Luke 18:16 - But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
That's my beautiful wife Maribel sitting with two of our newest friends at the El Faro (Lighthouse) center in the small tight-knit community of Durango.
What was suppose to be a bible study for Jr. high students only, turned into something we were not expecting, but very blessed by - an hour long discussion getting to know two of the elementary kids we will also be working with in the weeks to come, the brothers Jesus and Joaquin, our next door neighbors at the center. It was awesome speaking to them, sharing the love of Christ with them, and getting to know them on a more personal basis. As we sat there talking, the Lord gently reminded me of a similar situation that had occurred years before back in my gospel hip-hop days on the radio and promoting concerts.
Two of my best friends had come up from Los Angeles to the Santa Barbara area to minister, share the gospel, and perform some of their hip-hop music which I played frequently out at KCSB-FM back in the day.
We had promoted their concert for three weeks, along with a fellow hiphop deejay at a christian radio station, only to be horribly disappointed when only three - that's right, just THREE people showed up! We were expecting hundreds in this small venue. I can recall the look on the faces of my friends when they saw the three, a mom with her two kids, sitting there patiently for the concert to begin.
Their look was one of joy! Instead of performing on stage, they walked down and sat next to the three and began talking about the Lord, the love of Christ, and the amazing things God had done, was doing in their lives . . . they even got the chance to do some of their music, up close and personal, right there in the booth where the three were sitting. That night those two kids felt very special indeed.
I can also recall the look on my fellow deejay who had organized the event - he had spent a bundle putting the concert together. His was one of disappointment, until . . .
Then my hip-hop friends shared something with him that made a lasting impression on me - whether God calls us to minister to a multitude, or to just a few, there is no greater joy than sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus with the youth that God brings us. To Him be the glory!
Tonight, as those two kids walked thru that door, their was a huge smile on my wife's face as well as mine. We were overjoyed to have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with two amazing kids. They are special indeed.
Thank you Lord, You never cease to amaze me . . . to God be the glory.
C.L. & Maribel
C.L. & Maribel
