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During the weekend of October 17th-19th, over 30 Chapel Sr. High students embarked on an incredible journey that was both challenging and life-changing. This weekend, which was named “The GO ‘God and Others’ Experience” followed up a 3 week series with our Sr. High youth group that challenged students to look past themselves and to focus solely on God and other people. These students who went on this weekend were exposed to a weekend of poverty, in which students spent the night outside both at the Sandusky Bay Pavilion and The Chapel to experience what it means to live homeless. In addition to being homeless, students were given a minimal amount of money for food, which had to last them from Friday night until Sunday morning. Finally, students were able to interact with both the elderly residents of Parkvue Nursing Home and our friends who have special needs in order to understand what it means to put others’ needs first. This weekend was not only transforming for our students, but the congregation as well. The congregation was able to interact with these students upon arriving for church and got to experience first- handed Jesus in the midst of the students. |
On Sunday, at 6:00 PM - I finally "got it" email rec. 10-20-08 Hi, “WWJD?”, that is what the sign said, What Would Jesus Do? Could it be more obvious? Why did I fail? A solemn face held that sign as I rode into the Chapel parking lot on Sunday morning. I didn’t do what Jesus would have done. Like many others that showed up at services this weekend. I looked at those kids, homeless (if even for a weekend), cold and hungry. I assumed they were okay; their parents are here; they know people here; someone else was looking out for them. I didn’t need to do that. I had heard about the lock-out that Pastor Reg had done when he “kicked” them out of the church, so this was a good lesson for them. Teach the youth what it was to be homeless and suffer for a couple of nights. But, I suddenly got it on Sunday night about 6:00….I knew that it was somehow wrong to walk by those kids on Sunday morning at 8:55, but I am embarrassed to say, I didn’t get, truly get the WWJD until it was 9 hours too late. “I was hungry and you fed me…I was homeless and you sheltered me.” At 8:55 a.m., I did nothing like Jesus would do. Instead, I focused on my needs; a hot cup of coffee and getting my kids to KC on time. The guilt set in. I had thought about it during the service; “Why didn’t I invite those kids in? They are cold and their testimony specifically told of their hunger over the past couple of days.” How arrogant of me to walk by them and not invite them into the warmth of the church, invite them to have a hot cup of coffee or tea. I truly failed them. In thinking of my actions (or lack of action), I want to apologize to the kids and those I have overlooked so many times in my life. I also want to apologize to the parents of those children that I have not provided for, when I could have. (The reason I cc'd this to a close neighbor was because one of their children was among the “homeless”). But, most of all, I have to ask the forgiveness of my Lord and Savior for seeing Him, as the least of these, without shelter and without food and water and not taking action. Therefore, I sincerely ask for your prayer, that I may not be so blind the next time God calls. I want to express my appreciation for the ministry of the Chapel. Your commitment to God and his people is truly remarkable. My prayers are with you as you continue to minister. And, know that growth is happening, even if it is nine hours late this time, next time it will hopefully be right on time. Thanks for all you do. Eric |