Fresh Drink of Water

Two weeks ago I was yet sitting in on our churches youth group as the youth pastor, JB, was discussing an exercise to the kids. This exercise required for our youth to make a FRAN. A FRAN is a diagram in which the kids draw their own house in the middle of a piece of paper. Surrounding the house they were to write the 4 letters F-for friends, R-for relatives, A- for acquaintance and N-for neighbor. They were then to write names of people who fit under each category who they think do not know Jesus. I also participated in this exercise. After youth was over, my son and I discussed our list. It was funny that we had similar names on those list. Some we knew would be easier to reach than others. We decided on one individual that night that we wanted to try to start reaching. This individual was one of my son's classmates.

We have only know this particular boy for over a year. He has had some difficult times at school and at home. He has been labeled by some as a problem kid. However, for some reason when I look at this young man I see such potential and goodness in him. I just think life has dealt him some bad hands and that he just needs guidance and for someone to respect him as a person not label him in a negative way. When my son and I discussed him we both agreed if anyone needs Jesus, it is this kid. We set out at how we could get him to Jesus.

We invited him to the Wed. night youth group this week. He excitedly agreed and we were able to get his parents to agree also. I knew that he was a little nervous but before I knew it he was talking and joking with other kids and seemed to be at ease. As our youth pastor began this weeks lesson I began to watch this young man as he listened. He sat there wide-eyed and seemed to be listening intently. Watching him from across the room, I could sense the joy and excitement in him. It was like a fresh drink of water for me. On the drive to take him home, he voiced how much he liked coming and plans were made for him to continue to come with us every Wed. I pray that God spoke to him and will continue to bring him into the light.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."John 8:12