I Go To School in Camden - by Lynn Trotter

Each weekday, I leave my house in Voorhees and drive to school in Camden. I’m the Administrative Coordinator for the Forward School at the Urban Promise Ministries, which is to say, that I’m the “lady in the office.” I have long admired the work done by Urban Promise in improving the many lives of inner-city youth. So, when the job posting appeared, I saw it as an opportunity for me to roll up my sleeves and help make a difference, too. During the interview process, I was thoroughly questioned about my professional background and skills. After accepting the position, I prayed that those skills would help me connect to the kids in some meaningful way.

As it turns out, my professional skills are but a part of what carries me (and I’m sure the rest of the staff) through most days. The Forward School consists of 142 students from kindergarten through eighth grade who come from a variety of backgrounds. Each morning, they leave the streets of Camden to enter a school hallway graced with a beautiful art display created by their own contemporaries. They are safe for a time from difficult situations that for some begin with their own families and in their own homes. Many of our students carry their fears and attitudes with them wherever they go. There’s always one or two in my office each day ready to talk about what’s going on in their lives. They are an “in-your-face” reminder of why we are all there. Our spiritual gifts are called upon time and time again as we work together to sheppard these young people through some very tough times.

Every morning we start our day with prayer. Holding hands, in a circle the teachers and staff ask God to bless us all and protect us in our work. We pray daily that God will help us see the children through His eyes. It’s a privilege to begin each day with an attitude of prayer. But, amidst the prayer I find myself at times wondering, “Why don’t we have a formal cafeteria?” “Surely 18 school lockers shouldn’t cost that much?” And, “Why are basic needs an issue at all for a school that is there to serve and love God?” These questions inspired me to recently ask the fine people of HOPE for help for a newly-formed after school crocheting club held at the Forward School. We asked for used crocheting and sewing items as well as a request for an old sewing machine someone might have tucked away unused in a closet somewhere. I’m happy to say we received some boxes of yarns and crafting items (Thank you!) and would you believe it, a brand new sewing machine!

Okay Lord, I think I get it now. You do work in mysterious ways. I’m thankful to be at Urban Promise where I get to witness Your work in the hearts of young people every day, and I’m blessed to belong to a community of faith appropriately called HOPE. I love how You connect the dots!

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