Dear StreetWorkz…

“At Hope College, Campus Ministries offers immersion trips for students to go and serve God in a whole new way. I signed up to go to East Palo Alto, California, with a group of other college students and we met together over the past few months. We excitedly prepared to help with a retreat at Bayshore Christian Ministries, and we were absolutely crushed when we heard that our trip got cancelled because of the coronavirus, and even more so when we heard that the retreat got cancelled altogether for the students. My heart went out to them; I understood the disappointment they must have been facing. So I wanted to reach out to them, and writing letters came to mind, to let them know I was thinking and praying for them.” Student, Hope College Immersion Trip 2020 

Hope students at StreetWorkz Retreat 2019

Here’s one of the letters received by a BCM middle school student from a member of the 2020 Hope Spring Break Immersion team:

Hi —,

I’m a Hope College student from Holland, Michigan, and I was going to come help with the retreat this past weekend, and we were all so devasted when we heard that our trip was cancelled, and then that you guys had to cancel the retreat as well. We know how you feel, and you are all in our thoughts. So I just wanted to write a letter to you, to let you know I’m thinking and praying for you, and to tell you a little bit about me!

I’m currently a sophomore at Hope College, and I’m majoring in elementary education, with a focus in English. I have four younger brothers, and one younger sister. Technically, one of my brothers is my twin, but I’m still two minutes older than him! So I think it counts I also like to read a lot, and just hang out with my friends and family. My family is quite the wacky bunch, so it’s never a dull moment in our house! Along with the seven of us, we also have a dog named Gus, a cat named Salem, and a new addition- a bunny! Who never really got a name, so his name is now Bunny, thanks to my brother.

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy, and that you are able to still enjoy the little things in life. Something that always helps me is to think of three things that I’m grateful for. Today, I’m grateful for listening to Hannah Montana with my little sister, snuggling up with my cat and reading a book, and listening to my insane brothers argue about who’s better at hockey (as I said, never a dull moment…). Hopefully this letter made you smile, or even just to laugh at me, but I’m wishing you well and praying for you. Keep going strong and look for the little things in life that make you happy Sending lots of good thoughts, A Hope College Student!

Mary Jo Loves Bible Club

My mom used to say there are no such things as coincidences, only divine appointments. Such was my brief association with a young woman I met shortly after my husband and I relocated to the Bay Area and had not yet found a home church. Through a-friend-of-a-friend, this young woman knew of Bayshore Christian Ministries, and she recommended I “check it out”.

After many years of teaching and writing bible lessons for children in my state of Colorado, I was looking for a way to share the gospel with kids in this new place God has established as our home. 

I’m a teacher and a helper for Bible Club on Wednesdays. My time at Bible Club is intriguing, challenging, and incredibly fulfilling as I get to know BCM’s children. Each interaction, big or small, is one more step toward equipping them to become tomorrow’s leaders.During the offsite education session, I was particularly enlightened by learning of the social and financial challenges children confront when they live with multiple families in small apartments and with parents who work multiple jobs to meet their financial responsibilities. Many of BCM’s kiddos go home to living spaces that are largely void of privacy or a quiet space for homework. Living with other families that may seem like – or may actually be – strangers, can also lead to emotional complications.

Mary Jo with students at Wednesday bible club

The offsite session helped me understand how many parents in East Palo Alto are challenged with English as a second language and bound by the time commitments of multiple jobs. They embrace BCM as a refuge of love, play, and instruction for their children.

I have been blessed to teach experiential lessons that engage BCM children in the bible, principles of Christian character, and the good news of the gospel. As the children warm up to me a little more each week, it’s a privilege to learn about their likes and dislikes, their wit, and their inquisitive minds.  I see them think creatively and critically when challenged with open-ended questions that require more than a “yes” or a “no”. I am humbled by the children’s incredibly thoughtful responses and by the evidence of the Holy Spirit at work. I also cherish the little hands that hold mine when we pray to Jesus at the end of each lesson. Offsite educational sessions help me understand the social, economic, and educational challenges that the children in East Palo Alto wake up to every day. The sessions impart a sensitivity that helps me tailor my lessons and interactions in a way that is most meaningful to the children in the community.

Students at Wednesday Bible club

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14. 

May we all have the open heart of a child and use our perspective as adults to serve BCM’s children.

~Mary Jo Gensemer

Anthony Loves to Read

This is the first year of KidSmart for Anthony,* a second grader. On his first day at KidSmart he announced to Diana, KidSmart Program Manager, that he is not good at reading. We evaluate all of our students’ reading levels and Anthony was reading at a kindergarten level. Diana told him that if he wanted to improve his reading, she would help him but he must do his part and work hard.  She instructed him that he must read for 30 minutes each day. Most days, Anthony reads one-on-one with a tutor. When that is not possible, Anthony uses RazKids, a computer based reading program. With this program, each time he finishes reading a book, he is prompted to answer comprehension questions. Every time he gets all the questions correct, he is so excited that he shouts out loud! Anthony has struggled but he did not give up. Eventually, he was able to summarize a story without needing to be prompted. Part of Anthony’s homework is to write his favorite part about the story he has read. At first, he would write about his favorite part in one sentence. Now not only does he tell what his favorite part is, he also writes why it’s his favorite part. 

Anthony is excited to read and has improved by several reading levels. He often asks if he can continue reading when reading time is over. Anthony will be at, or close to grade level before the end of the school year! His mother says that she has noticed a great improvement in his reading and that he actually reads at home. Anthony is more confident, not only in reading but in completing all his homework. We thank God for the ways he is present with Anthony in his studies.  

KidSmart is BCM’s after school tutoring program for elementary students like Anthony in first through fifth grades and operates Monday through Thursday from 3:00 – 6:30. Our program is designed to help students with homework, reading and other academic areas as well as build self-esteem so that students have confidence in school. We love to celebrate with Anthony and all our students when they complete their homework, learn their math facts, or move on to the next reading level and feel a sense of accomplishment. 

If you are interested in being a part of KidSmart, we offer paid internships! KidSmart runs from the last week in August through the last week in May. This summer, our academic program, KidSmart Bridge, runs from June 29th through July 30th. If you have any interest in working or volunteering with elementary students check out what is available at bayshore.org or email volunteer@bayshore.org

*Name changed for privacy