Church to open center for kids

Print Story

Email to Friend

Discuss this story

The center will give young people a place to go and something to do.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

WARREN — When the Rev. George H. Johnson Sr. received a phone call from a concerned person about young people who were "hanging out" on the corner of Fourth and Highland streets, the minister went to talk to them.

The Rev. Mr. Johnson asked the group why they were there and got the complaint that they had no place to go. In a way, they challenged him about how they could spend their free time.

That night, Mr. Johnson said, "The Lord gave me the vision about what to do."

That was a mere three weeks ago. Plans for the Agape Recreation Center, housed in the fellowship hall at Agape Assembly Church, 426 Nevada Ave., were made. The center will hold a community open house, picnic and registration starting at noon Saturday.

The center is geared to 10- to 17-year-olds. All participants must be registered by a parent or guardian. "This lets us know the family ... who they are and what they might be dealing with," Mr. Johnson said.

The center will offer indoor and outdoor activities including basketball, volleyball, pingpong, air hockey, flag football, board games, chess and more. Hours will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and until midnight on football game nights.

Counseling available

Mr. Johnson also noted that young people may be drawn to the rec center because of the activities but also have an underlying need to talk to someone. He said the church has staff members who will serve as listeners and mentors.

Todd Johnson, the minister's son, is serving as a center administrator. "Youth from our church will have responsibilities in operating the center," he said. "This will help get their peers involved."

As for the reason behind the center, Todd Johnson continued, "It addresses a need and 'idleness' ... the kids aren't necessarily involved in juvenile crime, but there's a lot of loitering."

Other recreation is available, he noted, but it's not accessible to those in the inner city because of transportation. "This will empower the local community because youth will have someplace positive to go," he said, "and homeowners will feel at ease that kids aren't on the streets."

Monetary and equipment donations are being accepted. The ministry even is registered at Wal-Mart and has a "wish list." Visit www.walmart.com or any Wal-Mart store.

Agape Assembly Church sponsors another ministry to benefit youths, Agape Education and Development Center, which started last year. This program, also operating in the church, opens Aug. 29 in anticipation of the 2006-07 school year. Hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.

This program has some 10 computers that are available to pupils from age 8 to high-school. According to the church Web site, www.agapeassembly.com, the computer area offers resources for pupils, high-speed Internet access and a safe and quiet study environment.

The church name, Agape, means unconditional love. In harmony with its religious mission, the church also is committed to helping the needy with clothing, food, counseling and financial support. In addition to youth programs, the church sponsors the Christians in Deliverance ministry, a Bible-based group, "to deliver people from all types of addictions."

To donate, call the church, (330) 394-7516, or send to Agape Recreation Center in care of Agape Assembly Church, 426 Nevada Ave., Warren, Ohio 44485.

Thursday, August 10, 2006