Character Can Go a Long Way
He was feeling overwhelmed and confused. All he wanted was some encouragement… or at the very least prayer. To be on time for our appointment he had to leave his apartment at 5 o'clock in the morning. Having recently totaled his car and being without transportation, he walked the more than 12 miles to Destiny. No complaints when he arrived fifteen minutes early, he was just thankful someone made time for him.
This kid (really more like young man) has a job and someplace to stay. He scheduled an appointment because he had questions and wanted someone to help him find his next step. Having known this guy from church for some time, he and I have chatted on more than one occasion... As hard as I have been on him, I'm always surprised that he comes back for more – but he always is teachable, and really wants to do what's right.
No sooner had we downed our coffee and he finished his donut before I made a quick call to our business manager Jeff Hill. Then it was time to take this young man shopping. Not for car, but for a pair of warm gloves and bicycle. All Jeff said was, "if we are going to give this young man a bike, just make sure it's a nice one!" And that's exactly what we did. Helmet and all… He was so thankful and could hardly contain himself.
I smiled as I thought to myself, "I wonder if any Destiny Church member cared that I was using church resources to buy a bicycle to help a young man get his new life started?" I knew the answer. We spent the next hour plotting the best bicycle route to his new job. The manager at the fast food restaurant where he works gave him special permission for some indoor parking. It's not a car, but it is a start, and it beats the heck out of walking.
God will surely bless you for taking the time and Destiny for providing the resources to help this young man. If he is working at a fast food restaurant, his take home pay is probably about $5/hr. and he probably is scheduled for less that 38 hrs. Do the math. He is blessed to be in an apartment and by the time he pays for other essentials he would never be able to purchase a bicycle. Here in Shawnee, we have several people staying at the Salvation Army who work at McDonald's, IHop, and Hampton Inn. They are so grateful for these jobs because it means they are not having to stay at the library during the day or if the library is closed--walking the streets--sometimes in 24 degree weather. The message is this: When you see employess at the minimum wage jobs such as these, be courteous and pleasant and thank God for them and silently pray a special blessing over them. Let them see Jesus in you and Hope for today.
Posted by: Granny Linn | January 09, 2009 at 08:48 AM
I'm thrilled he got the bike!!!! Good going, Mike!
Posted by: KarenP | January 09, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I think it is a very wise investment. :) I am sure the day will come when he is able to turn around and help someone else out in a time of need. God will surely take care of him.
Posted by: Tina Spriggs | January 09, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Thank you for doing that. I love this story. Destiny is blessed because of this very thing. Keep it up!
Today I went to the Salvation Army store and saw you on one of the TV's. I cranked it up, so proud of my pastor. Then a little girl walked up, turned the volume down on you and turned up SPONGEBOB SQUARE PANTS. Sorry, man.
Posted by: Pam Arroyo | January 09, 2009 at 05:20 PM