A couple of weeks ago, we went on a life changing trip to the SF/OAK bay area. We were all very stretched and moved by God's heart for the people we came in contact with. I love these trips as a youth pastor because I get to see so much quick growth in students. Trips like these are full of "AHA" moments, and although they're uncomfortable, tiring, and usually pretty gross, they are well worth it.
I see so much potential in a lot of my students, and on this trip some of them started to realize that potential and step into it. I saw some students grow in leadership. Some students' confidence shot out of the roof. And others had softened hearts and made life-changing decisions. We had the chance to interview a few of our students this weekend at all 3 of our "adult" services. I'm so proud of the courage they had. I think they were inspiring and able to offer a lot of wisdom to our church.
One memory for me that I will never forget from this trip was at the Harbor House, which was like a day camp for the kids of a rough neighborhood. It is a Christian organization, and the do more than just play games with the kids (although there is a lot of that!). There were twin boys in 2nd grade that I met named Joseph and Godwin. (Joseph is the one on my back in my profile picture). As soon as we showed up, they clung to me immediately. They were constantly holding my hand, grabbing my arm, jumping on my back, sitting on my lap, leaning against me, asking me questions, making fun of me for having a "beard," talking to me and looking at me... to the point where it made me uncomfortable.
We were playing tag, and because I am so fast and quick... I made a juke to dodge some kids and my foot went straight through my shoe. It ripped from the toe to the place where I insert my foot. I fell, and it hurt. And people laughed. and I laughed. Then one of the boys came up to me and asked me if I was going to be in trouble since I ruined my shoe. I smiled and said no and that I'd just run to the store and buy a new pair. But then I stopped and thought, "What is happening at this boy's' home to make him think that I'd be in trouble for something so small happening?" And it hit me... there is a serious lack of love in this kid's life.
We were at the Harbor House for 2 days, and I spent about a total of 7 hours with these kids. When their mom came to pick them up the last day we were there, she asked to meet me. She thanked me and told me that the boys couldn't stop talking about me the previous night. She said that they've been going for 5 weeks and hadn't connected with anyone like they had with me. I definitely had made an impact in their lives.
But why? I didn't have anything to give to them. I didn't say anything really special to them. I didn't even know them that well or for very long. But I held their hands, hugged them, and loved on them the best that I could. And those little things made them feel loved more than they had in a really long time.
I don't know where you live, but regardless of the status of the people in your area - whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, old or young - there are people around you that have a serious lack of love in their life. And I dont know what you have or your status, but we all have the love and hope of Jesus to share with people.
Mother Theresa once said, "No one can do great things... only small things with great love." It's not about the busyness of life or even changing the world. Its about making a difference in one person's life.
I dont know what you can do. Just do something for someone.
Song of the Day: "Beautiful Things" - by Gungor
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