“…. since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-3

“Stay the course” is a phrase used in the context of a war or battle meaning to pursue a goal regardless of any obstacles or criticism.

It was the perfect set up in my mind: text message my former gang-member friend to change our lunch meeting location and ask him to meet me at Hathaway Park in South OKC instead.

“You not going to jump me, lol”. was the reply that came back.

In a way, God already had. This story really starts in September 2005 when my friend Able was shot execution style in a drug related shooting on the South side. While in ICU fighting for his life, Able says “God came and visited me”. He not only visited him, but saved him. That began Able’s journey of walking out his new faith. It was a walk that was not going to be easy, but one that put him on a course for living out his calling.

A few years later, Able and I met at Frontline’s downtown campus. I remember on that Sunday thinking about the many little things that needed to be done around the building, and my prayer was that God would highlight someone that day for this task.  Able was that highlight, and as we talked that day he confirmed that he was the guy for the job. We talked further and I learned about his story, and saw his heart to get back into the neighborhood to help kids from making the same bad choices he had made. We began working together to help him stay the course.

Months ago as I started to prepare for the ministry God was leading us to in South OKC, God opened the door for us to work with Oklahoma City Police Department F.A.C.T  gang prevention program. Talking with the officers in the program, it became very clear to me that God was opening the door not only for us as a church, but also for my friend Able to get back involved with the neighborhood he had ganged in.

So on this cold day in December at Hathaway Park community center, Able was surprised to find me and four officers from the OKCPD waiting for him. I should mention, also, that I was surprised by what was about to take place not only in the natural but in the spiritual. What I witnessed there was a reunion that I had no way of orchestrating or even knowing about, but that the Holy Spirit had planned long ago. Two of the officers from the F.A.C.T program with me in the park were also the early responders to the drug related shooting the night Able had been shot.  It was indeed a reunion and the presence of the Holy Spirit was all over it.  I could hardly contain my emotions for the Joy of seeing this man that I have been walking with finally taking his first steps into the new life of ministry that God had called him to, a calling that was ordained long before the night he was left for dead.

I can still hear the words of joy that rushed from the heart of Able after we met with the officers. “I don’t know what to say but thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus over and over again”. Tears filled my eyes and my heart burst with great joy. Able is walking out the destiny that the Father has prepared for him; I pray that He will stay the course!

Able’s story is only the beginning of a chapter that we are seeing written right in front of us. I am so excited to see what God is going to do and to have the privilege to participate in many stories like this one. He is working in this community for His glory and we are overjoyed to be a part of that work. Lord, find us faithful to stay the course that you have called us to!

Pastor Eric