10/02/2024
This month in our feature, 5 Questions with a Mission Partner, we meet Lydia Beasley. Lydia is the Executive Director of the S.O.S Center. The S.O.S Center is an important part of our urban ministry work in Milwaukee. While the ministry has faced its challenges, the Lord has continued to equip it to reach out to and engage youth and their families. Meet Lydia and the great work of the S.O.S Center.
1. Tell us about the mission you serve as a partner with the SWD Mission and Mercy.
We provide Christian education for the students and parents we serve, establishing lasting relationships. Our goal is to set these students on a path to teach as well as learn, to listen and to share what they have heard.
2. Tell us the story of how you got into the ministry.
I was asked to help as a treasurer due to my vocation. Initially, I was not interested, but I attended a meeting because I love working with teams. After the meeting, I stayed and suggested collaborating with other churches to develop a plan to spread the word among our communities. The churches were not interested, so I sought the Lord's help in understanding this and eventually gathered youth from the churches. This approach worked well for several years and I was hooked. I realized I wanted to work with youth, and I could do this with God's help. I love it, though it requires giving more of my time, which I am praying about.
3. What is the greatest ministry opportunity that we have for the Gospel where you are serving?
In some areas, living as a Christian is dangerous given the current state of the world. However, we have a unique opportunity to share the Gospel and live it out. Our mission is to teach our youth how to study the Word of God. We are training them in the way they should go so that they can influence their parents, grandparents, and friends. This process never ends, and with programs like VBS, we have a tremendous opportunity to share and teach about the Gospel. We must stay organized, stick to our plan, and continue in prayer. The youth now have the power to teach and encourage their peers, sharpening one another. We are teaching them to be prepared in and out of season and to be open to learning from each other, as God works through them as well.
4. What two or three things can the people of the SWD be praying for on behalf of the ministry where you are serving?
- Pray for the students, staff, parents and the building itself
- Pray for increase: in the number of youths, volunteers and funds (we have several consistent donors)
- Pray that we make a tangible difference in the lives of many
5. Can you share a good story that tells about what the Lord is doing where you are serving?
Our youth group was going to present themselves for the first time, and everyone had a speaking part. As the time to present drew closer, one youth became increasingly fearful. When it was his turn, another youth said, "J will be leading the Lord's Prayer, and I know we all want to join him." All the youth stood up alongside him, letting him "lead." He managed to say the first two or three words on his own before everyone else joined in. This was not part of the script, and no adult had instructed the youth to do this. It was a spontaneous, supportive act that showcased the unity and faith among the youth.
