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God’s Lost Children The Shocking Story of America’s Homeless Kids by Sister Mary Rose McGeady

God’s Lost Children
The Shocking Story of America’s Homeless Kids  by Sister Mary Rose McGeady

Book Report by Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 7-7-12

This book is book one in the Covenant House program of Public Awareness. It is printed in 1991. It is composed of letters from the Covenant House Ministry documenting the testimonies of homeless children who have come to the Covenant House in New York and found the love of God and an escape from their hard life on the streets. There are the testimonies of 14 kids where were blessed by this ministry.

The ministry is Catholic. There are not many references to the scriptures and to Jesus. They emphasize the humanitarian aide that they give. They talk about changed lives and the good work of the ministry. Which is “all good.” Protestant Evangelicals will always want to include Jesus and the Bible and the scriptures in all they do, but not so much with Catholic ministries. But God is definitely glorified in Covenant House Ministry. It is the love of God that motivates all the people who are serving the young people there.

I also admire that in between the chapters there is advice to adults and especially parents on how to deal with the issues that their teenagers might have. It is good, down home advice. I learned a lot about how to raise my kids.

Even though this was written in 1991, the problem of homeless teenagers is still an issue. They are all alone on the streets, being exploited by unscrupulous people who are taking advantage of them and extracting their youth from them for their own benefit. The young people are in need and they need help. Some one has to reach out and help them and provide the means to do so. Sometimes it takes a place to take them in and shelter them from pimps and other abusers. They need the resources to begin to live new lives. They may also need to be reconnected with their estranged parents and these are some of the things that Covenant House does.

I also appreciate the people from all kinds of different denominations who were participating in Covenant House. In the back of the book there is a quote about what the author observed. “I found myself in the midst of a Christian “melting pot.” There were nurses, teachers, nuns, business people, laborers, retired mothers, and recent college graduates. They had come from all over the country and even from abroad. Although Catholic in prayer and worship, the Community also had members from various Christian denominations. There were young and the young at heart. Each had a different story to tell as to why they had come to Covenant House, but their differences were united by the call to strengthen their relationship with one God. To do so they were willing to accept the challenge of intense prayer (three hours a day), communal living, and working with the kids of Covenant House, whose lifestyle in the street can make them pretty tough to deal with at times…..The Covenant Community had a vibrant spirit that was full of life and laughter.” (God’s Lost Children. Book 1. p. 113)

Here is a description of Covenant House Ministry from their web site: http://www.covenanthouse.org/about-homeless-charity/mission

The Covenant House Mission statement helps us stay true to our calling as we serve homeless kids:
We who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to His people are dedicated to living out His covenant among ourselves and those children we serve, with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street, and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among His people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that effects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.

Our Mission and Vision are governed by five basic principles

Immediacy
Homeless kids come to Covenant House in crisis. Immediately and without question, we meet their basic human needs – a nourishing meal, a shower, clean clothes, medical attention, and a safe place away from the dangers of the street.

Sanctuary
Homeless kids arriving at our door are often frightened and mistrustful. Young men and women can grow only when they feel safe and secure – Covenant House protects them from the perils of the street and offers that important sense of security.

Value Communication
Lying, cheating, and stealing are common survival tools on the street. Covenant House teaches by example that caring relationships are based on trust, respect, and honesty.

Structure
Homeless kids never know how they will get their next meal or where they will sleep. Covenant House provides the stability and structure necessary to build a positive future.

Choice
Young people often feel powerless to control their lives, and fall into a self-defeating cycle of failure. Covenant House fosters confidence, encouraging young people to believe in themselves and make smart choices for their lives.
Covenant House is dedicated to serving all of God’s children with absolute respect and unconditional love… to help suffering homeless kids… and to protect and safeguard all children in need.




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