So, we would set out everyday not really knowing what to expect. I would show up at this Backyard Bible thing not knowing what we were supposed to be doing or how the heck I was supposed to be ministering to these kids. The kids were loud and rude had no respect for authority, and we were constantly breaking up fights. The parents didn’t care, we never saw them.We were all hot,tired,and smelled.It wasn’t ideal.
Gradually, as the days progressed the kids were warming up to us, we actually started enjoying it. The kids were starting to listen better and all they really wanted was love, someone to talk to, that would pay attention to them, and play with them. You could tell how much they appreciated it and how they were in such a desperate need of attention. We would walk them home and they cried when we left. It was rough. Even if the whole christian thing didn’t completely get across to them, they saw God’s love in action. But something so much bigger was happening. Doug and Michelle (some of the leaders) met a lady with 4 kids, they prayed with her and talked with her ALOT and really got involved in her situation. We ended up bringing her back to FL. And she showed up to church on Sunday and got saved. Pretty cool stuff.
On this trip, I really learned and stepped out of my comfort zone alot, I did stuff I would never do a year ago, like giving my testimony to a bunch of kids I didn’t know too well. Talking to people and giving them advice.. it was a realization, like a this was you 3,4,5 years ago.What would I have listened to back then.I was praying aloud all the time, helping leading worship. Stuff that would make me so uncomfortable just a few months ago I was doing. It was crazy!
I realized that you just gotta do it. Take the plunge and let go, not care what people think of you. Cause in the end its all about God. I could have been doing this stuff so much earlier if I wasn’t such a baby and didn’t care what people thought. Earlier I was too embarrassed or shy. Or whatever I used as my excuse. There is no excuse. I don’t want this trip to be a “spirtual high” thing either. Like, I was all pumped and strong and on fire on the trip and then I come home and do whatever.
No, I want this to last, instead of making it a choice but a lifestyle. I want to get the youth group on fire, and the church. Because I can do so much more. Then what I’m doing now.
Ray
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