Bringing Hope Through Skateboarding
*photo taken prior to COVID
The ANTIOCH Skateboard Ministry is all about bringing HOPE to kids through skateboarding. Lately we have been sharing the vision of opening an indoor space in the city of Warman for year round activity and connection. Our summers are short, and these kids desperately need something all year long. We desire to bring GOOD NEWS and GOOD VIBES!
I have been blessed to get to know a small crew of high-schooled aged skateboarders over the past few years. While they are always pleasant - there is an appropriate level of caution when it comes to being emotionally available. And yet they still come out regularly to skate, which is amazing.
One of Antioch’s volunteers is an exceptionally talented videographer named Zachary Leoppkey. Last summer, as some COVID restrictions momentarily lifted, we were able to shoot a video showcasing the lessons and atmosphere of Antioch, as well as inviting people to join us in the vision of having a permanent indoor space, mentioning that “every penny counts”. I posted this video on social media and like every other time was unsure what people would think of our content.
I went to the skatepark the next day and within seconds one of these occasionally emotionally unaccessible teenagers came flying up to me on his skateboard. In his hand was three crisp twenty dollar bills. Handing them to me he said “this is for the space. Every penny counts, right?!” Astonished, I tried to refuse. I attempted to reroute the donation through his mother for tax purposes, stating that donations are tax-deductible. He looked at me with a blank stare. So I once again attempted to explain how taxes work and that his mother pays them. The blank stare persisted until he smiled and replied “ nah man, just take it, it’s my money and I want to give it you, this space has to happen!” In amazement I agreed to receive his generous contribution and as the conversation played out a large group of teens began congregating around us.
“This is for the space. Every penny counts, right??”
Questions started pouring in from the kids, the most striking and meaningful was “When are WE getting this space?” The purpose of Antioch (with Christ as its centre) is to build community. Their investment in this is everything to us and when they spoke of ‘ WE’, it was obvious that there was nothing separating us and that they considered themselves to be a part of Antioch already! Often the results of a ministry are silent. However, in this moment, the importance of this God sized dream and the people He wants to speak to was truly audible.
