Why Work With "These" Kids

People often wonder why start a sports Ministry with such tough kids... why do we do it...

When working with the boys from the streets, I often hear people say things like, "maybe they will change". And for some reason that just kinda rubs me the wrong way. And I couldn't put my finger on it at first, because yes, sure, I hope that they will not be stuck in alcoholism. I hope that they give up chamba (weed). I hope that they stop stealing and they don't fight all the time. I do want that for them.

But that's not why we do it.

We don't love them because maybe they will change and we will feel good about ourselves.

We love them because they are image bearers.

We love them because they were created by the same God who created me.

We love them because there is a very real God who- when I was a mess, loved me IN my mess, not like, "yah, she could change," but instead, "even if she doesn't change. I love her. With all of my heart. With no conditions. I love this girl."

So with these boys, do we still take the opportunity to coach them, to disciple them?

Totally.

But do we give them the cold shoulder when they say, "I smoke chamba (weed), I smoke tobacco, I drink mowa (beer)," like it's a badge of honor instead of being ashamed of it?

Nope.

When they admit that they weren't at practice last week because they were in jail for stealing a laptop, do we stop inviting them to practice because they are a "thief"?

No.

When they are smelling like alcohol and are wounded from getting in a fight with another drunk guy, do we say, "don't ask me for help, I told you not to drink"?

No. (all of these have happened)

We show up. We ask questions. We advise, but not demand. They are old enough. They can choose their lifestyle. And we keep giving our hearts, we keep loving them because someday, maybe they'll see, it was never us... we are human. We fall short. But there's a God who loves them like this. With his whole heart. Over and over again. Love without condition. Love that isn't based on "if they change", but love that actually, when you understand it, the change comes as an overflow.