The hugger and kisser...

The "Love Approach"

Every morning the staff here meets for prayer time at 10:30. I shared a story that happened this past weekend and it is obviously more powerful than I thought...so here it is (the short version).

There are 2 little boys in our ministry who I have come to love very much. From the outside they are the cutest, most innocent faces you have ever seen. But if you really get to know them... there are times you might run in the other direction. Most nights they can be found wondering the streets alone. They cuss like sailors, fight anyone they come into contact with, steal, get kicked out of school and I've even heard a story about them beating someone up with a metal pipe. Their ages. 6 & 7.. that's right...they are in first grade. They are a test to my patience. They never follow the Underground rules, steal from us and at times have called people on our staff horrible names. I must admit that at this time last week I was whining to Paul (my boss) about the fact that I would never get through to these two and that some day I would probably be visiting them in prison.

All of this past weekend these two boys were on my heart and I was trying to think of a new approach. I decided that I would try the "love approach". So on Sunday night they showed up to hang out and play video games for a couple of hours. I spent most of the night sitting next to them and hugging them everytime I got the chance. They didn't really respond like I wanted.. I was definitely giving one sided hugs and getting weird glares from them. They even pulled away a few times, BUT God was obviously just wearing them down.

At the end of the night we cleaned up and I was walking all the kids outside to go home. They were the last two out. As they were walking out the door the 7 year-old reached up and grabbed a hold of my neck, pulled me down to him and...... kissed me on the cheek. Moments later the 6 year old walked up to me and said, "Can I hug you?" and he grabbed a hold and squeezed on to me tight. NEVER had these kids shown any form of affection! Yes there were tears.... and still are tears about that moment.

God is constantly reminding me not to give up on the kids down here. Just when I think nothing can be done... He sends a simple kiss and hug to remind me He is at work!

Roy: the first of many to come.

I will probably write many stories about Roy in the weeks and months to come. He is a friend of the mission who lives on the street. Roy is an addict.. there aren't many times I have ever come into contact with him when he doesn't smell of liquor, listerine or paint. Despite the obvious flaws about Roy, I love him. I have loved Roy since I first met him 5 years ago. He calls me Boo.

Last night as I was up on stage during worship I looked out at the crowd and saw Roy sitting on the front row. Now before I finish the story I must tell you. Roy is a rough looking fellow. He is the type that if you saw him standing on the corner at a stoplight, you would lock your car... Ok back to my story. So I am on the stage during worship and I look out and there is Roy on the front row. He has huge tears rolling down his face.. the tears continue to flow our entire worship time. After worship I felt like the spirit was leading me to go and speak to him.

I approached Roy and I asked him what was the matter. He said (between sobs), "the devil has got a hold on me and I don't know what to do." The next few words I said may not be exactly what some believe but I truly believe the Lord was speaking straight through me. I said, "Roy, Satan does have a hold on your earthly body, but the Lord holds your heart and soul. You have given your life to the Lord. If you die tomorrow you get to leave this flesh that Satan has and go to heaven. God always wins!"

The sad part about this encounter is that he was completely shocked. He did not know that despite the fact that he is a slave to his addiction, he still gets the chance to encounter the grace and mercy of Jesus and go to heaven. I can't ever forget the look on his face. It looked like a huge burden had been lifted off his shoulders and he was finally free from his demons. What I learned from this experience is this. In my day to day life have I missed chances to tell people caught up in earthly sin that they have a chance at heaven? Maybe if I was bold about telling this, there would be less people walking around on the earth shackled by the chains of shame that only come from Satan. Guess what... God always wins!

So begins the story.

I have been told by many people to journal all of the things that happen on a daily basis at Cross & Crown. Some will make you laugh or, in some cases, cry. But, there is one theme that rings true throughout. God is at work and He is MIGHTY to save.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Let's give this a try.

I am an inner city missionary. I don't think I ever realized growing up that God wanted me in ministry. I can't quote the entire bible, I haven't prayed for every single day my entire life, I'm kinda rough around the edges and I don't always make the "right decisions" But at some point in my late teens the Lord convicted me that even though I'm not a "cookie cutter christian" he wanted ME. He chose ME and told ME that I am worthy to serve Him and help further His kingdom. So, here I am at the ripe age of 22 working at Cross & Crown Mission in downtown Oklahoma City. I would say at least once a day I think to myself, "Am I qualified to do this work?" And the answer is NO, every day is a challenge and I don't really EVER know the answers for pregnant teenagers, addicts, the homeless or gang bangers. But, I say to the Lord.

Use me here where I am.
I'm not gonna pray anymore that you'll change your plan.
Despite my fear I place my life in your hands.
The future can wait, tomorrow might be too late, Jesus use me here