You know those “crazy Jesus Freaks” that ride around in a beat up old van, their clothes don’t really match and might not be the most “in style” they sing songs and seem to have this weird happiness which causes them to find most situations funny… I have to say I think I have become one.
I spend my afternoons walking around a community picking up other peoples trash, talking to new friends who just a few days ago were strangers, asking them to play soccer with me, have some dinner, join me for bible study, tell me about their lives and if there kids wanna come play. A common question ive found myself asking is “Do you mean it? Or are you just trying to get me to leave?” And its okay to laugh because the people of Bagot always do. I don’t mind it though, these people are becoming our friends. We want to see them live in freedom; To have the hope which gives them joy and can lead to peace.
Bagot is kind of like the shady side of pride rock in The Lion King. No one wants to go over there because it is so dark, its depressing and easier to just stay away, but in the two weeks time Ive spent in the community I now feel for these people. I want to see them climb out of the shadow. I want to see the parents come out of addiction and empower them through Christ love to see themselves as new. I want the children to have dreams.. and not just dreams but goals, Obtainable goals and success.
Tuesday evening we went into the Bagot Community with tomato soup and bread. We had planned on setting up a lemonade type stand on one of the corners for all the people in Bagot to come and join us for dinner and worship. We began our night walking up and down the streets, visiting with friends and inviting everyone to join us for tomato soup. After about two hours of adverstisment we headed back to our corner, getting people to join us as we walked back. We ended up with 15-20 people coming for dinner, some trickling in and out but leaving us happy and fed.
As the night progressed we turned the music up a little bit louder. Noah on guitar and Shannon singing they lead us in worship and would switch to the ipod for relief. (I have been impressed with both Noah and Shannon and so grateful for their willingness to lead worship.) I love the sound of everyone's voices coming together to sing to God and then really listening to the lyrics of the songs we sing. I don't know who changed the music up but eventually some christian rap was played which then turned into dub step… The dance party had started. It was such a good time singing and dancing and before we knew it neighbors were beginning to move out side their fences to be a part of the excitement. These are people who never want anything to do with "Jesus talk" and they began to inch their way over to get a closer look at what was so fun.
We moved into the streets and some of the preachers kids did a dance for all of us and then we played a few more songs for everyone. The last song played was Anthem by Jake Hamilton. Together we sang..
" I am royalty, I have destiny, I have been set free, I'm going to shape history.
I'm going to change the world."
How perfect?! We are changing the world and you can too. Everyday remember YOU are royalty, YOU have destiny and YOU are set free.. Go and change the world.
Dance in then streets, let people see that your different and maybe they will move a little closer, hopefully wanting what you've got.
