Jesus Sighting

Our fourteen confirmands were challenged yesterday morning to 'look for Jesus' as we went to another United Methodist church and worked with a feeding ministry. They fed 240 hungry, cold people.

The student's comments on the ride home were fascinating...

• saw Jesus in us because like we were helping other people.
• saw Jesus in the people there because they asked me how I was doing.
• saw Jesus in the volunteers who organize the ministry because they are there all the time and doing a lot of work!
• saw Jesus in a female guest who ate her meal and then networked, encouraged and helped another guest find overnight lodging, help etc.

I've lost count of the number of years I have taken students to this ministry. It is at least now over a decade... seen lots of changes in the ministry, it's organization, and the folks who come to eat.

There was a subdued mood over the group. Could be the severe cold weather. Could be the fact the Colts were not this deep into the Playoffs again this year. Could be the economy. Could just be the day. It took a little more warmth to get the guests to smile back a greeting of hello etc.

Yet, there were some great smiles!

Especially on our adult leaders who encouraged and witnessed an excellent set of young people. Not one complained. Not one acted inappropriately. Not one failed to work hard. Not one missed Jesus.

Well, there was one student. We will call him, Mr. Personality. He kept looking for a drawing, photograph, or artistic rendering of Jesus throughout the day and was quite frustrated that he didn't find one. That is until he heard the other students' responses to the question. Then, he became confused. His confusion will help him grow... and maybe before we get to Confirmation Sunday he will see Jesus more clearly.