It was a Sunday afternoon when we realised our one and only church phone was missing. The last person to use it had left the phone in one of the rooms, but it was no longer there. Having lost some money in the same space a couple of weeks earlier, I feared the worst. Someone must have stolen it! I felt hurt and disappointed. How could anyone do such a thing?
It didn’t take us long to try a call to the line. I begrudgingly called and, to my surprise, the line went through. “That’s a good sign”, I said to myself. But we had one problem, no one answered. I tried a few more times and finally, someone did pick up. Hurray!
“Hello, whom am I talking to?” I asked. But no answer came through. The silence was taking its toll on me; I almost lost it. Looking back, I know for sure that it was the Lord holding me back and stopping me from saying some very unkind words to whoever was listening.
Praise God, someone finally spoke up. I remember the words quite well. The young voice said, “I am very sorry for stealing the church phone. Please forgive me.”
Of all the young people, I didn’t expect him to fall …
I did forgive him. However, right then, at that very moment, I recognised the voice. No, it can’t be. I was speechless. This was one of the best young men we had at church. He had already shown lots of hope and promise of living for Christ. Of all the young people, I didn’t expect him to fall so miserably. I felt betrayed.
Working with young people for the last seven months has taught me some valuable lessons. Firstly, all Christians struggle with sin. I shouldn’t be surprised when a promising young man commits sin. My job is to keep pointing them to Christ.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 Jn 2:1-2)
Please also pray that I will remember these valuable lessons …
Secondly, it’s easier to seek my identity in the success of my work than in Christ. One big reason for feeling hurt and disappointed is that I was looking at the success of my work and forgetting that I have so much more in Christ. For every reflection in the success of my work, I need to look at Christ 10 times more!
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Lk 10: 20)
Please pray that the lad who stole the phone will fully be restored to Christ as we keep meeting for our one-to-ones. Please also pray that I will forever remember these valuable lessons while working with young people.
Ephraim is serving in Nairobi, Kenya in youth and children’s ministry