This is a rare occasion where I’m actually writing about a story that hasn’t aired yet.  I’m so excited about it that I figured “Why wait?”

    It’s about a church sponsored activity called “Club Hope.”  More than 100 inner city children in Indy meet each Friday night at Barnes United Methodist Church.  They play games, dance, eat and just hang out.  But those acitivites are just the “bait.”  They also have to listen to a motivational speaker talk about the benefits of staying on the “straight and narrow” road. 

   What’s really interesting is that the speakers know what they’re talking about because they’ve lived it.  From former gang members to reformed drug dealers AND users, everyone has a story to tell.  And it’s sobering to say the least.  It’s a message that resonates with the kids because these speakers have been there and know all to well the temptations of the streets.

  When I think about how we lose so many children to the streets and its dangers, I’m encouraged that, at least in one community, there is a Club Hope.  Like its title, it does provide hope to dozens of kids who are hearing a message from people who haven’t just read about shootings, arrests and drugs - often, they’ve lived it.

  This story will air sometime this week.  Hopefully it will encourage others.  After all, where there’s hope, there’s always a chance.