Last Wednesday at “The Real” (the weekly Hillside meeting), we had just finished our opening prayer as two new girls sat down. We began to read verses where Jesus describes himself, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
At this point, one of the girls paraphrased this statement, turned to her friend and said, "Whatever happens between us, I want you to stand firm with God. Jesus is the only way." The girl continued to open up, crying. She became pregnant last November and "lost" the baby last month. Her mother kicked her out of the house and has not let her return.
Another student, who came weekly to "The Real" last semester, and whom I had been mentoring at that time, returned for the first time in two months. He soon confessed, "I've been running from God."
While these students revealed their hearts, a non-Christian teacher and two other students sat amazed.
Two Christian teachers and I counseled and prayed for the students. We not only spoke of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, we spoke to their individual situations and to the new creation Jesus makes them.
Our Heavenly Dad continues to bring students to me that need Him. He brought me a student from a home that believes gods inhabit everything, e.g. the rivers, the trees, etc.; a student who cuts himself; girls in a lesbian relationship; the religiously proud; unbelievers who are curious about Jesus; and students labeled "disabled" who are looking for people who love them and a place to belong. While there backgrounds and concerns are varied and vast, they are all struggling with the same familiar and substantial issue – they are seeking an identity in the world. Please pray that these students come to find their identities in the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for all your support,
Adam
(left) Adam baptizing Kai Bauer. (middle) Students from "The Trinity Club". (right) Student from Hillside.
