“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.”
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| from Google Images |
As I was locking up the house after a night at the drop-in, I paused to look up at the sky. With the blessing of a clear, cool night came the beauty of a star-filled canvas as I gazed up. It was the perfect picture for how I feel much of what we do at the Kairos seems to be and that the above quote portrays.
Tonight was an exciting night at the drop-in because it was a full of hope, love, strength, and God's Light shining in the darkness. One of the young people who recently became a follower of Christ got up and answered a few questions after a short video was shown. The video expounded on the topic of Jesus vs religion, something that really resonates with the young people we interact with at drop-in. And during his answering of questions, some of his friends began asking questions such as, "How did Jesus dying on the cross do anything about our sin or anyone else, especially if we hadn't even sinned yet?"
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| Giving a talk at drop-in |
Young people feeling comfortable enough to ask questions encourages us to know that God has created such an atmosphere during drop-in where young people can come with their questions, doubts, and raw feelings and know that although we don't see things the same as them necessarily, they can do so and leave loved and unjudged. Most impressive was the courage of the young man who got up, in front of his peers, and spoke of his faith, what he believes, and how it has impacted his life, in spite of the snickers and giggles. I can only imagine what kind of courage it took him to stand in front of them and confess his faith knowing the possible outcomes and reactions from them. Then, after the talk one of the young people stayed behind and talked with two of the volunteers for quite some time, mulling over questions, doubts, etc. There is no doubt he's close to accepting what Christ did for him on the cross over 2,000 years ago. Please pray for his, and the many other precious souls we encounter throughout our ministry.
All of this to come full circle to tell how the starry canvas relates to this short story. You see, in the ministry with drop-in, it can at many times seem very dark spiritually. This brings about discouragement among us as volunteers. But amidst the darkness, just like in the night sky, we are given reminders not to give up, to persevere and press on, even when it seems that we can't go on or there's no point. Evenings like tonight remind us that God is bigger, more powerful than our darkest nights and our loudest storms of life. I would be lying if I wrote that these kinds of stories happen all the time for us, because they don't necessarily, but that is why we must hold each one dear and precious in our hearts to help us keep on keepin' on. We aren't alone, we're never alone, no matter how lonely we may feel.
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| Some of the drop-in volunteers :) |
I write this because I am humbled by the testimony of this young man tonight and the encouragement that God has given many of us through tonight's activities, encounters, and interactions with the young people. Please keep the volunteers in your prayers as this is a very difficult and demanding ministry that, although we see ourselves as blessed to serve in, can be so taxing on the individual. These volunteers who range anywhere from teenage years and up our absolutely incredible. Their love for these young people brings me to my knees in thanksgiving to God more and more as I spend time with them, hear them speak from their hearts, and watch as they interact with the young people. Thank you for your continued prayer and support. Throughout this past year the power of prayer has benefited the Kairos, and drop-in specifically, so dramatically and in such clear ways that I couldn't say thank you enough for the prayers you have and continue to lift up on our behalf.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
That is my life verse, let it bring peace to you, no matter where you are in life and on this earth.
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