Real Life Conversations
Tonight I was looking through newsletter articles from our seven and a half years on the mission field. I came across these words from 2004.
“When you and Tory fight does he hit you?”
“When Tory gets drunk does he hit you?”
“Is it scary at your house at night?”
“My mom has been gone for a month. We don’t know where she is or where we are going to live. I am scared.”
“Can you help us? Our gas and electric have been turned off and we need food for our kids.”
“I don’t want to go home. My dad has been drinking. Can I stay with you?”
These are all parts of conversations Kara and I had with kids and families during our first two months of ministry on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. What a different reality than the one I grew up in! My parents will celebrate their 42nd anniversary next month. I never went to bed afraid because I knew my dad would be there. I never had to wonder from where my next meal was coming. I never had to worry about our electricity being turned off. This is the reality of too many kids on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
Today as we were working at the new home we are building, a young family came to ask how they could get a home. This couple was in their mid-twenties and had a toddler son. Since this summer they have been living in a tent. He has a job, but they can’t afford a home. They are worried about being warm enough this winter.
At times this has discouraged and overwhelmed me. What do you say to kids who just want someone to love them and provide them with a safe home? What do you say to a hopeless father who just wants to provide for his family? What do you say to the teenager who just wants their parents to be sober and care for their family? What do you say when you have more questions than answers? In the midst of questions I know I don’t have good enough answers and yet I am so glad I know a Father who cares so much that He gave His one and only Son for each one of us.
My favorite description of evangelism is “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” (D.T. Niles) That is our goal and prayer...to simply love God’s children so much that we can earn the privilege of sharing the Bread of Life we have found. This Bread of Life can then bring peace, hope and joy!
Simply a beggar,
tory
