Keyon looked to be about 10 or 11 years old. He had a stick in his hand which he was tapping on the sidewalk and everything about him; his facial expression, his posture, and his slow pace made me think he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. But I was about to witness the transforming power of God's love. I did not hesitate. He was the one I was supposed to give the "gift" to.
Earlier that morning at Sunday worship service I heard a message from a man who serves in the Gideon International Ministry, an organization that distributes Bibles all over the world. He shared stories of people whose lives were changed when they picked up a copy of the Bible and read about God's wonderful love. As I listened, I wondered to myself about my life and what was I doing for the kingdom of God. What is my ministry? What is my calling? Do I have a purpose? While I contemplated these questions, our pastor challenged us to take a Gideon New Testament and give it to someone; someone that God would place in our path. So I went forward, reached in the basket and took a New Testament, praying the whole time that God would show me who needed this New Testament.
I prayed again in my car as I drove home and there he was; looking lost and forsaken. I pulled my car over and rolled down the window. He walked over to my car and I ask him,"Is everything Okay?"
"My Mom needs $45 by tomorrow to pay our rent at the motel and I have knocked on every door on this street asking if they have any work that I can do." He said his name was Keyon and he and his mother and his little brother had just moved here and they were staying in one of the local motels that rent by the week. He was tired of being turned away and he needed a friendly face, someone to take an interest in him. He needed God, our Father's love.
My heart went out to him. I picked up the New Testament and placed it in his hand. "I have a gift for you." I said. His face lite up and he smiled, " Oh, I've been wanting a new Bible: mine got left behind when we moved from St. Louis." I showed him in the front of the Bible that it showed you where to look for a verse when you are lonely or when you are afraid.
I had $20 in my purse so I gave it to him. "Maybe this will help." He was so grateful; He thanked me politely over and over.
Before I left, I asked. "Can I pray with you?" He nodded yes and bowed his head.
"Dear God, please help Keyon and his mother and his brother. Keep them safe and provide for their needs. Help Keyon as he knocks on doors, lead him to the house of someone who will let him earn enough money to pay their rent."
As I waved goodbye my heart overflowed with joy, joy that God had used me to bring hope to a little boy who had nearly given up on hope. Keyon and I were two people whose paths crossed momentarily. I could have driven right on past him, but God in his love ordained an encounter. Keyon was reminded that there are people who care and I was reminded that God does have a purpose for my life. As his child, I am called to love others. 1 John 4:19 says it best.
"We love because he first loved us."
