You will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.
These were the words that were singing over Caleb Thompson as he was praying one day.
Suicide, overdose, conflict with the law –
these were the things that characterize Bowness, Caleb’s neighbourhood in Calgary, AB.
For the youth in the community, it often doesn’t mean abundant life.
With a youth social work background, Caleb Thompson (one of the pastors at Varsity Bible Church, Calgary, AB) wanted to do something about this.
With some good partnerships in place, “Brick by Brick” was born.
This is a program for teenage boys – a chance to play basketball and to establish relationships with men who can act as positive role models.
It’s just getting started.
Caleb and the other leaders are addressing snags as they arise and having doors open at just the right time.
They’re praying for “holy creativity” as they see what works best in this context.
They’re trusting that God will open more opportunities for connection and ways to share the love of Jesus.
That this will be a door for these boys to know and experience Jesus.
For now, they’re getting to know the boys who come out to play basketball.
Learning their names, expressing interest in their lives, showing up faithfully.
And the boys continue to show up.
Praise God for the seeds of Good News that are being sown.
Pray for fertile ground and that one, day, Bowness can be known as the land of the living.
Photo credits: Steven Abraham (Unsplash)