“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9
Wail Alselwi is the co-owner of Zack’s Finest Deli and Grocery in Staten Island, New York. This store is always busy. Customers are always shopping for needed supplies for their homes. Many stop in for a cup of coffee and a snack. It is also a favorite destination for many youth in the neighborhood.
One of the reasons students love to stop off at Zack’s is the positive support that Wail offers them throughout the year. Wail loves to encourage young students to work hard in school. It started in 2023 with a local boy named Zamier. Wail told him that if he worked hard and made good grades, Zamier could have anything he wanted from the store. Zamier stepped up, and Wail lived up to his end of the bargain.
The news about Wail made its way around the neighborhood. Other students approached him at the store to ask if they could get the same deal, and Wail agreed.
This program started with just a free snack, but as word began to spread, others wanted to help. Donations started coming in with the desire to help encourage the students. Now, at the semester’s end, a steady stream of youth shows Wail their report cards. If they do well, they get a free snack. Those who make over 90% on their grades will get a free t-shirt for $100. It has become a program that the whole community supports.
Wail loves to encourage the students. He knows most of them by name. They have found someone who wants to help them become what God created them to be. Wail has said, “Many kids lack encouragement, and sometimes, all it takes is a small incentive to boost their confidence and push them toward greatness.”
We all have the ability to make a difference in another person’s life. Kind words and loving actions can offer encouragement and strength to others. Wail used his position in the neighborhood to provide hope and support. Imagine our world if we all did the same.
-Rev. Keith King, pastor of Worship
