As we sat around the picnic table with my parents, after a weekend full of adventure and fun camping at Terry Andre State Park, the girls shared with them the highlights of the trip. Some shared about going to the beach, others shared about playing in the sand dunes but Shamiya spoke up and responded, “What I like most about the camping trip is that I feel safe; I don’t have to worry about watching my back or getting shot.” As her words came out I got choked up, what 11 year old would respond this way, literally constantly scared for her life?
Part of me dreds pushing the app for the Chicago Tribune that I have kept on my phone to keep up with what's going on in my city. "Man charged for slaying," "Man charged in fatal shooting," "South Side teen killed two days before freshman orientation," "Woman shot dead on Dan Ryan, year after teen brother was killed," "2 dead, 10 hurt in shootings on South, West sides," 82 shot over the fourth of July weekend. My heart aches. Each day I hold my breath praying that it’s not one of my babies. On July 19, 2014 my nightmare became a reality as I received news that my little Shamiya was shot and killed while innocently playing at a friend’s house during a sleepover with the other girls who had been at our camping trip. These young girls have experienced far more pain than any child should ever have to experience.
When we read the news and hear of all the shootings happening in Chicago it’s easy to dismiss it as gang violence but what isn't being talked about are the innocent lives caught in the middle, children who fear their lives constantly. A nine year old girl here in Chicago wrote a rap, the chorus saying, “Put the guns down cuz I wanna grow up”. This is the cry of the children caught in the middle of a war that is not their own.
Many hear about the crime and violence of Chicago, it is nothing new, we see it all over the news, but very few have had the blessing of knowing that in those gang filled, blood stained streets are the gems of the city. For the past 3 years I have worked with the children of West Garfield through the children’s ministry of Reborn Community Church and I can honestly say that these kids are some of the most incredible children I have ever met and my life has forever changed because of them.
In the past year since Shamiya’s death, as I have walked alongside the children as they mourn the loss of their dear friend, I can’t help but question what can I do to help? I can’t pick them up and move them out of their neighborhood and I can’t stop the violence that surrounds them, but I can walk alongside them and share with them the hope we have in Jesus Christ. I can also help allow them to see that in this world so filled with pain, there is still beauty.
This has been my heart and mission with the children and we are doing it in many ways, such as starting a kid’s garden at our church to teach the kids about gardening as well as provide them with a place of beauty in their community. We also have a reading club, a junior leaders program, kids club, field trips and many more camping trips.
So how can you help? There are many ways! First and foremost through your prayers; Chicago is in desperate need of prayers as daily the death count raises due to street violence. Secondly you can help us through your donations. We have little to no money to work with which makes planning very difficult. I am currently working 4 jobs so that I can support myself and any ministry I do. You can also donate supplies! Please read our donation suggestion list for ideas! Thank you for taking the time to hear about the work we are doing in West Garfield and I hope that you will join with me to help impact the lives of these incredible children!
Samantha and the children of Reborn Community Church
Donation Suggestion List
Camping Trips
-Sleeping Bags
-Flash lights
-Pudgie Pie Makers
-Hot Dog Roasters
-Head Lamps
-Camping gear
-Snacks
-S’more Supplies
-Food
Reading Club
-Books
-Prizes
Kids Club
-Prizes
-Candy
-Games
-Craft supplies
-Snacks
-Balls
-Water balloons
-Outdoor toys
-Garden Club
-Gardening tools
-Plants
-Pots
-Bricks or Stones (to decorate with)
-Bird Houses
-Flowers
-Anything decorative
-Lawn furniture
