God Knows Our Names

Bullets do not have names, but god know our names

On Sunday nights, we've been taking some teens to play volleyball in a gym outside of Grand Rapids. Last Sunday night, I felt God telling me I should ask these two younger kids to go for some reason. I debated not getting them because we were going to be late for volleyball but I went to their house anyway. 

I picked them up and off we went. We had a good time playing volleyball, eating pulled pork sandwiches, and having devotions with the kids.

Later that night, as I pulled up to the kids’ house, a cop flashed their lights on me like he was going to pull his gun on me.

I was really scared that something bad was happening.

Their mom met me in the yard and seemed distraught. I asked what was going on, and she explained that there was a drive-by shooting after we left for volleyball. By the grace of God, no one was seriously hurt.

I was shocked and also thought about what could have happened if I didn't pick up those kids. There were a few moments where I debated not listening to God telling me to pick them up. I know God has a plan for those kids otherwise, He wouldn't have led me to their house.

The follow-up

I ended up having a few people pray at the kids’ home. I also met with the kids’ dad. He definitely was grateful to be alive. I was able to share the Gospel with him. I told him, "God really must have a plan for you and your kids to keep you safe." God led me to invite him to church. He explained that he doesn't feel comfortable in church. I responded, "A church building is not the only place we can do Bible study. We can worship God anywhere."

He then mentioned the only place he would want to have a Bible study is in his home. I'm very used to house churches, so I asked him, "Would it be ok if we got some other men to do Bible study at his house?"

He said it would be ok to start a Bible study for men in his house.

I always wanted to start a dads club but never felt there were enough dads to do it with. Over the past few months, more dads have been saying they desire Bible study. Some dads have indicated they wanted a Bible but that they may not feel comfortable in a church setting. I thought it would be great to have a spot outside of a church building, but never saw an opportunity open up until now.

I’m continually amazed at how God works. If we listen to God and surrender to His will, He redeems bad situations and makes something good.

In the community, I have seen drive-by shootings, and once bullets leave the chamber, they don't have a name. Drive-by shooters often fire aimlessly, spraying bullets and hoping someone is shot. There have been people who I know were in a house during a drive-by who definitely stayed out of the way of problems in the community but still got shot.

I praise God that He doesn't do anything aimlessly but is very intentional in working out His plan for people. People who do drive-by shootings may miss their target and hit someone else who they don't know. The God I serve knows everyone by name and the number of hairs on their head. God knew those kids needed to be at volleyball that night. God also knows that kids need their dads to lead them to God.

If you desire to help with Dad’s Club, Mom’s Club, Bible Club, or mentoring with Community Kids, contact us!