Sunday, March 13, 2022

Be Prepared, God Will Send A Teacher!

 

Friday, March 20, 2015



"For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on our offspring and My blessing on your descendants and they will spring up like grass like poplars by streams of water." (Isa. 44:3-4). "Behold, Children are a gift from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward....How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them" (Psa. 127: 3, 5). 

Hey Gang:  How many know we need a crash course, across our land, on these two verses.  At least among all who are getting hitched.  Those who know me, know I have spent most of my life working with youth who are struggling with the ‘empty cavity syndrome’; this often could be filled with the mom or dad who implicated ‘caring for you is just too much of a hassle and restricts my freedoms.’ 

When I graduated from college, I fully intended on continuing my education in California to prepare for a career in criminology.  I do not have a clue why I choose that field because I am totally ill equipped to work in any field that requires understanding in science and physics.  God knew that.  He knew my DNA was far better equipped to work on the other side of criminology called "Throwing out a life line to kids that were floundering." 

With four youngsters under the age of six, I had no choice- I had to get a job and get it fast.  It did not appear that I was going to be able to attend college until I salted away enough bread to pay the bills, so I was seeking something that was within my ability level and could gain understanding of how to work with the kids of the "system".  That led me to a Juvenile Detention Center that just happened to be looking for someone who could start  - that day!

They were very kind and assured me I would receive training before being throw to the wolves.  So, they scheduled me for an observation shift that night and gave me all the tools I would need - a set of keys!  I could fill ten or twelve morning messages with my first experiences as a counselor in a detention center, in the hard-core section.  Here one had to be a class-one felon to gain entry. There is no question in my mind this was where God wanted to train me in the finer points of 'throwing out life-lines’. 

When I walked in the section the next day, having completed my required training program the previous night, I was confronted by fifty hostile young men who were not fond of counselors and were quick to let me know it.  I knew, if God placed me there, He would provide a safety net for me.  Very early in my first shift God put words in my mouth that would provide the basis for the education that was to follow. Two fairly good-sized lads from different gangs decided they did not like each other and were demonstrating their distain by beating on each other. 

Now, as I think back, I must admit I do not have a clue why I did what I did.  I stepped between the two lads and suggested there might be a less painful way to resolve what was bugging them!  One of the lads said, "Whatcha gunna do man?”  Good question.  I did not have a clue what I was ‘gunna do, man!’

Now, I also do not have a clue where my response to that question came from. I said, "I don't have a clue what I am ‘gunna do’ because you have not yet taught me what I should do that will help you fix your life and get out of here.  As I recall, I am not sure who was more shocked, my co-worker, the kids or yours truly.

Soooo, To make the very long story very short - THEY DID.  The fight stopped and we pow-wowed for an hour or so, in which most of the other young men entered into the discussion and my education was begun. 

The year I retired from Eagle Village I was awarded an Honorary Doctors Degree from Ferris State University.  It was an award I accepted for all the people who have given time and talents to help the many kids who have found hope and success at the Village throughout the years.  But I really received my ‘Ph.D’ in experience in a detention home in California, taught by a bunch of kids that by world standards were "weeds". 

Blessings.

Gramps

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