It was a huge victory for the ministry, and a whole lot of fun! The boys took their time, worked hard, followed directions, crafted creatively, had great fun, took pride in their finished cars, and by the end of the day, were minor RSJ celebrities.
My (Holly's) dad, Gary, taught the boys how to make the cars, worked with them all day to craft fine automobiles AND my Mom, Janey, helped them build a rockin' track. TJ encouraged them to "run the race" of life well with words from Hebrews 12. They donned their Pescadores shirts, shouldered the track and paraded down the block to the park, legions of adoring fans (Club Chiquito) in tow.
As soon as we set up the track in the park, the whole town crowded around, cheering for their favorite car. It was an incredible high for the boys and the way they handled it highlighted the work that God is doing in their lives.
As ministries will, we had a major "crash" after the week of the race, ending with our boys forming a street gang, rioting outside the Center and beating up our precious (yet scrappy) girls. In one evening, our boys absolutely turned and literally started to work against us, saying horrible things and threatening anyone who came to Bible study.
It was an inexplicable change and an incredible low, one that we can truly say felt supernatural in its severity. It was painful for us to look at these pictures of this super fun day, thinking that things might never be the same with those boys again. But...with patience, consistency, advice from youth experts Kyle and Vicki Graham, and a much anticipated visit from Linda Benthall and Brandon Wood... things are not only back to normal, but better than they were.
We realized that we weren't calling them to enough, so we took the last few weeks to reboot the ministry. We asked them to sign a pledge (based on Romans 12's Rules for Christian living) that we say at every meeting, and only allow kids who have turned it in to participate. So far, so good... no more black eyes or bloody noses. The Princesas are, of course, still so sweet and patient, even to the same boys who beat them up a few weeks ago.
These are the kids we know and love. We wish sometimes the ups and downs weren't so severe, but that's what their lives are like. We can't forget that what they need even more than our fun and games and attention is to be molded into the image of Jesus. We will continue to call them to grow in Christ, confident and thankful that God will never give up the fight for their hearts and lives. We are blessed to be a part of that, and so are you!
2 comments:
Our prayers have been answered - well, at least some of them. It was so disappointing to us, and surely was devastating to you, for things to go so wrong after having been so right. But, He can repair anything, and has done so by sending the right people to help you work through the issue. Your efforts are truly making a difference in RSJ, and the lives you are touching will be forever blessed by them.
Love,
M&D
I seriously think your parents are the coolest.
KMcC
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