Moment

This morning my prayer was to somehow give my youth "a moment"- a person, place or activity that impacts them to bring them closer to God. My first mission trip they met Nigel- the man we worked for who changed their lives by inspiring them. The second trip they were inspired by the group building and lives changed within the group. This year, they hadn't met anyone or had "a moment". Of course working as a team has impacted them. Things have gone really well and they are definitely having times of getting closer to God and building their relationship with Him. But, I wanted even more for today. So, I asked the One who could give it to me. And, He didn't let me down. After attempting to work this morning, we weren't able to. The weather and scheduling for the thrift store workers didn't have the same plans we did. So, we headed to the French Quarter. We parked by a park and the water. So, we decided to eat lunch there before wandering the streets of New Orleans. After lunch we were about to leave the park when we saw the cutest puppy! Of course, we all headed to see him. The owner was overjoyed for some company and someone to entertain his puppy for a few minutes. Then, he started talking to us. He shared about how he had done some things wrong but that he knew God had sent Jesus and that he was now forgiven. He asked for the youth to share some scripture they knew. The youth were engaged in what he had been saying but then were shy about reciting anything. But, finally several did with his encouragement. Then, he told us that if we were ashamed of sharing God now, God would be ashamed of us when He came back. This really hit home with the youth. After talking some more, we asked if we could pray with him and he asked if we could get in a circle and each say something. So, we basically did our candle time in the park with our new friend Carl. As we walked away, several kids came up to me excitedly telling me how amazing that was and how he had impacted them.

We went through the rest of the day enjoying the culture of New Orleans- the Cathedral, Cafe Du Monde, watching people create art, watching street performers, and eating at a great restaurant. I was wondering how many would end the day thinking about Carl who we had met so much earlier in the day or everything else. But, God took care of that. On our way back to the vans, a man playing the trumpet stopped us. He had the youth sing "This Little Light of Mine" and several other old hymns. They talked for a minute but we had to catch a ferry. But, just that short time at the end of the day made their day start and end with the same focus.

So, where was God today? He was in the poor, probably homeless, men who impacted our day and our lives.

Blessings,

Jennifer