Multi-National Ministries

Reaching out to the world...Right here in Memphis!

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A Program of

Multi-National Ministries

Reaching out to the world . . . right here in Memphis

Multi-National Ministries is a non-denominational organization that shares the love of Jesus Christ with the culturally diverse population of Memphis, Tennessee through educational, recreational, social, spiritual, and support  services.

 

Laurie Graves

Executive Director

laurie@mlfonline.org

 

Wiley Lowry

Youth Outreach

wiley@mlfonline.org

 

Heather Liles

Young Women’s Ministry

heather@mlfonline.org

 

www.multi       national          ministries.org

 

1548 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

901.274.7226

Whoosh!    The new school year has blown in with a flurry of new programs and activities that has kept my head spinning like the swirling falling leaves! 

 

Without a doubt, there are more exciting student programs happening around Multi-National Ministries than have EVER happened.  Not only are our established school year programs up and going this fall, but many of these programs have been expanded in order to include more ages and students.  Now we can reach an even greater number of kids with programs such as:

 

Monday Night Reading

Wednesday Girls & Boys

Birthday Bible Club

Homework Help

The Nook Bible Club

Breakfast Bible Study

Soccer Club

High School Outreach

 

One of the reasons for MNM’s big fall program “boost” is directly linked to a new smiling face on staff.  For the last few years, there has been no one to specifically minister to the middle and high school young women.  But now, Heather Liles is in charge of MNM’s Young Women’s Outreach Ministry and the teenage girls are reaping the benefits of her never-ending creativity, enthusiasm and love for God.  (Read more about Heather below.)

 

The funny thing is, though, while all of these new and old programs are incredibly effective, fun, and serve the purposes for which they are designed…many times I find that my very favorite program is a ‘non-program.’  My favorite time with the kids is not the time that is scheduled and planned.  My favorite time is the “hang-out” time:

 

· The times when I take a few kids out for ice cream or to go play a round of Putt Putt

· The times when we grab a burger and just talk together

· The times when I really have the chance to listen to what is going on in their lives

 

So often, it is in these unscripted moments when our refugee and immigrant kids are more likely to share their needs, struggles, hopes, and dreams with Wiley, Heather, and me.  These are eye-opening times that give us insight on how to better love, help and minister to our kids.

 

Also, I have found that it is in these random moments that the kids ask the most honest and profound questions about God.  One of my favorite examples is when a young Muslim’s girl question about whether or not I had a tattoo somehow led to such a sweet discussion about God’s forgiveness.   Go figure.  (and no, I don’t have a tattoo...but I did get my nose pierced once...)

 

As important and effective as all of the listed educational, social, and Biblical programs are, I consider this non-program – the time when we make real friendship contact with the kids – to be just as, if not more important. 

 

Even though you might not be able to share in these precious, spontaneous moments, you certainly can help make them happen!  Because even two scoops can cost a bundle nowadays, please consider donating a gift card to a fast food restaurant, the movies, or some other fun place.  (Please take a look at “donate” page) Just one gift card can provide us with more opportunities to make these special moments continue to happen—thanks!

Laurie Graves

I am a Heather Liles, a recent University of Memphis graduate and the newest member of the MNM team. Before moving to Memphis six years ago, I lived in Jackson, MS. I am very excited to now be working at Multi-National Ministries!

During my last year of college, I felt God calling me to work with inner-city kids, but because I received my BBA in Business Management I had a few doubts about finding such a ministry job.   God was faithful and lead me right where He wanted me.

At Multi-National Ministries, I work as the Young Women’s Ministry Coordinator. I am working with the Jr. and Sr. High immigrants and refugees girls on a relational level, helping them to get to know Christ, and helping them through everyday struggles such as school and family life. The programs that I lead are:

· Jr. and Sr. High Wednesday Girls    (Bible Study)

· Girl’s Nook  (Bible Club)

· Homework Help

· and Thursday Outings

The most difficult challenge that I faced during my first few weeks here was just getting to know the girls. I wasn’t sure what to talk to them about, how to approach them, or even how to pronounce some of their names!  At my first MNM board meeting, I really appreciated how the board members prayed about these challenges.  The very next day, everything was different.  I felt God filling me with the confidence to talk to these girls and to begin making friends with them!

This is just another example of how God has been leading me, and all I have to do is be continually willing to be led. Even though I have only been at Multi-National Ministries a few months, I have seen little miracles that God has done...and I just can’t wait to see what He does next!

 

Heather Liles

It’s that time of year—no, not the time for falling leaves, pumpkins, and turkeys, but time for the MNM kids to fill out their Christmas wish lists with anything they want...well, within a $30 limit. 

We have to start early because it is quite a process.  First, every child gets to list a few toys that they would love to have on special gift tags.  Then, these 150 tags are this distributed at Collierville Baptist Church.   Next, after sponsors choose a tag, they shop trying to make some of the kids’ wishes come true.  Finally, all of the gifts are given out on the happiest Saturday morning in December, at least in the opinion of the MNM kids.

 

The only complication on this exciting day is that this is the only activity of the year for which I do not provide transportation — there are just too many kids!  Never fear, if by chance a child cannot make it, I will personally take the gift to them during the following week.

But last year something happened that showed me just how important these Christmas gifts are to the children, especially because it might be the only gift they receive.  Shivering, smiling, and dripping wet, four Yemeni children burst through the door.  Their parents could not drive them so they walked 3 miles in the cold rain because they just couldn’t wait another day to enjoy their surprises.  (Of course, we drove them home later.)

 

The Christmas presents make a difference to the MNM children — the gifts make them feel special and loved.  We also hope the gifts let them know how much God loves them. 

Such a small amount of money spent on a gift can bring such a tremendous amount of joy to a MNM child.  If you take a look at the insert, you will see how other small amounts of money can make huge differences in providing more programs and needed services for the MNM families.

There are more Christmas wishes that you can make come true!

Many times I have found that there is usually a pretty simple solution for a big problem.  Believe it or not, we have found a innovative solution that solves TWO big MNM problems:

· PROBLEM 1— Many refugee/immigrant parents (especially the moms) cannot speak English.  But, because of family responsibilities, childcare issues, transportation conflicts, and/or financial problems they are not able to attend evening English classes.

· PROBLEM 2—Most of the refugee/immigrant children begin Pre-K and Kindergarten without basic English skills such as colors, numbers, ABC’s, etc..  Consequently,  they are at a great disadvantage compared to the English-speaking students and, many times, must repeat a grade just to ‘catch up.’

THE SOLUTUTION—an English Class just for Moms!  This is how it works:

· Classes are held at Bruce Elementary School . . . so the classes will be near to where the refugee/immigrant moms live.

· Classes are held during school hours, first thing in the morning . . . so moms can ride to school with their children, lessoning transportation conflicts and providing supervision for their school-aged children.

· Moms can bring their younger children with them to class. . .so there are no other childcare issues.

· The classes are free . . . so there are no financial barriers to prohibit attendance

· Only women are invited to attend . . . so they will all feel comfortable and there will not be any cultural hindrances.

As the moms learn English that  will help them in their daily life, they will also be equipped to teach their own younger children the basics to better prepare them for school.  Kind of two birds with one stone! 

As teacher, Jessica Swan brings a contagious enthusiasm and sincere love for the moms and their children. So, two mornings a week Vietnamese and Latina moms learn English with their pre-schoolers at their side.  It is a mix of education, laughter, cookie crumbs, friendship, and pride in accomplishment.

The perfect solution that will benefit so many!

Laurie Graves

 

Knowing the Father

 

Through the years at MNM

Last week, I picked up a couple of guys who have been involved with Multi-National Ministries for many years and I took them to eat dinner with my family at church.  My 4-year-old son loves to hang out with these guys because they play with him and he gets to pretend that he is a “big kid”, too.  He gets confused with some of the foreign names, and that night he referred to them generically as “Pancho”.

 

After dinner, while helping them with a science project at my house, one of them asked me to be his child’s godfather.  His friend then followed with basically the same question.  Now, both of these guys are in tenth grade and thankfully, they were not referring to any immediate plans to have children.  I was honored nonetheless.

We started talking about how long we had known each other and were surprised by how quickly 6 years had gone by.  I went back and looked at some ministry pictures from just two years ago, amazed by how much these guys had grown from chubby little boys to young men. 

 

What has been more obvious to me, however, is their transition to being more responsible and respectful youth.  Of course, there are times of frustration and poor decisions that are common with adolescents, but most of the time I am proud of how much they have matured, and am glad to see them consistent with their schoolwork and involvement in extracurricular activities.  Both have taken leadership roles in the ROTC at Central High School, and they talk about a future in the military, followed by college and work in an engineering field.  I have seen them help in their homes and lovingly cared for little brothers, sisters, and cousins when needed.  They both have thought about the importance of their roles one day as a father, even though neither of those guys have a relationship with their own father.

 

Those guys have blessed my life and I am thankful for them each day.  Over the past several years, I have tried as much as possible to be a positive example and a guide for them.  I don’t know much about what it means to be a godfather, but in my relationship with these guys, I have tried to help them increasingly know the love of God the Heavenly Father.

Wiley Lowry

Shivering, smiling, and dripping wet, four Yemeni children burst through the door.

“[Both boys] have thought about their roles one day as a father, even though neither have  a relationship with their own father.”