Across the Pastor’s Desk by George Marin

In our ministry, we get the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of people from many different walks of life. From our ministry in the jail, to serving in the treatment center, to working with at risk kids and youth, to our missions around the world and the local church, life is filled with adventures.

Every summer and fall, we take volunteers to the streets of Minneapolis and work with a group of friends called Breakthrough Ministries. They are a ministry serving the homeless population of the Twin Cities.

These two annual missions are some of my favorites to participate in every year. One of the things we do is called a “human treasure hunt.” This is where we go out into the streets, alleyways, parks, behind trash dumpsters and even some wooded areas, looking for human treasures, people that need a smile, maybe a sandwich and a bottle of water.

These are some of the most amazing adventures to experience. Without exception, we find people whose faces light up and eyes sparkle when they come in contact with someone who is genuinely interested in them.

The focus of the treasure hunt is not looking for what people have or don’t have, where they’re hiding out or what they’re hiding from, but the focus is simply finding people-people who have experienced so much in their lives.

Sitting and talking with some of these that we’ve met over the years, taking a few minutes to get acquainted with them, sharing a lunch and maybe a prayer has so enriched our lives every time we get to participate in this.

The stories that we hear are amazing, heartbreaking, mind-boggling and sometimes unbelievable, but every story is something to remember.

Sometimes we hear things like, “Why are you interested in me?”, or “Why would you care about someone like me?” But, most often we hear, “Thank you”, and “God bless you!”

It always amazes me how willing someone is to talk when they know the other person is truly interested in them.

Whether you go on a human treasure hunt in a big city or just do it in our small community, there are treasures tucked away everywhere we go in life.

People are the creation of God. They are created in his image. Their value is immeasurable, and their lives are irreplaceable. People’s lives are a tapestry of their experiences and the people they have encountered along life’s paths.

Every person has a story. Not every person will want to share their story. Some will not share simply because they feel no one really cares.

My wish for every reader today is that you could grasp the reality that God is really interested in you. He truly is! He loves you with an everlasting and unfailing love. He loved you so much that he came on a human treasure hunt looking just for you. You are the apple of his eye, you are what brings God the greatest joy. If you are not in a regular relationship with him, I’d like you to know that is exactly what he desires, a relationship with you.

He knows you better than you know yourself, and yet he desires you to speak with him daily, even several times a day. You may find it difficult to find someone that is truly interested in you, but have no doubt, God is truly interested in you.

I encourage you to speak with God today. If you are troubled, lonely, in need of a friend or maybe things are going the best you’ve ever experienced, take some time today and spend a few minutes with God. You’ll be glad you did!

 

The Rev. George Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church.