I came into this year expecting to see a lot. I had experience doing ministry on a college campus, and there couldn't be that much difference here, could there? I was wrong. I've come to believe that missionaries are desperately needed in our own country. Yes, most of these students have heard the gospel, but they have been so hardened to it. That's harder than never hearing it.
There is power in the gospel when we as Christians live it out the way we were called to. When we don't, there is so much more people have to work through before they will even be open to hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Something we have started asking the students we have conversations with is, "What are you working toward in life?" or "When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?" The answer never fails. It's what the world teaches and even what most "good" parents teach - to be a good person and make a difference in the world, somehow and someway. "Good" answer, right? When you get to the heart of the issue of why they so deeply desire to make a difference in the world, it's because they have been failed. Someone in their life has failed them deeply. They then take it upon themselves to be the world changer because they don't understand that the world changer has already come.
Most don't believe in a higher power, much less the grace that comes from a God humbling Himself enough to come to earth, live a perfect life and die a criminals death to set us free. What they have known about Christianity doesn't align with this, so why should they believe it?
These questions have been on my heart for some time now. I have learned that it doesn't matter what I do or what I say, God is going to have to move in the hearts of these students. They need stability and they need love. As Christians, we are called to be that stability and love. If I accomplish nothing more this year than loving these students with Christ's love, I will be content. Transformation is a process, and the process takes time.
If you're reading this, please take five seconds to pray for the students living in DC. Prayer is our only avenue to reach these students for Christ.
I'm glad you shared this. We do need missionaries in our country! I'm so thankful the Lord is working in you there in DC. Praying for you! Praying God will encourage you with little tastes of what He is accomplishing and faith to trust Him when you can't see anything.
ReplyDeleteI always need this reminder too. " I have learned that it doesn't matter what I do or what I say, God is going to have to move in the hearts of these students. They need stability and they need love."
You are a light in a very dark place!
Matthew 5:15-16 ~ You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and(AA) give glory to your Father who is in heaven.