Understanding Steven's Story
Recently I asked a staff member to tell me the story of his mentorship with one of the kids from a group home - but from the kid's point of view.
Since we think about Evangelism being about connecting God's Story with My Story and Their Story it's really helpful and instructive to consider what is going on from the teen's point of view. The better we can hear, see, and understand what's happening between Their Story and God's, the more we can help connect the two stories together.
Steven would surely have his own way of putting it - no doubt. But considering his point of view helps the mentor see what God is up to through their relationship and where the next step just may be. Check it out!
Steven’s Story
I never really had a family growing up. My dad wasn’t there, and my mom couldn’t take care of me, so I bounced around foster care and group homes. By the time I turned 18, I was angry at everybody and everything. I left my last group home on bad terms — I assaulted a staff member and ended up with two felonies the same week I became an adult. I thought my life was already over.
But the Court gave me another chance, and that’s when I met my mentor through YFC’s Group Life. At first, I didn’t trust him — I didn’t trust anybody. But he kept showing up. He helped me get my license, taught me life skills, and pushed me to think about my future.
I still messed up a lot. In two years, I moved almost 16 times because I couldn’t follow the rules. I yelled at people who were trying to help me, even cursed out my mentor. Honestly, I thought he was done with me. But the next week, he answered my call. That’s when he told me about forgiveness — about grace — and how it’s not about what I deserve, but about what God offers.
"he told me about forgiveness - about grace - and how it's not about what I deserve, but about what God offers"
As I read Steven's story, told by his mentor, I get a picture of God's grace. God sees ALL the mess. And yet he has mercy. He wants us to know the life he died to give us.
I see God's heart in the mentor and I can already picture the amazing conversation that's coming next. A conversation highlighting all the grace that God has had along the way, and the eternal grace available for all who say Yes to Jesus.