A Source of Light

This last week, before we left for vacation, we had a chance to see the teens from the DIF shelter one last time. It was a bittersweet visit. Many of the teens who had been there just one or two weeks before were now gone. We of course want to believe that it's a good thing for them, to move on, to go with family. One boy we had begun to build into went to live with his father in the U.S. He had shared with us that it had been what he hoped would happen. The two teens who we mentioned had made decisions for Christ just a couple of weeks before have been discharged, and have moved on to a new placement. One went to live with a brother in another part of Mexico, and another I'm unsure where she has gone. It's sad because we realize we may never see them again. It's hard because we want to be able to ensure that they are doing o.k. and that they can begin to take steps in their new-born faith. For us it's an act of faith to trust that the same God who opened the door for us to begin spending time there will continue to watch over them, and that He still knows what is best - for each one of them.

During this last visit before vacation we spent time together giving thanks for the new friendship that we've been able to form with them - and looking forward to the new year, and the dreams we can begin to realize together. The staff of the shelter asked the teens if they had anything they wanted to share with us. Much to our surprise a handful of them had some incredibly sweet things to say. They shared how they appreciated us, they shared thankfulness for the time we've invested in them, and they shared their sadness that they didn't know if they'd see us again. I couldn't believe my ears to be honest, to think that in this very short amount of time that God has really blessed the relationship, and the level of love and trust between us and these children.

Then something happened that surprised me most of all. One of the staff from the shelter began to share. He shared about the darkness that is encountered all around us every day. He shared that if you pick up a newspaper you see all kinds of darkness in the stories of lawlessness, of death, of corruption, and of evil. And then, even though this man is not a Christian he identified us, Back2Back, as a "light" to the DIF, and to these young people. He didn't even realize it but this man was testifying about the Lord, and about what it is that the Lord is doing by allowing us to be a presence in this place! I literally couldn't believe my ears.

I am beyond thankfulness to the Lord. Thank you Lord for the door that you opened in the DIF. Thank you Lord for allowing us to find continued favor among not only the children and teens there, but with the staff (Christians and non-Christians) as well. Thank you Jesus, that you are the true light, and anything the people identify in us as light is really only a reflection of you in us. Thank you for allowing others to see it - may you continue to help us shine brightly for you Lord.