We have a guy in our church that has been an Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle Leader in El Paso for about 27 years or so. He has no real affiliation with either of the high schools that are represented at their FCA huddle, but he just enjoys being with the kids. This group averages anywhere from 85 to 100 kids on any given Monday night. They meet in the guest house of a family who used to have a son or daughter that was active in the group. It really is an incredible sight to see these kids packed into this place with really no other place to put any more bodies. They don't come because there's a great band or because Steve is a dynamic speaker or because there's good food. They come because they enjoy being together. The sad stat about this group is that 80% of them have absolutely no church affiliation. They just come to FCA because a friend invited them to come. Can you say mission field?
Steve and Jake have become good friends through Sunday School and a little group that meets at our church on Sunday nights called "Soldier Family Fellowship." In December, Jake went and spoke at the FCA huddle and Steve decided that we should both come back for a February meeting and talk about LOVE. So last night was our big night. We had no script or outline. We simply shared our stories and what has become our story. It was fun to reminisce, but it was also fun to be reminded of the grace and mercy that God has poured into our lives by giving us each other here on Earth.
We were so jazzed by this incredible opportunity to minister together, that we rarely get because I'm usually doing music or kids and he's teaching adults, that we didn't fall asleep until about 2 AM! God's given us a burden for this group of high school kids and now we've gotta figure out what to do with it. We would go hang out with them every Monday night if we had the funds to pay a babysitter every week.
8 comments:
I totally know where you are coming from. I had a similar experience when I coached middle school girls for Victory Sports. Before that I had always thought of myself as a "preschool" person, but God opened my eyes to a true mission field and I have loved every minute with them for 2 seasons now and am looking forward to more.
Guys - that is soooo awesome - I've heard your story, I hope God used it - again - to touch someone. You two are amazing...again, I miss you - sorry I haven't called - been sicker today than yesterday and I'm still a little choked up that I didn't get to come...but so glad now that I didn't bring my germy-self there. xoxo
Well you know by now I am crying my eyes out after reading this. I am so glad that Jen didn't give up on my shy boy. You do have a story to tell of your love for each other and your love for God. Once again I see that you are right where you are suppose to be. Maybe Paw & GG can send some baby sitting money.
We love you all!!!!
Paw & GG
Jen, just a thought on the babysitting $$$. Check around the church- maybe there is someone you could trust the boys w/that is willing to do this as a ministry, i.e. bless y'all; whether it be a teen or an older person. I know my girlfriend & her hubby were blessed for at least a year with free babysitting because another family felt that it was their ministry.
I'll keep that in my prayers. But you also need to remember when God gives us a vision/burden for others & we don't know how we can do it(physically, spiritually, financially, etc.) He can always provide a way! :)
God Bless, -Gail
p.s. sorry you didn't get to hang w/Jen- I was bummed for both of ya.
I am so glad that God has given you and Jake not only a heart for each other, but for those around you. No matter where life takes you, I know the two of you will find a way to reach out to others. How about a blog sharing the story you told the kids?? I know many of your readers would like to hear it.
High schoolers are the coolest people on the planet!! I have had the blesing and plesure to work with "our" kids back in the Mill for several years. I can honestly say I have had no greater joy and personal satisfaction outside my home than when I was working with kids. That is the biggest spiritual and ministerial hole in my life right now. But we are close to making a church decision and hope to be back in the middle of it very soon. Enjoy the kids..
Loved your comment on Holly's blog... so funny!
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