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Joy to kids' world

A Christian college's JOY Club brings fun, love and the Bible to children in two Clearwater neighborhoods.

By Demorris A. Lee, Times Staff Writer
Published February 24, 2008

CLEARWATER -  The students gathered in front of Clearwater Christian College's gymnasium and formed a prayer circle.

They thanked God for the day and asked for his guidance and patience for the mission to come.

Then they loaded into cars and headed from the campus on the west side of the Courtney Campbell Parkway on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard into the city. One group went to North Greenwood Apartments, the other to Mac Arthur Park apartments at Drew Street and U.S. 19.

In North Greenwood, they knocked on doors.

"Wait a minute, I'm coming," a small voice chimed from behind a green door. A little girl then popped out, giving Alyssa McLanahan, 20, a smile and a hug.

After walking through the complex and gathering the children, the members of the college's JOY Club (Jesus, Others, You) headed across Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to an open field where they played dodge ball with the kids. Then they sang Bible songs and told stories of the creation.

This Wednesday afternoon ritual has gone on for years. No one really knows how long the JOY club has been coming to North Greenwood. But the community always seems glad to see them.

"We play football, my friends come, we talk about the Lord," said Adarius Lemons, 10. "It's fun."

Lemons then shot his hand in the air to answer how many days it took God to create the Earth.

"Seven!" he yelled.

Students formed the JOY club. The weekly outings are voluntary. Each semester, members knock on every door of the North Greenwood apartments to see if children are there and to get parental okays.

There are about 20 regulars; there can be as many as 40 kids running, playing and singing Bible songs. The Mac Arthur Park group, with a strong Hispanic base, is strong as well.

After an hour of play, jokes, and Bible stories, the children are given candy and more hugs.

"We learn a lot about Jesus," said Maryssa Artura, 10, munching on a lollipop. "It's fun."

After walking the kidshome, the club members formed another circle. They said a prayer and headed back to campus.

[Last modified February 23, 2008, 22:28:56]