Stories of Hope – Dave

 

 

“Dave came forward after chapel was dismissed, with tears in his eyes and explained that he wanted to rediscover a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Last week, during a simple chapel service, Dave listened intently to a brief devotion on Jesus’ invitation from the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”; Dave came forward after chapel was dismissed, with tears in his eyes and explained that he wanted to rediscover a relationship with Jesus. He reported that he remembers inviting Christ into his heart as a young boy, while sitting in the front row of his father’s funeral. The minister had described “the beauty and glory of heaven”, and Dave wanted to go there to be reunited with his dad.

After many years, and a debilitating journey from alcohol, Dave drifted all over the country and eventually landed in Holland. When he sat in chapel at the Gateway Men’s Center, he was ready to rededicate his life to Jesus Christ. He confessed a feeling of being lonely (a poverty of relationships), and tired.

On Thursday evening, Dave independently showed up to the Gateway Gathering to follow up on his earlier commitment to Christ. I was excited to see his effort to take seriously his faith journey, and I immediately set out to establish a discipleship relationship… and sitting behind Dave was a veteran volunteer to the Gateway Gathering – Bob.

Bob and his wife, Toni, have been faithfully attending Gateway Gathering every Thursday evening, with the intention of building relationships with the folks in our program. Bob has a special heart for guys in recovery, and has offered to be of assistance, if possible. After the gathering, I introduced Dave to Bob, and they talked for awhile in the foyer. An agreement was made between them to meet next week to follow up and establish a discipling relationship, meeting regularly.

This is why our Gateway Gatherings are a special point of connection for our guests and a local churches in the Holland area! Discipleship is both a position and a process, formed through transparency and accountability. Please celebrate and pray for Dave as he grows in his faith, and for Bob as he serves as a “Tour Guide” on the journey with Christ!