Open Your Mouth

Back in 2002, when I was working as a campus minister at El Camino college, I shared my faith with this guy who, at that time, looked to me like the least likely person to ever become a disciple.  He was a young latino, wearing baggy clothes, with his hair cut low, sunglasses and walking with a "thug like" swagger.   As we walked toward each other,  I felt that feeling of intimidation in my heart as the excuses started flooding my mind- He won't be open.  He's just going to laugh at you.  Thankfully, before I could let my fear get the best of me, I pulled out a flier and invited him to church.  Surprisingly, he was really open.  So much so that he actually called me and said he wanted to come to church, but on one condition - I come into his hood and play basketball with him and his homey's (I found out later that he wanted to test me out to see if I was the "real deal" or just some religious phoney).  They were all getting together that Saturday at an elementary school in the area. Slight problem. He lived in Lennox.  For those of us unaware of the various neighborhoods in the Metro LA area, let's just say Lennox is not B-hills.  My man lived in the hood.  As a kid, growing up in the Ladera/Inglewood area, it was understood by most that you didn't just venture into Lennox uninvited and hope to live.  It just didn't happen.  So here I am years later, as an adult, being invited to go there by a guy I was reaching out to (God's sense of humor, once again.) I prayed for courage, and instead of going with my 1st instinct, (make an excuse and try to catch up with him on campus at a later time) I showed up.  There were probably about 15 guys there, all latino and definitely not what you would call "soft". As I stepped out of the car, a few of the guys looked up like "who's this guy" but honestly everybody was really cool. The truth is, it was great time.  I guess my skills weren't too bad, because Hector came to church that Sunday.  He studied the Bible, became a disciple and has been faithful ever since.

Well, this weekend Kim and I had the pleasure of watching Hector marry his beautiful bride Crystal, an amazing sister from the Coastal LA Region of our LA Church family.  As I sat there watching them exchange their vows, I couldn't help but reflect on how amazing God is.  It convicts my heart on one level, when I think of all the people I have failed to invite to church over the years because I was too intimidated or busy, but on the other hand it is a great reminder that God can do anything he wants with anyone who chooses to love him--I just have to open my mouth.

Congratulations Hector and Crystal.  We love you!!!

Comments

[Jerry Gaona]

Thanks for "opening your mouth" 12 years ago to me too Curtis!!