My new house is nearly finished, and I was telling a few of my friends of the feeling of satisfaction I was experiencing from finishing my latest project. It has been a difficult task at my age to build it and deal with all the problems and I’m glad it is nearly completed.
No sooner did I get those words out of my mouth that several of them asked me what project was next. I looked at them quizzically and said building that house was my last project. One would have thought I was a comedian at an improv somewhere. Raucous laughter ensued. I was told in no uncertain terms that I would be working on a new project before driving the last nail in my house.
My feathers were ruffled a little as I shook my head and muttered those guys don’t have a clue, my project days are over. So here it is I’m completing my latest project and beginning another just as they said I would. I suppose the adage “Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing” applies to me.
This project involves founding a ministry in my community to help youngsters find God. There are plenty of ministries that attempt to deal with the devastating aftermath of drugs, alcohol, stealing, fighting, jail, and the like, but the Lord put on my heart that not that many exist that are designed to prevent such activity. I was involved with prison ministry for decades and for the most part it is designed to rehabilitate those who have committed crimes. This seems backwards to me. Rehab would not be necessary if we could prevent the bad activity in the first place.
So, how do we prevent it ? Hmmm . . . That is what the project is all about. All projects need a foundation and I believe that foundation is Jesus and His Holy Word. These kids need this foundation. But how do we get them to buy in? I was discussing this project with a good friend, and he thought it would be a good idea to get the most popular kids, the smartest, the ones with the wonderful families, the ones who go to church, and the best athletes to influence the rabble among them. The problem is they cannot magically snap their fingers and suddenly be popular, or a good athlete, or a cheerleader, and they cannot change their parents on a whim.
Having been rabble in my youth I think I understand the rabble mindset better than most. Why do some kids wear nose rings, get tattoos, turn to drugs, fight, go to jail, drink themselves into a stupor, and so on? Because they need something in their lives that they cannot obtain through the things they are trying. They need Jesus in their lives. They need to know Jesus loves them more than they can imagine. They need fellowship with other kids who have found Christ in their lives. They need godly parents or someone who cares about them.
So, the question for me is how I get them to want to follow Jesus. I’m not sure how to do that, but I am sure it is one of the utmost importance and I will spend many hours praying and asking God for answers about.
One thing sure, the Bible states in Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That tells me we can succeed with at least some of these kids (And even one of them would be a success). And what will we accomplish if even one child turns to Jesus? All of heaven will be singing and rejoicing with joy. How much more so should we have joy?
I have worked on many projects throughout my life. I have recruited friends and acquaintances to assist with projects and the results are usually a mixed bag. Some will give you ten reasons we will fail and tells us we might as well not even try, and others will give you ten ways to make it work and with a big smile are ready to launch.
In this project remember it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. It may be easier to build than repair but it will take some effort and is certainly worth the energy expended. Give it a try . . .
Luke 15:10
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who REPENTS.”