Tonight was really rough. It consisted of some of the hardest moments I've experienced in KP (maybe even the hardest moments I've experienced in life).
I wish I could put into words how I/we feel, but I am at a loss.
Satan is working overtime in our neighborhood to steal, kill, and destroy. Tonight, David and I feel battered and tired.
We must keep praying.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
CREW Remix
What is CREW Remix? On Thursday evenings, we host a Bible study we call "CREW Remix". CREW is our weekly youth group at the church (on Tuesday evenings) and Remix is a time to go deeper with what we're learning. Anyone between 6th-12th grade is welcome to attend. We launched CREW Remix six weeks ago.
Thursdays have quickly become one of my favorite days of the week. I'm excited to see who will come and really excited to dive into conversation. The last two months we have been studying Jesus, who He is and what it means to us. We have really been diving into the Word. I am completely amazed at how much they are learning! Each week they come back remembering so many details from the week before. It is awesome.
Here is how it goes:
At 5:30p, we sit down for dinner:
Dinner is full of great conversation and lots of laughter.
After dinner, we sit down to study the Word.
When we have finished our Bible Study, the playing begins!
Here's the group:
I feel so blessed to be part of this group. Each week the teens teach me so much about what it means to follow Jesus. They are hungry for the Word and regularly bring insight and questions that are clearly from above.
Here are two of my favorite quotes so far:
"Jesus was no punk"
"Tonight we'll kill a cockroach, tomorrow we'll have a butler!" (when talking about heaven)
Two weeks ago, after we finished discussing a Jesus story, a student raised his hand and said he had a couple questions about the book of Revelation. I was a bit nervous about diving into "end time" talk, but welcomed the questions. He continued, "Is Jesus coming back? If He is, how do I go with Him?" My heart skipped a beat. I spent the next thirty minutes sharing about Adam and Eve's intimate relationship with God, our brokeness because of sin, and ultimately the forgiveness that comes through Jesus. The students were connected and the room was quiet. I believe that some students that evening understood for the first time what it means to follow Jesus. That was the best moment I've experienced in Keller Park.
Thursdays have quickly become one of my favorite days of the week. I'm excited to see who will come and really excited to dive into conversation. The last two months we have been studying Jesus, who He is and what it means to us. We have really been diving into the Word. I am completely amazed at how much they are learning! Each week they come back remembering so many details from the week before. It is awesome.
Here is how it goes:
At 5:30p, we sit down for dinner:
After dinner, we sit down to study the Word.
When we have finished our Bible Study, the playing begins!
Here's the group:
I feel so blessed to be part of this group. Each week the teens teach me so much about what it means to follow Jesus. They are hungry for the Word and regularly bring insight and questions that are clearly from above.
Here are two of my favorite quotes so far:
"Jesus was no punk"
"Tonight we'll kill a cockroach, tomorrow we'll have a butler!" (when talking about heaven)
Two weeks ago, after we finished discussing a Jesus story, a student raised his hand and said he had a couple questions about the book of Revelation. I was a bit nervous about diving into "end time" talk, but welcomed the questions. He continued, "Is Jesus coming back? If He is, how do I go with Him?" My heart skipped a beat. I spent the next thirty minutes sharing about Adam and Eve's intimate relationship with God, our brokeness because of sin, and ultimately the forgiveness that comes through Jesus. The students were connected and the room was quiet. I believe that some students that evening understood for the first time what it means to follow Jesus. That was the best moment I've experienced in Keller Park.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Jesus, a Deputy, and a Mission
Last Friday, one of our students was arrested from JCPenny for stealing an article of clothing. It was told to me that a friend he was with asked him to put the item in his backpack. He agreed and was caught. Because he is eighteen(and had no identification), he was cuffed and taken to the St. Joseph County Jail. That evening, I called a police friend in Mishawaka and tried to obtain some information. He was very helpful. I also called the St. Joseph County Jail in hopes of being able to visit or get a message to him. I was denied both. The thought of him sitting in the cell was almost too much to handle. I understood that justice needed to be served, but I also knew that this is a young man who has had a rough life and is a really good kid. He has been growing in the Word and has proven to be a young man with strong character. He made a bad choice, he's not a bad kid. Unfortunately, because it was Friday evening, he would not be able to see a judge until Monday. He would have to stay in jail at least until his bond hearing on Monday afternoon. It was a long weekend with lots of prayers lifted on his behalf.
His bond hearing was set for 1:30p on Monday afternoon. I would go along with his guardian to the courthouse for support. Early Monday morning I received a phone call from the guardian that she was unable to make it to the hearing because of her work schedule. I would have to go alone. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I was ridiculously nervous. I always get nervous before I speak to a crowd, but this was far worse. It reminded me of the times we would go to court for Stella. It's a helpless feeling to have no control, but I knew people were praying.
I arrived at the courthouse an hour early. Three times I was asked if I were reporting for jury duty by courthouse employees. I found it humorous by the third time. Apparently I looked like I was just there for a long day of jury duty. I'm sure the deputies at the metal detectors thought I was crazy when I fumbled to take everything out of my pockets. One lady even grabbed my hand and whispered, "It's gonna be okay". I sure hoped she was right. They directed me to the second floor video sentencing room. Video sentencing room? All along I thought I would be able to see him and he me. I wanted him to know that I supported him and was there to walk through this with him. I was really disappointed. I made my way to the second floor and into a large, cold room full of wooden pews. The pews faced an elevated platform where bailiffs, court deputies, and ultimately the judge sat. I also noticed a table where a prosecuting attorney had set up a mobile office. There were two screens, one facing the wooden pews, the other facing the judge. It was set up much like Skype. We could see the inmates sitting in rows at the jail and they could see the judge. I found a seat and then moved twice to better see the screen. I quickly noticed that my student was not present in the crowd of inmates. After waiting quite a while a second group of individuals came on the screen. There he sat. I swallowed hard.
An hour and a half had passed as I sat there. Inmate after inmate came and went, bonds being set and stories being told. There was so much hopelessness in the room. Family members crying as their loved ones pleaded to the judge. My heart jumped as they called our student's name. You could tell he looked much younger than the rest of the group. I wanted him to tell the judge that he was a student and that this was his first offense, but as the judge asked questions he politely and simply answered the questions. The judge asked, "Do you work?", he answered, "No", I screamed in my head, "He's going to school!". The judge asked, "Do you have money to pay a bond or an attorney?", he answered, "No", I screamed in my head, "He has no money because he's a student and working hard to graduate. He's a good kid and has just made a bad choice, LET HIM FREE!" (At one time I considered sharing out loud, but then pictured David's face if I would have called him to tell him I was held in contempt of court and placed in a cell next to our student) I refrained. Just as quickly as our student approached the screen, he disappeared after the judged set his next court date and set bond at $250. What just happened? I again felt defeated. I wanted him home now and at school tomorrow. It wasn't over.
I walked downstairs in hopes of finding the dear woman who had shared with me that everything would be okay. Luckily, she was still at her post. I shared my story and asked if she knew what I should do next. I told her that I couldn't leave without him today and asked if it was okay if I interrupted the judge to tell him to set him free:) She proceeded to tell me that the prosecuting attorney's office was on the tenth floor. After sharing that piece of information, she once again grabbed my hands and proclaimed, "What Satan means for bad, God uses for good." She was an answer to my prayer. She gave me directions and on my way I went.
I stepped out of the elevator onto the tenth floor and stood for a moment starring at the glass door with big letters, "Mike Dvorak: St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney." "What in the world was I going to say??" I opened the door and was greeted by a receptionist behind a plate glass window. She asked what I needed. I quickly shared our student's story. She asked me to have a seat and she would see if someone was available to talk with me. Within ten minutes I heard my name called by a woman behind me. She ushered me into her office. I once again shared our story. She was extremely sympathetic. She shared with me about a program that our student could take part in and in return no conviction would be on his record. He would have to pay some fines(which she lowered so much for him), do community service hours, and stay out of trouble. I knew he could do all of that. She asked if I thought he would sign it. I knew he would. After printing off the paperwork and talking through the agreement, she looked at her watch. She said that for this to happen, the judge would have to agree. I told her again that I had to get him out today and that he couldn't pay the bond. We would now have to go downstairs together and ask the judge if he would drop the bond and allow him to participate in the program.
That was a long walk.
We entered the video sentencing room and she led me to the front pew. She proceeded to the prosecuting attorney's workspace and handed him the paperwork. I saw him glance back at me. I prayed that God's favor would be shown. After saying a quick prayer I looked up and noticed that my dear deputy friend was sitting at a new post, right in front of me. She smiled so big and our eyes connected. It was as if we were on the same team. The prosecuting attorney stood up and asked to approach the bench. The judge allowed and they spoke quietly, each glancing once in my direction. Then the judge spoke, "Mrs. Badertscher, do you think (our student's name) will agree to this?" "Yes, I do, your honor", I commented back, "If he knows that I believe it is the best thing for him." "Come and pen a letter to him and we will fax it over to the jail." the judge said. I walked onto the elevated platform and wrote a letter. I threw in David's name halfway through the letter so he knew it was from me. I explained the program and ended by writing, "I'll be there to get you today." -Carrie. After I finished, the judge called him back into the video holding cell and I returned to my seat. The judge moved on to the next case until we were ready. While the judge was talking with another inmate, I noticed our student enter the room once again. They handed him the paperwork and he began to read my letter. I could barely hold my emotions back when I noticed him get halfway through the letter, to the point of David's name, and he looked up at the camera. He went back to reading. You could see him quickly flip to the last page and reach out his hand to an officer close by to ask for a pen. He signed the document. The judge called him to the stand(on screen) once again and asked me to approach the bench. I could barely stand my knees were so weak. Finally, our student could see me as I could see him. He told me later that that was the moment he knew everything would be alright. The judge asked about how I was involved in his life and I shared about our ministry. I told him that I believed in our student. Within seconds, the judge agreed to drop the bond and asked who would be picking him up. I told him I could go right away. He looked up at me and said, "Splendid. Go get your boy".
As I walked briskly out of the courtroom, I stopped to talk one last time to the deputy that God had used. I thanked her and then was on my way to the jail.
It took quite a while to process him out from the jail that day. I sat for three hours in the jail lobby, starring at the doors waiting for him to be released. That time was not wasted, though. God had some divine appointments as I talked with a young woman who was fighting addiction and a young mother and her daughter as they waited for their husband and father to be released.
I'll never forget the moment he walked out of the sliding door and we made eye contact. He came rushing over and we hugged. We sat in the car for quite awhile after leaving the jail. He shared the story with me about Friday night(how sorry he was) and his experience in jail. I just listened...he had so much to tell. After he finished, I told him about our pursuit to get to him, how we slept very little that weekend, and how many people were praying for him. We talked about the adulterous woman that was brought to Jesus(we had studied that the week before) and how God's forgiveness is what defines us, not our bad decisions. It was a moment of great depth and understanding of who Jesus was and is. I believe that he learned a great deal as he sat in his cell that weekend. We smiled and laughed, I asked if he was hungry, and on to McDonalds we went.
Later that night, he came over for our Monday night dinner with the neighborhood kids. Everyone accepted him back with open arms. It was an overwhelming sight to see relationships grow deeper and, as I looked down my dining room table, there was something beautifully made whole again.
I understand that there may be more days like this, that students may make bad decisions and that they will have to face the consequences, but tonight I will hold onto two things: Our God is a God of great grace and when you have Jesus, a deputy, and a mission you can conquer the world(one courtroom at a time).
His bond hearing was set for 1:30p on Monday afternoon. I would go along with his guardian to the courthouse for support. Early Monday morning I received a phone call from the guardian that she was unable to make it to the hearing because of her work schedule. I would have to go alone. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I was ridiculously nervous. I always get nervous before I speak to a crowd, but this was far worse. It reminded me of the times we would go to court for Stella. It's a helpless feeling to have no control, but I knew people were praying.
I arrived at the courthouse an hour early. Three times I was asked if I were reporting for jury duty by courthouse employees. I found it humorous by the third time. Apparently I looked like I was just there for a long day of jury duty. I'm sure the deputies at the metal detectors thought I was crazy when I fumbled to take everything out of my pockets. One lady even grabbed my hand and whispered, "It's gonna be okay". I sure hoped she was right. They directed me to the second floor video sentencing room. Video sentencing room? All along I thought I would be able to see him and he me. I wanted him to know that I supported him and was there to walk through this with him. I was really disappointed. I made my way to the second floor and into a large, cold room full of wooden pews. The pews faced an elevated platform where bailiffs, court deputies, and ultimately the judge sat. I also noticed a table where a prosecuting attorney had set up a mobile office. There were two screens, one facing the wooden pews, the other facing the judge. It was set up much like Skype. We could see the inmates sitting in rows at the jail and they could see the judge. I found a seat and then moved twice to better see the screen. I quickly noticed that my student was not present in the crowd of inmates. After waiting quite a while a second group of individuals came on the screen. There he sat. I swallowed hard.
An hour and a half had passed as I sat there. Inmate after inmate came and went, bonds being set and stories being told. There was so much hopelessness in the room. Family members crying as their loved ones pleaded to the judge. My heart jumped as they called our student's name. You could tell he looked much younger than the rest of the group. I wanted him to tell the judge that he was a student and that this was his first offense, but as the judge asked questions he politely and simply answered the questions. The judge asked, "Do you work?", he answered, "No", I screamed in my head, "He's going to school!". The judge asked, "Do you have money to pay a bond or an attorney?", he answered, "No", I screamed in my head, "He has no money because he's a student and working hard to graduate. He's a good kid and has just made a bad choice, LET HIM FREE!" (At one time I considered sharing out loud, but then pictured David's face if I would have called him to tell him I was held in contempt of court and placed in a cell next to our student) I refrained. Just as quickly as our student approached the screen, he disappeared after the judged set his next court date and set bond at $250. What just happened? I again felt defeated. I wanted him home now and at school tomorrow. It wasn't over.
I walked downstairs in hopes of finding the dear woman who had shared with me that everything would be okay. Luckily, she was still at her post. I shared my story and asked if she knew what I should do next. I told her that I couldn't leave without him today and asked if it was okay if I interrupted the judge to tell him to set him free:) She proceeded to tell me that the prosecuting attorney's office was on the tenth floor. After sharing that piece of information, she once again grabbed my hands and proclaimed, "What Satan means for bad, God uses for good." She was an answer to my prayer. She gave me directions and on my way I went.
I stepped out of the elevator onto the tenth floor and stood for a moment starring at the glass door with big letters, "Mike Dvorak: St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney." "What in the world was I going to say??" I opened the door and was greeted by a receptionist behind a plate glass window. She asked what I needed. I quickly shared our student's story. She asked me to have a seat and she would see if someone was available to talk with me. Within ten minutes I heard my name called by a woman behind me. She ushered me into her office. I once again shared our story. She was extremely sympathetic. She shared with me about a program that our student could take part in and in return no conviction would be on his record. He would have to pay some fines(which she lowered so much for him), do community service hours, and stay out of trouble. I knew he could do all of that. She asked if I thought he would sign it. I knew he would. After printing off the paperwork and talking through the agreement, she looked at her watch. She said that for this to happen, the judge would have to agree. I told her again that I had to get him out today and that he couldn't pay the bond. We would now have to go downstairs together and ask the judge if he would drop the bond and allow him to participate in the program.
That was a long walk.
We entered the video sentencing room and she led me to the front pew. She proceeded to the prosecuting attorney's workspace and handed him the paperwork. I saw him glance back at me. I prayed that God's favor would be shown. After saying a quick prayer I looked up and noticed that my dear deputy friend was sitting at a new post, right in front of me. She smiled so big and our eyes connected. It was as if we were on the same team. The prosecuting attorney stood up and asked to approach the bench. The judge allowed and they spoke quietly, each glancing once in my direction. Then the judge spoke, "Mrs. Badertscher, do you think (our student's name) will agree to this?" "Yes, I do, your honor", I commented back, "If he knows that I believe it is the best thing for him." "Come and pen a letter to him and we will fax it over to the jail." the judge said. I walked onto the elevated platform and wrote a letter. I threw in David's name halfway through the letter so he knew it was from me. I explained the program and ended by writing, "I'll be there to get you today." -Carrie. After I finished, the judge called him back into the video holding cell and I returned to my seat. The judge moved on to the next case until we were ready. While the judge was talking with another inmate, I noticed our student enter the room once again. They handed him the paperwork and he began to read my letter. I could barely hold my emotions back when I noticed him get halfway through the letter, to the point of David's name, and he looked up at the camera. He went back to reading. You could see him quickly flip to the last page and reach out his hand to an officer close by to ask for a pen. He signed the document. The judge called him to the stand(on screen) once again and asked me to approach the bench. I could barely stand my knees were so weak. Finally, our student could see me as I could see him. He told me later that that was the moment he knew everything would be alright. The judge asked about how I was involved in his life and I shared about our ministry. I told him that I believed in our student. Within seconds, the judge agreed to drop the bond and asked who would be picking him up. I told him I could go right away. He looked up at me and said, "Splendid. Go get your boy".
As I walked briskly out of the courtroom, I stopped to talk one last time to the deputy that God had used. I thanked her and then was on my way to the jail.
It took quite a while to process him out from the jail that day. I sat for three hours in the jail lobby, starring at the doors waiting for him to be released. That time was not wasted, though. God had some divine appointments as I talked with a young woman who was fighting addiction and a young mother and her daughter as they waited for their husband and father to be released.
I'll never forget the moment he walked out of the sliding door and we made eye contact. He came rushing over and we hugged. We sat in the car for quite awhile after leaving the jail. He shared the story with me about Friday night(how sorry he was) and his experience in jail. I just listened...he had so much to tell. After he finished, I told him about our pursuit to get to him, how we slept very little that weekend, and how many people were praying for him. We talked about the adulterous woman that was brought to Jesus(we had studied that the week before) and how God's forgiveness is what defines us, not our bad decisions. It was a moment of great depth and understanding of who Jesus was and is. I believe that he learned a great deal as he sat in his cell that weekend. We smiled and laughed, I asked if he was hungry, and on to McDonalds we went.
Later that night, he came over for our Monday night dinner with the neighborhood kids. Everyone accepted him back with open arms. It was an overwhelming sight to see relationships grow deeper and, as I looked down my dining room table, there was something beautifully made whole again.
I understand that there may be more days like this, that students may make bad decisions and that they will have to face the consequences, but tonight I will hold onto two things: Our God is a God of great grace and when you have Jesus, a deputy, and a mission you can conquer the world(one courtroom at a time).
Monday, January 16, 2012
Raising Stella in Keller Park
It's been quite a while since I've last blogged. Perhaps it's because it is difficult to find a spare moment, or maybe it's the uncertainty of what to write about, or even more the question, "Does anyone actually read this thing?" After the prompting of a dear friend, I am going to make a valiant attempt to start the engine of blogging once again. Over the next few weeks I will answer some of our most frequently asked questions. And so we begin...
What is it like raising Stella in Keller Park?
It was a year ago, January, that David and I were asking ourselves this same question. What would it be like? David, Stella, and I had been the three musketeers from the time we brought her home from the hospital and at camp we were on our own private island. We wondered how she would respond to having lots of people in our home and even more about how we could keep her protected and safe. Now that we're in the neighborhood, however, it seems as if most of our anxieties have been put to rest. No, life is not perfect(it isn't anywhere), but I sure have learned a lot by watching Stella grow up in Keller Park.
In Keller Park, Stella is getting a jump start on her studies:
She is learning so much as she watches children around her learn.
In Keller Park, Stella is making great friendships.
Stella loves the kids in Keller Park. She can't wait for Devin to get home from school or for Lance and Markise to come and play. She wants her hair braided like Damaria and to wear lipstick like Alayzah. The children are good to her. They are gentle and kind and she takes great delight in their presence.
In Keller Park, Stella has great role models around her.
Working at Prairie Camp, Stella has always had adults she could look up to. This did not end when we left camp. Stella is surrounded by adults who love Jesus. Seven of those individuals are Bethel students living in two Urban Ministry houses. These seven students are amazing people. We are so blessed to have Stella around such godly young men and women. Stella adores them and is already learning from them.
In Keller Park, Stella is beginning to understand the deeper meaning of "family."
This picture represents a typical Sunday morning breakfast before church. Children gather around the table to eat together and then we all walk to church. I believe that these times are solidifying the fact that this is our family. We come from different backgrounds and we have different colors of skin, but we are family.
In Keller Park, Stella is making memories.
In Keller Park, Stella is learning to serve.
It is a great blessing to have Stella alongside us while we minister and serve our neighbors. It is our desire that Stella grow up not looking only to her own needs, but also to the needs of others. Even through baking Christmas cookies for the neighbors and passing them out, it is our hope that serving others is instilled deep in her little heart even now.
Lastly, in Keller Park, Stella has found great joy and is getting quite the little groove.
I really love this little thing. She is my wish come true.
Raising Stella is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is difficult being a parent, whether you live in rural Kansas or in the heart of South Bend, IN. Each day I am reminded that God is in complete control of our sweet sugarbee. Even before we came into Stella's life, He had her all taken care of. I pray everyday that God will protect her eyes and ears from things that will scare or discourage her and that He would continue to mold and shape her heart into who He desires her to be. I believe that He is doing that right here in Keller Park.
What is it like raising Stella in Keller Park?
It was a year ago, January, that David and I were asking ourselves this same question. What would it be like? David, Stella, and I had been the three musketeers from the time we brought her home from the hospital and at camp we were on our own private island. We wondered how she would respond to having lots of people in our home and even more about how we could keep her protected and safe. Now that we're in the neighborhood, however, it seems as if most of our anxieties have been put to rest. No, life is not perfect(it isn't anywhere), but I sure have learned a lot by watching Stella grow up in Keller Park.
In Keller Park, Stella is getting a jump start on her studies:
In Keller Park, Stella is making great friendships.
In Keller Park, Stella has great role models around her.
In Keller Park, Stella is beginning to understand the deeper meaning of "family."
In Keller Park, Stella is making memories.
In Keller Park, Stella is learning to serve.
Lastly, in Keller Park, Stella has found great joy and is getting quite the little groove.
Raising Stella is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is difficult being a parent, whether you live in rural Kansas or in the heart of South Bend, IN. Each day I am reminded that God is in complete control of our sweet sugarbee. Even before we came into Stella's life, He had her all taken care of. I pray everyday that God will protect her eyes and ears from things that will scare or discourage her and that He would continue to mold and shape her heart into who He desires her to be. I believe that He is doing that right here in Keller Park.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week Wrap-Up
This has been quite the week. Even before it began I knew it would be a marathon, not a sprint, but I had no idea that the moments that would stick out the most would have nothing to do with the programs or events I had planned. The week consisted of incredible highs, but also held some of the hardest moments I have experienced since moving to Keller Park. As I process the week, here is what rises to the top:
1. Tuesday we launched "CREW", a weekly youth gathering. I'm excited to dive back into the youth ministry world. Despite the rainy weather, we had a great turn out. This year is going to be quite the adventure as I discover how to best communicate to this group of students.
2. I have made some new relationships with moms in the neighborhood. A couple times this week a lady in the neighborhood came to use our computer. The time on the computer turns into a couple hours of just talking about life. I am blessed by our time together. I find myself looking forward to our quick trips to the store and conversations over text. Along with this lady, I have had in depth conversations with others. I'm so thankful they have allowed me to be part of their lives. I have learned so much simply by listening to their stories.
3. God's provision has been overwhelming. Raising support is so difficult (I know I've hit on this a couple of times in the past, but it's just so "real life" to us). Even in this time when finances are scary and there is a lot of unknown, we have felt so much peace. God has provided for every need. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but it's just...one thing to be in a financial place where you can say, "God will supply for our every need" and quite another when you're in the place of "God, we need you to provide. You alone are the supply".
4. David is...pretty much amazing. Several times this week I noticed David taking lead in moments of ministry. God is shaping his heart and giving him so much courage. Even today, a mom in the neighborhood told me that she would allow her son to come with us on a trip because of her conversations with David. He does so much from breaking up fights, to walking children home to talk with parents, to helping me cook dinner for the neighborhood kids. I'm so grateful I get to minister alongside him. God clearly has a hold of David's heart and is shaping him into exactly who He needs him to be.
5. A tough reality of the neighborhood is that many of the children do not have a father in their lives. This truth made this unforgettable moment all the more unforgettable. On Monday after homework club, David was taking a couple kids in his truck to our house for dinner. David said that the two kids, one girl and one boy, asked to both sit in the front so he raised the arm rest and let them sit beside him. The boy(let's call him Tommy) asked to be in the middle. Tommy is a boy who has really captured our hearts. He spends a lot of time in our home and often goes with us on trips. We really love him. He...justs....feels like part of us. While David was driving, Tommy looked at the girl next to him and said, "See, I told you David was my daddy". That night, David and I spent a lot of time talking (and crying) about how great of a mission field is before us. We're in this for the long haul.
6. Today we took a group of kids to my mom's for a Fall party. We had a great time!
Some much good went on this week, and yet, when I look back, the moment that stuck out the most was not happy at all. Here is the story....
One night after an event at that church, some teens and children were hanging around outside. The children had been asked to leave several times, but they just wanted to be where everyone was. As everyone was milling around on the sidewalk, I began to clean up the food we had served to the group. For some reason, something caught my eye outside. As I looked up, I saw Tommy being held by two teenage boys, one had his arms and the other his feet...his pants were down. A third boy was hitting Tommy in the chest. I ran out the door, yelling for them to stop. The boys dropped him and dispersed. Just as quickly as it stopped, the kids took off down the road after someone else yelled "fight". I went back into the church, shaken up yet thankful it was over. A few minutes passed and I once again heard a noise outside. I quit vacuuming and went to see what was going on. At the door, a couple girls were frantically trying to tell me what happened and Tommy was crying and shaking. His breathing was heavy and sweat was dripping from him. All I could make out was that the teens had followed Tommy to the end of the street and jumped him again. As I look up, I saw David jump in his truck and drive away in search of the teens. Everything was moving so fast. Tommy came inside the church and we sat until he could tell me what had taken place. My heart was broken. I couldn't bare the thought of what had happened to him. I know that the city is hard and that the kids have to be tough, but as he sat in the chair by Stella, I couldn't make sense of it all. It felt as if my own child had been beat up. As David came upon the group down the road, the teens were circling around another boy. David was able to break up the group and took the other boy home.
That rest of the night was really emotional. I had a difficult time controlling my tears. We love the kids so much, but the reality that we will not be able to always protect them became ever too real. That night I desperately wanted to tuck Tommy into bed and tell him that nothing like that would ever happen again. Unfortunately, I cannot make that promise.
All and all, this will be a week that I will not soon forget. God is teaching us new realities each day and I am thankful for the time we have in Keller Park.
Tonight, I'm not the same person I was on this day last week. I'm thankful for that.
1. Tuesday we launched "CREW", a weekly youth gathering. I'm excited to dive back into the youth ministry world. Despite the rainy weather, we had a great turn out. This year is going to be quite the adventure as I discover how to best communicate to this group of students.
2. I have made some new relationships with moms in the neighborhood. A couple times this week a lady in the neighborhood came to use our computer. The time on the computer turns into a couple hours of just talking about life. I am blessed by our time together. I find myself looking forward to our quick trips to the store and conversations over text. Along with this lady, I have had in depth conversations with others. I'm so thankful they have allowed me to be part of their lives. I have learned so much simply by listening to their stories.
3. God's provision has been overwhelming. Raising support is so difficult (I know I've hit on this a couple of times in the past, but it's just so "real life" to us). Even in this time when finances are scary and there is a lot of unknown, we have felt so much peace. God has provided for every need. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but it's just...one thing to be in a financial place where you can say, "God will supply for our every need" and quite another when you're in the place of "God, we need you to provide. You alone are the supply".
4. David is...pretty much amazing. Several times this week I noticed David taking lead in moments of ministry. God is shaping his heart and giving him so much courage. Even today, a mom in the neighborhood told me that she would allow her son to come with us on a trip because of her conversations with David. He does so much from breaking up fights, to walking children home to talk with parents, to helping me cook dinner for the neighborhood kids. I'm so grateful I get to minister alongside him. God clearly has a hold of David's heart and is shaping him into exactly who He needs him to be.
5. A tough reality of the neighborhood is that many of the children do not have a father in their lives. This truth made this unforgettable moment all the more unforgettable. On Monday after homework club, David was taking a couple kids in his truck to our house for dinner. David said that the two kids, one girl and one boy, asked to both sit in the front so he raised the arm rest and let them sit beside him. The boy(let's call him Tommy) asked to be in the middle. Tommy is a boy who has really captured our hearts. He spends a lot of time in our home and often goes with us on trips. We really love him. He...justs....feels like part of us. While David was driving, Tommy looked at the girl next to him and said, "See, I told you David was my daddy". That night, David and I spent a lot of time talking (and crying) about how great of a mission field is before us. We're in this for the long haul.
6. Today we took a group of kids to my mom's for a Fall party. We had a great time!
Some much good went on this week, and yet, when I look back, the moment that stuck out the most was not happy at all. Here is the story....
One night after an event at that church, some teens and children were hanging around outside. The children had been asked to leave several times, but they just wanted to be where everyone was. As everyone was milling around on the sidewalk, I began to clean up the food we had served to the group. For some reason, something caught my eye outside. As I looked up, I saw Tommy being held by two teenage boys, one had his arms and the other his feet...his pants were down. A third boy was hitting Tommy in the chest. I ran out the door, yelling for them to stop. The boys dropped him and dispersed. Just as quickly as it stopped, the kids took off down the road after someone else yelled "fight". I went back into the church, shaken up yet thankful it was over. A few minutes passed and I once again heard a noise outside. I quit vacuuming and went to see what was going on. At the door, a couple girls were frantically trying to tell me what happened and Tommy was crying and shaking. His breathing was heavy and sweat was dripping from him. All I could make out was that the teens had followed Tommy to the end of the street and jumped him again. As I look up, I saw David jump in his truck and drive away in search of the teens. Everything was moving so fast. Tommy came inside the church and we sat until he could tell me what had taken place. My heart was broken. I couldn't bare the thought of what had happened to him. I know that the city is hard and that the kids have to be tough, but as he sat in the chair by Stella, I couldn't make sense of it all. It felt as if my own child had been beat up. As David came upon the group down the road, the teens were circling around another boy. David was able to break up the group and took the other boy home.
That rest of the night was really emotional. I had a difficult time controlling my tears. We love the kids so much, but the reality that we will not be able to always protect them became ever too real. That night I desperately wanted to tuck Tommy into bed and tell him that nothing like that would ever happen again. Unfortunately, I cannot make that promise.
All and all, this will be a week that I will not soon forget. God is teaching us new realities each day and I am thankful for the time we have in Keller Park.
Tonight, I'm not the same person I was on this day last week. I'm thankful for that.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Satan, You're a Heifer
Tonight, at the kitchen table, David, Stella, and I were talking about the day's events. David and I got on the topic of how we had felt like Satan was just really trying to seek victory in several areas of our ministry. There is so much hurt and need, children's behavior is often overwhelming, and our journey to raise financial support seems like a black hole (to say it politely). At times, it just seems like too much.
After feeling sorry for ourselves for a short time, we decided the best thing to do was to yell at Satan. I pointed to the ceiling and yelled, "SATAN, YOU'RE A HEIFER"! (It was the best I could think of at the time). "You're not going to win!" Just as I had finished yelling, Stella joined in. She pointed her finger and with a big grin, yelled with all her might, "Sanan, Yur a heefer! Sanan, Yur a heefer!" We laughed and yelled together. Satan is not going to win.
1. Satan will not get the souls of these kids. I feel like we have been in battle with Satan over the lives of children in Keller Park. Sin is knocking at their door and everything appears hopeless. The battle may seem bleak to some, but we're gonna fight to the death on this one. He will not win. Daily, we are reminded that:
2. Satan will not steal our joy or hope. I have found that Satan is pretty tricky in this area. He gains a foothold in our lives by stealing our joy and ultimately our belief that things will get better. People become disenchanted with life and before you know it they have lost the joy of being a parent, loving a spouse, going to church, seeing the best in others, or serving the Lord. When our joy departs, our hope soon follows. No, Satan, you cannot have our joy and there is no way you're getting my hope.
3. Finally, Satan is not going to keep us from ministering in Keller Park. The last week has been a blur of activity as it pertains to our support raising. Nothing seems to be working out as we had planned or hoped and we are no where near where we thought we would be at this time (as it pertains to financial support). I've heard it said that God is seldom early, but never late, but He is sure cutting it close. At times this week the situation seemed hopeless...UNTIL we realized that it was only hopeless if we let Satan win. He had done a pretty good job of keeping us distracted by the lack of funds that we were missing out on the adventure of trusting in our Lord. Satan will not win. If we have to eat Ramen noodles and work at McDonalds....we'll do it. God has called us to the neighborhood of Keller Park and there is no way Satan is going to take us from it. He will not win.
In conclusion, and in the words of my sweet little sugarbee, "Sanan, yur a heefer!" My God is going to dog walk you (the teens tell me that "dog walk" means "beat up"). Satan will not win. The End. Game Over.
After feeling sorry for ourselves for a short time, we decided the best thing to do was to yell at Satan. I pointed to the ceiling and yelled, "SATAN, YOU'RE A HEIFER"! (It was the best I could think of at the time). "You're not going to win!" Just as I had finished yelling, Stella joined in. She pointed her finger and with a big grin, yelled with all her might, "Sanan, Yur a heefer! Sanan, Yur a heefer!" We laughed and yelled together. Satan is not going to win.
1. Satan will not get the souls of these kids. I feel like we have been in battle with Satan over the lives of children in Keller Park. Sin is knocking at their door and everything appears hopeless. The battle may seem bleak to some, but we're gonna fight to the death on this one. He will not win. Daily, we are reminded that:
Ephesians 6:12He will not win.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
2. Satan will not steal our joy or hope. I have found that Satan is pretty tricky in this area. He gains a foothold in our lives by stealing our joy and ultimately our belief that things will get better. People become disenchanted with life and before you know it they have lost the joy of being a parent, loving a spouse, going to church, seeing the best in others, or serving the Lord. When our joy departs, our hope soon follows. No, Satan, you cannot have our joy and there is no way you're getting my hope.
3. Finally, Satan is not going to keep us from ministering in Keller Park. The last week has been a blur of activity as it pertains to our support raising. Nothing seems to be working out as we had planned or hoped and we are no where near where we thought we would be at this time (as it pertains to financial support). I've heard it said that God is seldom early, but never late, but He is sure cutting it close. At times this week the situation seemed hopeless...UNTIL we realized that it was only hopeless if we let Satan win. He had done a pretty good job of keeping us distracted by the lack of funds that we were missing out on the adventure of trusting in our Lord. Satan will not win. If we have to eat Ramen noodles and work at McDonalds....we'll do it. God has called us to the neighborhood of Keller Park and there is no way Satan is going to take us from it. He will not win.
In conclusion, and in the words of my sweet little sugarbee, "Sanan, yur a heefer!" My God is going to dog walk you (the teens tell me that "dog walk" means "beat up"). Satan will not win. The End. Game Over.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Highlights
So much has happened since we first moved into the Keller Park neighborhood. Each day is a new adventure that comes with both victories and battles. It's extremely fulfilling to watch children finish their homework or expereince something new. There is a great deal of laughter. Below are some highlights of the last two weeks:
One of our first mornings here, Ali and I walked down to meet the kids at the bus stop before they left for school. I felt such joy as they waved from the window of the bus.
Sunday after church, David and I took Stella and three neighborhood girls to see Winnie the Pooh. We had a blast! It was so fun to see each of them down the aisle, holding their popcorn and enjoying the movie. After the movie we took a trip to Target to pick up a few school supplies.
We have hosted lots of meals and formed many new friendships.
One of our first mornings here, Ali and I walked down to meet the kids at the bus stop before they left for school. I felt such joy as they waved from the window of the bus.
Sunday after church, David and I took Stella and three neighborhood girls to see Winnie the Pooh. We had a blast! It was so fun to see each of them down the aisle, holding their popcorn and enjoying the movie. After the movie we took a trip to Target to pick up a few school supplies.
We have hosted lots of meals and formed many new friendships.
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