Not every day goes well. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try or how smart you think your ideas are, it does not work. The world, which is not perfect, gets its say on my happiness and encouragement.
This morning, I spoke at the morning prayer and worship service at the Men’s Development Center downtown. Folks gave me a rousing reception—I think it must have been to cheer me up or encourage me; it for sure wasn’t the quality of my (short) message on the first few verses of Revelation.
I speak at the men’s center to force myself to learn from the men – to learn their stories and get to know a few of them. Like the guy today who introduced himself as Irish; he was so sunburned, I think he might have been telling me the truth. He had been with us for five days because his wife and child had thrown him out and brought him to Star of Hope to straighten out. He was addicted to something and angry, I think, but mostly trapped and without hope. Who cares for him? Only the Star of Hope cares for him. I prayed with him and felt a little embarrassed that my life had been filled with people who loved me and cared for me. Why him and not me? Why was he in Star of Hope waiting for breakfast, and I was there trying to say something good and faithful to men who had been tested to the point of breaking by the cruel world they had lived in?
As I drove to the Women and Family Development Center, I asked Jesus to spare that young man’s life, to heal him and restore him as he had restored me. For reasons that I do not understand, I can’t be sure that young man will respond to the gospel. I can only give him a hug and ask God Almighty to be merciful as he was merciful to me when I became a Christian.
I was upset the whole day because of that young man’s sadness. I offered the only thing I had to him, and I prayed in Christ’s name that it was enough.
I know that some people read these posts; a few have been kind enough to say you appreciate them. Thanks for the encouragement; on days like today, I need it (and so do the many people who work at Star of Hope). If you know one of our people, send them a text or an email and let them know you are praying for them – I know that they will appreciate it.
8 Comments
Thank you for this, Doug. I join you in intersession for Irish. Days like that are hard – and feel to me like offering water to someone on the road to Golgatha.
I am mentoring a young adult in foster care that is peering over the edge of imprisoned or dead and this reminder today spoke to my soul so much. This is good battle as author Cliff Graham says. To run toward the least of these rather than look away. Solidarity, brother. Solidarity.
Thank you for what all of you do at the Star of Hope Mission. All of you there do the best you can to follow Christ in ministering to the needs of people in difficult and sometimes heartbreaking situations. I always enjoy reading the personal stories in your newsletter and posts like this one. They remind me of the importance of this work and of those who care enough to devote their time, energy and resources. Thank you again for serving in this important work.
Thank you for your heart for people who feel forgotten. We all need encouragement. I feel inadequate at times when I don’t know what to say to help someone who is struggling. I know the most powerful thing I can do is pray for them. I know how encouraged I am when people tell me they are praying for me. I am praying for you and all of your team at Star of Hope, as well as the people you are serving. Keep fighting the good fight!
Thank you for sharing that with us. I will pray for that young man, as well as for you and your staff.
Thanks for the story about Irish, and I will be praying for him. I ex husband who recently passed away was addicted to drugs and overtime gave his life to Jesus and became a born again Christian. If God did it for my ex husband he can and will do it for Irish.
Hi Doug,
I read all of your posts and appreciate every last one of them! I think it’s a beautiful gesture that you care enough about what you do and believe in the transformative work of Jesus Christ in the lives of so many men and women so much-that you take the time to write about your experiences and share them with the world. You are the hands and feet of Christ and your crown of life awaits you for your service to God and His people in God’s everlasting Kingdom! I wonder though, you mentioned that you weren’t sure if the applause at the Men’s Development Center was just to cheer you up or encourage you, so I wanted to ask you-why do you need cheering up and encouragement? Is there something I can pray for you about? Let me know and I’ll be happy to do so! Thank you for all that you do and please reach out with ways that I can help support the mission and vision of Star of Hope. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for sharing this Doug. I will pray for Irish. The story felt very personal to me.
Thank you and Star of Hope mission for all that you do. I try to contribute whatever little I can.
Thank you Doug and Star of Hope for ALL you do in HIS PLAN! Prayers your and Irish’s way now, and more as I can remember. Everyone of us can choose to make a difference in each moment we live, thank you for your words of encouragement, GOD Bless you all.