Each week, middle schoolers are learning the art and skill of woodworking at our Humboldt Park location. These young people are developing a love for building something unique as they experience the artistic journey of having a design in their heads become a piece in their hands. At the same time, they are learning personal ownership and teamwork as they work on projects and navigate group work dynamics.

“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being…” (Genesis 2:7) From the onset of Creation we see God’s intimate love and specific care for humanity. God spoke the universe into existence but fashioned and molded man out of the ground. God got His hands dirty making the pinnacle of His creation: us!

We’ve been exploring with a group of middle school kids that come to our after school programming, how we have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God (Psalm 139:14) and create, invent, and produce with a purpose because we are made in the image of the great Creator. Through woodworking, we’ve been able to imitate the Creator and “get our hands dirty” by fashioning our own creations. Currently: ping pong paddles!

Each paddle carries the unique and personal design and marks of the middle schoolers.

Join us as we show the world how we are #uniquelyfashioned and become a supporter to receive your very own, personally crafted and limited edition ping pong paddle. During this week only, a one-time donation of $70 or more towards our Give Hope campaign will automatically get you a ping pong paddle of your choice in design, as well as private link to a ping pong tournament with the youth and staff.

The tournament will take place at 5pm (CST) on November 22 if you want to catch it live!

Follow us today at #UniquelyFashioned and go to give.weraise.org/givehope to give