This week fear is our topic for discipleship. As we talked with the younger boys yesterday, a little 5-year old shared that he is afraid of gunshots...it really brings home to me the reality he lives in. He's only 5, but still violence is so real in his life. And today in the prison one of the boys shared about how he's afraid of dying when he leaves prison because he's doing time for killing someone and is afraid of vengeance. As he shared I could tell it was really deep. I shared with him the promises of God from the Bible, but said that although God is our protector, we need to allow God to take charge of our life. He was very moved by what we shared and we led him and some others to receive Christ in their lives. A powerful time, which I am still feeling impacted by. The urgency and reality of these boys I think will always touch my heart. It is something I will carry with me even after I leave; and I know I will miss being able to go in and minister to and get to know these boys who have very strong life-stories, but who are just kids after all.
Walking home on the crunchy snow that lights up a December evening, I felt so thankful. The revelation that fellowship and being together is the best gift you can give someone, and realising that although it might seem small, it can turn into something big when a person feels seen and valued. Yesterday I helped out with a crafts workshop for a group of lovely women volunteering for Crux where I worked before (well, in all honesty: they were making angels while I ate Christmas cookies, Quality Street chocolate, and chatted). I love walking alongside people in conversation, and realise sharing life for 2 hours can last so much longer in value and experience. This evening we had our Christmas dinner for volunteers and people who are part of my current job. It was a delightful evening with many nations gathered around the same table…. eating the same food… and for a few hours creating a small fellowship moment that will become a good memory for the future. Often in my job ...