If you have known me for a while, then you have heard me talk about CrossTrainers. This is the inner-city discipleship ministry that I had the privilege of working with while I was in Athens.
Well, for the first time since the ministry began, I was not able to attend their retreat this year. You may remember that I went back to help with it the past two years and blogged about last year's experience here: Welcom Home.
Still, I have tried to keep in touch with those who are still a part of and in charge of the ministry. Even though they asked and I wasn't able to be there this year, I enjoyed praying for them all and I was forwarded the following message. It is from the coach(mentor) of one of the children in the program. I remember him so vividly and the story of how he and his family came to live in Athens after Hurricane Katrina. Even though I am no longer a part of this ministry, reading messages like these encourage me so greatly. I hope you are blessed by it as well:
Hey Caren(the current director of CrossTrainers),
I just thought I would tell you a quick story. On the retreat this weekend, my CrossTrainer, Patrick, really opened up. He told me that he loves the mentoring program and since entering it a few years ago has begun to ask God yes or no questions. When he does, he hears a voice that answers. He has tried to reproduce the exact sound, but can’t. It’s God’s voice speaking to him. I truly believe that its because of people like you who do such amazing work to bring these kids to the Lord, and pray that you will be blessed by God each and every one of your days because of the amazing job that you have done and all that you give up to help others find Christ.
Thank You for influencing my life, his life, and so many other lives!
-the coach
