A local Baptist Church in Ocean View (a community Living Hope works in) had a 6 night conference entitled: Sons of the House Power Conference- featuring pastors that have been sent out from that church, now coming back to rejoice in what God’s doing in their separate churches. Each night has been a blessing- a long blessing – each service being at least 2 ½ hours long. Lots of worship, lots of praise, passionate messages and testimonies!
The first night, Pastor Severo (my pastor) of Capricorn Community Church, spoke and opened the conference. Friday night Shagmie (my friend & youth minister of Capricorn Community Church) spoke and was passionate about the congregation taking a good look at the fruits in their lives (Matt 7). We were able to take just a few of our youth- some danced, the others did a skit. One of our youth- known for her rebellious acts – was gripped by God’s sacrifice and the message of introspection that she came to the altar weeping and committed her life to the Lord! It was such a joy to see one of our own youth touched by the ministry of another church, in another community. God took her out of Capricorn, out of her normal youth-experience on a Friday night and allowed her to see Him in a new light.
After following up with this new-Believer-youth after the conference, I’ve found reasons to her initial rebellion. This teen has told me about her broken home – mom died year ago, had been living with a step-father, has a few siblings/cousins that are around the house, she and her elder sister have been physically and sexually abused by the step-father (elder sister raped not long ago), she’s holding lots of pain and guilt and desperation. She’s desperate for God’s love and grace and healing. Praise the Lord for God’s redemption and for Him showing us how much we need Him! She and the sister moved out of the step-father’s house –now living with some other family. She told me as soon as the school term is over (early Dec), she hopes to be moving to a town far away from Capricorn to live with other family. She’s still wounded by the events of recent past and sees ‘home-life’ as damaging. She’s not totally willing to open up and talk about her hurt (yet). She needs some deep counseling. Being a new Believer and also healing from emotional and sexual hurt is a great reason she needs to belong to a church/youth that cares about her and will walk this new journey with her. Please pray with me that she continues to walk in faith, lives a transformed life, heals from hurt and guilt, and brings her other rebellious friends to know that Lord and serve Him in Capricorn! Praise the Lord for His salvation.
There are MANY more in Capricorn that have similar stories and are desperate to know Hope. Pray for the Capricorn Community Church as we try to show Capricorn the redemption and peace that comes from a life with Christ!
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