(By Sarah Kincaid) – There have been a few standout moments in my life when I’ve felt as if God has pushed me down by my shoulders, grabbed my chin, pointed it in another direction and said, “look.” Driving down Chicago Avenue on the west side of Chicago through what’s known to be a dangerous neighborhood happened to be one of them.
People of all ages loitered on corners, sat in cars, shuffled down sidewalks, seemingly waiting for something to happen. One group huddled up caught my attention. I instantly assumed the worst. “I don’t even want to know what is going on there,” I thought cynically. But as I got closer, I saw they were praying. I could have driven straight into a parked car. I was so ashamed. I prayed out loud, “Father, forgive me for assuming You’re not here.” God had yanked my chin, and it hurt.
I saw similar instances of my Father’s under-the-radar Kingdom work when I visited the Kibera slums while in Kenya for a conference on child sponsorship. Amidst this overcrowded community, where sorrow and despair are as visible as the makeshift septic system, God’s Kingdom was discernible. The results of people serving God also were visible. People were taking care of each other. Grandmas and neighbors were looking after children orphaned by AIDS. Widows and elderly were looked after, too. The children were joyful and happy and they were being fed and taught God’s Word at the Salvation Army nursery situated in the middle of the slums.
God is at work. He is worthy to be praised. We just need to open our eyes and pay attention to those standout moments.
About the Author
Nate Irvine
Nate Irvine works as the Director of Youth Evangelism and Discipleship for the Metropolitan Division of The Salvation Army. He makes his home on the north side of Chicago, and attends the Irving Park Corps. Graduated from Trinity International University with a BA in Biblical Studies and a minor in Spanish in 2006, he lives to see God's Kingdom here on Earth, and The Salvation Army live true to it's calling. When he's not working, he can probably be found watching hulu, enjoying music, or just hanging out.
