A few weeks ago I was walking home from work when something very memorable happened. It was a crisp evening with the streets bustling with people caught up in conversation, running to buses and enjoying the Christmassy atmosphere in the city.
As I was walking down the street I saw one of our street friends was sitting along the side walk pan handling.
Let me give you a little background on my friend Darren. He is currently facing some hard times as someone very close to him suffering with cancer. He has been struggling to stay positive but still seems so strong. He, of course, has had hard days but through it all remains aware of the fact that “God never allows us to go through anything we can’t handle.” (His words.)
Darren will often come by our office and ask the staff here at OIM to pray for him during this hard time. So, while we were chatting on the street last Wednesday he said to me “Can I pray a prayer of thank you over you for all you have done for me?”
I was so honoured that he would want to do this for me. One of our street friends, is asking to pray a prayer of thanksgiving over me! I happily accepted his offer and he started to pray.
It was one of the greatest prayers I have heard! This young man was repeating scripture, praying with passion and a desperation that many of us lack. It was easy to see he was praying with a truly sincere and grateful heart.
It was one of those moments that leave you thinking, “This is why I do what I do.” I was so overwhelmed by this beautiful moment. Someone who was in such pain but despite it all still knows that there are people who care about him so much, and a God who is watching over him. Darren often says that the only prayer God ever answered for him was to give him the strength to handle the challenges he faces.
It was one of those moments where you realize what true gratefulness looks like; it was a night to be remembered, and never forgotten.
Samara
~OIM Staff