One Tough Cookie That Doesn't Get Soft in November Rain

When I was growing up, the band Guns ‘n Roses had a song November Rain. I don’t remember what the song was about, but I do remember the music video was about nine minutes long. When you are a teenager, nine minutes can seem like an eternity. Last week, when our Fighting Tigers football team lost to Apollo Ridge in the play-offs, the feeling I had of being punched in the gut and the weight of an anvil on my heart seemed to last an eternity, like that music video. Truth be told, while it seems much gets done at Tiger Pause the week after a Beaver Falls loss, I feel less motivated to do it.

You see, there is a very special young man graduating high school this year. He wasn’t the fastest or even the strongest on the team, but, have no doubt about it, he is what every father desires his son to be—one tough cookie. Peter Lyons, who broke the New Brighton Lions’ backs this year when the game was deadlocked and momentum hung in the balance, scamped 40+ yards as a full back for a touchdown, running over half of New Brighton’s team. He kept the “jug” home.

Our paths crossed six years ago when he and his brother, Big Mike, would come across the street after school to the Tiger Pause Boys’ Center. They were typical middle school boys. They smelled, they were unruly, and, did I mention, they smelled. We did everything together. We went on trips across the country and eventually started working together. But, the funniest time we had was when we put on those boxing gloves and beat each other senseless. And no matter how hard I hit him, he would never go down. He reminds me of Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull when he tells Sugar Ray Robinson, “You never knocked me down, Ray!” One day, Pete got me good and bloodied my lip. By his reaction, you would have thought he knocked out Mike Tyson. If I was the legend, he was the legend killer and he told everyone who would listen.

Petey Pie (my nickname for him) grew up with a hard life. He lost his mom two years ago, stays with different family members, fumbled the ball against the Quips on the 3-yard line, and could have ended up like any other self-destructive, troubled teen. He’s not out of the woods yet, so keep him in your prayers.

Here are some unpublished stats if you ever want to get an autograph from Pete:

• Petey has a smile that will light up a room.
• After scoring two touchdowns against Summit, when they called Pete’s number again, he let a fellow teammate get a touchdown instead.
• For one of our moving jobs, he traveled with us to San Francisco and back in five days.
• The first and only kid who made Mr. Matt bleed.
• He ran 11th Street hill at 6:30 a.m. to get ready for football season.
• He went to Busch Gardens because all the other guys wanted to, even though he doesn’t like rollercoasters.
• He went on a missions trip to West Virginia with Park Presbyterian Church. There is not a time when I see anyone from that church where they don’t smile and ask about Petey. 

People often tell me how great Tiger Pause is doing or what a good job I have done, but we all know it is the Lord. I thank the Lord when He sends boys like Petey because he inspires us to be tougher and go one more round. Love you, Pete. Proud of ya! And as Mr. K would say, “I’m for ya!”

Semper fi,
Matt Nance

Harmony Center Update

This 2014-2015 school year I have had the pleasure of supervising one of our afterschool program sites in Harmony Dwellings. Three days a the week, about 10 -15 children attend this site. During their time at the afterschool program, the Geneva College tutors and myself engage them in various activities which can include making crafts, playing outside, and group activities and always includes a Bible lesson.

During the month of October, we incorporated bullying into our Bible lessons and life skill activities. At first, when just talking to the children about bullying and why it was wrong, they seemed bored and disinterested. Yet, when that same information was integrated into the Bible lessons, the children couldn’t seem to get enough. It is exciting to see how eager they are to learn more about God.

It is just as exciting when they teach us as well. One day, I was telling the story of David and Goliath, a story many of them had heard over and over again, I thought to myself, “they don’t really care about this story and aren’t going to gain anything from it this time.” To my surprise, a small voice in the back of the room said, “we are small but we can do big things too!” That little voice was right! We are small compared to the world and the problems that we may face, but we have a God who is greater than those problems and us. It is in Him that we are conquerors. I am excited to see what God is doing and will continue to do in the lives of the children here at Tiger Pause.
  
Brittany Foster
Harmony Center Supervisor

New Brighton Center Update

Working with Tiger Pause is exciting because there are always new ways to get involved and serve in the community. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work at the newest Tiger Pause after-school site, located in New Brighton. Seeing how the Lord has orchestrated all the details that make the site possible has been so encouraging.

The new center is meeting in The Lighthouse for the Blind building on Route 18 in New Brighton. The kids attending the program come from Rochester, Riverside, Baden Charter School, and New Brighton. The staff at the new site, including many Geneva College students, is working to create a safe and constructive environment to help the kids grow academically, behaviorally, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

After the kids arrive, we form a circle and have each one share their name and something good that happened to them that day. This time has been a highlight for me, because in spite of often tough circumstances, they are always able to find something positive to share. While still in a circle, we pray for the afternoon and then begin working on homework. Though the time spent on homework is challenging, it has been rewarding to see the kids growing in diligence. When they have all completed their homework, we serve them a meal and share a Bible lesson while they eat. We have been teaching them the story of Daniel, emphasizing how Daniel looked to God even through hard times. The rest of the time we spend with the kids consists of activities and crafts. We have been thankful for the nice weather, which enables us to play games outside.

I have loved getting to know all of the kids at the New Brighton site. Each one is beautifully unique, presenting both a challenge and blessing to me and the other staff members. We are excited to see how the Lord will continue to bless this new ministry of Tiger Pause.

Abby York
New Brighton Center Staff

And I'll take with me the memories...

This past month, Tiger Pause grieved the loss of two beloved individuals: Roy McDonald and Elaine Oravitz. There is no song, movie, or tear-jerking story that I can write down to express the importance, impact, and inspiration that these two people have had on me and the lives of countless youth through Tiger Pause.

Roy McDonald and his wife Francis were original founders and board members of Tiger Pause. Roy was the grandpa every boy wished they had. He was truly a man like Samuel whose words did not hit the ground. One of my greatest comforts was that I knew that Roy and Fran were praying for Tiger Pause daily. One of my greatest joys was when Roy and Fran showed up at any event we held. The most recent time was at our Splash Pad Preview Day where I could see in his eyes that he was pleased with what we had accomplished on land formerly over-run by abandoned houses and empty lots.

My early years as executive director were very rough. I was green, didn’t understand how to submit to authority, and we were at the verge of closing shop. During that time, we had a board meeting when Roy and Fran happened to be on vacation. I was being pressed to raise funds and the only idea I had was to sell raffle tickets for the boys’ work program services like grass cutting, car washing, etc. I was given permission to sell them at the football game and it was going well...until the next board meeting when Roy and Fran were there. Roy softly and graciously said, “We don’t do games of chance.” Fran just shook her head in disappointment. The rest of the board members, who had said a lot previously and given permission for the raffle, now sat so quietly that you could hear a pin drop. I was then told to call everyone who had purchased tickets and return their money, which I did because I loved Roy McDonald like a grandpa. Then, something supernatural happened. My mind grew an inch closer to wisdom.

At the next board meeting, the money issue came up again and I said that the only way I knew to make money was to tithe from the income we did have. Our budget was running in the red with no relief in sight. There was a lot of heavy conversation when Roy broke in and said, “It’s God’s word. We should do it.” Once again, silence. Then, John Shaffer made the motion and started to make history.

Twelve years later, an organization that was bringing in $65,000 per year has grown into one that will gross over $600,000 this year employing over 20 youth to cut grass, shovel driveways, and occasionally tear down houses as we are doing now in Leetsdale. From that tithing, we have sent Beaver Falls boys and girls on mission trips all over this world to spread God’s love by word and deed. When Roy spoke, things happened.

Another one of those things that happened involved Elaine Oravitz. She was the Beaver Falls Class of 1952 treasurer and decided that instead of holding more reunions, they would bless Tiger Pause with the money they would have spent. As the face of Tiger Pause, I went to meet with Miss Elaine for a completely different reason than what I received. Yes, she gave me a handsome check, but it was the warm smile, cup of coffee, Little House on the Prairie playing on the television, and the extensive conversation about what Tiger Pause does that blessed me greatly. Then, over the years, visits with her and her friendship became a refuge for me. As she came to live on a fixed income and could only give a certain amount to Tiger Pause, she offered to pay the postage for the return envelope. Little did I know that my path would cross her children and grandchildren’s paths. Through those connections, I would come to make another great friend—Elaine’s son Mike who is also a firm believer that “once a tiger, always a tiger”.

As these two great souls leave us and join Christ, we are thankful for their impact on the lives touched through Tiger Pause. Their gift of support was greater than money and for that, they will be greatly rewarded!

Matt Nance

A Note of Thanks

The past four years of my life I have spent in Beaver Falls. When I first arrived, I was very inexperienced with any culture and community besides that of the farm. I thought that city folk all had desk jobs, two kids, a dog and found long walks in the park entertaining. I could not have been more wrong. The week before I began Geneva College I came down into Beaver Falls to do community service. When we arrived at the site on 10th avenue and we were told to pull the weeds, I was all excited! I took off the ID and mail key we had just received from the college and built my pile directly on top of my ID and key. I never found them despite going back and looking, but what I did find was a Christian organization that was looking to clean up the city.

Since that first day working with Tiger Pause, I knew I had found people that I could call family. Mr. Matt asked if I would be interested in volunteering and I immediately signed up. I began tutoring in September of 2010 and met Ms. Tina. I must confess that I was intimidated by her for the longest time because I had never seen a woman take charge of kids the way she did. All she had to do was give a look and even the most rebellious of kids would stop and put their head down in shame. Working beside Ms. Tina helped me realize how much I loved kids. Once I came to this realization, I changed my major to education and have been dedicated to teaching children ever since.

As I mentioned before I was raised on a farm, so sometimes I have a need to get dirty and work hard. Mr. Matt took care of that need. I spent two summers on the work crew doing whatever needed done. There were days where I came back so tired, but I could smile because I had helped the city and the people of the city. Even though my efforts are just a few drops in the bucket, I can somewhat relate to Nehemiah who helped to restore the city of Jerusalem. While Beaver Falls has a long way to go, Tiger Pause is growing and supporting the youth who will one day run the city.

Tiger Pause is a body. It is a body where God is the head and Mr. Matt is the heart. Each person involved in Tiger Pause is a part of that body. If I ever needed a friend- Chez was there. If I ever needed a prayer- Mr. Brian was there. If I ever needed a word of advice- Mr. Matt was there. When I needed a paycheck- thank goodness Miss Kelly was there! Every person who becomes involved in Tiger Pause experiences two things: hard work and love. I could not have asked for more.

I am no longer with Tiger Pause now that I have begun teaching full time, but I wanted to take the time to show my true appreciation for all Tiger Pause has done for me. Thank you to everyone who was and is a part of Tiger Pause!

With much gratitude,
Curtis Covert

A Trip to Virginia Beach

Mr. Matt often parallels his events with the young men working in Tiger Pause, to movies he has watched that impacted his life. No movies here, just an account of a recent trip taken with seven young men from the Eye of the Tiger Program, Matt, and me. This trip was not as long as the jaunt taken last summer to the West Coast when Mr. Matt led three vehicles to move a family west across the Mississippi, through the Great Plains, over the Rockies to view the Pacific Ocean. It was really neat to see the sun rising over the Rockies as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, and the eyes of the young men as they viewed the Pacific Ocean from Muir Beach. Fast forward to this summer and picture a large white van at 11:00 p.m. on a cool Friday night in August, pulling out of Beaver Falls heading East on the PA turnpike.

The next 29 hours were just as amazing as the trip west in 2013. In those 29 hours, we first drove through the night to Virginia Beach. At 6:30 a.m. we saw the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, ate pancakes, bacon, and eggs at a Virginia Beach restaurant, swam in the Atlantic Ocean, played football, and slept on the beach, and briefly toured that beach community. Just that could have filled a whole day, but it was only 11:00 a.m. and there is more.

The young men told Matt they had enough of the beach. So Matt, in his always forward-thinking mindset, loaded up the van and headed north to Busch Gardens. We arrived at 1:30 p.m., rode all the coasters and some other rides, toured the Gardens, ate a lot of food, and were finally ready to head home.

But wait, there is more. The students had never been to Washington, D.C. So, we headed for the Capital and arrived there at 11:00 p.m. We viewed the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials and at midnight and then headed home. It did not help that the PA Turnpike was closed at Bedford, forcing a Route 30 detour, but, by the grace of our Almighty Father, we arrived in Beaver Falls at 4:00 a.m.

This was a great learning experience for the young men, which, most importantly, included them hearing about the grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father. As the sun, rose over the Atlantic Ocean early that Saturday morning, they heard that, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” They heard that the sun setting each night and rising each morning is a picture of the death of our Savior and His glorious resurrection. They learned that the Lord uses His creation to daily remind all of mankind about His death and resurrection.

Lastly, at midnight, we quietly walked the granite pathway in front of the Vietnam Memorial. The night was cool, and a haze lingered over the grounds; not a sound could be heard. I looked to my right and saw Mr. Matt gather those young men closely together. He quietly spoke to them in front of that monument about his respect for those had given their lives. “But,” he said, “having your name on a monument is not nearly as important as knowing your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Wow, that was truly powerful. Every man, woman, and child, needs to know the Lord, and know his own name is in that book. That is what I love about Tiger Pause and about Matt Nance.

Tom Karczewski
Beez Cafe Manager

Summer Camp 2014

The theme verse and goal for this year’s summer camp was Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

The Tiger Pause staff desired to show the kids who attended this summer camp the love of God both in the devotion times and also by example. The staff invested countless hours preparing for the camp by creating an engaging, safe atmosphere where the kids could learn and grow. Whether it was enjoying a field trip (to the Butler fair, the Pittsburgh zoo, or Idlewild amusement park), participating in community service, swimming and playing, or joining together in praising the Lord, it was humbling to see how God used camp to bless both the kids and the staff.

Though not without its challenges, camp was certainly full of blessings. Some of the greatest blessings from camp were the relationships that we counselors developed with the kids and with one another. The staff went into camp desiring to impact the kids’ lives, but we realized along the way just how much they were impacting ours. Sharing that experience really helped us to bond, as we encouraged and challenged one another to serve more faithfully. The ways that camp stretched us as staff members helped to develop us as leaders. We realized a beautiful truth from Scripture as we worked with the kids and grew alongside other counselors: that, as Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ, each possessing a unique gift and purpose. We needed one another. Every gift and talent equipped us to meet the challenges that camp presented.

The kids made this truth even more evident. Each child was wonderfully unique, adding to the overall camp dynamic. The staff would find it difficult to imagine those six weeks without each and every child who attended. One night after camp, we shared stories around a campfire. We were there for several hours, but we could easily have been there all night recalling more delightful memories about the kids we had grown to love. Here are just a few of those memories.

The enthusiasm of the kids to learn the Bible lessons amazed us. Hearing them say that they wanted to have faith like Abraham or wisdom like Solomon was so encouraging. As they learned more about the love of God many of them desired to model that love to their fellow campers, even ones whom they had formerly disliked. One day while at the pool, a young girl left the fun to ask her counselor deeper questions about the morning Bible lesson. The staff planted seeds but God caused the growth, and lives were redeemed.

Working with the kids in the community garden excited us because their attitudes positively changed as they saw what a difference their efforts were making. They found the results rewarding, and it inspired them to transform their own communities. The day that we visited nursing homes in the community was also a favorite time of many. The residents of the nursing homes laughed and cried tears of joy as they were enlivened by the campers’ energy. Seeing the kids so pleased to help others once again evidenced how they were taking their lessons to heart. It was truly a blessing to see how God used this year’s Tiger Pause camp to redeem lives, build leaders and transform the local community.

Abby York
Summer Camp Staff