Stepping into the apartment of a refugee family from Myanmar, Mark could sense the excitement in the air. The seventh grade boy bounded into the room.
“I’m Student of the Week!”
“That’s fantastic,” Mark said. “Why do you think you were chosen?”
The boy’s smile widened, “My teacher said I listen well, I do what I’m supposed to, and I’m making great progress.”
It was the first of four times that year the boy would be awarded this accolade.
Mark has been a volunteer with Arrive Ministries, as a part of a Good Neighbor team from Hope Church Oakdale. Over time, Mark and his fellow volunteers have witnessed many family accomplishments – cheering when the oldest son was accepted into college, and celebrating mom’s job offer after months of English tutoring with the volunteers expanded her opportunities.
The relationship also lives in the small moments: a five-year-old wrapping his arms around Mark’s legs, handmade gifts offered by the family; one is an intricately beaded bag, another is a painting by the oldest son.
“I’ll treasure both of those things for a long time. Giving back to us in the ways they can – that brings joy to my heart.”
Through these consistent, personal relationships, Mark has been changed for good.
“I see them as friends,” said Mark. “People who are looking for the same things in life we all are: for their families to be safe, for their kids to excel. When I look into their eyes, I see their desires, their hopes, their dreams. How are they any different than ours?”
For Mark, that rhetorical question is the lesson in shared humanity that he hopes others can learn through personal relationships.
“The Storm”
The sky turned black over Galilee, Waves rolled to break the boat in two. The fearful crew cried, “We’re going down.”
“Don’t you care at all if we drown?”
Jesus, just a request away. Rose and rebuked wind and waves “Peace, be still”—and the waters ceased. The storm was quenched, fear became peace
Amazed they looked into his face
Power, love, and amazing grace
Now shift the scene to northern shores, Where Mississippi flows and roars Here frightened hearts behind closed doors. Struggling to understand it all With homes in fear and futures swayed, Children huddled, were so afraid
But in this city, a new sound
You could hear it if listening well No roaring wave, but quiet feet. Neighbors arising on every street,
Whose kindness in the storm was found. They offered shelter, safe and deep, Amid the roiling angry storm
Trying to keep all safe and warm
Restoring hope when hope was lost
They prayed the panic would not last
For in their hearts, a story told:
Of caring for those lost and cold
Serving those we find in our path
Being His arms, His feet, His love
Loving your neighbor as yourself
Placing the least, on the very top shelf.
The storm still rages on the lake, But inside us, the peace is sure Where love and, hope, and strength abound, For all the ones who, for Him, awake.
Written by Mark Sandquist, an Arrive Ministries voluteer
