Yesterday, we set off at 4:50 in the morning to serve in the Bronx. To be honest, I really did not know what to expect. We were working at the Latino Pastoral Action Center, a facility that focuses on the holistic approach to ministry. It focuses on five dimensions of personal development: spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and social.
  

Throughout my experience in Washington, DC and New Jersey, I have found that people decide to leave our faith and our church not because of our theology or dogma, but because quite simply, these needs are not being met. I think that the situation is improving, but we have so much potential for MORE.
  

Another highlight of the day was my interaction with a twelve year old named Stephen. He was a talented artist and after a lot of hesitation, he agreed to show me his sketches. I was really impressed by his work. Unfortunately, for some reason, he had decided to give up sketching. He lacked confidence and motivation. The story is the same with many of the kids there. In their eyes, the payoff for crimes far exceeds the benefits of graduating high school. They desire to go to prison because they want to be “cool