November 2008: Dee Dee finds Jesus

Dear Family, 

 

Some summer days are beyond perfect--the sun is shining, the clouds are invisible, the breeze comes in the warmest moment, and the neighborhood is buzzing with outdoor activity.  This particular perfect day was coupled with Bible Club in the park.  Bible Club is great; there is scripture memorization, silly songs (with motions), games, Bible stories, and funny skits.  Oh, and there are a ton of kids!  DeeDee has been one of our most consistent kids; she has also been one of our most disciplined kids, but that day something was different. 

 

DeeDee and I were lying on a blanket in the grassy area of the Highland Garden’s park.  She is ten, and today there was something different about this often-angry child.  Her eyes were not empty or hurting, and for the first time ever there seemed to be a peace about her.  It was hard for me to remember that this beautiful ten-year-old had been picked up by the police for fighting on multiple occasions and that she had also been sent home from Bible Clubs, although she always came back.  As we hung out on the blanket, she laughed and smiled and played with my hair, and finally I had to know what was different about her.  So I asked. 

 

“DeeDee, what is different about you?” 

 

“Miss Candy, I have Jesus in my heart.” 

 

I was overwhelmed with excitement, “When did this happen?  Who have you told?  Who were you with?”  My questions were coming quicker than a girl of ten could handle. 

 

Then she answered me, “Last night I was in bed, and I just knew I had to pray like they taught me to in the park; it was like Jesus was after me.” 

 

Those words give me goose bumps every time I think about them, “…it was like Jesus was after me.”   These words make me wonder if I still feel that way--do I know that He is pursuing me?  DeeDee knows He is and has become a little peacemaker in the neighborhood.  Instead of fighting, I often see her holding hands with a young one and helping them find their way home. 

 

Please pray for DeeDee and all the Bible Club kids in the neighborhood.  Pray that they feel Jesus seeking them and that they desire Him in their lives.