe.

We had a great meeting. We talked about Easter and what it really means. I got as many questions from the teens as I did the little ones. We probably met with around 120 kids this week, and only 1 or 2 could tell me what Easter was about. Most said something about hunting Easter eggs. One thing's for sure though... THEY KNOW NOW!!!

On the way home we stopped and had a bite to eat to celebrate Michael's 15th birthday. I pray that we can help that boy stay on the right road. I really believe he got saved, and I'm going to be sure to do all I can to help and encourage him to live it!

SPRING BREAK IN GEORGIA

2007-04-03T21:20:00.000-04:00

We usually can't get started until after 3, when the kids get home from school, but this week we'll be able to get an earlier start, thanks to spring break. We'll get an early taste of summer.

Monday: The first day of spring break got kicked off right. I went by Hickory Grove and Oglethorpe Ridge to pick up my 3 teenage helpers and headed to Homeplace trailer park. J C met us there and we rounded up about 25 kids and had a great Bible study and game time. I did a little skateboarding before we left. I was far from good, but I didn't fall and I pulled off a couple ollies. DUDE!!! When I left, some of the teenagers asked me to pick them up for church Wednesday night... I'm there.

Tuesday: Today was a cool day. I had 7 teenagers from Hickory Grove and Oglethorpe Ridge volunteer to help. I picked them up and met J C and Kris Bruce at IHOP at 10:30. Our first stop was Hunter Hills. It took a while to round up the kids, spring break = sleeping in, but we wound up with a trailer full! I went door to door and recruited a lot of first timers. I always enjoy meeting new kids. It's great getting to know them and seeing how excited they are to see us coming.

Then we went to Hickory Grove and had our usual crowd. We had a few that weren't there today, because they moved out. We have a TON of turnover in these parks. They usually show up in one of our other parks, but sometimes we lose track of them altogether. I pray that the seeds we plant will take root. J C started an ice fight with the teens and things got exciting. We both rode this guy's bike, but it didn't have brakes (our guardian angels got to put in a little overtime today).
I had a little situation with some of the guys and girls trying to sneak off together, but I tracked them down and split them up. You should see some of the little hangout spots these teenagers have. The place I found them looked like a little corner of Hell. Their parents have absolutely no guidelines whatsoever for them. This boys room had beer bottles on the shelf, indecent music blaring, posters of naked women on the wall, etc... I was heartbroken by the filth they are surrounded by.
They say the light shines brightest in the dark. These neighborhoods are shrouded in darkness, but when the light comes on, the darkness has to flee. Please God, help us reach some of these young people for YOU!!!

Finally, we went to Arbor Mill and picked up a van load and headed to Sherwood Forest. Josh and Christina came out again and were SO much help. Josh played video games, threw ball, and hung out with the little guys while Christina showered the little girls with love and attention. They love spending time with her because she is so interested in them and their little lives. Thank you guys for all your help. I know God is going to use you both greatly! You are a blessing to Young America.

I usually go to Dalton RYDC on Tuesday nights, but I called my buddy Elbert Shaw and told him I was going to stay home and spend some time with my own kids tonight. I'm glad I did. I still believe my first ministry is to my own family. If I don't do right by them... what could I possibly offer to anyone else???
I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!!!

I'm not as good as I once was...

2007-04-01T00:06:00.000-04:00

It's 12:07 am Sunday morning. I just got home a little while ago from the first "TEEN NIGHT" we've done in a long time. It's usually just a summer thing, but it's spring break for all my kids in GA, so I figured we'd kick it off in style. Thank you so much Patrick, Brittany, and Aaron. I couldn't have pulled it off without you.

We had over 30 kids and parents come out tonight. We did pizza and snowcones (which is probably the only reason I'm still awake), watched the basketball games, and played video games, football, and horshoes. I doubt I'll be able to walk tomorrow because I helped make a human pyramid, competed in a cartwheel contest (don't ask), and wrestled 2 teenage boys all in one night. What was I thinking???

We didn't preach at the kids tonight, but we did have some great conversations. We talked about purity, drugs, alcohol, and abuse. They listen to everything I tell them and even agree with me, but I'm not sure they know how to live it. Brittany commented tonight that it was funny that one of the parents called me "the church guy". She said that it was a sad commentary on how many of them go, or don't go, to church. When I was growing up, everyone I knew went to church, almost! I thought it was weird when someone didn't go. I had 3 teenagers promise to come with me in the morning and 2 families told me this week they were going to try to come as well.

I found out tonight that another one of the teens in the park is about 4 months pregnant. Satan is doing everything he can to destroy these kid's lives... and he's doing a pretty good job of it. I pray that we will reach many of them before it's too late. What they just don't understand is that God loves them dearly and wants to save them, and show them how to live for their own good.

Thanks to those of you who post comments, they are very encouraging!!!

Good night or morning, and God bless

Nathan

Against the odds...

2007-03-29T22:34:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning, finished my mid-term (for one of my classes at Covington Theological Seminary), and then ran out the door. Classes were good as always. Terry Trivette spoke in chapel and did an awesome job preaching out of 1st Chronicles on worship.

Then I headed down the road to LMS and talked with my kidzes during their lunches. I saw all of my usuals that I eat with every week, but I also got invited into a new section of the cafeteria today. One of my girls were eating at a table with some of her gothic friends so I figured I'd attempt to strike up a conversation. I was immediately asked if I was a preacherman. I said yes and with a strange expression and a finger pointed upward they replied, "like, for God?" There were at least 3 claiming atheists, a couple wiccans, and one agnostic at the table. I had some interesting conversation with them and asked if we could pick up another time. I told them the God I served was an awesome, loving God who had changed my life for the better and that they should take a serious look at who the Bible says He is.

3:00-5:00 Tutoring at Hickory Grove went well, thanks Jolee and J C . We had about 12 kids today. They were all fired up about spring break.

5:00-7:30 I picked up kids from Hickory Grove, Oglethorpe Ridge and Arbor Mill, and went to Sherwood Forest for the Bible Study. We had 30+ kids and a great time was had by all. They were a little wilder than usual, but I believe the lesson really got through. It was on The Righteous Judge. My favorite part is when Jesus says the most beautiful words in the Bible, "neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more".

The teens were a lot of help with the popcorn, snow-cones, and setting up.

One little story before I sign off. When I pulled into Arbor Mill at around 5:00 , Josh (11 yrs. old) was leaning against a telephone pole with tears rolling down his face. I asked what was wrong and he said he had to stand up against the pole until 8:30. He told me he didn't clean up the back yard and the neighbor who was watching him gave him this punishment. He had already been standing there around 20 minutes. While we were talking his mom came home and when he told her what had happened she jumped in the neighbor's face (who was already drunk and holding a 40 oz. Beer in his hand). They went in their trailer and the kids came running out saying they were fighting and throwing stuff.
As we left, Josh started screaming and pushing with Jonathan, and as I was trying to get them settled down it occurred to me that they were simply acting like their parents!!! I don't blame the kids... it's not their fault! I'm just trying to show them a different way to live and praying that they see something different in our lives that points them to Jesus.

I had to separate a 13 yr. old girl and a 16 yr. old boy and tell them to keep their hands to themselves. I had a parent pull her 3 kids out of the middle of the Bible Study. I had to correct little kids for taking God's name in vain, singing inappropriate songs, and using bad language. I had old women griping because the kids were in the streets and yards (which is where they were when we got there)... and on and on and on...

Oh yea, but I also had the opportunity to share Jesus with so many precious little children. He is the only thing that will make their lives any different than the lives of the people surrounding them.

for HIS glory,

Nathan Cravatt

One Wild Wednesday...

2007-03-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

The schedule got changed around a little today, but things went really great. It went a little something like this:

11:00 - 11:45 Holder concessions downtown - picked up cups, popcorn bags, and other supplies

12:00 - 1:00 Westside Elementary - had lunch with a couple hundred kids

1:20 - 2:45 Catoosa County Jail - I spoke to the women's group from Luke 15 about being "Satisfied with the father". Around 10 women responded to the invitation to turn from their sins and put their faith in Christ as the only way to have their sins forgiven. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

3:00 -5:30 Forest Green Trailer Park - This was our first meeting in Forest Green. Around 15 people showed up. The kids begged us to come back... and we will

5:30 - 7:00 Picked up kids from Forest Green, Hickory Grove, and Oglethorpe Ridge. Picked up pizza and drinks, and went to church. We took 20 kids to church tonight THAT WOULD NOT HAVE GONE IF WE HAD NOT PICKED THEM UP!!! Please don't ask how we fit everyone on the van... we need a bus!!!

8:30 - 10:00 Dropped off kids and went home

God is so good to use common people to do the extraordinary job of spreading his message of love and forgiveness. These kids are so precious!

Tuesday's are CrAzYyyy!!!

2007-03-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

I sure do serve an AWESOME GOD!!! He has brought me through another Tuesday... Praise the Lord. Today was a great day. We were in 3 Trailer Parks and 1 YDC. We started our tutoring program at 3:00 in Sherwood Forest and we pick up kids from Arbor Mill which is just down the road. Rob Clark and Christina Neighbors were there and were a great help as always.

Christina helping with homework... Rob getting beat at a video game...

BIGTIME FUN... after tutoring (of course)
for those of you who haven't seen it, this is inside of our trailer. We have 3 Xbox's and 2 PS2's... oh, and then there's the popcorn and snow-cone machines...

Riding in Style

We headed over to Hickory Grove at 4:30 and J C Groves and myself met with about 25-30 kids. Today was more of a relaxed day at Hickory Grove. We usually do a Bible Study on Tuesday, but today was more of a one-on-one time where we just play with the kids and talk to them about stuff going on in their lives. We have a great relationship with these kids and they know we are there for them. I love to tell them that Jesus loves them and that they are so special to God and to us. They hear so much negative stuff every day and we are there just to "love them like Jesus". They are so open to the Gospel... they could teach our churches something.

Group of teenagers stop by to chat at Hickory Grove... refreshments are always a big hit

Then I dropped off the trailer at home and headed to Dalton to the YDC(youth detention center)where I help with the music, preach, and counsel with the 30+ boys and girls that come out for the church service. This is such a great part of the ministry of Young America. Most of the kids we deal with either have already been in, or are headed to YDC or prison. Praise God we got to lead 2 boys to ask Christ into their hearts for the first time tonight.

May all that we do bring glory to the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I LOVE MY JOB!!!

A Journal of Sorts

2007-03-27T09:40:00.000-04:00

I have been encouraged twice in the last week to start a journal... so I'll give it a shot. I'm a little nervous because I'm not the best at sticking with something ( easy mr. judgemental-type, you have weaknesses too, you're just too scared to admit it ). I'm afraid my posts will look like this; 3-27-07 ; 3-30-07 ; 6-15-07 ; 4-10-12; ... I'll try to do better than that. Chances are I'll be the only one reading this anyway.

Well here goes... Thanks Dad and Wes for the inspiration.

2007-03-27T09:35:00.001-04:00

ok, I'm going to figure this thing out... maybe