May we interrupt you for a moment?

Life has a way of interrupting our plans.

Perhaps even today you were caught in sudden traffic, had an unexpected issue to deal with at the office or a family member became ill. We pray your interruption was not a continually growling stomach or trying to find shelter for your family because you can no longer afford the rent.

Imagine the immense challenge of a child who needs to remain focused on their academics, but their growling stomach is regularly “interrupting their life,” or they recently overheard Mom and Dad discussing where they can live because they can no longer afford the rent.

Every child should have the opportunity to grow up with stability in their lives and to enjoy fun, youthful activities. No child should grow up with the stress of where their next meal will come from and in whose home they might be living next week.  

Ryves Youth Center in Terre Haute has been faithfully helping our community and our children thrive for 30 years. We provide a safe haven and positive environment where more than 1,500 children each year have the opportunity to overcome the challenges and interruptions of life. At Ryves, learning and development is met without shame or fear...and every child is offered the chance to experience joy and success.  

To learn more about Ryves Youth Center and how you can help a child in need, please visit HERE.

A Beautiful Day in Your Neighborhood

Summer is in full swing here in Indiana. As we go about our work and our play, it’s easy to get into a comfort zone and miss what’s going on with those around us. In days gone by, some of us older folk (let’s not define “older”) can recall the neighborhood where we grew up and the people who lived there with us. Our families knew their families and if someone needed a hand, a neighbor was there to help.

In today’s busy, technology-driven world, the personal nature of many relationships has fallen by the wayside. Some of us may not even know the names of our nearest neighbors and their children. As we drive into our garage with its automatic opener, what opportunities are we missing as we close that door behind us? 

Many families lack a support system around them, often living in an area with no relatives nearby. Imagine the opportunity this presents to fill a void, a need, and make a life-changing difference in someone’s life. Why not simply strike up a conversation with your neighbors this summer…introduce yourself and your family…get to know them…invite them into your life as someone they can turn to for a cup of sugar, a pet sitter while away on vacation, or a friendly ear to listen over outdoor barbeque.

You just never know the impact you can make in someone else’s life until you step out in the faith and love of Christ to make it a beautiful day in your neighborhood.

World Refuee Day

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Christ died so that we might live. And He didn’t die so we would live in mediocrity, but to live with the fullness of His love and grace. But, having a new life in Christ involves taking a risk and leaving behind the old self, with its addictions, insecurities, and challenges. When we surrender to Christ and exchange our old life for a new one, we must surrender the good and the bad to experience His riches.

This month, in honor of World Refugee Day, we introduce you to Mohammed.

Mohammed knows all too well the reality of leaving behind everything – good and bad – in pursuit of a new life in Christ. 

On a cold January day, Mohammed entered the United States, leaving behind his home, siblings, and culture to protect his children, wife, and his own life. Mohammed’s family found comfort and support through Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services. The services helped Mohammed’s family integrate into the Indianapolis community, providing them the tools of self-reliance. Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services helped Mohammed find housing, job placement, employment skills, clothing, medical attention, education, English-language classes, and community orientation. Additionally, Catholic Charities connected Mohammed with another community-based organization to create an Individual Development Account. This allowed Mohammed and his family to experience financial stability in their new home.  

Now two years after arriving in the United States with only the belongings they could carry, Mohammed’s family has purchased their own home. Mohammed’s resolve to do what is best for his family, along with the help of Catholic Charities and other local agencies, made this new life in America possible.

Are you willing to take the risk, leave behind your old life, and exchange it for a new one? Christ wants to transform your life and heart, giving you a life of freedom, peace, and security that can only come through Him.