In mid-2013, I began getting involved with the Anacostia Gracious Arts Program (AGAP), a Grace Downtown partner providing after-school arts education and arts-oriented field trips to students in Washington, DC. This week, I went to First Rock Baptist Church in Anacostia, where two dozen AGAP students from one of AGAP’s after-school locations just put on an end-of-semester performance for their friends and family. There were young musicians, dancers and actors showing off what they’ve learned, and young visual artists putting their work on display. The younger kids were adorable and the older kids were surprisingly talented, so I of course had a blast.
It was a great way to close out my first year of involvement with AGAP. A year ago, I had heard a lot about what AGAP had the potential to do, and after a year with them I am more excited about that potential than ever. But I’ve also been caught off guard by how great AGAP already is.
The kids and teens who put on last night’s performance worked their butts off, and they planned and executed the whole thing themselves. They were excited to do it.
I was inspired by the way they loved and supported one of the regular volunteers who has a developmental disability. One of AGAP’s teachers is expecting a child, and it was hard not to get caught up in the students’ excitement at the idea of being part of this baby’s life. And hearing the honest and grateful prayers the students offered up during the evening was nothing short of touching.
After that evening, I’m not just excited about what AGAP can do for these students—I’m excited for how AGAP can create opportunities for these awesome people to leave their mark on our city.
AGAP is embarking on some exciting programs in the coming months—including offering after-school programs in more locations, bringing in accomplished local artists to write new curriculum and hiring a new staff member to help these students become more engaged in DC’s broader artistic and cultural life. Would you consider supporting AGAP through prayer?
Thank you for your support. We are proud to partner with Grace Downtown in renewing our city socially, culturally and spiritually.