From Our RHK Executive Director: Learning and Growing

Lately, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about time—how fast it slips by, and how much we often take for granted. The seasons seem to rush past now, each one blurring into the next. But even as life speeds up, the importance of meaningful moments only grows clearer. The time we spend with others—our family, our friends, the kids at RHK—has lasting impact, even if we don’t see it right away. I was reminded of that just recently, when I picked up the phone and heard a familiar voice from the past.

In September, I received a call from a former RHK kid. They were struggling—homeless, sleeping on the streets, and recently hospitalized due to an infection that required surgery. As they shared their story, they weren’t asking for a handout. They weren’t looking for help—just someone to listen. But it wasn’t a one-way conversation. They wanted to know how RHK was doing. They wanted to know how I was doing. How Mr. Mike was doing. How my dogs were.

As we talked, they asked if they could come back and help at RHK once they were feeling better. They said that through everything they’ve gone through, they’ve found themselves crying out to Jesus more. They realized how much they needed Him—and how much they missed Him. They want to learn more and told me RHK was the place where they had learned the most about Him. Of course, my answer was yes. Then, they asked if we could play a certain song during chapel—a seed had been planted during their time at RHK. We may not have seen it growing while they were here, but it was.

They may have had to go through some rough times to look up to see the Savior waiting for them to take His hand.

Not long after that conversation, one of our teens came into my office during a teen night. This is a teen I’ve watched go through many ups and downs. She looked quite upset. As she began to share, she admitted she was scared—her parent’s health was declining, and it’s just her and a sibling here in America. She wanted to talk to her parent but was afraid they would get upset. After a while, she practiced the conversation with me and left feeling more at peace ...Then, out of nowhere, she shifted the conversation to Jesus. She asked how she would know if she was ready for Him. We had such a rich, beautiful conversation. In the end, she decided she was ready—and we prayed together. Again, she had to walk through some rough times to come to that moment.

The next day one of our teen leaders was telling me about a rich discussion they had in their small group. The teens were opening up, asking thoughtful questions, and showing real trust in one another. One of the teens who was bringing up the questions had just come back after a tough year. They had faced some deep struggles and had been through a season of pruning. But they returned—to the place where they knew they’d find acceptance and truth.

In each of these stories, there were moments when we wanted to jump in and “fix” everything. But if we had, would they have learned what they needed to learn? Would they have leaned on Jesus—or just on us?

Sometimes, I’m not sure who learns more in these moments—us as mentors, or the kids.

We have to trust that the seeds planted will take root. As our days grow shorter, we do not need to worry about the outcome, but focus on what we’re called to do in the now. So, I’ll ask you—what is your call for the now?

If you feel a tug to serve at RHK, reach out to our RHK Volunteer Coordinator,

Tarah, at 815-962-5067 x 113 and ask how you can help bring hope for today…

and hope for eternity to the kids of Rockford.

Blessings,

Dee Lacny

Executive Director, Rock House Kids