God is Always at Work

By Nuri Lee, Flemingdon Park | Outreach Worker

As our city continues to be in a state of emergency, we have all had to learn to practice more patience.  As an organization based on relationships, we recognize that it takes time to get to know you, our supporters and through your partnership we have seen over time connections with families grow and transformation in children and youth.  Even though it is not possible to see the children and families face to face at this time, we can wait patiently.  We can rest assured that God is always at work through this story about Rosa (just before the pandemic hit).

Rosa began attending KIC (Kids in Community) after-school program (KIC) at the beginning of fall 2019. She was well-spoken but chose not to speak with most of her peers. Always sitting out in game times, she would come and tell me often of how bored she was and only wanted to go home. Her attendance was irregular, and it was sad to hear that from her every time she would come. No matter what anyone tried, she was just not interested. We loved having her around when she came, but she did not feel the same way towards us.

After a brief period without seeing her, she came back carrying the same attitude. We were so lost and heartbroken. We prayed desperately for her to love her time with us, and to desire a friendship with the other kids–to find community with us! It really felt as if it were only in God’s hands.

After another break, Rosa walked in with a bright smile, a bright attitude, and this really crazy type of laughter I had never heard from her before. She started asking for people’s names (she never had interest before); became engaged during our Bible lessons; another particular kid she had quite a bit of difficulty with, she began getting along and laughed with; she continued to sit out in our game times, but would cheer and laugh with the others instead of sitting in dread as she had before. She had so much more life. It was truly a transformation beyond any of us, her parents, or even herself. I thank God for her parents who continued to drop her off to us even in those times of struggle, giving us every opportunity to bond with her. And I praise Him for allowing me to be able to witness such a drastic transformation that could have only been shaped with His loving hands. He is the bringer of our joy!