Think about this...

While your 11 year-old is getting excited about her first vacation to the beach or his trip to Six Flags, another child elsewhere in our city is trying marijuana for the first time.

While you are fixing dinner, think about the more than 4,500 children whose mom is in jail... and can't fix dinner for them.

While you and your child share a drink from Sonic, not too far away, a 12-year-old girl is involved in sexual activity and will become pregnant before the summer is over.

As you sit down to watch an old Disney movie with your 10 year-old, another child is sitting in jail thinking about what he stole and how long he will be incarcerated.

When your child sits down to a meal, puts on his clothes, or plays with her toys, think about the more than 40,000 other children in Oklahoma City who live in poverty.

While you and your child are enjoying shopping at the mall, another 10 year old is joining a local gang.

In another part of town (or maybe even closer than you think) it's a very different world for those children who aren't your children...

Someday, these children who aren't yours will grow up. Many will never have realized their full potential or become a contributing, productive member of society. Some will be in jail, on welfare, at the City Rescue Mission, on the run, or even dead. Others will break the cycle of desperation, destruction, and devastation. But most will not break the cycle of poor choices and self-destructive behavior without intervention. Familial, societal, and cultural trends are influencing our children and our communities. We must counteract the trends that are contrary to Biblical principles and devastating to the lives they affect. These inner-city children need someone who will introduce them to Jesus Christ - the One who really changes lives. They need someone who will stick around and show them, teach them what it means to lead a changed life and follow God. The involvement of a loving, caring mentor who will challenge, encourage, and motivate them to lead a changed life can make all the difference in the world. You can get involved today. You can give. You can pray. You can volunteer. YOU can make a difference.

Ask yourself, what will you do this summer to make a difference for the children who aren't your children?