Year End Letter: 2014
The Advent season asks us to pause and reflect, to wait with expectation, to see if we can muster up some hope as we turn our gaze to the coming of the Son of God. When I pause to reflect on our work in East Oakland, I am in awe of the hope that some of our young adult friends hold. I do not exaggerate when I say that I’m not sure I could keep going if I was forced to endure the trials and pain that some of our younger friends experience on a regular basis.
If you are reading this newsletter you may have heard stories from my neighborhood, stories of pain and injustice, stories of poverty and violence. We have no shortage of horrific stories, but we hold onto glimmers of light and hope this Advent season.
Last week four young men from our young adult basketball team made their way to Oakland Leadership Center. They were invited to a meeting with a city staff person, a local Pastor and a number of city outreach workers. These young men were put on the spot. The city wants to host a series of basketball tournaments to promote peace, but they wisely want to lean on the leadership and wisdom of these men who know the streets and know the basketball scene.
I watched in wonder as the young men opened up, telling their own dramatic stories of the power of a game to break the violent tension of rival groups, neighborhoods and gangs. They dreamed of more than basketball. They yearn for an end to violence. They want to engage police officers in healthy dialogue and interaction to promote reconciliation and understanding. They vocalized their desire to see city parks and recreation centers once again become places for children to gather and stay safe. They raised their voices, and they were heard.
In that simple, small moment, I saw a spark of hope in these young men. That spark gave me hope. As we hugged and walked outside onto the dark streets, with the loud thumps of car stereos and police sirens in the distance, I gave thanks to God that these young men were asked to lead on that night. I gave thanks to God that they got themselves to the meeting. I gave thanks to God that these men are alive and free. I gave thanks to God that the young men reminded me to hold onto hope.
OLC exists to develop young adult leaders with the character of Christ, and this story is just a glimpse into one particular way we do that. Please support these young adults in any way that you can. Please pray for us. Please be generous in your thoughts and attitudes as you consider the City and the people of Oakland and as you consider young black men in East Oakland. Please consider a year-end donation to help us fund a paid leadership program for those who display unique skills and potential. Please see the “Things We Need” section on our website or our Amazon Wish List.
And please hold onto hope. As we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we hold onto hope.
Grace and peace,
Nate Millheim for the Oakland Leadership Center
