We have been praying that God would show us the young people that need the Innercity Arts program. Over the past couple months, the program has doubled in size. We are now just about at capacity. God has certainly answered our prayer.
Last week I received a phone call from Skylar (fake name). Skylar had found out about our program through the a flyer they were given by one of our Street Outreach teams. Skylar wanted to know if Innercity Arts would welcome them even though they’re gender-fluid. I assured them that they were very much welcome.
Skylar came to Art group that evening and wanted to ask me a question. They opened up to me about how they had been hurt by Christians, and wanted to know what we were about. I had an amazing opportunity to share about why we at OIM do what we do. I told Skylar that we believe that every person has value and should be treated with dignity. I told them that we wanted to extend God’s love to those who are hurting and broken. I explained that it doesn’t matter to us what someone believes, God loves them.
It was really amazing to see the peace come over Skylar and the anxiety fade. God has given us this amazing opportunity to change Skylar’s perspectives of Christians. Please pray that this relationship builds, trust deepens, and more opportunities are presented to demonstrate God’s love to Skylar.
Skylar enjoyed the rest of the evening at Innercity Art and expressed they would return next week. Skylar is a perfect reminder that our actions and our love say more about us than our words do. You probably won’t change someone’s mind by arguing with them or publicly condemning them for their sin. But God’s love is powerful and His Holy Spirit lives within us. When we love the people around us God is moving.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
~Jordan – Youth Program Coordinator
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