There shouldn’t be any of them. Unfortunately, I met three of them today down from Wisconsin named Erica (18), Ashley (19), and Matt (18).

What was impressive about their situation was not the fact that they were living out of a car with no money, but their attitudes.

The reason they were homeless was because their parents had kicked them out due to excessive partying so they took a car and drove as far as $100 would take them.

That landed them in Jacksonville, FL. Home of nobody they knew.

I asked them if they regretted partying so much and you know what they said?

No. You only live once.

*furrows brow* Come again now? That wasn’t the answer I was expecting. As a Christian, can I kick these kids in the head? Seriously.

I’m only 25, so it’s not like I’m that much older or that much wiser, but I know that’s not the type of attitude an 18 year old should have whose been living on the streets for the past three days.

These kids sounded legitimately excited to be on the streets. It was like they were in the honeymoon phase of homelessness. I’ve met a lot of homeless people who have no desire returning back to society, but to have it come from teenagers really breaks my heart.

It’s just not right.

God, please open their eyes. They don’t know what they’re doing. Reveal yourself to them. Show them that their lives are not theirs to throw away.

Let them experience your tangible presence. And let the high of partying pale in comparison.

God I pray they would reconcile with their parents and once again feel the warmth of a bed.

One of the things I’ve been hearing a lot from various interns is that they haven’t been able to attend service in a long time. This is usually because they’re assigned to a ministry that doesn’t get to be in service (most notable childcare).

Following that is usually something along the lines of “I’m not being fed.” Unfortunately, I’m not the guy to be telling this to. I will never be sorry asking someone to die to their own needs for the sake of others. I believe you are serving God by serving others.

Anyway. I’m not as mean as I sound. ;) In fact, God showed me something encouraging for the interns in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. It’s about the Canaanite/Syrophoenician Woman.

The woman came up to Jesus and begged him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Here’s their dialogue.

Mark 7:24-28 (emphasis added)
24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

First off, what was impressive is that she continued pleading with Jesus despite his harsh response. But more importantly is her response in v27.

It basically conveyed two things:

1. I’m allowed to eat.
2. All I need to be satisfied are crumbs.

All she needed was a crumb of Jesus. That was enough to heal her daughter.

The story is very similar to the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The centurion didn’t need Jesus to actually go to his servant to heal him, but just to “say the word” (v8).

So to those who serve in ministry and may be growing weary/tired because you’re missing service, remember the Canaanite Woman and the Roman Centurion. Think of where you’re at as a crumb of Jesus’ ministry.

It’s more than enough. Only if you believe it though.