Pie

Wow! 
Pie night is a big deal for my group.  We usually have anywhere between 7 and 20.  Tonight, we had 3.  So, tonight is a good example of "It's not about the #'s".  Everything lined up for tonight to happen- which I can only believe is God.
One of my boys is struggling.  One of my girls has a lot to deal with.  And, since something just happened in her life, I fully expected the night to be about that.  But, as we talked on the way, I got the impression that all we had to say about it had been said and she is really in a decent place with everything.  So, when the two of us walked in, I saw 2 boys at the table.  One was my son, a college student and a definite leader in the group.  The other was a boy who has been struggling for a long time.  Sometimes he's there all the time and other times he's MIA- which means he's hanging out with a rough crowd.  The parent of the girl has been talking to me lately about mentoring the boy.  He had a rough time growing up and is starting to share his experiences to help others learn from his mistakes.  So, as the 2 youth there were talking to the struggler, I left the table to go call the guy, hoping he could come early and talk with the boy.  As I was about to call, he walked in the door!  I found out later that he was watching the World Series when he decided to get up and come early- which is definitely not like him!
So, he started talking to this boy- sharing about his life and that he knows where this kid is right now.  And, then he offered to mentor him, gave him his # and said call if he wanted.  The kid acted like he wasn't listening- but I could tell he really was.  We've talked alot and tonight he shared things I didn't even know!  So, obviously he's already building his trust in this guy!  Sunday afternoons, they are now going to get together for coffee, or to watch a game, pretty much just to hang out.  And that's exactly what both of them need.  The kid to know people care and so he realizes there is a way out of the place he's in.  And, the guy will grow by sharing his experiences and "paying it forward" to help himself deal with his past. 
This is only the beginning of what God has planned.  It may take awhile.  But, amazing things are happening!
Blessings,
Jennifer