Today’s Daily Bread ~ The Gainesville State Tornados

Matthew 18:21-22 – Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?”  “No!” Jesus replied.  “Seventy times seven!”

I would like to introduce you to my friend, Brenda Kirk.  We haven’t met in person yet, but we will this afternoon.  Let me tell you a little bit about Brenda.

Brenda is a mom in the Krum, Texas ISD.  She is also the Youth Leader at New Beginnings Fellowship Church, and helps plan something called the 5^th Quarter – an event designed for 6^th-12^th grade students following Friday night home games.  When she saw a maximum security boy’s prison – Gainesville State School – on the schedule, she gave it to God.  The following is an excerpt from the Krum Star:

“I began to pray how our community could make a difference in the lives of the boys at the Gainesville State School, and God immediately began to open doors,” Kirk said. “I talked to the head football coach, superintendent, and community coordinator at the Gainesville State School to find out what would be appreciated most by the boys.”

She has since spoken with KHS Principal Mike Pierson, KHS Head Football Coach Gary Robinson, and KISD Band Director Carol Turner, all of whom immediately jumped on board.

“They have been supportive beyond my wildest dreams,” Kirk said. “Our community will give the Gainesville State School players a spirit line to run through when they enter the field, and we’re trying to fill the visitor’s side bleachers and cheer for them. Volunteers from the KHS band are going to sit on the visitor’s side, and the KHS color guard members are going to be their cheerleaders.”

Before the game, players from the Gainesville State School will join with players and coaches from Krum JV Blue and Krum JV White for a team meal at Krum High School.

I will be attending the dinner, too.

A Dorsey Gang listener put Brenda and me in touch.  Unbeknownst to her, my pastor had just done a sermon on the Faith Christian Academy/Gainesville State game back in 2006, talking about the long-lasting impact simple acts of love can have.  I jumped on board about as quickly as my short, little legs could.

I am beyond honored to be giving a talk during the pre-game meal.

We serve a God of endless second chances.  I feel God calling me to tell these young men that He has created them for more.  He has a plan, and His plan is perfect.  He wants to raise them up to be true soldiers for Christ.

God is opening door after door through Brenda.  Daystar Television Network will be there to film the whole thing.  Generous donations are providing the boys with goody bags to take home, with fruit, candy and even bibles.  However, it has hit a ripple or two.

Here is an excerpt of another e-mail correspondence between Brenda and myself:

While God is doing amazing things please continue to pray for this event.  My youth group is telling me that quite a few of the students are trash-talking about the “prisoners,” and the lady that cuts my hair even said a mom in her shop the other day was saying that she didn’t know if she would let her kids go to a game where prisoners were going to be playing.

For myself I am praying for complete brokenness, and through all those breaks I want God’s light to shine.  It’s a weird visual in my mind – I have cracks running all over and the light is coming out.  I want to have stands full of people like that so minds and hearts will be opened and softened.

I simply love that imagery.  Aren’t we all broken?  Didn’t Christ die for the Gainesville boys too?  Just as Jesus poured out His blood for us, let us pour out our love on them.  Let us open ourselves to receive the light of the Holy Spirit, and shine until the deepest darkness is chased away.

My husband and I will be at that game, cheering as loudly as we can for the Gainesville State Tornados.  We’re bringing as many people with us as we can.  We thank the Krum HS Bobcats with all our hearts for understanding and supporting our efforts to be the hands and feet of Christ.  We hope to see you there!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the hearts that will be changed tonight when the Krum JV Bobcats take on the Gainesville State Tornadoes.  We can’t wait to see what You are going to do, but we know it will be huge.  God, we pray that You would soften the hearts of those who look on the boys in judgment.  We pray that You would silence the tongues of anyone who would mock or slander them.  We ask that You pour out Your Spirit on everyone involved, so that everyone would know Your grace, feel Your love, and experience Your peace.  You are so good, God.  We pray that You would shine through our cracks, radiating Your Holy Spirit on those around us.  We ask these things in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ our Lord, and we thank You in advance for glorifying Yourself at tonight’s game!  We love you so much, Amen.