The Good Samaritan? AKA Us (Christians) To be Christ like

Recently my husband and I  had the opportunity of spending some time at a youth, group home near the city.  My first trip  there to visit was a few weeks prior and upon driving up to the facility my older kids who were going to drop me off refused to leave me there alone.  So that should give you an indication of the feel of the place.  Outside the facility were around 20 young boys, playing basketball, or just hanging out.  Entering into the facility there were beds randomly placed with a desk and a few couches.  There were also cafeteria style tables for them to eat at.  The place had a odor, curtens were stained and had mildew on them.  Fast forward, today we went to the home  to visit a young man who has now been in over 43 placements.  We got the opportunity to take him to lunch and out to pick up a few things he wanted.  We had a great time! After visiting for a few hours we drove off and went back into our little world.

As most of you know God has been awakening a burden in our hearts for those in youth homes and foster care who WILL age out and be alone.  We are in the process of opening our home up for a few of them.  This is the first step towards a much larger vision. God has been impressing upon us to build a faith based therapeutic group home,  where we can cover these young people in prayer, and equip them to live a Christ centered productive life.  Our vision includes a group home, as a landing place,  to help transition and stabilize them, and then several family homes built on our property where they can then be moved into a family setting.

I was praying the other day and asked God to confirm the word to me.  He led me to  Luke 10. The story of the good Samaritan.  I had this mental picture of the boys outside the group home.  Surely, they have been robed, abused, broken,  many pass by without lifting them up.  But one passed by and pored in the oil and the wine, bound his wounds, and paid for his care.  I read on, and Jesus said, " who was a neighbor to this man ? " and they answered,  "the one who cared for him."  Jesus said," Go and do likewise!"


I guess I feel a need to ask?  Which one are you?  The religious leaders who pass on bye, or the Samaritan who risk it all to be a true neighbor? 

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

Walk a Mile in My Shoes, Foster care awareness walk in Oklahoma city. In 2012  there were 27,000 youth who aged out of foster care.  Many spent years in the system in foster care or group homes moving from .  home to home.  At the walk we were able to donate suitcases for children in foster care so they don't have to move their belongings in trash bags.  

 some of my gang before the walk

Jake A. Justus, Kayla, and Josh

 Waiting in the stadium before the walk began

 Before the walk we listened to a message on Mathew 25.  Are you a sheep or a goat?

 Some of the suitcases that were donated to foster kids!

    

I had the privilege of meeting a lady who works at a ministry called "Stand in the Gap."  They bring mentors along side youth who are aging out. It is exciting to see how we can work together to help youth in crisis.

14 years old and 37 homes

I met a young man the other day.  He's barely 14 years old and has already lived in 37 different homes!!! THIRTY SEVEN!!!  Wow I can't even imagine.  Anyway it all started last October when we began preparations to start , "Aging In" a ministry to help kids who will or have already aged out of foster care.  While in the meeting this young mans story was brought up.  Just one of many.  Fast forward, God wakes me in the night with a heavy burden.  He has NO ONE.  Spent all night praying for him.  The next morning I contacted those in charge about building a relationship with this young man.  Two days later we have court order making us  a part of his life :) 

As I was preparing to go meet him.  I spent a lot of time praying and seeking God.  Questions?  Don't you already have enough???  Questions, what will you do with him??? Questions?  Questions???  Then a still small voice! What would "I" do?  Immediately the story of the Good Shepherd flooded my mind.  I left the 90 and 9 and went after the one.  Yes, Lord I will follow.

Phone call, Hi it's _______.  Hi _________.  We shared a little.  I asked if there was anything I could pray for him for?  His response, "Just that I could meet you."  He ended his phone call with I love you.  :(   One lost little boy!


A few days latter I had the privilege of meeting this young man.  As we were preparing to leave I asked if I could pray for him?   His response yes, but how can I, I don't know how?  Can you imagine 37 different homes and he never has prayed.  God help us.  I was able to share with him about the good shepherd.

Please keep this young man in your prayers!.  He needs Jesus.   The world has given up on him.  God is sending his rescue team in.  Pray for us for wisdom and discernment.  We know He that calls will equip.

The House

 Psalm 127:1  Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 

Here are some pictures of the process of work that has taken place on the house in the last few months.

 (In September 2012)

 (January 2013-)