The FORGE THRIVING

I often describe The FORGE in 2023 as "THRIVING!" I remember siting in a programs meeting, 5 years ago, strategizing for the growing number of youth coming to the FORGE and how we can maximize our serve to each youth. Literally, hundreds of youth have come through the FORGE since it was established nearly 30 years ago. Every year is a time to re-evaluate why we do what we do, how we can continue to push forward through obstacles and live out the Mission and Vision of the FORGE.

Out of that meeting our Jump Start program was born. Jump Start is a leadership development internship program. Our primary focus is to equip 9th-12th graders with life skills and help them excel in the professional sector as well as build on their spiritual foundation.

It is a treat to be able to see the fruit of your labor in kids lives. We have several kids who are away in college with one already graduated. Our students come back every Summer and and work full time as conselors and staff help. To see them in roles of leadership and serving around our campus is nothing short of a blessing. We were also able to give out our first scholarship to one of our Jump Starters. $2000 went toward their college expenses. Praise God!

Today, we have a waiting list of teens wanting to be a part of Jump Start. Parents are seeing the value in a program like Jump Start and are 100% supportive in what The FORGE is doing in the lives of their kids.

Thanksgiving Boxes Of Love

The FORGE, along with volunteers and 16 other ministries, got together and packed food boxes which came with a turkey, for 1000 families througout Houston texas. We got the opportunity to come along side our ministry partners to work, serve, eat and have a little fun as we serve God's people. I was priveleged, along with my family, to deliver some of these meals to families. My wife and I not only pased out the food but we prayed and blessed them with some live worship. God is good!

Boxes of Love was November 18

• 1000 boxes packed

• 100+ volunteers

• 84 Boxes given to families by FORGE

• 504 people fed

• 16 ministries served 

Our Executive Director, Dana Thomas gives instructions to our ministry partners and their volunteers for Boxes Of Love

1000 boxes packed for Boxes Of Love

100 volunteers for Boxes Of Love

Texas Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee, stopped by The FORGE to give our Director, Dana Thoms, The Community Service Recognition Award

THE SET

Our High School out reach, The SET, has been on full throttle since September, with a little over 100 teens that have come through. Every Monday from 6:30-8:15 our youth are engaging in a fun, safe, Christ-centered environment.

Topics over the last month have included: Peer Pressure, Rebellion, The Family, Depression, Suicide, etc… 

The level our kids have dealt with these issues are staggering. In the case of suicide, our kids have either experinced the thought or know someone who has completed the process of suicide. In Texas alone, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among teens. To be abled to come into a space like The SET, and discuss these topics from a biblical perspective has been a blessing. Students leave knowing that as long as they are alive, there is hope. They know that God has promised to never abandon them and that they can trust HIM. They know that myself, our staff and volunteers are here for them and we are always available to be a listning ear. We are praying and standing in the gap for all of our teens.

Testimony

“I never heard any of the things taught tonight about Jesus' family. It lets me know that Jesus can identify with what has happened to me in my life.”  SET teen youth....

The SET Teens

I covet your prayers:

• Pray that we increase in the number of volunteers

• Pray that our partnership with miinistries will increase

• Pray for continued favor within our Houston Public School Syrstem

• Pray God will break the poverty cylcle in our famileis both spiritually and physically

• The SET, High School Ministry is increasing in numbers. Pray for salvation among the teens

• Pray that I am able to raise support for my full salary for the upcoming 2024 year

Would you pray about partnering with me as your urban missionary? I am currently $4000 short for our end of the year goal. Please, send all donations to the address below or go to our FORGE website by clicking on the WILLIAMS SUPPORT BUTTON  bellow. We love you and thank You for your support! 😊

Williams Support

The Forge For Families

3435 Dixie Dr

Houston, Tx 77021