Mission & History

Mission

Our mission is to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the urban community, to provide urban youth with a place of Christian fellowship, to develop godly character, and to develop leaders that will impact their community.

The Great Commission that drives Urban LIFE’s ministry is found in Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Urban LIFE Ministries has a conservative, traditional approach to ministry. We focus on evangelism and Biblical mentoring as we build life-changing relationships by God’s grace.

History

Urban LIFE Ministries developed out of an inner city basketball league started in 1999. The league’s founder, Tom Asher, had at that time almost ten years of experience in the Salvation Army doing similar work. Although only a small-scale ministry, the basketball league resulted in some great successes.

In May of 2002, Tri-City Ministries of Independence, Missouri, offered financial support for a start-up year by raising $52,500 in a one-month period. Also believing in the value of such a ministry, the police officers in the area made available the PAL (Police Athletic League) Center to the new Urban LIFE Ministries free of charge.

During the first year of operation (August 2002-August 2003), Urban LIFE saw over one hundred youth profess salvation through Jesus Christ. At the end of the year, there were over 125 youth involved in the programs. In recognition of this success, the Christian Community Foundation of Kansas City (now National Christian Foundation Heartland) awarded Urban LIFE Ministries first place in the Thurman Mitchell youth category, with an accompanying $10,000 award.

To further address the issues of urban youth, Urban LIFE Ministries sought separate incorporation and 501(c) (3) status. By the end of 2004, the ministries of Urban LIFE expanded to include 165 youth.

After borrowing facilicities for years, in 2011 Urban LIFE purchased its first facility: a house near Van Brunt Avenue on 16th Street. This house serves as a mentoring center as well as an anchor in the community.

Despite great successes, there are hundreds of youth still not reached in this area. The Great Commission remains unfulfilled. The Kansas City, Missouri, school district has experienced a 55% dropout rate. The crime level is one of the highest in Kansas City, and the community is filled with gang members and drug users. Ninety-three percent of the homes have no father, and the remaining seven percent do not necessarily include the biological fathers. The single parents who are sole providers often find that they must leave their children unsupervised. Lack of direction coupled with unsupervised free time leaves children vulnerable to outside influences. Lack of education disqualifies them from being able to land good jobs, leaving more free time. Teens are turning to sex, drugs, and crime, with large numbers ending up in jail before they are old enough to live on their own. Many of the girls find themselves having children of their own without ever having experienced a successful home life. This is why we are motivated to serve Kansas City. With God, the impossible is possible, and we thank Him for the work He is doing in lives.