A while back, I was ruminating on all the many things I’ve learned in the 30 years of being a Christian, and the many situations I’ve learned from and especially the many people I’ve learned from. Naturally, there are well known and respected writers whose books have taught and touched me, and many many close friends and colleagues whom I’ve learned from. Much of what I’ve learned has been from the mission field, awesome and sometimes difficult experiences which I believe God orchestrated just for me.
Then there are special people who don’t have anything, who may be homeless, will never be famous, who often live in difficult situations, many in great need, people whom Jesus called “The least of These”, who I have become friends with and who have unintentionally blessed my life and taught me about life, love, relationships and grace. In my years as a missionary I have made friends with men and women in shelters, in parks, under bridges who despite their circumstances have been a blessing and demonstrated an incredible ability to love. And I love many of these “friends in low places”, as Garth Brooks sang about.
Over the years, I have accumulated stories of the effect the “least ” have had on me, men and women (and even dogs, cats and other animals) who have taught me so much and made me a better man of God. I am in the process of compiling these stories into a book I’m calling The Jesuses In My Life which I hope will be meaningful. While I have many stories of my own, I believe that many of you who are reading this blog have your own awesome stories of the “least of These” people who have touched your lives in special ways and I would love to hear your stories. If you are willing to send them to me, it would be great and also let me know if you are willing to have them appear in my book. Even if not, I’d love to hear them. Thanks.
I truly believe Jesus words, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
I actually wrote a blog about one of my encounters with a little girl from Kenya. The blog is called “I don’t know her name but He knows mine”, dated 2/14/2011.
I remember back in April 1995, when the Gateway project was under its initial construction, the chicos from the neighborhood would come to the site everyday late afternoon to play soccer with their old deflated ball – and these kids were good! Mid-week we (Dave Lorenz and I) went to the store and bought a new soccer ball and gave it to the lads. We shared the gospel with them through an interpreter as we gave them the ball. The boys were so thankful and excited as they went to play. I pray for a heart as thankful as even the least of these brothers of mine. On a side note, Dave’s kids (Chris and Carey) held their own with the locals on the soccer field.