city cry

I love the Christmas season. I love celebrating it with others. There is so much to be joyful for and it is extra special to celebrate it together. After all, Jesus Christ came for us all, so together is best way to return our praise.
Being here in the Philippines, I am among so many who are struggling financially. They would make our poor there in America look rich! One of my favorite times of the week now is the hour and a half I spend with my group of teens. There are 16 of them and together we are learning about God and growing closer to Him. The kids from this group have a home and some clothes, but not much. I have seen some of their homes which is like a 1 or 2 room home made of simple wood. Many do not have beds, furniture, or regular things which we would take for granted.
My wife and I wanted to do something special for them to celebrate Christmas, so we decided to take them all out to a restaurant for lunch - a treat which they have rarely if ever had before. Pastor Gary also works with me now in this group and he said that this would be a great treat for them. We asked them and the majority wanted to go to Jolibees which is a restaurant of burgers, chicken, spaghetti, and various other things. All of them got to pick a meal and we ended it with ice cream for all. To see their smiles and hear their laughter was encouraging. We had a great time!
All along through the lessons, verses, singing, games, and prayers we have been growing closer, but it is especially during times like these of just eating together and hanging out that true relationships form. We had the chance to talk and laugh with each of them and simply enjoyed being together. I can still remember times I spent with my youth group when I was a teen and I know they will always remember this too.
We who call ourselves followers of Jesus must realize that people on the outside are always looking at us and seeing Christ through us. How we treat them may help them to either be led into or away from a relationship of their own with God. Those of us who have known God for a while and are in a deep relationship with Him must be there as examples to the younger ones in their faiths who are just beginning to grow. It is a command by God and a priviledge to serve Him in this way anyways.
Please continue praying for this group. Thank you. And together, let's make a difference for God.