Cigarette butts. Gum wrappers. Beer bottles. Uh, dreadlocks. (Yes, you read that right!). These are just some of the things that we picked up today as we cleaned many of the streets of Chicagoland. This afternoon, our team headed out to clean up the sidewalks of this community. We filled many garbage bags with trash and people just watched us, surprised that anyone would spend their summer afternoon cleaning up outside. Some people thanked us, others just stared, and there were a few that even asked for some prayer. We really enjoyed picking up trash today even though it was hot, hot, hot! Sometimes it's difficult to "see" ministry--we want to see the results of conversations and love. We want to see lives changed and transformed instantly. But unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. God is at work, chiseling away all of the imperfections, making us new, day after day. Picking up trash today was a bit refreshing because we were able to see instant results! We also know that it blessed the community and we pray that God was glorified in our efforts.
This evening, our team went back to the streets to take surveys and have conversations with people. Some of our leaders had an interesting conversation with a couple of guys they met. The guys needed a hand with gas for their car, and we were able to help them out. They thought the guys were being dishonest at first, but then they found their words to be true. Their car got broken into, they needed to head back to Arkansas, and they were out of gas. Neil, Mike, and Craig took care of them and showed them grace in this situation. It was so encouraging when they came back and shared the story of how God used 3 men from Texas to help 2 guys from Arkansas in the city of Chicago. Only God can create a story like that.
During our debrief time tonight, God really went to business. After reflecting on the trash that we picked up this morning, we discussed just how we sometimes treasure our trash and throw away God's goodness and grace. We identified various idols in our lives, shared, and prayed for these. It was awesome seeing the students face the idols that they are leaning on, and asking God to intervene. We talked about approval, power, control, and comfort. What a beautiful picture it was to see the body of Christ at work, as we confessed and prayed for one another. We not only want God to be a part of our lives, but we want Him to be our lives. It's so hard to give up all of our comforts for Him, but we are seeking to understand what it's like to have God work out our salvation. Praise Him in the way He is building up these teens to be young men and women who fear God!