When Bryan comes into the crowded kitchen to announce that someone has peed in his bed, my first response is confusion and then embarrassment. He has a room full of friends, 4 of which are boys standing around the bed with "i didn't do it' looks on their faces. The likely culprit is our aging cat, Joe. It's a good thing we found the mess
before the power went out!
One of those boys screamed like a girl and leaped onto the bed in fright when the house suddenly became pitch dark. Cell phones lit up the place and the grazers at the snack table never missed a munch or crunch. The power did not stay out long and the guitar in one room was strummed again, while the sound of pool balls clanking together continued in another. We also had a broke-down car this night, but I was just grateful it wasn't in our ditch or plowing over the neighbors mailbox again.
Seriously though, Thursdays are my favorite day of the week because the kids come. They come for fellowship and food. They come for games and laughter. More importantly, they come for spiritual knowledge and growth. The students are eager to learn and serve. They rinse their dishes, take out the trash and deliver cookies to my neighbor (this goes a long way in apologizing for blocked driveways and squashed mailboxes). The students are an interesting array of young people, not unlike the characters in John Hughes' The Breakfast Club, but with a redeemed-by-the -blood-of -the-Lamb kind of twist. As much as I love them, they are not mine. Just like my own children, I dedicate them to the Lord. Some of them come from sorry homes where parents put their own pursuits, desires and crappy addictions over the needs of their own child. Here, it is conveyed that they are loved, first by God, and then by us. This is why they come two hours before the study is to start and remain until we gently usher them out the door. Oh, to have more bedrooms and another bath so they might stay.....
God has been good to provide for us though donations of food and money from good people to keep the pantry stocked and the snack table full for Thursday nights. They are welcome to a good, hot meal before their studies and a snack following. They roll with the flow and eat whatever is on the table, though I have found a few foraging through the pantry or refrigerator looking for more. We are continually reminded of Jehovah-Jireh's (God the provider) capabilities when a crock pot of chili would seemingly have an endless bottom or my pantry floor appears to be a breeding ground for 2 liters. I am ever thankful that God has allowed us to continue with the student ministries we love, through this adoption. He doesn't ask us to pick one, but instead says I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). I have added a Paypal link to this blog. God has spoken to me and has freed me from the fundraising pressures of adoption. He has told me many times over the years, "trust me" and I choose to do just that. If the Spirit leads, you can be a way that the Lord provides. Regardless of whether you donate, we covet your prayers and appreciate your support.
As we near the 2nd anniversary of Justin's home-going, I am reminded of God's provision and His mercy. I urge the parents reading this to do these three things: hug your children, make Christ-centered parenting decisions and set a good example. When you are ready to let go, give them to the Lord and send them to my house for discipleship. There's no telling what will happen!
