Rose Melendez stands at 5 feet and, with an attractive, moon-shaped face framing her shy smile, looks to be no lder than 17. As a self-described “party girl” who sought intimacy by regularly visiting New York City clubs, the 25-year-old New Yorker sounds like other young people searching to quell an inner loneliness. For so many, that search only intensifies the emptiness.

“We can get addicted to false love,” she says. She thought nothing of following a young man home from a club for sex. “My God, how many times did I say yes to someone, how many times did I let myself be led out the door.”

But things changed dramatically when Rosa began attending New Dawn Christian Ministries in Brooklyn. There, she met Julissa Lopez, who offered a safe place for Rosa to talk frankly.

As New Dawn’s assistant pastor, Ms. Lopez ministers to all age groups, but recognizes that young people need ministry that is relevant to their own generation’s culture. So she’s integrating 4 the Streets—the American Bible Society’s Elementz of Life magazine—into her discipleship program.

In it, illustrations by 22-year-old graphic artist Ron Pichardo, whose edgy urban-flavored style convincingly conveys the ongoing battle between the dark side of humankind and the light and freedom of life in God. The articles, written with raw honesty by young men and women, speak candidly to their peers about the downward pull of darkness—domestic violence, sexual, physical and substance abuse, eating disorders, suicide, gang involvement, and more.

A sectioin on self-mutilation includes a graphic poem, alternatives to “cutting,” toll-free numbers for the National Youth Crisis Hotline, and scripture:

Ms. Lopez says, “We’ve seen a big impact in our youth group,” after centering discussions around 4 the Streets articles.

Says Rosa, “There are many stories that I can relate to.” As she went out “clubbing,” she compared Christ’s unconditional love with the temporary and self-serving admiration young men offered—interested more in her body and their own gratificatioin than a meaningful relationship. Rosa finally concluded, “I can’t do this anymore.” She accepted God’s love as her own and has been attending New Dawn regularly for the past several months. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she adds. (She recently visited a club, and when approached with direct invitations, said, “Listen, I practice celibcay.”)

Ms. Lopez observes that this generation is a restless one,  always “looking for something to do.” With resources like 4 the Streets and Scripture materials from the Bible Society, she believes that many young people can draw on the spiritual strength to use their talents and energy to a positive end.

Says Liana Roa, manager for Elementz of Life and the magazine’s editor-in-chief, “The Word of God, when presented in an appropriate context, speaks powerfully to all generations and cultures. Our goal is to join with churches and youth ministries to offer that Word in youth-relevant forms—music, magazines, websites, and any other medium that will speak to and connect this generation with the Bible’s life lessons and guidance.

For more information, please contact Roy Lloyd at (212) 408-8731 or rlloyd@americanbible.org.

Elementz of Life™ (EOL) utilizes hip-hop music and art to engage high-risk youth in the Word and life skills training. Scriptures are presented in unconventional and relevant forms, while incorporating the gospel message. The program addresses the needs of young people ages 9 to 25. EOL contains three strategic components, evangelism, discipleship and leadership, each of which uses specifically designed initiatives and resources. More information.

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“Drawing From the Word”

“The Bible in Public Schools: Connecting Kids With Scripture”

"Serving Up Living Water: God’s Word in Graphic Form"