Stories from the Team Week June 19-24
Posted by Jesse , Monday, June 27, 2011 1:55 PM
I had the privilege of spending a few days out on the Rez this past week with teams from Faith Bible Church in Seattle and Faith Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. It's amazing how much the place is becoming a part of me; even though we've yet to live there, going there feels in many ways like coming home.
A story:
I met a little four-year-old named Jake at kid's club on Friday. It was his first time there. We played cars under a tree, making roads in the dirt with him and a couple other friends. Then we went to the table where a team member was making balloon animals and got a balloon sword, which of course Jake spent much of the rest of our time there slashing me to pieces with, and giggling like crazy as I pretended to be hurt.
But the highlight was storytime. We sat down under the shade of the tree in the field at Totus Park, Jake in my lap, and listened to Joshua tell the story of Jesus entertaining children to the chagrin of his disciples. Upon hearing the proclamation that "Jesus loves children," Jake grew incredulous. "What! Me too?" he asked me.
"Yeah, Jake, Jesus loves you, too."
"Why?!?" he asked in disbelief.
"Jesus loves all children, Jake. He wants to be friends with all of them."
He seemed satisfied with this, and went back to listening to the story. I, however, was moved to reflect on the wonder Jake expressed when hearing, presumably for the first time, of the love of Jesus. We don't often think too much about the "why" anymore, and forget that it's truly incredible, nearly unbelievable news to hear that God loves us despite so many reasons not to.
And it makes me all the more anxious to be there, sharing the gospel with more kids like Jake, and seeing the wonder on their faces as they hear about the unconditional love He offers them.
And an observation:
At the end of the team week, a number of the youth and adults from the community who had worked alongside the team all week shared their thoughts about the impact working with the team had had on them and ways they'd seen God moving that week. And two things struck me during that time. The first was how amazing it was to see so many kids and adults whose lives have been changed through the influence of Sacred Road. And the second was how miraculous it all is: not only are these people whose lives are changed, but whose eternities are changed permanently. These are people who have moved from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the Beloved Son. And it's even more miraculous when considering all the cultural, historical, and social hurdles and roadblocks put up between them and the salavation they need. To see such a thriving core of young people who are so clearly impacted by their relationships with the Sacred Road people is, for lack of a better word, amazing. And I can't wait to be a part of it.
To see and hear how God is working in the hearts and lives of these children and families and in the hearts and lives of those reaching out to them with the powerful love and word of God fills my heart with joy and also the desire to be a part of it!