I never knew what to do with Derek. He sat in the back of the class, most of the time with headphones in, and took frequent bathroom breaks during discussion groups. He has been in and out of our ministry for the last two years, showing up for Sunday and then again at the occasional gathering but then disappearing again. This all changed a month ago. Derek showed up to class January 8th with a smile on his face, head phones out, and a desire to be there, I mean really be there. He was tracking with what we were talking about and following along in his own Bible. He signed up for our Winter Camp and (to my surprise) showed up early, packed and ready for the bus ride up the mountain. During the weekend we all watched as God broke this young man down. Something had started in his heart the week before and culminated in a Saturday night confessional and a desire to take on Jesus in baptism.
I am so grateful that God has brought Derek into my life and given me a second chance with him. I had always been somewhat intimidated by the stand-offish 14 year old with the frown and distant gaze. All that time I gave him space and thought it was best for him to "work it out" or "grow out of it." The opposite was true. He needed men to step into his life to give him a purpose, a blessing. The most wonderful thing about this story is the men that have surrounded Derek. He now has a core group of men as a support system when he doesn't know where else to turn. We pray for him everyday and stay connected with him through out the week. I praise God today for opening my eyes and placing Derek in my life when I was afraid to place myself in his.
God give me a heart of grace and a spirit of courage that I do not allow myself to be blinded to the needs of the teens around me. Thank you for this reminder and continue to work in me so that I can see what you are doing in our ministry and city.
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