God's presence in the most unlikely places.....
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The past few weeks I have had the awesome opportunity to teach on Sunday's at Overflow on how Jesus was the Son of God and became flesh....dwelling among us! John 1:14 (NLT) says, "So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father."
It is an amazing truth of the Christmas story and one that challenges us to the core of our being as to how radical God's love for all of humanity is. It also brings up the fact that He has left us to continue to allow His presence (and love) to shine through us to the world! What a challenge.
In the past few weeks I have had the awesome opportunity to be a part of four outreaches in the community and have been praying every step of the way and asking myself "what does it mean to share God's presence with these people?". It has been a fun, humbling, and very stretching journey as we have reached out in the community to: Berrien Homes (our partner housing project), Benton Harbor St. Ministry (twice), and provided transportation for a Christmas party for pregnant teens.
It is amazing how each of these has placed me among teens, and teens that are the least likely according to the world's standards, but isn't that who God chose to be His disciples? Are not the least likely exactly who God came to reach and how He came to reach us (Matt 9:10-13, Matt 1-2)?
My favorite moment in the past week came on Tuesday when I was able (along with a couple of volunteers from Overflow) to see a group of 11 teens at the St. Ministry plan and run a Christmas Party for 22 younger children. We have been running a program called "Boost" (see below for a description) on Tuesdays with them and this was there first chance to really step-up as leaders and they did in a big way! It was awesome to see how proud they were and how much fun the younger ones had. They even had fun sharing the "Christmas story" from the Bible over bingo cards with one youth yelling the character's name (hilarious moment that had to be experienced). God is so good when we simply trust Him, dwell in Him, and go to the places He wants us too!
God does so much with so little....total cost of the party ($15), the memories, the smiles on their faces, and the chance to be a leader....(you got it)...priceless! I hope this encourages you to share His presence and to be His presence with others this coming week.
So where is He asking you to share His presence this Christmas?
In Pursuit,
Brian
“BOOST” PROGRAM FOR GRADES 6+
“Giving Students a Boost in life”
Who: This program is designed to serve those students that are a regular part of the BHSM and to help them through direct mentoring, equipping, and empowerment to move forward in life. Students grade six and up are allowed into the classroom format program.
• The program is a partnership between Overflow and BHSM and is directed and implemented by Overflow in collaboration with BHSM.
What: The program is new and will be shaped and re-shaped over time to be as effective as possible and reflect the student’s interests and strengths. Currently, the program has been designed (with input from students) to consist of:
• 4:00-4:30pm
o Homework/Reading (tutors/mentors needed)
o BHSM serves a meal to the students
• 4:30-5:00pm
o Games/Activities/Bible Study
• 5:00-5:30pm
o Leadership Development and Job Readiness through Service and Experience
• *A field trip reward will be planned every 6-8 weeks for students with regular attendance and achievement in school
When: Every Tuesday, 4:00-5:30pm
• No Boost Dec 30 or any other Tuesday that BHSM is closed
Where: BENTON HARBOR ST. MINISTRY, Empire Ave., Benton Harbor, MI
Needed: Volunteers age 18+ to work with students one-on-one with homework, reading, and life skills. Training Available if Needed.
Contact: Brian Bennett, 269 861 4497 for more information or to get involved today!
posted by Brian @ 2:46 PM,
1 Comments:
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At December 18, 2008 4:11 PM,
Gwen Jackson said...
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So great to hear of Overflow's influence in the community! You truly are being Jesus to those around you.
