Stories That Are Still Being Written

I bet you have a friend who remembers everything. If I give my friend Rex a random date from the past, he’ll rattle off all sorts of crazy details about where we were, what we talked about, and what we ate. It’s really an awesome talent that I definitely do not have.

For me, remembering takes work, especially when it’s the good, God stuff. I was cruising through our staff chat and was struck by how many amazing things God had done this school year. Stories I’d completely forgotten about. Stories I never passed along. Stories that are still being written and expanded upon.

In fact, just today I heard that Jerry, whom we wrote about a couple months back, and who had just received Jesus, was baptized! I don’t want to forget Jerry, and truthfully, on tough days, I really need to remember what God did for him.

I asked our team to look back at their camera rolls and call back some of the things that God did this year in ministry. These are just a few of the snapshots that came up:

“I can’t show pictures of incarcerated teens, but I am grateful for the Madera Juvenile Hall mentors who faithfully go in behind bars and serve! They love visiting the kids, sharing God’s word, and doing special events for them. And the officers also appreciate having them there.” -Sabina

“This is McKenzie and Ayanna. My prayer team and I prayed for Mckenzie for several months when I “randomly” ran into her at the local coffee shop. I shared the gospel with her there, and she received the Lord on the spot! I remember giving her a great Bible. I still see these two every week, and they still have struggles but are continuously finding hope in Jesus.”
– Courtney

“I remember this student came up to me and asked, ‘Can you see it?’ I couldn’t figure out what she was talking about, but she kept asking, ‘Nathan, can’t you see it!?’ I could see she was happy and smiling. She said, ‘It’s my glow! I’ve gone all in with Jesus!’ Yes, we see it!” – Nathan

“At Winter Camp this year, we had many major breakthroughs. In fact, two of the girls kept meeting with me weekly afterwards, and another girl gave her life to Jesus at camp!” – Aubrey

“These middle school students show up at 7 am (before school!) for small group. It’s the largest small group I’ve had, and it continues to grow. I will continue to remember moments like this where my students demonstrate their love and devotion to grow and know Jesus.”
– Anna

“This picture will always stay special to me. On that day, I was able to bring my friend Neil from Cape Town, South Africa, to visit a group home and share a message with the kids. Neil has dedicated his life in Cape Town to working with young people, so seeing these two worlds connect was powerful. Watching how the kids responded to him, his heart, and his message was truly amazing. Moments like this remind me that love, hope, and the Gospel speak every language.” – Patient

“Gio’s attorney referred him to me for our Aftercare program in the fall because he needed help getting a driver’s license. And after immense effort, he did it! Having worked together on that project, we started talking more in depth about what God has for him and what He could do in his life. He made an active decision to follow Jesus in February of this year. And I had the honor to provide him with a 3-ring Bible, and I continue to mentor him in how to surrender everything at Jesus’ feet. How amazing is God’s faithfulness!” – Grayson

Kids, decisions for Christ, faithful volunteers, key moments; all God’s stories. He’s writing a story of love, salvation, hope, and purpose in the hearts of kids. When I remember that, it bolsters my faith. It makes me expectant for God to show up. Every tough situation and every mundane moment could become life-changing.

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 He’s done it. He’s doing it. And he’ll do it again. Don’t forget that.

Together,

Jameson