Alone, I left the event which our members and I had attended.

I was once again saddened that there are so many mentally challenged people who live in our community who are still unchurched.  We were all attending a fall festival that is sponsored by the AKtion Club.

Bob walked all by himself.  When I spoke to him, he was genuinely pleased.  Yet he soon wandered off by himself again because he isn’t close friends with anyone.  He is a bit higher functioning than many people in our community but not beyond most members of The Special Gathering.  He needs friends but mostly he needs the One who desires to be his Best Friend and Redeemer.

Seven young people in our community were hanging together laughing too loudly and being inappropriate.  Behind the silly giggles, their looks were much like those of many young people their age–lost and afraid.  They know I’m “the pastor.”  When I approached, they scatter like roaches, laughing in embarrassment.  I wish I knew them well enough so they knew they could trust me and the Savior my presence represents to them.

Of course, I was met with hugs and joyful greetings by most of the people in our cloistered sub-culture but my heart aches for those who aren’t sure they can trust me.  I hunger to share with them the love of the Lord.

Who are some of the people you meet who aren’t comfortable with you?  Could it be because of your relationship with the Lord?