I have a friend who says that gratitude is an action word. So I’m taking action and writing to let you know how grateful our young farmers, Dequavious, Xavier, Jermaine, JaMarius, Keller, Quan, Caiden, Tyrese, Tyrone, Kamari, Deyanciss, Chase, Eddie, Zion, Daniel, and Brighton are for the way you have supported the miracles they were privileged to be part of this past season. And I am grateful for the care you have provided in order to keep Urban Community Life (UCLife) a powerful program of presence in each of these young men’s lives. For ten years we have invested in these young people, and you have worked together with God to support that investment. Thank you!
We had some incredible things happen this season. First, after three years of hard work and land clearing, we were finally at the place where we could begin full production on the farm and start our academic year program. Our dreams of connecting with even more young people were at the point of being realized! Second, we had 17 young men interested in participating in our summer program, with only 12 available beds. This is a powerful indication of the parental support for UCLife, and the overwhelming care our participants feel. We could not accommodate, nor staff, for that many. We were at capacity and faced with a major decision, step out on faith and move on, or invest in a farm that wasn’t going to be able to grow with us. We chose to trust, believing that being at capacity was God’s evidence of how He wants to use our program. It was a loss we had to face with only two months to find a new home. Our necessity was God’s opportunity.
The most incredible thing to happen this year? Thanks to you, and in answer to all our prayers, God showed up to support the work we do here at UCLife by providing a new home. Located on over 100 acres in NW Georgia, we have a beautiful new place to begin the process of rebuilding our farm and training center. Centrally located we are much better situated to share all the gifts that have been given us for the uplifting, blessing, and benefit of those who need a place of sanctuary.
Two thousand eighteen will be a rebuilding year. Without a kitchen, bunkhouse, pavilion, or camp activities we need some creative alternatives and some innovative options. Please consider how you, your church, business, or circle of influence can partner with us in this new opportunity. Help us steward the investment each of these young men represent. We would love to speak with your circle of influence about what UCLife is doing to improve the lives of urban youth. Please make donations to Urban Community Life, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and thank you.
Sincerely, Urban Community Life