This past week the leaders had joined in prayer for those kids we have not seen in awhile, asking God to bring them this week--many of these youth begin showing up! One gal we have not seen since summer camp comes in and her friends from camp and leaders run over to her. I get to share with her that we have been praying for her specifically to come and the largest, dimple-filled smile comes across her face.
After a prayer, the youth file in line (always ladies first!) for some chili and cornbread and leaders begin to mingle with the kids. I am cleaning up from dinner when all of a sudden I hear kids making loud noises--they are playing a trivia/basketball free throw game in teams. After the game, the SOZO Soljaz (SOZO youth who have written songs/raps as an outreach tool) get on the stage and sing a few of their songs from their new cd. Most youth are singing along and even dancing (including me)!
Then Myron (the SOZO pastor) has all of the youth sit to hear the message for the night. There are kids sprinkled all over the room. Most are engaged, but there are a few in the back who came for the first time--one, Hakeem, just out of Remann Hall (juvenile detention facility) with his friends who are all still involved with the gang lifestyle are less engaged (but they came to SOZO!) Myron then begins to share about how our anger can build defenses and push others away who are trying to love us, including the Lord. Hakeem is called up to the front for a demonstration and Myron begins to share about his belief in him--that he is growing and that he knows he will make it. Hakeem is one of many who we have seen come in his position, get radically loved and decide to live their life for God.
Prayer is then made available and kids soon pile in leaders cars to go home.
Thank you Jesus for Tuesday nights!
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