OCTOBER 2017

Dear Friends,

I often say that one of the devastating affects of poverty is that it robs kids of opportunities and enriching life experiences. It robs them of hopes and dreams. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12).

Three of the young men who have grown up in Crossfire, are now 20 and 21 years old, and are in college, had a desire to learn to scuba dive. Scott (our steadfast and courageous Program Director) told them months ago that if they signed up and paid for lessons, and saved their money (they all 3 go to college and have jobs) he would help plan and carry out a scuba diving adventure to Mexico. The guys worked hard, took the lessons, and saved money. As you can see by the picture, they held up their end of the bargain and Scott help up his!

Two years ago, these same 3 young men, plus a couple of others, had a desire to go skydiving. That, too, was a desire fulfilled. I won’t go into details but, yes, they were all 18 by that time which took care of liability issues! The guys say now that the third great adventure they desire is snowboarding. They are already saving their money to do that.

How did these young men, who grew up in poverty, know to desire these adventures? They have grown up around people who do those things and have exposed them to the possibilities. They have had adults to cheer them on and help them navigate hopes, dreams, and adventures. We have been fierce advocates in their lives to help them make memories and experience life’s riches of body, soul, and spirit. Education and adventure have become part of how they see themselves and define their lives - dismantling the grip of generational poverty.

Some would say that the money the guys spent on these adventures could be put to better use, but I believe it is just what the Great Physician ordered to heal some of the injury done by poverty. We have watched God use the commitment of CROSSFIRE’s team to Empower Youth, Build Family, and Dismantle Poverty and change the trajectory of countless lives for generations to come. Longings fulfilled become a tree of life, and I think it makes the Father smile to watch the fulfillment.

Carlos, one of the scuba divers above, put together a video of CROSSFIRE SUMMER 2017 that includes lots of summer fun with our younger ministry children and more pictures of scuba diving and sharing life together. Thank you, Carlos! Check out the 2 minute video at https://youtu.be/73Y04o6Wqqk or by visiting our website www.crossfirekidsdallas.org.

Thank you, friends, for your prayers, encouragement, and generous financial support so that CROSSFIRE is able to help fulfill the longing kids have for refuge, self-worth, safety, success, advocacy, fun and adventure. For easy donating text CROSSFIREKIDS to 77977.

Grateful for the Tree of Life,

Lanell Armstrong
Founder