Theresa, our Director of Patron Services intentionally hugs and plays with the inner-city children who come through our doors. Often, this is the only expression of love many experience.

She recently spent time playing with a little boy who came in with a relative. Eventually, he voluntarily disclosed, “My mom is in treatment.” Theresa assured him that his mother loves him and needs to be in a program to help her be a better mom.

While a five-year-old shouldn’t know what a treatment program is, sadly, many do. But Christians can help.

First, we can intentionally be the best parents we can be for small children. They’re not as resilient as we like to think they are. In my opinion, most people living on our streets are still struggling with major childhood incidents of neglect, abuse or loss.

Second, we can divert some of the time, energy and money we spend on our suburban church youth culture to one of the most overlooked mission fields anywhere – our inner-city youth. It will make an eternal difference.

From the Front Line, I’m John Mohan.