The other day, a wonderful new resident moved into the apartment complex to participate with Immerse Arkansas. It was this resident's actual birthday. While I was still at my 'day - job' @ UAMS, I received a phone call from Eric (director of I.A.) who said he'd be dropping by some things for my wife or I to wrap as gifts for the new resident. It wasn't until I got home that I heard the rest of the story. Apparently the items were purchased by the resident, himself, who had requested of Eric that they be wrapped up "so that he might have something to unwrap for his birthday." My heart broke. I could not understand how God could allow a child to be in such a state of alone-ness. How can a young man, this age, be abandoned by virtually everyone in the world, save for a handful of state workers who are paid to pay attention to him? How can this be? It was then that I heard the still, calming voice speak to me... "I haven't forgotten my child. I've placed you and Immerse in his life so that he may be loved." I wept with joy on the way to Target that evening, equipped with money, designated by Eric from the program to throw this young man a little birthday party in my wife's and my apartment. I was so thankful for the opportunity to be the guy that gets to love the kid that the world forgot. I praise Jesus for being the kind of God who doesn't forget "the least of these [His] brothers." It's an honor to throw a birthday party for the little brother of Jesus. It really is. At the end of our little pizza time, the young man had several new gifts, along with the two he had purchased himself with his state money. Another one of our residents quipped, "this is the nicest birthday party I've been to." It was really great to be a part of Immerse Arkansas that night. We really love these guys - all of them. They're a great bunch & we are blessed to know them!
"Oh how deep is the love that the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called sons & daughters of God!" (1 John 3:1)
