There’s a new air of hope within the inner city of Akron, Ohio, and it has sparked a whole lot of enthusiasm through just a few very excited young people. Every once in a while, something magical happens and you’re lucky enough to witness it. This is one of those times; thanks to Vemma, there’s a flicker of passion and a renewed sense of possibility about the future. Selena White and her husband Ukali say they know many kids who haven’t had much reason to believe in anything in their young lives. “It’s hard to imagine the degree of loss some of them have suffered before their lives even started,” says Selena. “My husband and I have often called this ‘a hopeless, parentless generation.’ When you look into their eyes, you see no light, no hope.” But now, as the Vemma Young People Revolution takes hold, the Whites see a glimmer of possibility coming alive, where before there was none.
Kids who have been on their own since they were 16 years old are developing a passion for Vemma. Ukali was a senior pastor for seven years and has served in ministry for 20. “Until now, we had nothing to offer these kids that could change their situation. We always said, ‘A dream deferred makes the heart sick,’ and we saw that happening right in front of us,” Selena shares. Now they’re witnessing how Vemma has put hope into hearts, and it’s truly a revolution. The Whites make a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers these days, because often as things wind down following the meetings, they discover that those in attendance haven’t eaten since the day before. “This opportunity has shown them they can choose a better life — and if they work hard, things can change,” Selena says.
For the first time in their lives, many now have real motivation. There is so much excitement building! Last month, Rod Smith hosted a hotel event with the team, and a third of the attendees were young people. Since then, that number has doubled!
Everyone approaches this opportunity differently. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon, and it doesn’t matter where you start — it matters where you finish. Some of these young people are faced with a lot of challenges, but they’re determined. They may not rise as quickly, because they have so much more to overcome. But they are beginning to overcome their challenges. Thanks to Vemma, Verve and the amazing Young People Revolution, hope is being reborn in Akron, Ohio!
Kids who have been on their own since they were 16 years old are developing a passion for Vemma. Ukali was a senior pastor for seven years and has served in ministry for 20. “Until now, we had nothing to offer these kids that could change their situation. We always said, ‘A dream deferred makes the heart sick,’ and we saw that happening right in front of us,” Selena shares. Now they’re witnessing how Vemma has put hope into hearts, and it’s truly a revolution. The Whites make a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers these days, because often as things wind down following the meetings, they discover that those in attendance haven’t eaten since the day before. “This opportunity has shown them they can choose a better life — and if they work hard, things can change,” Selena says.
For the first time in their lives, many now have real motivation. There is so much excitement building! Last month, Rod Smith hosted a hotel event with the team, and a third of the attendees were young people. Since then, that number has doubled!
Everyone approaches this opportunity differently. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon, and it doesn’t matter where you start — it matters where you finish. Some of these young people are faced with a lot of challenges, but they’re determined. They may not rise as quickly, because they have so much more to overcome. But they are beginning to overcome their challenges. Thanks to Vemma, Verve and the amazing Young People Revolution, hope is being reborn in Akron, Ohio!