We got to pray with two guests today, we cultivated relationships with people- guests and volunteers - and we were able to help meet physical needs of every person that came in.
Here is one I especially can't wait to tell you about:
One of the volunteers sat with three young men. They sipped coffee and talked about life. Joblessness, poverty and isolation is the life they know. But Peter accepted them, and has from the first day they met. The boys hung on his every word. He gently and boldly spoke life into them. When they spoke discouraging words over themselves, he spoke encouragment. Every "I can't" and "It's useless" was met with "Keep trying. You can do this." He urged them not to give up, and to keep looking for work.
We other volunteers busied ourselves with folding clothes, giving them a wide berth for their manly bonding. It was beautiful to listen in on. Jesus provided a father to the fatherless today. And they couldn't get enough.
As the boys left, one stopped to shake hands.
"Thanks for the encouragement"
Later, while driving through town, I saw the boys walking. I watched, amazed as they entered the very workplace they had been told to 'keep trying' at. They were applying for jobs in town.
By God's grace, his words had made an impact.
...Ever notice how the investment you make into another person's life goes mostly unnoticed and especially unsung?
If you volunteer - wherever it is - don't lose heart. Your words make more of an impact than you will ever know in this life.
Keep on praying and sowing. The fruit will come.
"Keep trying"
"You can do this."
At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."
Galations 6:9