 Dear Friend,
Ever met someone who has overcome tragedy or life-crushing obstacles to be truly inspirational?
You shake your head in amazement and secretly wonder to yourself, "Could I handle (insert crisis/tragedy) like they did?"
Let me introduce you to Lynne Brown.
Lynne and her husband Jacob live in an apartment complex in Glendale, AZ. They are a young couple with 5 children (more about this later). Jacob, a former pressman with Missions Press, currently drives a cab.
Despite chronic health problems, Lynne decided to use her artistic gifting to bless the many children in her complex. With nothing more than a willing heart and a few art supplies, she began what she calls "our Bible-themed art group" on a weekly basis. Of course, art classes included times of personal ministry. Many of the children come from broken homes.
"This is a forgotten group of kids (some abused, neglected, head lice, still in diapers) who no one wants to deal with, but I am so HAPPY to do it...they always respond to the Gospel message." Lynne continued to pour out her heart. "All I can do is share Jesus with them and pray with them, and, of course, I spend a lot of time with these kids. I consider them to be my own children."
In a few months, the owner of the apartments noticed Lynne's work and impact on the children. He asked her to expand her ministry to some of his other complexes - all of which are located in areas of heavy drugs, gangs, and prostitution.
Soon she was running groups at 4 locations. Ministering to over 75 children, she called her work "Crayon Ministries." When she asked for children's tracts, we were happy to help. Plus, we sent multiple Children's Gospel Boxes. All of which was appreciated.
"The younger children can understand the Gospel message very easily when they look at these tracts. Even the children who cannot read can understand the tract 'Carlos Has A New Heart.'"
Lynne's ministry faces severe opposition. One 8 year-old boy had his Bible taken away from him by his father who forbade Lynne to ever speak to his son again. "This boy did pray to receive Jesus into his heart and his father can't take that away." The apartments are dangerous for Lynne, where gang violence is a way of life. "Shootings are frequent, please keep us in prayer."
In addition to personal health issues, Lynne's own family poses unique challenges. Lynne and Jacob's 3 boys have special needs. Two have Autism and her 3 year-old has a rare form of Down's Syndrome. "I didn't question why this happened; God gave them to us this way."
Lynne believes that all of her personal challenges are a part of a bigger purpose. "I feel everything I've gone through has prepared me for this ministry."
Lynne has suffered for years with chronic pain. Recently, she began neurological testing because of symptoms that fit Multiple Sclerosis. She would appreciate all your prayers.
If you would like to assist us in sending her more Gospel Boxes, and/or you can send us spare art supplies, crayons, paper, etc., you can donate by mail, or online.
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