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Change. Light. Can you feel it? Spring is around the corner. Plants will bud with new life. Spring showers will wash the dingy, salt-laden streets. Soon, the sound of songbirds will fill the air.
During the gloom of winter, it is easy to lose sight of the bright days of Spring and Summer. Sometimes, our volunteers and staff can also lose sight of the bright spots. The ones that happen on program nights with the kids. On a rough night, you can forget about the steps forward you’ve made and only see the negative. Just as the bright spots of Spring are beginning to show, there are times when the bright spots created in the kids’ lives come and remind you of how God has worked.
Recently, someone spoke with one of our past kids who is currently in jail. When the kid found out this person was coming to RHK as a guest speaker, they shared what RHK meant to them and wanted this person to let me know they were okay. This conversation brought me encouragement and tears of hope and joy. Rock House Kids has made a difference in his life. Despite some poor choices, he still has the light and the biblical foundation he was taught at RHK.
Another time it’s difficult to remember the bright spots is when you lose everything. This recently happened to one of our families who had a fire at their home. One of the kids was in their bedroom in the basement when the family heard him yelling for help. The older brother ran downstairs and pulled his brother out from an area surrounded by fire. I spoke with the mom to see what their immediate needs were. Thankfully, RHK had some essential items that they needed and could help.
One of the kids affected by the fire was able to go to winter camp with RHK just days afterward. He could leave the traumatic event behind him for a couple of days to hang out with his friends and enjoy many activities such as tobogganing, tubing, karaoke, and hearing nuggets of Jesus. God’s timing is perfect. Though he just walked through a very dark day, this young man enjoyed some bright days at camp he will remember for a lifetime.
In all circumstances, Jesus is our light. John 8:12 states, Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Yesterday, one of our past teens phoned me. He wanted to update us on how he has been and what he is doing. I shared details of our recent camp experience. He was a big fan of Winter Camp and, at one point, participated in the polar plunge, midnight glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, and stage antics before chapel time. He kept saying, “Those were great times; I really miss them.” Now, he’s a father dedicated to reading the Bible and knowing God more. He said he owed it to his daughter.
When we look to Christ, He can show us glimpses of light. At RHK, we want to bring the light of Christ to the kids we serve. When a child walks through the doors, we want them to have peace and experience joy.
Not only do the kids need to see bright spots, but also the adults. Many of the kids bring sunshine on the darker days. There’s the child who runs up and squeezes you with a tight hug or another who likes to do a silly dance with you. Maybe it’s the one who grabs your hand and tells you they love you. We’ve even had kids look up at you with big, innocent eyes, asking if you would be their mom! I still have kids who call me mom who have aged out of the program. Spending time with the kids at RHK is a blessing. Serving at RHK is being a part of an extended family. Is it easy? No. But the glimpses of light God shows are the best!
Blessings,
Dee Lacny, Executive Director, Rock House Kids
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