From Melissa… 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Earlier this week the Lord’s Gym Ministries staff visited former Chaplain Brandon Welch and his wife Kim Welch in Lexington to serve through Bridge the Gap. They are, as Brandon says: “A ground zero ministry that seeks and builds relationships with our friends trapped in sex trafficking, addiction and extreme poverty to impart hope, demonstrate God’s love and present opportunities for freedom.”

It was a wonderful opportunity to serve alongside our brother Brandon and experience first-hand what he and Kim are doing through the Lord with Bridge the Gap. It is truly a beautiful thing.

We set up shop at a local shopping strip. We grilled chicken, provided snacks, offered clothing, and set up a play area for kids. We offered conversation, prayer and connection to various community resources.

Many of the individuals we met were very broken and destitute – one young man told me he hadn’t eaten in weeks. I overheard another young woman saying she had been drinking and it was all just too much, she wanted out. Like Jesus, we met them where they are and made a difference, albeit maybe just planting a seed.

I was reminded of something very important while on this inner-city mission in Lexington. It isn’t hard to communicate the love of God. I don’t know about you, but I can be very shy at times. As an introvert, it’s often difficult for me to start walking up to people, sometimes even those I know well, and striking up a conversation. It’s even scarier when you’re not sure you’re getting your message across. I had several incidents in Lexington where I was “communicating” with individuals who spoke either Spanish or Swahili.

There was one woman in particular I remember. She was looking through the clothes. I noticed she was wearing a colorful dress. I found a piece that had magnificent colors and her face just lit up. We chatted a little, although, neither really knew what the other was saying. I let her know about the food and she was so appreciative. She was also very shy. I offered prayer, and I’m not sure she understood what I meant, but we didn’t pray together, still I prayed for her in my heart. When she comes to my mind now, I remember her in prayer. She was so sweet and gentle.

I believe that she, and many others, experienced the love of God that day from all of us that were out serving. I don’t know her situation. I do know that God loves her. I know too that the expression of love she experienced that day will come to her in a time of need. God always shows up. It’s important that we show up too. It may seem hard for us, especially when you’re a bit shy, but it’s really so easy to communicate His love. It knows no bounds.