On Sunday nights, Community Kids leaders and I have been taking some teens to play volleyball in a gym outside of Grand Rapids. Last Sunday night, I felt God telling me I should ask two younger kids to go, for some reason. I debated not getting them because we were going to be late for volleyball, but I went to their house anyway.
I picked them up, and off we went. We had a good time playing volleyball, eating pulled pork sandwiches, and discussing devotions with the kids.
Later that night, as I pulled up to the kids house, I noticed that police cars were outside of the kids’ house with their lights on. I was really scared that something bad was happening.
The kids’ mom met me in the yard and seemed distraught. I asked what was going on and she explained that there was a drive by shooting after we left for volleyball. By the grace of God, no was seriously hurt.
I was shocked. I also thought about what could have happened if I hadn’t picked up those kids. There were a few moments where I had debated not listening to God telling me to pick them up. I know God has a plan for those kids, otherwise He wouldn’t have led me to their house.
As a way of following up after this incident, I gathered a few people to pray at the kids’ home. I also met with the kids’ dad. He definitely was grateful to be alive. I was able to share the Gospel with him. I told him, “God really must have a plan for you and your kids, for keeping you safe.” God led me to invite him to church. The dad explained that he doesn’t feel comfortable in church. I responded, “A church building is not the only place we can do Bible study. We can worship God anywhere.”
He then mentioned that the only place he would want to have a Bible study would be in his home. I am familiar with house churches, so I asked him, “Would it be ok if we got some other men to do Bible study at your house?”
He said it would be ok to start a Bible study for men in his house.
I have always wanted to start a dad’s club, but never thought there were enough dads interested in holding one. Over the past few months, more dads have been saying they desire to have a Bible study. Some dads have indicated they wanted a Bible but that they may not feel comfortable in a church setting. I thought it would be great to have a spot outside of a church building, but never saw an opportunity open up until now.
I’m continually amazed at how God works. If we listen to God and surrender to His will, He redeems bad situations and makes something good.
Incidents such as this drive-by shooting are often aimless and impersonal. Unfortunately, I even know of situations where people who have no connection to the turmoil and crime in the community have been impacted or injured.
I praise God that He doesn’t do anything aimlessly, but rather is very intentional in working out His plan for people. The God I serve knows everyone by name and the number of hairs on their head. God knew those kids needed to be at volleyball that night. God also knows that the kids need their dads to be leaders as they walk with God. God used this drive-by shooting as a catalyst for a dad to hold a Bible study in His home. I praise Him for turning a seemingly hopeless situation into something hopeful.
If you desire to help with Dad’s Club, Mom’s Club, Bible Club, or mentoring with Community Kids, please visit communitykids.org
On Sunday nights, Community Kids leaders and I have been taking some teens to play volleyball in a gym outside of Grand Rapids. Last Sunday night, I felt God telling me I should ask two younger kids to go, for some reason. I debated not getting them because we were going to be late for volleyball, but I went to their house anyway.
I picked them up, and off we went. We had a good time playing volleyball, eating pulled pork sandwiches, and discussing devotions with the kids.
Later that night, as I pulled up to the kids house, I noticed that police cars were outside of the kids’ house with their lights on. I was really scared that something bad was happening.
The kids’ mom met me in the yard and seemed distraught. I asked what was going on and she explained that there was a drive by shooting after we left for volleyball. By the grace of God, no was seriously hurt.
I was shocked. I also thought about what could have happened if I hadn’t picked up those kids. There were a few moments where I had debated not listening to God telling me to pick them up. I know God has a plan for those kids, otherwise He wouldn’t have led me to their house.
As a way of following up after this incident, I gathered a few people to pray at the kids’ home. I also met with the kids’ dad. He definitely was grateful to be alive. I was able to share the Gospel with him. I told him, “God really must have a plan for you and your kids, for keeping you safe.” God led me to invite him to church. The dad explained that he doesn’t feel comfortable in church. I responded, “A church building is not the only place we can do Bible study. We can worship God anywhere.”
He then mentioned that the only place he would want to have a Bible study would be in his home. I am familiar with house churches, so I asked him, “Would it be ok if we got some other men to do Bible study at your house?”
He said it would be ok to start a Bible study for men in his house.
I have always wanted to start a dad’s club, but never thought there were enough dads interested in holding one. Over the past few months, more dads have been saying they desire to have a Bible study. Some dads have indicated they wanted a Bible but that they may not feel comfortable in a church setting. I thought it would be great to have a spot outside of a church building, but never saw an opportunity open up until now.
I’m continually amazed at how God works. If we listen to God and surrender to His will, He redeems bad situations and makes something good.
Incidents such as this drive-by shooting are often aimless and impersonal. Unfortunately, I even know of situations where people who have no connection to the turmoil and crime in the community have been impacted or injured.
I praise God that He doesn’t do anything aimlessly, but rather is very intentional in working out His plan for people. The God I serve knows everyone by name and the number of hairs on their head. God knew those kids needed to be at volleyball that night. God also knows that the kids need their dads to be leaders as they walk with God. God used this drive-by shooting as a catalyst for a dad to hold a Bible study in His home. I praise Him for turning a seemingly hopeless situation into something hopeful.
If you desire to help with Dad’s Club, Mom’s Club, Bible Club, or mentoring with Community Kids, please visit communitykids.org