God’s Deep Unbreakable Love

I can be a skeptic. I am not one to believe everything I hear or read. In fact, doubt is my first inclination. This morning as I think about the story that I want to share, I feel the pressure to make you, who have partnered with us, really believe me.

But then I read the first line of the reading plan on Pentecost that Bible Project has published through YouVersion. It’s the first line of the Day 5 devotional reading. The name of the Plan is “Why is Pentecost important?”

The apostles are witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection and God’s deep, unbreakable love for all people.

I am a witness to God’s work around me. All that I need to do is share the story that I have experienced. And while I didn’t see Jesus’ resurrection, I have seen God’s deep, unbreakable love for all people and how that love transforms them.

I saw a transformation right before my eyes on Tuesday morning. Keny, who I met when he was about 10 years old, is now 19 and works with us in property maintenance. He has a little brother and sister, and for many years he was their primary caregiver. Yes, it’s one of those stories that happen all too often.

Keny’s about to finish his studies. He has a passion and gift for dance. He’s been asked to join two different dance groups. He is praying for his heart to be protected. Pray with him.

These past few years Keny’s been working through all of his trauma, but the resentment towards his mom and a rebellious heart have been winning out. Both Irma and Ana have been discipling him, encouraging him, loving on him. Rony and Hugo, too. Even just a few months ago Keny’s battles were about to take him under.

This week as our community morning devotion time was about to start, I was going on up something and Keny interrupted to tell me it was time to start devotions. That was my first shock. We all smiled. I looked at him. Before he even spoke another word the transformation was all over him. The way that he sat up straighter, the way that he made eye contact with everyone, there was a confidence that I’d never seen in him.

And then he asked us all a question, “What is the first thing you put before your eyes in the morning when you get up? What is the first thing that comes out of your mouth?” It wasn’t just the question, it was the way that he spoke it. He was not hiding behind his usual mask. His countenance and voice had lost all the fear and shame that he tried to mask. Yes, his dimples were still there, he smiled through his confidence, but it wasn’t that smile of “I am not good enough” and I’m embarrassed. It was the smile of freedom!

He went on to share a personal testimony about learning to keep God before his eyes at all times and how that has finally opened his heart to see God’s persistent pursuit and protection over his life. He spoke with humility. He spoke with conviction. He spoke of God’s deep unbreakable love in his own life.