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Topic: Poor (10/25/04)
TITLE: Poor Inner City Kids Find the Father Lode By Brenda Blakely 10/26/04 |
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By Brenda K. Blakely
Six poor inner city kids from The Rock House ministry in Jackson, MS were headed for a Christian camp in Georgia. The youth going to camp had been able to work to earn the cost of the camp and the trip expenses. We were very comfortable that the amount God had provided would be adequate.
The youth and their parents, who had known us for approximately 4 months, were trusting us to take them 429 miles there and then back; feed them, care for them etc. for one week. We were struck with admiration for the courage and strength of these young people. We still have no idea of what they really expected, but we prayed that we would measure up and they would find the treasure for which they were looking.
By reason of our arrival time, we skipped the part of camp where you wander around getting acquainted and went straight to the eating part and then on to the evening service time; we got to see God begin to show His treasures to them immediately. His hand had been in the preparation; their hearts were before the Father at the altar as” our” kids were some of the first to respond.
Joe gave us a more physical demonstration of the Father’s work. He had taken with him, in August, in the South, his big winter coat, fit for the Arctic, which he wore like a security blanket. We knew things were going well when the 2nd day he took off his coat and began to play basketball with the other boys at camp.
It went back on a few times during the week. but as the week passed it became less and less. God was working.
After the initial step meeting God at the altar, our kids became like thirsty sponges, they took notes, studied, came to follow-up everyday, asked questions and wanted all God had to give. Taka and Shake’ were discovered studying and going over their notes by flashlight under the covers in the middle of the night. They wanted everything the Father had to give.
Through the week they shared, swam, played, ate and waited patiently for every class to begin. On Thursday they sang the special music and were well-received.
Comments made by the kids such as "it was great not to have to worry about getting shot at" and "things were so nice at camp"; helped us to realize what the week really meant to them.
God provided for this trip in a wonderful way, we even had $.07 left over; poor by the world’s standard, but rich beyond measure in the things that really matter. Six brave youth from Jackson, Ms. had found the Father Lode, precious jewels the Father had prepared just for them.
Back home Joe told the rest of The Rock House Kids "camp was cool". All of the kids who went have expressed a desire to go back next year. But most important, we see a difference in their lives and they ask for prayer to live as Christians in a tough world.
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