Have you ever played "Cat and Mouse" with a little kid? You know...it's like the classic Tom and Jerry, where the little kid hides....then pops out to get your attention, but then runs away again. But have you ever seen a teenager play the game? You see, the other night, while visiting the Casa Hogar Esperanza with a visiting missions team, 14-year-old Enrique (pictured above) insisted that I chase him around...for nearly an hour! He kept popping out of hiding places, and darting upstairs, and running down the back hallway, and then running into the street...all with the goal of having me chase after him.
I know that Enrique could not have likely put words to what he was doing, but it was as if God allowed me to see on the spiritual or psychological level what was going on. Him engaging me in this "game" was all about wanting my attention. He wanted me to pursue him. He wanted someone to realize that as much as he might be trying to run away, he actually, deep down, wants to be caught. He wants to be saved. I am convinced that in his heart of hearts he longs for it. At first it struck me a bit odd. A fourteen year old playing this silly game with an adult man? Really? Was this really the only way he could think of to reach out for help?
I could have guessed that there was something deeper going on all by myself - but it was later confirmed through my conversation with the director of the children's home, Ester. She shared with me that Enrique has reached the "end", he is on his last "life" at the children's home. They are running out of ideas of how to help him. Perhaps his behavior wouldn't sound that abnormal to you. He is a teenager dabbling in things he shouldn't on the streets, he has a terrible mouth, and a worse attitude, and they are not sure how much longer they can handle him. But he's not the only one...in addition to Enrique there is also Santiago, and there is also Denys...each with their own unique stories, with their own unique problems...but each with plenty of things stacked up against them. My heart breaks for them. My heart longs to see God do something that only God can do. I desire to see miracles in each of these boys lives.
Will you join us in praying for these young men? Will you pray for Enrique, for Santiago and for Denys? Will you believe for miracles along with us? We are trusting God to do what He does best...to go after the ONE. We are stepping out in obedience and are willing to be the tool that God uses to help reach these young men...but we very much realize that on the spiritual level, there is much that God needs to do in His realm.
We know, without a shadow of a doubt that our God is the shepherd who will leave the ninety-nine to go after the one. Let's not forget it! We have just recently watched Him do it for David! We know that He did it for you and for me, and we know He'll do it again!
