Vinny is our Teen Haven Camp director, and there are hundreds of inner-city kids who would testify to his impact on their lives, many who would call him their spiritual father. But Vinny’s ministry stretches far beyond the kids who attend camp. And although he is viewed by most of the kids (and many staff) as a spiritual giant, there are times when he gets discouraged.
Last week was one of those times. A broken garage door, a temperamental well pump, leaking pipes in the Barnabas house, and fear of a major water line leak combined to weigh heavily on Vinny’s mind and heart.
In the midst of all this, God had a plan. When Monte, the plumber, arrived at camp to begin assessing our various problems, Vinny quickly recognized a hurting brother. Over the course of his two days working on the issues at camp (which he resolved quicker and more affordably than we could have hoped), the pain and fear that was eating away at the plumber’s heart and marriage bubbled to the surface… and Vinny was there to minister to him.
A compassionate ear, a shepherd’s heart, some sound advice born from experience, and a significant amount of prayer together and Monte left feeling that he had received much more than he had given. The discouragement in Vinny’s own heart was lifted as well when he saw that God used our camps physical problems for two greater purposes: to bring Monte to a place of healing and hope, and to remind us that He has a solution for every problem we face.
-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven
1 comment:
Beautiful.
It is obvious that the Holy Spirit is moving very deeply in the midst of all of the missions activities.
I like reading your blog. It reminds me that Jesus Christ reigns, and that without Him, no one could ever find true happiness.
Keep up all the good work of bringing the love of God to our city.
Someday...things are gonna get easier, I know.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and in my prayers.
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