Stories from the road, Part 1: Dwayne's Story

I need to tell you about 2 people I met while traveling this month. First, let me provide context.

The past few weeks have presented many circumstances that have been threatening to plunge me into despair.

Many of you are aware of some of the situations (i.e. The shooting in Vegas I witnessed), but there have been many more challenges that both myself and my loved ones are facing. Overall it has been a mix bag of internal and external difficulties, and it has all felt very overwhelming.

But, Christ is Lord and Savior, and knows what he is doing. He has very purposefully put 2 people in my path these last few days to minister to me: Dwayne & George.

First, Dwayne's Story.

Dwayne:

I met Dwayne at our Las Vegas laundry project. He was there to get his laundry done for free. So, naturally I thought to myself "I'm gonna go meet this guy and be Jesus to him." Only, I forgot that where the Spirit of God is, mutual transformation happens.

We ended up talking and sharing stories for over an hour. Dwayne told me his story of being involved in a gang, turning his life to Jesus, and becoming involved in church. He also told me of his eventual disenchanment with the church, his life of many struggles, and his desire for community.

However, what kept coming up with Dwayne was theme of Gods faithfulness. Dwayne told me that he has seen God come through too much to ever be done with him for good. Dwayne lives this out by being faithful to help others when given the chance.

Being that I was hearing this the morning after I witnessed a man kill a woman and then himself, I needed to be reminded of Gods faithfulness through even the toughest situations.

Dwayne provided encouragement and a new perspective, I am a better person for having spent time with him this past week.