Whitnee's journey with Christ

It was nearing the time for us to all sit in our seats and get ready for worship service when Nygel walked in. I looked at the door patiently waiting for Nylema to come in and then Ms. Samuel. A few minutes had passed and I realized that maybe he got a ride by Mr. Richard or someone else but to my surprise I found out he rode his bike to the church. Nygel did not want to miss church service so he rode his bike a few blocks to worship God.

I was amazed at how he did not allow the comfort of air conditioned transportation to be the reason he wasn’t in the House of the Lord. I don’t know many folks who would ride their bike in South Carolina’s heat to worship God, but he did. Knowing that I had just come from a house where one of my boys wasn’t too excited to leave his bed; here was a 15 year old who went without sister and grandma to make it to church.

The group of young men (about 6 of them) sat in the last pew of church. To my surprise they were not loud, paid attention, and even participated in the “Amen” choir. I had wondered if Nygel’s brave and courageous statement about not wanting to miss church had rubbed off on Micah.

Listening later on that evening, hearing Ms Valarie say that Khalil wanted to be in church as well was music to my ears.

Knowing these young men could have been anywhere they would like to on an early Sunday morning, but making the CHOICE to be in the house of the Lord spoke volumes of their character and their focus.

As I think back over the last few years when they were just little rascals running through the pews and some being drug in by the ears and now seeing them turning into young adults is mind boggling. The little boys who once dodged Sunday school are now Junior Counselors in Koinonia, helping in the Food Pantry, volunteering in the community, helping with chores, cooking, learning how to drive, and doing so many things.

Having Bryson, Ashton, Khalil, Liam, Nygel and others in church on Sundays to grow in Faith with my boys is a true answer to prayer. They have really made Micah come out of his shell and I am so grateful to each of these young mens parents, grandparents, and other adult influences in their lives that help mold them into the great persons they are today.

I’ll never forget the huge smile I saw on Nygel’s face when he walked into the church alone standing tall and courageous. I’ll never forget the look on Micah’s face when he heard how Nygel came knowing Micah was almost “snatched up” to come. Sure makes you think about things and re-evaluate your priorities.

I’m so thankful to Nygel for encouraging my son and for blessing me with his determination.

And He Himself gave some to the apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-12

The man of God said God is doing something amazing within the church and I believe it and claim it in the sweet name of Jesus. We are conquering fear and learning how to move past covid into the future where God will be glorified.

It takes the strength of our young folks to help push us. It takes the prayers of the elders to move mountains. It takes the Faith of believers to see things come together. It takes the hope and participation of the community to see and experience what we have so graciously experienced over the past few Sundays.

I’m so grateful for our children. I’m so grateful for all of God’s children. I’m so thankful that no matter how old or young, rich or poor, black or white, smart or ignorant you are there is a place for you in the House of the Lord. The doors of the church are open; come in and take a seat. And next time bring a Youth, there are plenty of pews waiting on them and you.

By the way, Nygel if you are reading this, thank you for being a wonderful young man who is lighting a path for other young men. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. I see a bright future ahead for you sir.