For the past few years, I’ve struggled with not having a specific passion. There isn’t just one thing that I am willing to fight for, or a specific group of people I enjoy working with. I’ve been just wanting to do it all! I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing; it just makes it hard to pursue a career or ministry. It’s been one of my prayers leading up to the race: that the Lord would reveal a newfound passion or ministry that just tugs at my heart.
Here I am, tears streaming down my face at 2am reading this random book that I found at the house we’re staying at. It’s about a man who just let the Holy Spirit lead him on this crazy mission to talk to teenage gang members in NYC and fight for their souls. I found myself turning page after page thanking God for this story. I finally found something I could relate to; something that my heart jumps at every chance it gets: loving lost teenagers.
The group that we’re ministering to right now is adult men. While it’s been challenging, fruitful, and exciting, I can’t help but think of ways I could be reaching teens around the world. I barely uttered a prayer about it one day during ministry, and the Lord gave me Mosa.
This kid was sitting by himself between the cab and the bed of a truck. I just introduced myself and told my translator I wanted to talk to him. I immediately knew we were going to get through to this boy. He was 12, and he was training to be a future trucker. He said he’d gone to Catholic church before, but his parents were Muslim. I knew I could meet this kid where he was at because of that. He said he liked when he went to church because he felt at peace there. I need not say more except that Mosa is my new brother in Christ and accepted the Holy Spirit that day.
I learned a few things about the Lord in that moment. First, God not only knows our wants, but provides our needs. I needed some encouragement and I needed to connect with a kid. Second, He is creating a Christian revolution that is on the rise in younger generations. It’s the coolest thing to witness. We are passionate young people about the gospel and grace, and that very true and meaningful message is getting across to the teens below us. Last, the Lord is faithful! He confirmed for me that he has given me a heart for loving teens. He sealed that promise to give me a fire and passion with a kiss of direction and hope as I prayed with Mosa that day.
