Mich and his mother came to be friends of OIM first through our outreach teams and then started coming to the drop in. Mich is 19 and Candace, his mom is in her early thirties. We developed relationship over several months and Mich joined our Passion 4 Youth art program. There is a story here that I want to share:
Mich came home to their small apartment and saw his mom lying on the kitchen floor – her third suicide attempt! He called 911 immediately and after the paramedics came, they told him that if he called just 5 minutes earlier, his mom would not be here. The next time he came to the art program, he asked if he could speak with our youth outreach worker in the hallway for a few minutes.
When they were alone, he said, “We’ve been talking about spiritual stuff for a while now. I’m ready. I need to have Jesus in my life.” Mich prayed and so began his spiritual journey with Jesus.
Fast track a few weeks later and Candace asks to speak with me at the drop in. In the adjoining garden we take a bench and she tells me about some of the things happending in her life and she asks for some advice. She is scared and doesn’t know what to do. We talk and conversation comes around to the change in life that Jesus can bring. Mich joins us and the conversation about spiritual things continues.
“Did I tell you what happened a few weeks ago at the art program?” Mich queried. I nodded yes. “How’s it going with you?” I ask.
“I don’t really understand it all – but I sleep each night with my bible right beside me in bed.”
“You know, we have a great program just about to start here at the drop in – it’s called Alpha. There is a video each week, you ask questions and we talk about the Bible. Would you guys like to attend?”
To make a long story short, both Mich and Candace have indicated interest in our Alpha course. Until then we will work with both mother and son, to help them in their spiritual journeys.
God can take the very worst of situations and turn things around to make good. If we can be there to be a part of what He is doing, it is a privelege and blessing!
I just started back to school – well adult high school to make up two classes, and then college.”