Faith Of A Young Man

While we were in Haiti, the team visited a hospital in Cap Haitian, on the northern part of the island.  One of the things we learned is that the hospitals have a severe lack of resources. The rooms aren’t sterile, and they reuse things like rubber gloves and instruments.  In addition, they don’t have medicine.  When the doctors diagnose a patient, the family must take the prescription and go get the medicines needed, and bring it back to the hospital to be administered.

Often, they told us, parents will not have the money for the medicine, and simply leave the children at the hospital.  It’s heartbreaking to know that many times parents feel forced to leave their children to die over medications that can often be purchased for $5.

The Student Ministries at Palm Valley has selected this hospital as their “Greater Things” contribution.  The students will be giving to…

• Create a sterile environment in the hospital, providing cleaning supplies and necessary equipment.
• Purchase gloves/bandages and supplies for the doctors to utilize.
• Provide medication for children whose parents can’t afford it.

So, here’s where it gets personal   This Sunday my 12 year old son, Jake, came out of youth group and said “today was life changing!”  We asked him “why?”, and he shared what Darius taught about how $5 can save a child’s life in Haiti.  He told us how excited he was that PVC students is taking on this challenge, and that he wanted to be a part of it.

Jake told us that he is giving ALL of his money to this cause.  He’s been saving his allowance/birthday money for a while, and has nearly $100.  We know he’s been saving to buy something special, so we asked him “are you sure you want to give it ALL?  Maybe you want to give some and still buy something for yourself?”

He responded “No, I couldn’t enjoy a toy knowing that I could have saved the lives of more children.  I’d rather help them then do something for myself.”

So, I’m a proud dad today, who’s challenged that my son’s faith has surpassed my own. I wish that my heart was as soft to the prompting of the Lord as Jake’s.  I pray that PVC would follow the lead of a 12 year old and live selfless, sacrificial lives that bring glory to the name of Jesus!

I’m grateful for Darius, Jeremiah, Christina, and all the youth mentors.  I’m grateful for everyone who serves in our children’s ministries where Jake has grown up. I’m grateful for a church full of people who “get it”. It’s not about us, but all about Him!