Anytime we receive some negative media attention, I start feeling like that kid at the back of the classroom, hands-a-waving, pleading with the teacher that we're actually doing a good job."But teacher you don't realize what's happening (in between these four walls)! We're feeding the hungry, we're clothing the poor, we're providing hope and a social community to the lost.
We're helping people get off the streets, into places to live, detox or treatment... we are making a difference!"
So when I received a call last week from one of our guests, (to come see him get baptized) it pains me to admit this -that while part of me was truly over the moon -giddy and ecstatic; the other part -that annoying indignant voice was shouting - I told you so! We are helping people... we'll show you (naysayers)!!!
So with camera in hand and my family in tow, we made our way to the Evangel Church in Kelowna (massive!) to witness one of our guys get baptized.
Needless to say, I was humbled. 8 people were baptized this day, each story filled with it's own share of pain and misery, loneliness and despair. The one thing in common? God.
God filling that empty place inside of us all -filling the emptiness with something new.
Hope. Joy. Peace.
I left the church with a renewed sense of hope -a hope that I want to share with those that know this man. This man who they may have bought drugs from or perhaps even took a beating from -that no one is beyond hope. That nobody is worthless in God's eyes.
It reminded me of the parable of the Sheppard, in search of the one lost sheep. That even when there are days when we may feel frustrated that not enough life change is taking place. We can take solace and encouragement that on this day - God affirmed to us again, that yes -we are making a difference. That we should not give up -that would be the worst thing we could possibly do. God is working a mighty work -march on Christian soldiers!
Here is the link: http://www.evangelbc.org/index-5.html (Feb 3 Baptism service)
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