God is teaching me more about His grace every single day. Recently, our students have had the opportunity to take part in a service opportunity- proclaiming the Gospel through deed. In the Capital Region, we are working to balance sharing the Gospel through word and deed. Currently, we are partnering with a ministry called Angel Tree. Many children have parents who are in prison during the holiday season. Angel Tree becomes the link between parent and child. Volunteers buy gifts for the kids, put a tag on the present with a message from the parent and deliver the gift to the child's home.
Our students teamed up with each other and each adopted a child. About thirty students are buying gifts for 12 children. We are praying that this is a great community builder as students go out together to shop for these kids. On Friday, we'll have our annual Real Life Christmas Party for the students. They'll bring the gifts to that party ready to be delivered to the kids.
Here is what I think is so cool about this. The parent in prison didn't necessarily do anything to deserve the opportunity to give their child a gift. Nevertheless, our students are stepping up to the plate, so excited about the opportunity to give freely- no strings attached. I believe it is because they get that they did the same thing, rebelling against God and His ways. Yet, in His love, God continued to run after them until they turned to Him. That is our God! Jesus stepped up to the plate- no strings attached- and gave His life for us, so that we can be free forever! Our students get this and that is why they are so passionate about extending that same grace to these parents, so they too (as well as the kids), can know the love, hope and grace of Jesus!
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