WARNING! People Watcher Straight Ahead!
A Picture of Christ in Jared Olmstead
Told in pictures by Brooke Leffelman
I am enamored by THIS man of God! Let not your mind wander, let my pictures tell the story, and read on to find out why…
Training Camp Day #1 Silly from the start! He is with his people.
Training Camp Day #2 I heard the Enemy say when his feet hit the ground and he was awake before anyone else, “Crap! He’s Up!” This man seeks His LORD with all of his heart. His sisters watch.
Training Camp Day #3 He surrounds himself with men who pour into him and hold him accountable, as they too are his eager students.
Training Camp Day #6 NONE of my sisters and I are dating these men, but ask any of us what we are looking for in a man and we’ll say ONE word, “THIS.” We watch how they walk.
Training Camp Day #7: God has his full attention and we notice.
Training Camp Day #7 A photographer can only capture the image and hope to tell the story. This was a weighty moment shared full of beauty. Don’t believe me? Ask my Hannah.
Training Camp Day #8 THIS is family! Surrounded by our brothers and sisters. A few days before this, Jared and the rest of my brothers were building our shelter for the night.
Training Camp Day #9 I won’t tell you his story as it’s not mine to tell, BUT that this man now knows what he’s fighting for. …and he desires to fight in good company. Check out those faces!
Training Camp Day #9 God relentlessly pursues YOU and if you close your eyes and imagine, I think His would resemble this son of His.
Training Camp Day #10 There is so much wisdom at the table God sets. Do you know who is sitting next to you? Do they desire to know you? Will you let them in and be vulnerable? I am honored to be at this table with my brother Jared.
BECAUSE sisters would 🙂 LOVE you brother! Let’s travel the world bringing hope in Christ and the Kingdom to Earth, you, me, and a 45 other steadfast sisters and brothers. You in?
TOO FEW MEN:
“HOW EMBARRASSING!” Not in speaking of that handsomely self-confident man above, but, from the lips of my friend Becka’s husband (yes another Becca). We have a squad of 41 women and SIX men. Where are all the men? How embarrassing that we have young boys growing up climbing ladders to empty, because NOBODY stepped up and INto their lives. I’m not talking about their families or calling them out of the workforce. Why do the women in the church fill the volunteer list first? Why do the pastors not bring the men to the alter to pray for them as providers but first as sons of God? Who will speak into the lives of the young men in the school, church, jail, prison, or simply those entering the workforce? Will you? It’s not too late. Talk about a force to be reckoned with. The men on my squad are fierce in their love for their sisters as servants of Christ and they pour into each other, living on overflow. He is their example!
TOO MANY MEN:
Are empty of authenticity, at times dignity, often integrity. Empty of respect, of true leadership, and accountability. Empty of chairs filled, homes blessed, children who know them and feel known, and friendships that invite them to vulnerability. EMPTY breaks my heart and His. I’ve been in youth ministry for 15 years, leading small groups for 14 years, a teacher for 11, and prison ministry for 7. I was the bus captain for boys, a prayer warrior for boys, a letter writer to boys, and a woman willing to take a seat speaking to inmates doing the job they craved in another gender. I am passionate about God’s kids knowing God and He is glorified through my photography and writing, but first through my VOICE. He delights in me, and in return I delight in YOU. I can’t run on empty.
MORE MEN LIKE THIS:
This brother of mine, I watch him. I’m enamored by him. The definition of enamor is to be filled with a feeling of love for. To have a liking or ADMIRATION for. Long before these precious 10 days God was painting a picture of His son, but to see him in action is another story. He is awake early in the morning, but desires to be awakened by His portion. He is my stake putter inner and my stake puller outer. He is the man signing his brothers up to carry water. He is the man who gives us what we need before we are aware of our need. He sees with eyes like Christ. He stoops and halts for one to cheer her on as she hikes because it’s more than a race to him. He sees your pain and will ask about it. He notices your beauty and will tell you about it. He quiets a room, studies a heart, and convicts you when the book of his EVERYTHING is in his hands. You say dishes, he says, “Let’s go guys! We got pots and pans.” Their Father signed them up and readied their “YES.” THESE are my brothers and THIS is but ONE. I’ll ask you again. Will you pour into a son?
DON’T HEAR WHAT I’M NOT SAYING
We need you as providers, and are full of gratitude for the harvest. BUT we need you fully alive in our homes as women and wives. We need you fully alive, living in the Spirit when you converse with your colleagues. You don’t have to leave the country to be a missionary. Your priority is in the HOME, far before He will extend your reach. Home in location but also home in heart, mind, and purpose. Be Jesus to the people in your path, and still meet those deadlines. Do you hear the children crying? I do.
WHAT DOES GOD HAVE TO SAY?
Ask Him
OR bind this to your hands and hearts
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14
This is about more than faith
We need men to stoop for little boys, to take them by the hand saying, “This is the way! Walk in it!” THEN and only then we need men like Jared Olmstead to be SENT to the nations, to do the same.
If God would write a love letter of 18 words to my brother Jared’s heart, I believe this is what He would say,
To my son whom I love,
I see you and I delight in you! Well done!
– I Am
