boys

A little over a week ago I find myself in a little church on the property of the Jaibón orphanage, worshipping and praying with all the boys. We listen to the animated Pastor give his message and everyone is given the opportunity to lead a song. A lot of the boys get up and sing, I go up with Imanol and we sing a song he taught me over a year ago, and José leads two songs on his very own guitar, one of the songs the same one I played for the boys last summer…what seems like an eternity ago, what seems like yesterday. I’m singing along with tears in my eyes looking up at this special boy that is becoming a man who I know God has set apart for great things.

At one point we are all in a circle holding hands, singing and praying, and I have never felt the Spirit move like I feel it wash over me in this moment. In this moment I know that God’s hand is on that place, on each of those boys, and that He is raising up a generation of men who seek His face; who are Kingdom-minded spiritual leaders; who bring change and carry the name of Jesus; who bring Light to dark places.

As I’m praying for each of them I look around the room and see them talking to the Lord…I squeeze Imanol’s hand and I see Chispa’s smile and I know that there are big plans being orchestrated by God and that His love is taking root in this soil of their adolescence. These are the same kids who stole my heart and made coming back to the DR not an option but an obligation. I would be here even if it were only for them.

One of my main goals in coming to the Dominican was to invest in and disciple women. While my heart still beats to see women here empowered and shown their worth, I can’t help but see the Lord beginning a movement here with men who will change this country. Once again He does “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.

I truly believe that the Lord is about pulling people out of the dust and into His glory and I have complete confidence that He is moving in so many lives here. Poco a poco His glory is revealed. Amen to that.