When you think you can't...God Can!

Brandon has been the youth pastor of COCC youth for close to 3 years now - wow, has it been that long? - anyway, we have had a blast working together touching the lives of Stockton's youth. Some of my favorite memories come from youth events-no really, they do. Some of my greatest frustrations have also been a result of youth ministry.

I have found that people are people. And when dealing with teenagers, one really can depend on no one but one's self. I cannot tell you how many times Brandon and I have planned an awesome event only to have it flop with no shows. Many our personal budget dollars have been spent due to reasons why youth can't afford one event or another-yes, I am real sucker for this. And I hate to admit, most of our spousal fights are orientated around ministry in some way shape or fashion. But time and time again, God provides the patience to advance in the kingdom of God as his willing servants.

Tonight was another such event that in all reality should have flopped miserably. Since our youth group has been nothing short of flaky in the commitment area, we planned our annual Fall Kick-off retreat with another church to help cover some of the costs. We rented the local Laser Tag arena out for three hours and planned our annual lock-in. Recently we have been posting events on face book to get a better feel for the number of students to expect and plan for and up until a week ago the face book count among the two churches was 47 people in total. A success as we had hoped for and planned. Come the week of the event, for one reason or another, youth leaders and students alike began their "better things to do" list and our number quickly dwindled down to 12. The morning of the event, Brandon called me on my way to work practically defeated as he had received a phone call from the other church saying that they too would not be in attendance.

When he called me, I surprised myself. Usually I cannot hold my frustrations back in the presence of my husband. But this morning I was at peace (despite waking up late and arriving almost late to work.) I paused, took a deep breath and told him it would be okay. I felt overwhelming assurance from the Holy spirit that God would show up, and with him-30 youth. A number God alone put in my heart. I claimed it in a prayer-like fashion in the name of Jesus and affirmatively told Brandon so. I even went as far as reciting the parable Christ told in Luke 14:15-24:

"The Parable of the Great Banquet
When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

I explained that God had ordained this event and whether our youth leaders or youth kids attended or not, we were to be faithful and invite kids off the streets if we had to-after all this event was designed for outreach! And so we did, we called any kids we could think of, neighbors, students, face book friends, etc. We called everyone and prayed for God to show up and work in the lives of those HE chose to attend.

When I showed up at the church, 30 min. after the event began, I counted 14 youth. I will openly admit, my heart sank, but I continued to pray for the Lord to fill our church event, and I even began to sing out loud amongst the kids praising God "Lord you are Good and your mercy endureth forever..." in faith even though in my heart I thought I mistook what God had told me. I thought the night was a failure. But as the night wore on, more and more and yes, more students began to trickle in. By the time Laser tag began at midnight, we OWED MONEY because we had more than the allotted amount-37 youth in all. I honestly had to stand back and gasp in amazement at how faithful God truly is and how he will never let me down even when doubt creeps into my heart. Many of the students were new or had only come to the church on occasion. In the end, Brandon and I surrender any and all credit for the amazing work that God preformed tonight.

As I prepared to depart from the youth, I felt led to tell them exactly what was happening tonight, and so we all crowded into the brief box at laser tag and before I bid them goodnight (because after all-I still have mommy duties) I let them have the truth: " I want you to all know that I am very glad you are here tonight. This morning we thought we had 12 students coming, but the Lord put 30 on our hearts and Brandon and I, in faith prayed for all of you to be here. And here you are. Whether you know me personally or not I want you to know that I LOVE YOU and I PRAYED FOR YOU. And you are here because of Divine purpose. God has a plan and a purpose for each and everyone of you if you listen to his voice and accept his mercy. I am glad you are here and I pray I see you again. But let me tell you, if I get a call tonight about ANY of you misbehaving, I am THE LAST person you want to see! Have fun and good night!"

True account. And let's face it, someone has to put the fear of God in their little hearts. I smile as I am proud to admit I enjoy doing it...I even got a few "Amens" from students who have dared cross that path in the past. After all, God is good but I am Mark Brown's daughter.