As I was going through some boxes I had been storing, I came upon an old photo album and book signed by some of the students I had worked with when I was the director of the Partners Ministry. It is hard to believe that this June it will be 20 years since I left to start down a whole new path that was unknown to me at the time and a path which I had never intended to leave. Yet, the path that is the one marked “unintended” is sometimes the only path left to walk down.
As I thumbed through the pages, I wondered how and where the students are today and what they may be doing now. As a big brother and caring adult figure, one becomes deeply committed to each of them and to even grow to love them. Today, when I have time, I will go on Facebook and look to see if I could find one of those students when they cross my mind.
After moving home in 2006, that part of my life isn’t often brought up accept when I meet someone who lets me know they are or were part of Young Life. Then our conversation often is about camps we have been too or people we may have known. For the past few years as a cashier, I had kept running into a friend who like me has a deep interest in and worked with people with disabilities. We would chat briefly about what was happening in her ministry and my friend would often end our chat by telling me of up coming events and I would be welcome to visit the ministry. Given the nature of retail, I couldn’t often make it work out. I also knew that if I had gone to visit, I would likely find it difficult to say no to an opportunity.
This year however, I found myself needing to cut back my hours. This opened the door to actually say yes to visiting the ministry. As I gathered details and had the night free, I drove to the church to meet my friend. Much to my surprise the students gathering that night were adults who had been a part of Young Life’s disability ministry while in high school and there were also others from the community who had learned about “Friends for Life.” As a new person, I was free to simply watch and take in the experience.
While I was told it was much like a Young Life Club, it was also a little different in parts. As I did take it all in, my mind flashed back to the past and I realized these young adults could vary well be the students I had known and worked with if that were at all possible. I also realized that I had dreamed of this for my students as I wanted some place for them to go after school was finished for them. I didn’t need for God to speak clearly to me that night. I knew if I could I would take part in this ministry.
As I got in my car to leave that night, I felt as if God was saying to me. See your hopes and prayers do come true. It may only take time for the all parts to fall into place.
Friends if you are interested in learning more about this program please click the link “sites to visit” click on “The Journey Church”
Thoughts? E-mail: francisearly@francisearly.com
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