Revised 2005 Annual Report
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 (Hilltop and Blue Valley Court Townhomes in Kansas City) made available the PAL (Police Athletic League) Center to the new Urban LIFE Ministries free of charge.
Start-up phase. 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: weekly youth clubs featuring athletic activities, refreshments, and a Bible lesson; discipleship groups; “field trip” activities; Teen Church (a specialized service at Tri-City Ministries focused on evangelism and basic teaching); summer camping; leadership conferences; and college tours. In recognition of this success, the Christian Community Foundation (now Servant Christian Community Foundation of Kansas City awarded Urban LIFE Ministries first place in the Thurman Mitchell youth category, with an accompanying $10,000.00 award.
In the start-up phase, Tom Asher directed Urban LIFE and was the only paid staff member. The deacon board at Tri-City Ministries served as the board of directors for Urban LIFE Ministries, and all funds were channeled through Tri-City Ministries.
Growth. To further address the issues of urban youth, Urban LIFE Ministries sought separate incorporation and 501(c) (3) status. A separate board of directors was assembled with new articles of incorporation and by-laws. By the end of 2004, the ministries of Urban LIFE expanded to include 165 youth.
To accommodate the ministry growth, we asked organizations and individuals to partner with us financially. New funding initiatives included grant writing, a series of businessmen’s luncheons, pastor’s luncheons, and church presentations.
150+ professions of faith
41 urban youth in discipleships and mentoring programs
13 urban youth who have attended Christian leadership conferences
6 urban youth who have attended Christian school
1 urban youth who has attended Christian college
Continued work with those previously involved in the many facets of Urban LIFE
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 children in the target area may exceed that 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.
Future. In coming years, Urban LIFE would like to build a new Christian community center for urban youth and their family members in order to provide a place for them to meet new Christian friends and provide a wholesome, Christian place for them to spend their after-school hours while providing an alternative to the detrimental environment around them. We would also like to provide transitional homes in order to support youth through the crucial transition into adulthood and employment with a Christian home environment and an emphasis on work ethic, job skills training, and personal budgeting. We also look forward to establishing a Christian school in order to increase Bible training and mentoring for youth. Eventually, we would like to duplicate Urban LIFE in other cities.
