Facebook Fast Day 6

"Jesus said, 'let the little children come to
me, and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14.

Day 6 was one of the most incredible days of my life. Please, let me explain. So, yesterday morning One Praise left around 9:30 and went to New Life SDA church in chattanooga and sang for the church service. It was a really incredible service! So much PRAISE! Amen, right? After we ate a lovely meal prepared by the New Life staff, we left and traveled about 10 minutes to the projects. I had never been to a place like that and I was a little anxious and definitely became aware of my surroundings really quickly.

As soon as I stepped off the bus I knew that "I wasn't in Kansas anymore" so to speak. I could hear loud gospel music playing as we reached the scene. There were rows of brick apartment buildings around the main area with clothes lines hanging outside. There was a playground in the middle and apartment buildings on either side. I recognized a lot of Southern students and staff that were part of "Westside for Jesus" who were already there and working to make sure everything was running smoothly.

I walked over to the playground and not two minutes later a little girl around the age of 7 or 8 ran up to me and said, "Can I get on your back?" I smiled brightly and said, "Of course you can." She climbed on my back we played piggy-back tag with the other Southern students who had kids on their backs too. These kids were absolutely precious. I can't explain to you how much joy I felt playing with them. As the music was playing, and I was spinning this little girl around, I felt like I was her protector; like I was gonna fight for this little girl and let nothing bad happen to her. She clung to me so tightly. Her brown eyes sparkled despite the atmosphere she was in. Tears came to my eyes multiple times as I looked around me.

A group of Southern kids organized a game of duck duck goose and I watched as a huge circle was formed and kids came from all over and joined in. I stood back and watched the big smiles and giggles that formed on their little faces and illuminated the atmosphere. These kids absolutely touched my heart. A little girl walked towards me. She probably wasn't even 5 years old. She looked about 2 or 3. I stretched out my arms and she reached up for me. I asked her what her name was, but she didn't speak. She was really shy, but sucha cutie pie. I held her and we watched the duck duck goose game together.

Soon, it was time for One Praise to meet up before our concert. I took her with me because I didn't know where her parents were. I didn't just wanna leave her there. OP formed a huge circle and E stood in the middle. We started singing the song More than Anything, and once again, tears formed in my eyes. Then, we got in groups of 2 or 3 and prayed for the Holy Spirit. After prayer, we huddled together and E gave us a little pep talk to get us ready and then there was an announcement that the food was ready to eat and then the concert.

I thought it was really cool that Southern had brought food to feed everyone. I feel like most of them probably had not had a decent meal in a really long time. It was so awesome to see them lining up to get some good food in their bellies. For some of these kids, they probably had never had good vegetarian food before.

After everyone was fed and watered, we lined up and walked on stage. There was an announcement and then we started singing our choir songs. We sang a set of about 6 songs or so. When we came to the song "Friend of a Wounded Heart", the words got to me and the tears started flowing down my cheeks. I tried to wipe them away so that it wouldn't look like I was sad to be up there praising God because I totally wasn't at all. But the words. They are so powerful. It's talking about how God meets us where we are. It definitely touched my heart.

The last song we sang was "Total Praise" and we sang it during the appeal. One of the Pastors from Oakwood was there and let me tell you, he was PREACHING. He really got down on their level and connected with them. He told them that there is hope no matter what they are going through and Jesus can be their best friend if they let Him into their hearts. It was sucha beautiful thing. I looked out around me and people had started crying and then I started balling. I couldn't hold it in any longer. I was just full of tears. I had never felt Jesus like I did right then and there.

Those people have NOTHING, and I have EVERYTHING. I made a vow that I wouldn't complain ever again about anything. I had never seen anything quite like I saw that day. My parents had always told me, "Sweetie, you need to be more thankful for what you have because others have it so much worse than you." It never really clicked until I saw it face to face yesterday.

Yesterday was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. God really blessed and I felt Him working in the most beautiful way possible. I'm tearing up as I write this because God is SO GOOD!!!!! ALL THE TIME. And we don't always stop and thank Him for all He has done in our lives. He loves us so so much and through His love, our lives are changed.

Westside For Jesus is SO amazing. It's one of the most incredible ministries that you can be apart of. I thank God for allowing me to go and experience what I did. It truly opened my eyes to realize how good I have it and how I need to be more thankful.

What a great weekend!! I was able to sing for Jesus on 4 different occasions. God really really blessed! What a great God we serve!! :)

Day 7 was today. There will be a new post soon. :)