God on the Clock
While my primary ministry is with young people, every once in a while a different opportunity comes up. Two weeks ago I was asked to speak to a group of homeless veterans. The youngest member of the group was a marine just home from Iraq and the oldest were Vietnam era vets. After sitting with them awhile, introducing myself and making small talk, I said, "You know guys, I am a story teller. I love to tell stories and I would like to tell you guys a story of an event that took place nearly 2000 years ago. I opened my Bible and with great affect read the story in Matthew chapter 8 of Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. I described the storm, the picture of Jesus asleep in the boat and the panic of the disciples. As I looked around the room each of the fellows was very engaged as the conversation turned to the storms of life. Their stories reflected all kinds of storms and they seemed to be able to identify with the disciples and their fear. I spoke of the fact that Jesus has control of every circumstance of our lives and that the risen Savior no longer sleeps. I shared with them how they could call on him for help and how He could speak "peace be still" into their lives. They all seemed very receptive except for the young marine. He was looking down, his fists clenched and saying, "Sometimes the storm's too hard; sometimes the storm's too hard. I haven't seen my son in weeks, his mother got a court order against me." Then began a string of profanity aimed at the child's mother, the court system and his lawyer. He got louder and louder and more belligerent with his counselor who was in the room.
Suddenly I was shocked to hear myself say in a very bold tone, "G, look me in the eye." He didn't look up. "Look at me," I challenged him. "When I pray, God answers. I'm going to pray for you right n0w and within two weeks God will make it possible for you to see your son. Do you believe me?" His eyes were locked with mine as he said, "Yes sir." Now here's the strange thing. I never give God time lines. I always tell people that God will work in His own time. But I had put God on the clock in front of G and the other men in the room. I made him promise to not follow through on any of his threats and then I prayed. After prayer I crossed the room and hugged him as he cried. As I hugged him I whispered in his ear, "Trust Jesus, G, He's going to work this out." Shortly after, I left to go back to work. Later that day, his counselor called me to tell me that G, without his lawyer, had gone to see the judge and that the judge had promised to draw up new papers the next day. That next weekend G and his little boy spent two days together at the home of a family member. Please pray that G and the other men in the group will understand the power of God that changes lives.
I Will Fear No Evil
Ruth and I meet with a group of people from various agencies that address the needs of teens in our city. One of the providers is part of a national organization whose mission statement includes "working for reproductive rights for women" and is one of the largest providers of abortions in the country. The meeting was scheduled for their facility and I have to admit I had doubts about whether I should go. As I approached the door of the fortress like entrance, I was repeating to myself "love the sinner, hate the sin." Like a warrior preparing for battle I reached for the front door, pulled it open, and suddenly I heard in my mind words that my pastor had once repeated! Those words were, "Love the sinner, hate your own sin." In that instant my heart broke. Probably the two greatest reasons for the many abortions performed in our country are finances ("I can't afford this right now") and convenience ("This just isn't a good time to have a baby.") My own heart was filled with grief as I thought of my own greed and selfishness. As I took my second step nto the building there was little doubt that I was the chief of sinners in that place. We walked through the waiting room and into the meeting room where the organization's representave and representatives of other religious and secular groups were waiting. As we went through the introductions, it was clear that we were the only evangelicals. "Ray and Ruth" the leader said, "We'd like to hear what you are doing in the community." We jumped in and just began telling stories of lives changed by the power of Christ. We told story, after story, after story and began to realize that all of the people in the room were moved to tears. They started passing tissues around and finally one said "How do you account for these results?" There, in the valley of the shadow of death we proclaimed the resurrection. Simply and quietly we told how the Way, the Truth and the Life was the difference maker. As we left, all asked us to return and give updates on what we were doing and several asked if they could come and observe. I went out to my car and cried, thanking God that he had considered us worthy to speak life into darkness. Thank you for your part in both of these adventures and the many others that we are privileged to have.
Two Great Needs
Please pray for the following: 1) We are in need of $30,000 to up grade our City Life building. This fall our local inner city high school will be bringing nine hundred students (the entire freshman class) during school time, to our anti-bullying, anti-suicide program. We will have about 75 students and six to eight teachers at each individual event. The building, however, needs electrical work, air conditioning, new windows, new tile, and a serviceable kitchen. 2) We are in need of approximately $1000 this summer for activities for our teen parents program.
Family Business
Please pray for our family as this summer we not only have Domonica and Zanaiya living here but our 11 year old granddaughter, Victoria and a 19 year old summer intern from Indiana. Life is extremely busy and very noisy. Pray that we may take hold of the grace of God to be the best example possible of His love. Thank you for all your prayers and financial support.
For Christ and the kids,
Ray and Ruth
