No one knows our nature better than God who made us. He knows we are disobedient and that our disobedience separates us from Him. He longs for a restoration of our broken relationship, and since He knows He can’t depend on us to do anything right, He decided a long time ago to depend on Himself instead. Our disobedience deserves death, so God let His own Son die for us. Thus our debt is paid and God’s system of forgiveness has been set up.

“Forgiveness” means to give up the claim to compensation from an offender. We are the offenders. Based on what Jesus has done, God gives up all claims of repayment from us. He holds nothing against us. It sounds so simple, but it’s obvious that we don’t fully understand it. If we did, we would be overwhelmed with gratitude and filled with joy for the rest of our lives. Most of us undervalue God’s system of forgiveness..

The plan of redemption is designed to restore our relationship with God but it doesn’t work unless we accept it. One of the hardest things for us to admit is that we can’t do anything right. We do almost anything to keep from swallowing our pride and accepting what God has done for us. Part of the reason is that we have been taught from childhood to “do our share” and earn our way ourselves. We are proud to be self-made.

Pride in our own accomplishments separates us from God. We want to handle things on our own and we struggle along until our problems and pain become unbearable. Even then, we try to resist God’s solution and say “I’d be ashamed to come to God like a beggar. I’ll wait til I get myself out of this mess first.”

Some of us try halfhearted confessions. We say we are sorry, but our actions deny our words and we go right back to doing what we did before. What is lacking in that type of repentance is surrendering to God’s Will. Surrender means to give up oneself in the power of another. To do anything less in our relationship with God is only to kid ourselves. It probably means we aren’t really sorry for doing wrong, but only for getting caught.

True forgiveness that restores our relationship with God depends on our surrender to His will. We can’t have a close relationship with Him unless we surrender to Him completely.

Our rejection of His forgiveness may not seem so obvious. We may say we admit our wrongs and accept His forgiveness, but behave as if we are paying the penalty for our own sins. Many people in that category become Christian workers. They give their lives in service to God as pastors, Sunday school teachers, lay leaders, nuns, or priests, but they labor more out of a sense of duty than of love, and know little joy in serving Christ. All of us, at one time or another behave like that.

We may “look good” in the eyes of others as we play the martyr’s role, paying God what we feel we “owe” Him. But that isn’t what He wants from us. We are refusing to give Christ credit for canceling our debts. We are rejecting Him as our Savior, and it is pride, not humility, that motivates us.

David addressed himself to God, saying “For You don’t desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You don’t delight in burnt offerings… the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart these O God, You won’t despise.” (Psalms 51:16, 17 NKJV)

A tremendous load will roll off our back when we learn to accept God’s forgiveness completely. Our need for it shouldn’t be a source of despair, but of rejoicing. Only a heart that has been forgiven understands the love of God. The more we are forgiven the more we love Him and the more we are able to praise Him. Then we can sing like David, “What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record… So rejoice in Him, all those who are His, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey Him.” (Psalms 32:1, 2, 11 AMP)

About Created To Believe: The Power of Praise Through Practical Biblical Truths

Excerpt from Created To Believe: The Power of Praise Through Practical Biblical Truths written by Richard “Reason” Garrett

Copyright © 2011 Liberated Publishing Inc

www.liberatedpublishing.com

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Youth listened intently as Kelly addressed overcoming the fear of rejection and encouraged them to implement some of the timeless principles from Dale Carnegie’s book of “How to win friends and influence people”.

Kelly Maselli teachs LEAP Interns students how to network.

Some of the tips she provided students when networking consisted of

• Always smile and make eye contact while firmly shaking hands
• Memorizing and using everyone’s first name so they feel valued
• Actively listening and asking relevant questions to that you leave the conversation knowing more about the other person than they know about you
• Keep business cards handy to distribute and collect others cards so that you can follow up within 2 days after meeting them

After providing insightful best practices for students to engage networking in person, Kelly began to educate the students on social networking online. She stressed the importance of being careful o the content posted on social media sites and understanding employers policies about accessing those sites while at work.

“Social networking sites have become very popular among our youth as they seek to explore and define who they are and connect with others like themselves. I appreciate Kelly setting clear guidelines with examples from real life scenarios so that the students could understand the risks involved in placing personal information online. “ commented Richard “Reason” Garrett

“It is my hope that the students leave this class with valuable tools that create opportunities for open communication and help maximize the benefits of the internet while avoiding its potential dangers.” Kelly expressed.

Kelly encouraged the students to fall back on the list whenever they feel discouraged and/or nervous about engaging new individuals for networking purposes.

The next session for this group of LEAP Interns, will be at Daymar Institute and cover Career Search Preparation. Applications are currently being accepted for the next group of interns to participate in the program. For more information on the Youth Career Development Program visit www.leaporg.net

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Students listened intently as Makeba advised them of the differences between financial aid, Pell Grants, scholarships and student loans and the impact selecting a school in state or out of state would have on funding sources.

APSU’s Makeba Webb speaks with LEAP Youth Career Development Program students.

Makeba went on to encourage the group to be active in various clubs, sports, and greek organizations to assist them in becoming more well rounded and develop connections that could open career opportunities.

She also stressed the importance of staying focused, maintaining a high GPA, and keeping their disciplinary record clean to avoid consequences such as probation and suspension that may result in them being denied admission into Grad school or other programs.

From the beginning, students were engaged in the informal classroom setting that encouraged them to ask questions and share information. Some of the concerns the students had were related to working while in college, balancing sports and academics, developing good study habits, the pros/cons of living on campus, and maintaining healthy personal relationships.

The session concluded with Makeba, reinforcing the importance of education with career development. She challenged the students to take the time to research companies thoroughly prior to interviewing for the position so they would be knowledgeable and able tailor their answers during the interview to appeal to what the company is looking for in employees.

The next session for the this group of LEAP Interns, will be at Daymar Institute and cover Interpersonal Communication. For more information on the Youth Career Development Program visit www.leaporg.net

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The goal of the program is to prepare youth to be able to successfully obtain employment by providing interview technique coaching, resume writing instructions, provide relevant work experience, and job placement assistance with employers.

Youth Career Development Program

• Open to youth ages 15 to 18
• Must complete an application, undergo an interview, and be selected
• 6 weeks paid classroom instruction at Daymar Institute on Saturdays for 2 hours
• 6 weeks paid feeding the hungry with Manna  Café on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday for 2 to 3 hours each day
• Hourly wage $7.50 to $10.00 based on attendance/performance.

The duration of the program is 12 weeks. It will end with a ceremony at which students will receive a certificate of completion. During this ceremony participants will be able to share what they learned from their experience and take part in speed interviews with potential employers.

The deadline to submit applications is May 31st, 2013 by 4:00pm. Call 931.614.0440 or email *protected email* for more information.

Applications are available at 3135 Trenton Road or can be downloaded from our website: www.leaporg.net

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Praise is meant to be the focal point of our relationship with God. Praise isn’t just a surface thing. It isn’t just saying “Praise the Lord” all day long. The secret of praise is something that flows from the center of what is really us. It is something that brings an immediate response from the heart of God.

We can’t really praise God without being thankful for the thing we are praising Him for. And we can’t be thankful unless we believe He is an omnipotent, loving Father that is working everything out for our good. Praising then involves both gratitude and joy that God is keeping His word to work good through everything if we love Him. (Romans 8:28)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV) “For God is the King of all the earth sing praises with understanding” (Psalms 47:7 NKJV) We’re not supposed to push our understanding out of the way, grit our teeth and say “It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll praise the Lord if it kills me, if that’s the only way I can get out of this mess.”

That’s not praising, that’s manipulating. We have all tried to manipulate God and it’s wonderful to know that He loves us too much to let us get away with it. We are to praise God with our understanding, not in spite of it. Our understanding gets us into trouble when we try to figure out why and how God does something, but He wants us to accept with our understanding that He does it. This is the basis of our praise. God wants us to understand that He loves us and that He has a plan for us. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:25 NKJV)

Are you surrounded by difficult circumstances right now? Have you been struggling to understand why they have come to you? Then try to accept with your understanding that God does love you and has allowed these circumstances because He knows that He can bring good out of this for you. Praise Him for what He has brought into your life; do it deliberately and with your understanding and He will take care of the rest.

Praising God isn’t a magic formula for success. It is a way of life that is solidly backed up in God’s Word. We praise God, not for expected results, but for the situation just as it is. As long as we praise God with an eye secretly looking for the expected results we’re only kidding ourselves and can be certain that nothing will happen to change us or our situation.

Praise isn’t a bargaining tool. We don’t say, “I’ll praise you so that you can bless me Lord.” To praise God is to delight ourselves in Him. The psalmist wrote, “Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 NKJV) Notice the order of importance here. We don’t just list our hearts desires, then delight ourselves in the Lord in order to get them. We’re first to be delighted, and once we’ve experienced being really delighted with God, we’ll discover that everything else becomes secondary. Still it is true that God does want to give us all our hearts desires. Nothing short of that is His wish and plan for us. We just have to learn to put God first.

God does have a perfect plan for our lives. We may look at the circumstances surrounding us and think we’ve been standing still forever in one painful spot. The more we pray and cry for God to help us, the more the circumstances seem to pile up. The turning point can’t come until we begin to praise God for our situation instead of crying for Him to take it all away.

God can’t move in our lives to reveal His perfect plan for us until we joyfully accept our present situation as part of that plan. What happens next is God’s move, not ours. We as Christians need to remind ourselves frequently that God is in total control. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have the power to manipulate or change a situation simply by reciting a certain form of a prayer.

When we sincerely accept and thank God for a situation, believing that He has allowed it to come about, there is released into the situation a supernatural, divine force that can cause changes beyond what can be explained as an unfolding of natural events. Any form of sincere prayer opens the door for God’s power to move into our lives. But the prayer of praise releases more of Gods power than any other form of petition. The Bible gives examples which show this fact again and again. “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel.” (Psalms 22:53 KJV) No wonder God’s power and presence is near when we praise Him. He actually dwells, inhabits, and resides in our praises.

God said to Jehosophat. “Don’t be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s (II Chronicles 20:15 NKJV) God knows we don’t have the power to deal with the circumstances of our lives, He’s just waiting for us to completely turn the problem over to Him. “You won’t need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…” (Chronicles 20:17 NKJV) What a promise, all we have to do is stand still and firm in our faith in Him and rejoice while we watch God go to work.

The next morning Jehosophat gave the orders to his army. “… He appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying’s Praise the Lord, for this mercy endures forever.” (II Chronicles 20:21 NKJV)

Benjamin Franklin once said, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” But nothing could be further from the truth. The Lord helps those who are helpless. It isn’t enough to just be helpless though, we have to give up trying to help ourselves and surrender to God.

“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people… who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.” (II Chronicles 20:22 NKJV) I think it’s safe to say that if Jehosophat had decided that he had better play it safe and order his men to fight, the outcome would have been very different.

Many of us are constantly defeated by the circumstances around us because we aren’t ready to accept that the battle is God’s not ours. God’s word makes it clear that the only way out of that dilemma is a step of faith on our part. Believing that God’s promises are true, accepting them, and daring to trust in them leads to understanding.

Joshua was another example along with many others that I could go on and on about. The best example we have is Jesus Himself. The Bible says that Jesus came to earth to make it possible for us to praise God. Isaiah foretold Jesus coming and said that “He would come to preach the gospel of good tidings… to bind up and heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the physical and spiritual captives, and the opening of the prison and of eyes to those who are bound… to grant consolation and joy to those who mourn… the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise instead of heavy burdened and failing spirit.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 AMP)

You may recognize your own condition on the list. Are you broken hearted? Bound by physical limitations, sickness, or spiritual limitations? In physical prison or imprisoned by your own spiritual blindness? Are you mourning? Unable to rejoice, thank or praise God? Is your Spirit heavily burdened and failing?

Perhaps it’s because you haven’t fully accepted and understood the Good News Jesus came to bring. Praise is an active response to what we know God has done and is doing for us in our lives and in this world through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

We have every reason to rejoice and praise God “For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us.” (Romans 5:2 AMP)

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To celebrate reaching this milestone the organization reached out to Chic Fil A on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard to create an family friendly atmosphere that encouraged board members, staff, volunteers, community partners, parents, and youth in the program to get to know one another.

LEAP Organization’s Four Year Anniversary

While the organization selected Daymar and CMCSS to be featured this year, LEAP recognizes that it took the support from a diverse group of churches and organizations such as Faith Outreach Church, First Missionary Baptist Church, Tennessee Commission of Children and Youth, United Way, Parks & Recreation, Miller Motte Technical College, Millan Enterprises, Kohls, Career Center, Workforce Essentials, APSU, NAACP, and the City of Clarksville to reach this milestone.

The L.E.A.P. ORG. provides Holistic mentoring, case management, counseling, career development, and community service learning opportunities for youth. L.E.A.P, which stands for Leadership, Enlightenment, Academic Achievement, and Perseverance, also teaches its members about Outreach, Responsibility, and Growth.

For more information on its positive youth development program that views young people as “resources” who have much to offer rather than as “problems” that need to be treated or fixed call 931.614.0440 or visit www.leaporg.net

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Following the skits, the students were given an opportunity to share some of their personal experiences with being bullied and being the bully.

Anti-bullying Program

Sharon Edwards, shared some of her personal experiences with being bullied and the affect it had on her life until she discovered her true identity. After the program, a student passed her a note expressing his gratitude and the way he was touched by some of the personal accounts shared by the staff.

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That mission consists of bringing together families, caregivers, teachers, providers, governmental agencies, and natural supports in the promotion of healthy development.

Because children develop best when they have secure, consistent relationships with responsive adults and opportunities for positive relations with peers, ECN provides free training to parents, grandparents, and professional development in addition to support to parents, adolescent parents, grandparents, and staff.

Community collaboration is paramount to linking various resources in the community so that the referral process among various agencies is seamless. The Early Connections Network also provides direct therapy services to families with children birth through five.

Tasha articulately painted the picture of the parents that may be struggling with the woes of seeking assistance from various agencies. She described the frustration from parents having to constantly provide the same information to each agency they encounter and the feeling of hopelessness they experience trying to garner all the community resources to assist them in working with their children.

The goal of ECN is to increase awareness about the successes and challenges in children’s mental health and emphasize the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement.

Parents with concerns about their child’s age’s birth to 5, social, emotional, and behavioral well being are encouraged to contact ECN at 931.221.3800.

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The purpose of this trip is to provide students with with entertaining and educational summer trip in St Louis that will consist of the following:

Youth Summer Educational Excursion

Trip Events

• Thursday, July 25th: Missouri Historical Museum, Hotel Check-in
• Friday, July 26th: the Arch, Historic Mock Trial, Riverboat cruise, various historical places and points of interest near the Arch
• Saturday, July 27th: Science Center & Six Flags
• Sunday, July 28th: Hotel Checkout.  St Louis Galleria and outlet malls

The total cost per participant is $150.00 which covers lodging, transportation, and admission into Six Flags and various attractions. We will have an informational meeting for students and parents on April 24th at 5:00pm at Grace Church of the Nazarene located at 3135 Trenton Road.

For additional information, please call 931.378.0500 or email *protected email*

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The graduates consisted of Cassidy Ebersole, Stacey Jenkins, Raven Ross, Matthew Ebel, Courtney Carter, and David Johnson.  Upon receiving their certificate of completion and final program stipend, each student was awarded the opportunity to share what they learned throughout the program.

Students were recognized for completing the Youth Career Development Program.

“Being in the LEAP Organization has helped me grow as a person. I learned a lot in the past 12 weeks working at Daymar/Manna Café. I met amazing people who now I would consider my family. I learned to not be greedy and selfish and to be thankful for everything I have because there is always someone ina more complicated situation. I feel honored to be picked out of all the applicants and am grateful for that. I hope the LEAP program continues to grow because I know there are other out there like me that would benefit from this program. Thank you!” exclaimed Cassidy

“I learned that I need to have self-confidence in order to be a successful person and a beneficial employee.  I worked on my lack of self-confidence during the course of this program , and feel more prepared to enter the work force.” added Raven

The ceremony featured guest speakers such as Virginia Talley, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Center and State Representative Joe Pitts that offered words of encouragement and practical advice for the students to take with them as they set out to build their resume.

Zaxby’s, whom co-sponsored the ceremony with the Daymar and LEAP, were on site to interview the graduates and cater the meal concluding the ceremony.  Also present at the ceremony were the second group of students who will be embarking on their 12 week career development journey in the coming weeks.

For more information on the Youth Career Development visit http://leaporg.net/programs/career-development-program/ or call 931.614.0440

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Clarksville, TN

While Kenwood High, West Creek Middle, and Northeast Middle & High gave valiant and creative performances, it was West Creek High School that captivated the audience with a stellar production.  This marks the 3rd straight year that the West Creek High School impressed the judges panel consisting of various Greek Organizations to win first place in the competition.

The West Creek High School Step Team performs at the 4th Annual Step & Dance Crew Challenge

Host Deztin “DJ” Pryor kept the crowd hype with hilarious punchlines and high energy.  Live musical performances by Jrad, Adige, and Jon Garrett with stroll routines by APSU Hype Tight Scholars and the ladies of Zeta Phi Betta entertained the crowd during intermission.

Sponsors and vendors such as Miller Motte Technical College, 102.1 FM The Light, Miss Black Clarksville, Delisa’s Designs, and the various APSU Greek Organizations lending their support to make the event a success.

LEAP Board President Joe Shakeenab and Board Secretary Maria Scott had the privilege of awarding three $500 scholarships to Ayana Hart, Hannah Sercy, and Brandalynn Holland. The students  were selected based on their well crafted submissions in the annual LEAP 7 Points Quest Scholarship Essay Contest.

About the L.E.A.P. Organization

The L.E.A.P. ORG., founded in 2009, is an 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides Holistic mentoring, case management, counseling, career development, and community service learning opportunities for youth. L.E.A.P, which stands for Leadership, Enlightenment, Academic Achievement, and Perseverance, also teaches its members about Outreach, Responsibility, and Growth.

Leap’s positive youth development program views young people as “resources” who have much to offer rather than as “problems” that need to be treated or fixed. For more information please visit www.leaporg.net.

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During the initial 8 weeks, students  will learn Storytelling and Scriptwriting, Videography and Directing,  Editing (Sound and Film), and  Marketing. For the final 2 weeks, each site will develop a short film at least 5 minutes in length to be entered into the festival.

The films will address problems with:  Family Members,  Fitting in/Peer Pressure, Self Esteem/Body image, Gangs/Bullying, Depression/Loss, School Failure, Teenage Pregnancy, and The Future

Each participant will develop a portfolio containing the following assignments:

• An original 5 page script
• A three minute clip they shot and directed
• A film clip containing 5 edits
• A marketing plan for their movie with poster

Once participants have completed all of the modules and assignments they will be eligible to submit a movie to the Youth Film Festival for a chance to win $500.00.

This program is free of charge and begins March 25th, 2013. It is open to youth on a first come first serve basis with a 5 participant maximum at each site (LEAP Office, Burt Cobb Community Center, Kleeman Community Center, and Crow Community Center). Deadline to register is March 20th.

Applications can be downloaded from http://leaporg.net/programs/film-festival-program/ and faxed to 931.274.0929 or delivered to any of the Parks & Recreation Community Centers.

For more  information call 931.614.0440 or 931.645.7476

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During the initial 8 weeks, students  will learn Storytelling and Scriptwriting, Videography and Directing,  Editing (Sound and Film), and  Marketing. For the final 2 weeks, each site will develop a short film at least 5 minutes in length to be entered into the festival.

The films will address problems with:  Family Members,  Fitting in/Peer Pressure, Self Esteem/Body image, Gangs/Bullying, Depression/Loss, School Failure, Teenage Pregnancy, and The Future

Each participant will develop a portfolio containing the following assignments:

• an original 5 page script,
• a three minute clip they shot and directed,
• a film clip containing 5 edits, and
• a marketing plan for their movie with poster

Once participants have completed all of the modules and assignments they will be eligible to submit a movie to the Youth Film Festival for a chance to win $500.

This program is free of charge and begins March 25, 2013. It is open to youth on a first come first serve basis with a 5 participant maximum at each site (LEAP Office, Burt Cobb, Kleeman, and Crow Center). For additional information call 931-614-0440 or 931-645-7476.

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Kohls Manager, Brian Ballinger enlightened students on the importance of continuing to grow after getting the job and shared several key principles for moving up the corporate ladder. In addition to facilitating the classroom instructions, Brian and a group of dedicated Kohls employees volunteer regularly to support Manna Café to fund the Career Development Program through the Kohl’s Cares Associates in Action Program.

Kohls Manager Brian Ballinger speaking to the students

The 2^nd 6 weeks of the career development program will consist of the students volunteering for Manna Café. Follow by a graduation ceremony on April 6, 2013 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Center Pointe Hall located at 115 Center Point Drive. The ceremony will conclude with interviews for the graduates with perspective employers.

If you are a local employer that hires students ages 15 to 18 part-time and are interested in participating in the graduation ceremony, please contact Richard Garrett at 931.378.0500.

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The LEAP Organization recognizes the importance of encouraging youth to be productive and responsible citizens, and is honored to provide resources to assist youth their quest to pursue higher learning opportunities.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Deadline to submit essay is March 1st, 2013. Essay must be 350 – 750 words, typed and double spaced. Must be a senior to apply.

Include Name, School, and Contact # in top right corner of each page.

Entries may be submitted either via email, mail or fax.

Essay must address the 7 Points Theme.

Winner to be announced at 4th Annual Step & Dance Competition  on March 30th, 2013 at 3:00pm at West Creek High School.

Theme

Enlightenment

What is Enlightenment? History contains many references to this concept. In what ways were the discoveries and innovation of the Scientific Revolution instrumental to the beginning of the Enlightenment? Rationalism, skepticism, and romanticism were the three primary philosophical schools of thought during the Enlightenment.

Choose one and explain why you feel it’s a better approach to life than the others. What evidence is there that the ideas of the Enlightenment continue to be influential in modern times? Lastly, from the school of thought previously selected, explain how you can implement it in your everyday life.

The post LEAP Organization Scholarship Essay Contest for Clarksville-Montgomery County High School Seniors appeared first on Clarksville, TN Online.

In the midst of an economic climate that threatened to put a damper on Christmas cheer for the children, this act of kindness uplifted their spirits and restored their mother’s faith in a community that cares.

“Thank you for helping me and my brother have a Christmas” commented the oldest girl, Tatianna Ayodele.  “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for what you did for my kids. Without you I don’t know how I would have gotten them anything. This year has been a struggle for me” added Makeisha Ayodele, a single mother of two.

“Although, the Good Samaritan requested to remain anonymous, LEAP would like express its sincerest appreciation for their charitable contribution. Some people never get to see the result of the seed planted from an act of kindness. We look forward to watching that seed bring forth fruit in the lives of those young people and encourage them to plant seeds in the lives of others “said LEAP Treasurer Richard Garrett

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Joe Shakeenab

Clarksville, TN – LEAP Board President Katrina Bufkin passed the torch of leadership to President elect Joe Shakeenab. “While Joe’s term as President, officially begins January 1st, 2013, he has already made an impact on LEAP by laying out a Plan to assist the organization in building capacity” commented Richard “Reason” Garrett.

Joe has the distinguished honor of being a retired Special Forces Warrant Officer (Green Beret) with 28 years of military service. He spent 20 years of service with the 5th Special Forces Group. During his years of military travel to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, He grew accustomed to sacrificing so others could have better opportunities in life. Today, he continues to take this concept with him and impart such principles in others.

“In life, it’s rarely about what you attain for self. Rather, true beauty is measured by your creativity, humbleness, and whom you help, ” said Joe Shakeenab.

Additionally, Joe takes pleasure in sharing measurable knowledge by mentoring others towards creative growth that elevates self, the immediate and extended family, and the community by implanting tools that are used to knock off the rough edges, whatever they may be.

LEAP would like to express its gratitude for the commitment and leadership Katrina brought to the organization during her Presidency Not only will LEAP miss her, but also the Clarksville community as her family will be relocating. “I believe Katrina will be a blessing to whatever community God decides to plant her in and I wish her the best with her Christian Clothing line called Fully Armored Apparel” added Reason.

The post LEAP President Passes the Torch appeared first on Clarksville, TN Online.

The goal of the program is to prepare youth to be able to successfully obtain employment by providing interview technique coaching, resume writing instructions, provide relevant work experience, and job placement assistance with employers.

All applicants must complete an application, undergo an interview, and be selected. The program includes 6 weeks paid classroom instruction at Daymar Institute on Saturdays for 2 hours. 6 weeks paid feeding the hungry with Manna  Café on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday for 2 to 3 hours each day. Hourly wages are  $7.50 to $10.00 based on attendance/performance.

The duration of the program is 12 weeks. It will end with a ceremony at which students will receive a certificate of completion. During this ceremony participants will be able to share what they learned from their experience and take part in speed interviews with potential employers.

Applications available at Daymar Institute and Grace Church of Nazarene or online at www.leaporg.net.

Completed applications may either be faxed to 931-274-0929, scanned/emailed to *protected email*, or delivered/mailed to 3135 Trenton Rd Clarksville, TN 37040

For more information Call 931.614.0440 or email *protected email*

The post Youth Employment Opportunity Deadline Approaching appeared first on Clarksville, TN Online.

The goal of the program is to prepare youth to be able to successfully obtain employment by providing interview technique coaching, resume writing instructions, provide relevant work experience, and job placement assistance with employers.

Youth Career Development Program

• Open to youth ages 15 to 18
• Must complete an application, undergo an interview, and be selected
• 6 weeks paid classroom instruction at Daymar Institute on Saturdays for 2 hours
• 6 weeks paid feeding the hungry with Manna  Café on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday for 2 to 3 hours each day
• Hourly wage $7.50 to $10.00 based on attendance/performance.

The duration of the program is 12 weeks. It will end with a ceremony at which students will receive a certificate of completion. During this ceremony participants will be able to share what they learned from their experience and take part in speed interviews with potential employers.

Call 931.614.0440 or email *protected email* for more information

Applications available at 3135 Trenton Road or downloaded from our website:

www.leaporg.net

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Local comedian Deztin “DJ” Pryor entertained the guests while the couple took some newly wed photo’s followed by the duo wowing family and friends with a surprise first dance that began with the traditional slow dance evolving into a choreographed hip hop routine to a mix of various songs.

“While being married has its personal benefits, I believe marriages ordained by God have a divine purpose. Our family’s mission is to serve the Lord by loving Him with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as our lives bring forth an abundance of fruit that plants seeds in the lives of youth that will bless generations to come” commented Richard

The couple would like to thank everyone for sharing the special the occasion and also for all the love and support shown over the years. They ask for continued prayer as they set out on their lifelong journey together.

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