My fiance works full time as an urban missionary for a ministry called Dirty Vagabond. The ministry is purposed one-hundred percent for bringing Jesus to the inner-city. He makes little money and works ridiculous hours, but on nights like tonight we know that the payoff so exceeds what we feel we deserve. It’s Tuesday night, the weekly breakout meeting for teens involved in the ministry. Everyday the youth center, or “urban underground”, is open after school for a little hang out time. But, Tuesday night is different. We did some music (I’ve moved from singing Chris Tomlin songs to Beyonce). We played a game involving cool whip and cheese popcorn (which we just attempted to sweep and mop off the floor…better luck tomorrow??). And then we sat down to listen to the story of Paul’s conversion. Scripture has never seemed so relevant to me as it does when I watch these kids, most of whom have had little exposure to the story of Christ, hear it for the first time. How many times have I heard someone say that God loves me no matter what I have done or where I have been? How many times have I heard someone say that His love is bigger than my past? I understand things so much more clearly watching their faces change with relief and hope at what it would mean if this was all really real. Nights like this, all we feel is gratitude for our simple lives that God is leading in simple ways to tell His story to people who desperately need to hear it. Pray for Dirty Vagabond. I wish you could all see how God is bringing about the most unlikely cast of characters here in our little town, and turning it into a family united in Him, extending His love to many who have never known it before. Kind of reminds me of a story I read about somewhere…
www.dirtyvagabond.com
Kelly, that is absolutly amazing.I think it is so cool how God has his ways of bringing people together to understand him and know that he is here, and he is real. It is pepole like you that help show us kids that, With out people like you, I am not to sure how more than half of us kids would get by, you all are a true inspiration for everyone, and no one can thank you enjoy! But know that I am praying for you and your vocations but also for those kids you spoke of and for Dirty Vagabond. God Bless you Kelly! Keep your good work up, you are amazing!