Until Later

Until Later

11009958_10155824894615293_1157029811792871167_n Almost two weeks ago, we learned that on one our strongest youth boys, named Franklin, had passed away.  I can’t really describe in words the pain I felt.  Franklin was a responsible and hardworking young man, who was a believer and incredible brother in Christ to those around him and his younger siblings (5 total!). My heart broke as I tried to wade through all the emotion and come to grips with the truth that life here on earth does not always feel just.  Weeks like this highlight just how dark and tough our world (and my city) are for young men.

But as I spent time in prayer, my merciful and loving Heavenly Father gave me a scripture to hold fast onto:

“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” – Romans 14: 7-9

I know Franklin’s soul is resting in our God’s hands. And I’m thankful for the time he spent with us,  Just last Sunday evening, during our discipleship class, Franklin shared for one of the first times about what it meant to be humble in God.  He was a bit shy, but brave enough to stand before the group and share the word of God.  It was a tremendous testimony that I pray each of our boys remember as they reflect on his life.  Franklin was and IS humble and confident in God.

It is never easy to say goodbye or to see one of our boys leave.  As a believer, I know this is not a final goodbye to Franklin, but just a “until later.” I look forward to when I can reunite with him in eternity and we get to praise our Lord together.  My prayer is that Franklin and I will be joined by more and more young men from the Bordos.  I ask God for strength and wisdom everyday and I thank Him for giving me the privilege to love on this community and serve them.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Through all this, I feel God calling us to keep fighting the battle, through prayer and fasting.  We need to raise up, with the strength God provides, as one body.  We need all of you, our spiritual warriors, to join us in prayer for the Bordos, this city, and my country.  For the young men and women who call it home.  I know God is with us on this journey.

I ask you from deep in my heart to pray for this community and surrounding area.  Pray specifically that the influence of drugs, gangs, crime, and addictions be overcome by the power of Jesus Christ.  Pray that it is replaced with the love and grace of God in their hearts. That is our only answer!

Thank you brothers and sisters, Cris

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