EZRA is a ministry to streetkids in urban Denver.
Streetkids are those who have been abused from a young age and
who have not matured or developed past these traumas, and have
left home to live on the streets. Subsequently, they reflect
their emotional age rather than their chronological age. Our
ultimate aim is for the street kids to come to know Christ through
our living example of his compassion and acceptance. Our passion
is to see each one grow beyond their street mentality and to
become living examples of Christ themselves. The youth on the
streets have much to give, but the opportunities for them are
few. So, we provide a atmosphere of love, acceptance, expression,
hope, opportunity and growth.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
What
are the requirements for being a volunteer with EZRA?
A relationship with Christ, so Christ is continuaously modeled. An open, teachable spirit and the willingness to show
up on a regular basis. Offering a listening ear, genuine interest and
a friendly smile communicate love to kids on the street who
are often met with rejection and judgment.
The
ministry has five aspects and volunteer opportunities within
them:
Some of what we do includes outreach, an art and design studio, art shows, mentoring, and meals. (Phil. 2:3, 1 John 3:18 )
Outreach
Outreach in downtown Denver means handing out coffee
& hanging out daily with streetkids, hippies, drug dealers,
junkies, gangbangers, prostitutes, and anyone else who calls
the streets and/or downtown their "home". Come listen to their
stories, and just be "out there" with them and show Christs
love. Co-Directors. Bruce and Bex, do outreach in the morning,
Monday through Friday.
The
Studio
The art and design studio allows streetkids to develop
their creative abilities so they can get beyond the streets.
The art opportunities are: painting with oils, acrylics, watercolors;
drawing with graphite and charcoal; creating wire sculpture;
jewelry making; painting with an airbrush on canvas, artboard,
bikes, skateboards and custom painting their clothing, etc.
The design opportunities include the chance to learn graphic
design and web design, and then to work on real projects for
real businesses. I you have an interest in sharing you desgn
skils contact Bruce. The studio is open Monday through Friday
from 2 to 5pm. Monthly art shows provide opportunity to sell
their creations at the Creator’s Café, a venue of live music
and art. (Eph. 4:28, 2 Thes.3:12, Prov.14:23)
Come and use your own love of art to show
and inspire the street kids to create group and individual
projects that will help them see that they too can achieve.
Mentoring
& Bible Study
Streetkids have the opportunity to be mentored by
staff one on one over a meal. These relationships support
their positive growth and encourage wise choices. There are
also small group Bible studies and book studies to further
develop their spiritual lives and provide some accountability.
Be an example of Christ
to them. (Ezra 7:10, Ecc. 4:12)
Sunday
Dinners
Every other Sunday a family style meal is provided to the streetkids. We serve them with nice dishes and home cooked meals to reinforce our belief that they are each special and loved. These are not "feedings" and they are invitation only. This family atmosphere creates greater connection and community. (Luke 15:20, Rom.12:10)
Prayer Team
A team of prayer warriors who cover the ministry, individual
staff and street kids in prayer.
Do you have a passion for intercession?
Do you have internet access and are willing to co-ordinate
and lead a group of like minded passionate intercessors?
Or would you love to be part of the intercession group
praying for an individual street kid, staff member or ministry
time slot?
There
are also opportunities for those who are unable to volunteer
on a regular basis but would love to be part of a short-term
project. These are
one day or two projects that require and utilize specific
needs and talents. Such as:
Area
of specific talent Area of specific need
Framing/woodworking To
make canvases
A
flair for interior design Painting
a “creative” wall in EZRA
A
love of evangelism & art Taking
art projects to
Civic
Center
Park
In addition, Ezra hopes to merge a business aspect into the
ministry. This would be anything from the streetkids selling
their own art, to bringing in actual design projects that
would give streetkids on-the-job training in graphic and web
design, to selling t-shirts and greeting cards designed by
streetkids.
Contact Bex or Bruce by
email at bex@justezra.com
or bruce@justezra.com. |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT:
CO-DIRECTORS
Bex Drake [Outreach]
303.830.2201, x7
E-mail:bex@justezra.com
Bruce Vlieger [Studio]
303.830.2201, x7
E-mail:bruce@justezra.com
justEzra.com
creatorscafe.net
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