A vessel for the Lord in Oregon

I stopped to be still and just feel the Lord's presence. It had been a long day and it was only noon, but the Lord had been at work since before the day even started.

It was a Saturday. But not just any Saturday. This Saturday represented the beginning of the Lord's work in a new apartment complex. We were having a barbecue to invite people in the community to be apart of kids club, youth group and our brand new house church that was just planted in the area. It had been an incredible day so far and we were getting to meet so many new people. There is no way to describe the experience except for peace. I was hot and tired from cooking, serving hot dogs and playing countless games of soccer, but instead of feeling exhausted I felt complete, indescribable peace.

Looking around I saw people talking and eating, some playing games, some hearing the Gospel for what might have been the very first time, and even one person giving their life to Christ. It was obvious the Lord was at work in the lives of these people and I was getting to witness it all!

As I sat back and just listened to some of the conversations that were going on, I overheard some kids talking about who they thought Jesus Christ was. After listening to some of their answers, it was obvious that they were not Christians. I knew some of the kids so I came up and asked them if I could tell them what I knew about Jesus. As I was sharing the Gospel through "The Bridge," kids began coming up and listening. When I finished, I looked around and I was surrounded by kids, hungry and wanting to know more.

When I was finished, I was immediately discouraged because none of them wanted to give their lives to Christ. I began to wonder and doubt that maybe I didn't say the right thing or maybe I should have explained it in another way. However, later on in the day a friend reminded me of a verse in 1 Corinthians that says, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants, nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." The verse then goes on to say that we are, "coworkers in God's service." These verses have stuck with me, along with this experience at the barbecue, because they serve as a reminder as to my purpose here in Beaverton.

I am not here to change people's lives, but here to be a vessel for the Lord and his work. I am just a willing coworker for His service and nothing I say will change these people. As I continue to work with these kids every week, I keep this in mind and continue to pray for their salvation. It is my hope that God will continue to speak through me and work in the lives of these precious children.