Many things have changed within our mission since Andy and I joined World Impact 27 years ago as missionaries. But the one thing that has not changed is our commitment to knowing God and making Him known in the inner city among poor and un-churched people.
Twenty seven years ago we met a very energetic young man. He was around 12 years old and in junior high. He was a part of Andy’s boys Bible club through high school. Julius was a challenge to Andy and the other leaders. But he was faithful along with the other seven or eight guys for the next six years of Bible club.
Julius was a leader. Unfortunately he did not always lead the way Andy wished. Many of times he would end up being kicked out of the van for various reasons as Andy was taking them somewhere. My strongest memory of Julius was him laughing hard, giving someone else a hard time.
Julius was a regular in our home. He would always make sure I knew his birthday was coming up so I could bake for him his favorite cookies. He was a character. He was raised along with his cousin by his dear grandmother. He accepted the Lord at Bible club and we were his church family. After graduation we ended up being transferred to Los Angeles and we lost touch with Julius and most of Andy’s guys.
We would catch up with one of the guys from time to time and hear about how the rest were doing and where they were living now. We would hear things about Julius that worried us, but we would rarely see him.
Two months ago while Andy and I were working around the house on a Saturday afternoon we got a knock on the door. There was Julius. A man now and no longer scrawny, but a healthy 30 pounds heavier than the last time we had seen him. He had with him his seven children! We just could not believe we had Julius in our home again! His kids quickly made themselves at home and found my cookies in the kitchen in a zip lock bag. Luke made sure they all got one and then took some of them outside to run around.
Julius shared his heart with us. He is married and all of his kids are from that relationship. He wants to give his kids what he received from Bible club and our Celebration church. He is ready to be serious about following the Lord.
Andy is now getting together with Julius on a regular basis. We are hoping he and his wife will be a part of our new church plant efforts. Pray that Julius will continue to run after the Lord. Pray that Andy and I will be able to invest into this family and that they will become a part of our next church plant.
We are blessed to be able to minister in the city. Thank you for your continued and faithful prayer and financial support. We hope the Lord blesses each of you as you have blessed us.
Andy and Lisa Entz
May is Missionary Awareness Month!
Have you considered loving and serving inner city children with World Impact? Do you have a heart for seeing them fall in love with Jesus and experience the Kingdom of God? Read here for more information on how you join our ministry!
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