Well, it's been a long, but good, week. I'm thankful for all God has let us accomplish. I've really struggled with some discouragement, but I suppose that's to be expected. I've gotten a glimpse into some of these kids lives this week and it has really broken my heart. I see the things they are faced with and it seems like all the odds are stacked against them breaking the chains. BUT we serve the all-powerful God who "specializes in things thought impossible", and I don't believe that He's given up, so I'm going to keep on loving these kids, planting the seeds, and leaving the results up to Him! I'm so glad we serve a Risen Savior!!!
Wednesday:
1:20 - 3:30 Preached at the Catoosa County Jail
5:00 - 9:00 Picked up Justin, Lewis, Trevor, Nikki, and Melissa for church. We usually have a few more, but I think spring break kept them out. I picked up from Hickory Grove, Oglethorpe Ridge, and Homeplace. After church we stopped for pizza.
Wednesday:
1:20 - 3:30 Preached at the Catoosa County Jail
5:00 - 9:00 Picked up Justin, Lewis, Trevor, Nikki, and Melissa for church. We usually have a few more, but I think spring break kept them out. I picked up from Hickory Grove, Oglethorpe Ridge, and Homeplace. After church we stopped for pizza.
Thursday:
8:30 - 12:00 Seminary classes as usual (time to start working on those finals)
1:00 - 2:00 Spent some time with Michael and Trevor talking about living the Christian life. Both of these boys have been saved under the ministry of Young America.
2:00 - 6:00 Met with the kids at Oglethorpe Ridge Apartments. We had a great turnout (around 20) mostly younger kids. They were a little more frustrating than usual, but I just had to smile as I felt God was testing my patience. Sometimes, He choses to veil his workings, but this time it was BLATANT!!! It takes time to build a relationship with these little fellas, but having a positive impact on their lives is well worth it.
Friday:
11:00 - 12:00 Met with Wes to review the week, and focus on our mission and methods.
1:00 - 6:00 Picked up Michael, Trevor, Kelsey, and Ashlyn, then headed to Forest Green in Rock Spring. Talked to the girls about living what they say they believe.
We had a great meeting. We talked about Easter and what it really means. I got as many questions from the teens as I did the little ones. We probably met with around 120 kids this week, and only 1 or 2 could tell me what Easter was about. Most said something about hunting Easter eggs. One thing's for sure though... THEY KNOW NOW!!!
On the way home we stopped and had a bite to eat to celebrate Michael's 15th birthday. I pray that we can help that boy stay on the right road. I really believe he got saved, and I'm going to be sure to do all I can to help and encourage him to live it!
1 comment:
Nathan,
As I read your blog I could feel your frustration through your words. A huge misconception of the Christian community is that as individuals we are perfect. Truth is we are ALL hypocrites. The knowledge of not ever being perfect (past, present, or future) allows this misconception from keeping many to accept Christ. These kids need to understand that becoming a Christian will not magically make them perfect. It is healthy for them to see your frustration, and more importantly, see how you work through it with GODS help for HIS glory. It may not be that GOD is testing your patients, but merely using common human emotions mixed with HIS heavenly results to show HIS Young America that arguing, fighting, or blowing up is not the only way to handle the pressures of frustration. Keep on!
GOD bless, Todd Watkins
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