IF YOU WERE THINKING ABOUT GIVING ME A GIFT FOR MY 40TH BIRTHDAY...

...I ask instead that you help a youth named Ernie to get a new start in life.

My 40th birthday is this Saturday. We've got a nice day planned, including a trip to the beach with the kids and some BBQ to munch on while we are there. In terms of gifts, I have had, and continue to have, a great life. There are some things I want. But I would much rather help this youth I know, Ernie.

Ernie has been admitted to a private Christian school in Washington state. It's a wonderful opportunity for him. This school specializes in helping young males who are one step away from getting caught up in the justice system. He needs $1,100 by this Sunday (July 29) to enter the school.

Here are two shots of Ernie. The first is with his sister. The second is with me.





Ernie's family is large and very poor. For a period of time they lived in a garage. As I write, his youngest siblings still do. Ernie, of late (about the past half a year), has not been attending school at all. He just turned 15. When he was 13 he was in a court-ordered boot camp for teens at-risk. He went through a period where he ran the streets. Lately he has tried to stay out of trouble. His entire plan to stay out of trouble, however, involves staying in his grandmother's house and doing nothing. That, my friends, is a recipe for failure. Eventually he will tire of the house and re-enter the streets. The police are well aware of him: While I was walking down the street with Ernie three weeks ago, an officer drove by and called out his name. Ernie said that officer harassed him recently, saying, "You are just like your brother, and I'm going to take you to jail just like your brother." Ernie is very aware that he is on the precipice of serious trouble. As a result, he has shown remarkable initiative in filling out the application to attend this private Christian school. He has called me frequently, usually twice a day, asking first if he was accepted, then asking when he can leave. He is eager to get out of Pasadena and get a fresh start at this school.

I've known Ernie since 2000. He is listening to everything I tell him. I told him to work hard to make some of the $1,100 he needs, because why should anyone offer assistance if he doesn't care enough to work hard? He volunteered at my church, setting up sound equipment and breaking down after service. He will volunteer at Harambee during this week, as he prepares to leave.

The $1,100 breaks down this way: $150 for application fee - $250 for intake fee - $400 for damage deposit. All these go directly to the school. Then his transportation will be $125. He will need to acquire clothing and supplies. Between donations and items he must purchase, I estimate the clothes/supplies at $175. The total is $1,100.

As you read this blogpost, I ask that you consider making a gift to help Ernie. Anything you can contribute would be much appreciated. To contribute online, go here. If you would like to send a check, write it to "Harambee Ministries" and send it to Harambee, 1609 Navarro Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103.

Got questions? Just email me. Thanks!