So....It's been awhile...My bad...I guess it was just one less thing for you to read though... :)
Anyways...Yesterday, I went to another youth leader's house to have dinner...If you don't know, me and a few buds (Abe and Jerm and Bob) are helping with an inner-city youth group in Jackson...So after dinner at Jesse (the other youth leader) and with Scott (a huge Hawaiian who is another youth leader) we all decided to hop in a couple cars and go around to some of the kids' houses just to see them and say hi and whatnot. Now, I have lived in Jackson all my life and driven through it every week. I lived in the ghetto persay when I was really young on the north side, but I have never really walked around the worse parts of Jackson. I may seem like I am just a whiteboy with enough money to keep himself on a nice side of town, which I am, but dude, I don't care who you are...The lifestyle and how the people live is completely the opposite of anything you know...I live about 5 miles from one of the kid's houses, and it's like stepping onto Mars...Just a completely different world...Everything is run down and you can tell a lot of people can't take care of themselves the way they need to...Cars are rolling down the street with a huge system and 18 inch rims while people sit needy of the street corner...It's basically the most uncomfortable place I have ever been in...And I love it...I have never before seen so much need for Jesus anywhere....I know He's not a popular dude around those parts...But I can't wait to live aroudn there and just throw myself into the culture and get knocked around (maybe literally, who knows)...I know I won't fit in...But maybe that's how it's supposed to be...Maybe us guys can change a few things, even if it's only with the kids at youth group...All I know is that it's going to be one crazy ride...
4 comments:
Hey Jake, sounds sweet. I'm so excited to hear of all that God does through you this summer through your ministry!! I'll be praying for you too. Keep me updated! ~ Anna
I know how you feel about the "mars" thing Jake...this summer walking down the streets of Mexico City, I felt completely alienated from the poor people and I wanted more than anything to help them, but since I don't speak Spanish...I couldn't do much but smile at them. :D
whoa crazyface, I didn't know you were doing this. I want to hear more.
Hey jake just trying to email you to thank you for your comment on my blog. I really appreciate the offer to pray for me. I can always use some prayers! I read over some of your blogs too. I wish you luck in your youth group endevours as i'm sure if god is moving you to be there for others and you are listening to him especially in regards to "how" he'd like you to help i'm sure you will- remember that you are striving to perform god's will not your own when you seek to reach out and touch others. Try and put aside your own pre-concieved ideas about the right or wrong side town and/or who may or may not have need for god in their life. I have had so many experiences with so called "Christians" That only left me with a very sour impression of life as a Christian. Try to remember that when you are looking to perform god's will- which I believe is the only way to truely touch people. If it is his will for you to have an impact on these young people- you will....... Your comment on my blog did just that so thanks again! Just don't rule out that maybe his will is for "you" to learn something profound from the experience. :) J
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