“This is Sam. You guys are gonna be best friends.” She confidently wrapped her
arms around me, knowing only that about me--that I was there to love her. This is how I
was first introduced to Sam, a girl who comes off very self-assured, but in reality is
yearning for assurance; my boss was right when he presumed we’d have a lot in common,
as I too have struggled with that in the past. Sam is a regular participant in the
programs I assist with as an arts missionary at Inner City Movement, a performing arts
ministry that seeks to make the most of the after-school hours for youth in physical,
emotional, and spiritual need. ICMovement is keenly aware that the hours during which
we offer our arts training and spiritual formation classes are the peak time statistically for
youth to seek negative means of validation to dull the pain--pain of neglect, abuse, and
not knowing how much they’re worth.
Sam has been blessed with both a beautiful spirit and a beautiful voice. One day
at ICMovement, we were having a worship jam which was being led by my fellow arts
missionaries. One of our main goals is to facilitate student involvement and leadership,
but this can be a challenge as the students are sometimes intimidated by the talents of the
staff. After much encouragement, Sam took the mic. The jam was already in full
swing. We cheered her on. She finally closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and went for
it, improvising melodies and lyrics on the spot. The beauty in her voice and her overall
presence came from a sense of freedom that can only be achieved by knowing how much
you’re loved. That freedom has the power to inspire others to try, to learn, and to grow; I
know it did that for me. That’s why I think 3:30.
Missy Gentles is a 2011 Institute alumni living in Upper Darby, working with Inner City Movement, as a piano and voice teacher.
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3:30 is a question: What is your 3:30 story and what role will you play in contributing to the development of children in your city and your world?
BuildaBridge answers with our own stories of transformation from the children we serve.
3:30 is a challenge: What will you do about 3:30?
BuildaBridge responds with the continuation of after school programming for children in need.
3:30 is a promise.
BuildaBridge promises to uphold this commitment both in Philadelphia and abroad.
Will you respond? Will you commit? Will you advocate? Will you give?
