Real Life

Last night at YoungLife a kid came up to me after and asked if I would pray for him. I knew some things had been going on his life, but it really hit me last night. Most of the kids that I work with are inner city kids and have lived lives that I could never imagine. So, the kid, our leader, Jack, and myself went into one of the closed off hallways and began to ask him what was going on. We knew he was affliated in one of the local gangs and he was trying to get out. But last night, he told us the gang was looking for him and wanted to him dead. They had already found one of his friends over the weekend, shooting him twice, leaving the friend in Intensive Care with not much hope of making it alive.

This cut right to my heart last night and could not fight back tears later in our leaders meeting. I saw this innocent kid scared out of his mind and in complete submission to the Lord. All he wanted from us was prayer. He wanted to hear this would be okay and God was watching over him. He has been hiding out at a family members house and bolts there everyday after to school. He told us he did not want to think bad thoughts and consider taking matters into his own hands. This left me in such fear for this kid, because I know he has a wonderful heart and is having to make decisions no one in their life should ever have to make.

As we prayed for him, I just thanked God for his heart of surrender. He knows this is dangerous and he does not know what to do. And when we have no idea what to do God is right there for us to show us a safe path. And this 17 year old kid recognized this and desires for the Lord to walk with him every where he goes.

So, please keep my friend in your thoughts and prayers. I wish there was more I could do, but as my leader told me last night I would only be putting my life in danger by getting involved. Prayer is all we can do he said. Trust in God to watch over him, protect him, and guide him through this.


be blessed,
your boy elbow