Our Plans and Goals - Standing In The Gap

Standing in the Gap is an organization/ministry with its primary focus on four key principles. *

1. Help Children develop Character in their life
2. Help Children realize there is Hope
3. Help Children discover their Purpose in life
4. Help Children understand true Success

Let me introduce myself. My name is Mike Lybarger. I retired from United Parcel Service after 28 years of service and had a successful Landscape and Lawn Service business after retirement for several years. Serving others and making a difference by doing the right thing has always been at the core of who I am and how I ran the business. These Core beliefs are the same today as they were then. For me personally, as I get older it’s even more important than ever before to make my life count in a positive way. As a result of a lot of soul-searching and prayer, I was led to become a bus driver for the Hot Springs School District. I’ve been driving for approximately six years. I began as a substitute driver and was given my own route in August 2014. If you had told me I would become a school bus driver, I would have told you “no way,” but God has a way of changing our plans in life if we let him. As a bus driver, the opportunities are endless to get involved in the children’s lives and make a difference. It’s my opinion that a large percentage of the children don’t receive the love and support needed in their lives. I love what I do, and I’m convinced my Lord has placed me where he wanted me and led me down the path he had planned. I’m also convinced the creation of “Standing In The Gap”, is a result of God allowing me to be used in implementing his plan for making a difference in children’s lives. Instilling and teaching the principles of Character, Hope, Purpose, and Success will make a positive, meaningful, and long-lasting change in their lives, and help prepare them for the future.

Now I want to focus on the Why. Why is there a need to instill and teach the four principles of ”Character, Hope, Purpose, and Success”? It’s my opinion that a high percentage of the children haven’t been introduced to these principles, primarily in the home. To confirm my opinion, I take every opportunity to talk with teachers asking them their view of the children in their classroom and where is the weakest link in the children’s lives, every teacher gives the same answer, the HOME. The Core values of respect, integrity, teaching the children to give their best in everything they do, and having a good and positive attitude are just a few areas of concern. It all begins in the HOME. (It’s important to mention that in most cases the parents, grandparents, or guardians are repeating the way they were raised and are instilling the principles they were taught during their childhood). Studies reveal the formative years, are from birth to age 8. During these early years, the children are going to mirror the CORE values, beliefs, and activities in the home, and outside the home. When the children are young they have the mindset their parents don’t do anything wrong. Whatever they see their parents doing for the most part in the child’s mind is acceptable. I personally believe the parents, grandparents, and guardians at the very Core of their being want what is best, for their children. They want them to have more, to have the opportunity to experience success in their lives, and have the social skills needed to communicate with others, be respected, and have the character traits that will prepare them for the future. Our plan is to come along beside the parent or guardian and help them by “Standing In The Gap” and to help any way we can.

When looking at the logo for “Standing In The Gap”, notice there is a bold line where the center section is lower than either side, which creates a gap. I refer to the left side of the gap as the Side of life without Hope, Purpose, Success, and Character. Our lives are filled with uncertainties. Parents and guardians have the responsibility to prepare their children or grandchildren with the knowledge and character traits needed to prepare them for the future. There are numerous reasons why the children aren’t receiving the training, love, and support needed, but bottom line is, they aren’t receiving it. As mentioned earlier, it all begins in the HOME. We can’t cross our fingers and hope that over time things will change. You and I both know, that’s not going to happen. The process that is currently being used in the majority of the homes in America isn’t working. If something isn’t done, this cycles will continue generation after generation. This is one of the main purposes of “Standing In The Gap”. It’s very important the children develop Character, and understand they are on a level playing field where there is Hope, and realize they have a Purpose in life, and they have every right to experience Success. I refer to the side on the right of the gap as the Side of life with True Happiness which includes the four principles and much more. A place where they embrace the four principles, and understand the importance of applying them in their lives. The parents or guardians need someone who will “Stand In The Gap” with them. They must see Christ in us, as we provide support, training, love, concern, just to mention a few, and to help in every aspect of their lives. Our desire is to earn the trust of the parents, guardians, and children by showing concern and being there to listen, to love, and encourage them through the good times and those times that aren’t so good.

The bridge that connects the two sides of the gap are the Four Principles. The Cross below the bridge is there to remind us that Jesus Christ is our Only source of strength. He loves us and wants us to trust and believe in him and accept him as Lord as he reveals his plan for each of us. It’s also important for us to realize that we live in a fallen world where Satan who is evil wants to be in control of our lives. If not careful we can become calloused, lose hope, and find ourselves convinced there is nothing that can be done to change the mind set that has continued from generation to generation. We find ourselves settling for less than we desire. This negative mindset will become the mindset of the children if something isn’t done. This is the purpose of “Standing In The Gap”. As we instill these four principles in the lives of our children it will not only have a positive and long-lasting impact on their lives, their families lives but will have a positive impact on our city, county, state, and our nation. We must realize:

The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow and beyond.

Now I want to focus on the How. What steps will be implemented to instill, share and teach the four principles?

Note: As I continue to pray and seek the Holy Spirit as he leads me down this path, it’s essential that He is the one in control. As a result, the following plans may and probably will change as we begin the ministry and see the needs of the people we come in contact with, and adapt our approach in a way that will best allow us to imitate Christ, and be led by the Holy Spirit.

In planning for the future we realize that exposure is the key for us to share the story about “Standing In The Gap”. We search various sources in the community for events/activities that are centered around our purpose and set up a booth with the school bus as the backdrop. We use this opportunity to connect with the children and the parents and give them a sheet with information that describes our purpose and the services we provide along with our website address.

Our primary focus is to host an event in April 2021 that will introduce Standing In The Gap to the community. The details of the event aren’t finalized. More to come in the near future about this event. Note: Our team of volunteers and staff understand our purpose and goals, and are dedicated to implementing them in our community. As we continue with a presence in the community we are committed to making adjustments as-needed in the process of teaching and sharing our principles to be sure the message is being understood.

Tutoring and Mentoring: Tutoring will be available on an as needed basis. Mentoring: Each child will be assigned a mentor. The purpose of the mentor is to develop an open and long-lasting relationship with the child, parents, or guardian. To listen, encourage, gain their trust and give support and apply the principles and plans mentioned earlier. Monthly follow-up (more if needed) with the parents or guardian to discuss the progress of the child, answer questions, and ask if there have any immediate needs or concerns.

Special Events: The initial plan is to have three special events each year. Two of the events in the Spring and Fall, will be focused on having fun and being together as a family. There will be activities for all ages, and food provided. It will also be a time to share the principles, the curriculum, and general information about “Standing In The Gap”. The third event will be more formal. A time of recognizing the accomplishments of the children and an award ceremony. A time where the children and parents have the opportunity to share their feelings about “Standing In The Gap”, and what it means to them.

* Note: Standing In The Gap is in the process of obtaining a Non-profit status.