Ben Aronin's Blog
A Childlike Faith / Apr 7, 09:35 AM
There is a young man about 17 or 18 that comes to our open court every week. He comes to hang out with his friends. He comes to play although he’s not very good. At first glance he seems like your average nonathletic person who doesn’t really have a grasp of the rules of basketball. I’m unsure if I’ve ever seen his team win, and I’m unsure that he’s ever really taken his mind off of playing long enough to realize he’s never won.
I realized long ago that he’s very low functioning. My roommates realized that he has trouble with simple games like candy land. Most of what I’ve ever heard him say has been “yeah” or a repeat of whatever someone else has just said that got laughs. I’m not trying to paint a dismal picture of this young man, because he’s also one of the nicest kids you’ll ever meet. I get a huge smile and a handshake every time I see him or enter the court. It’s really not because I’m special, but rather it’s just because that’s how he greets everybody. Everybody he knows is his friend.
My whole world was shaken one Friday a couple weeks ago when the person giving the message asked him to pray. “Our Father” he paused. We repeated “Who art in heaven” again we repeated. “hallowed by thy name” This continued, and I found myself being totally shocked and distracted that this young man who can barely function learned how Jesus said to pray, and was able to lead a group of other young men in this prayer. It was simple. It was honest. It was him. About half way through his prayer another young man who is one of the natural leaders of the community switched from copying to saying it with him as he started to hear him struggle. Together these two finished leading the “Our Father” prayer for the rest of the group.
Now high fives aren’t typical here for finished prayer, but when he had finished, and realized he had accomplished this prayer one of his best friends gave him a high five, a half hug and said “way to go!” By the time the half was over this young man had a huge smile on his face. He was given encouragement by everyone (who may or may not have shared in my surprise). I can’t tell you what the message was on that night, but I did have my heart softened. I saw another side to this young man that I sometimes worry about. I saw a childlike faith in action, and I loved the bonding experience everyone shared. I must admit that the next time it was my turn to give a message I made sure to ask him to close us in prayer.
The same prayer. The same reaction. It was beautiful.
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You don’t really know me, but I met you and Lacey a couple weeks back when I was in town on a missions trip for our College Age group. I was with Sarah and Irvin Bell at the park. Anyways, I hope you guys will all keep writing because I love hearing your stories. We have a kid in my neighborhood in a very similar circumstance to the boy you describe. I have hung out with his family for almost two years now and mentor his sister and the changes we have seen in him has been something only Christ could accomplish. He has gone from completely silent and aloof, to playing and interacting with us on a regular basis, knowing us by name, and treating us with respect. I am so glad to hear that other children are receiving similar encouragement and love from the adults and peers around them. Thanks for sharing!
By Katie Hargrove / Apr 8, 09:53 AM / #
Ben,
Great story but more so you are doing a great job. It is a privilege having you with us a Castle Rock. Keep up the good work.
PJ
By Pastor John Gerhardt / Apr 9, 08:58 AM / #
Thanks, Ben. What a touching story that humbles me in its reminder that society’s overlooked are often the ones God is nearest.
-Jill
By Jill / Apr 14, 05:30 PM / #