Blooming Flowers...and Lives

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."

Psalm 84:10

Some time ago I told you the story of a boy in our program named Sam.  If you didn't get the story, or don't remember it, please contact me and I will send it to you.  I'd like to update you on what Christ has been doing in Sam's life since then.

Sam continued to attend The Leadership Academy sporadically until the end of May.  The school year ended and summer began.  We have a Summer Work Program at Urban Youth Impact and Sam knew about it.  He wanted to work so badly to earn money for clothes and school supplies for the upcoming school year, but was too young to apply.  Because of his desire and enthusiasm -- he put together a detailed budget outlining his expenses -- we found some things for Sam to do over the summer around our building.

Sam has done an excellent job at his work in spite of his deteriorating life situation.  He is determined to make something out of his life, and, I believe, his newfound faith.  Some of his responsibilities include watering five pots of dead plants three times a week and completing a Bible study at home each day that he works.

This morning I asked God to reveal a new side of Himself to me today.  As I walked into the office, I noticed that those previously dead plants were in FULL BLOOM again!  Grandma Pat, our Parent Program Coordinator, was standing at the reception desk as I walked in, and asked me how I was today.  I started to cry as I told her what I had just seen.  She had noticed, too.

Grandma Pat told me that as with all things that God has made, if we care for them and love them, they will bloom.  And this is true not only for the flowers outside of our building but also for Sam's life and my own!

Sometimes I long for the days of money and man's approval that I once had, but I firmly believe that being "a doorkeeper in the house of my God" is far better.

Sam's story would not be possible without you, my co-laborers in the work of God, as we "love, equip, and empower inner-city youth and their parents to fulfill their God-given purpose."

-- Candace Eastling, Volunteer Coordinator

*Sam's name has been changed to protect his privacy.