The males only, eight of us in total, spent this past week in a small town separate from the rest of the squad. Once again I found myself presented with the opportunity to “teach” and help with the after school program mostly involving helping young kids with homework and felt I should take it. I’m still in shock over how much I enjoyed this program as well as teaching as a whole lately. The old me couldn’t handle more than four minutes attempting to help my little brother or sister with homework I actually knew how to do! Yet here I am joyfully, with unlimited patience, attempting to help kids with math homework in a language I’ve never even seen before (Romanian not the math). I had the privilege of helping one specific little boy who struggles significantly with learning, although by his countenance you would never know. I maybe got two words out of him yet he is undoubtedly one of the sweetest, gentlest souls I’ve ever come into contact with. I realized immediately he could teach me infinitely more about loving others, shamelessly withholding absolutely nothing, in a few moments than I could possibly ever teach him about math with a lifetime of lessons. On our last day I had the privilege of helping him make a “paper glitter angel” alongside the rest of the class. Part of me wanted to do most of it for him but I knew that wasn’t what was best. I helped him as little as possible as he meticulously cut, glued, and glittered this gem. I beamed with pride throughout, without an ounce of impatience, especially when he wanted to use a magnet to put it next to the “example angel” on the whiteboard. I happily obliged. I caught a glimpse of God’s endless patience and pride in everything we do and it warmed my entire heart.
Throughout the week one of my dear friends decided to learn the piano for the first time using the partially tuned grand piano in our century-old host home. He spent days practicing, most of which included the same melody on repeat echoing throughout the entire two story house. Once again, the old Jordan couldn’t STAND to be in earshot of anyone attempting to learn any instrument, I’d even annoyed my own self trying to learn guitar before. This, however, was a completely different experience. The sound of him learning was, literally and figuratively, music to my ears, I still can’t believe it. It’s difficult to express how proud I was to experience someone I care about pressing into something new, getting out of their comfort zone, and witnessing the development of an unforeseen gift.
Leading up to this week, I intentionally prayed about our first time doing “boys only” ministry. Specifically regarding the courage to be vulnerable and God to move mightily in our hearts and the hearts of those around us. God did NOT disappoint. I watched every single “boy” be the man God called him to be and LEAD in vulnerability in his own way. It was truly such a beautiful spectacle to be in the middle of. I am so proud and I can’t wait for more opportunities like this.
I believe it’s safe to say our “MANistry” week was such a sweet time and a raging success. My experiences were unexpected but wonderful. I did not think I’d get to experience the true pride of a father, a fraction of the pride our father experiences every second, until I actually became a dad. I felt honored to catch glimpses of it at this stage in my life. I feel honored to get to share this pride with God, a pride that’s never bound or exclusive to my own children, but on the contrary inclusive to all those I care for. I also had the honor of experiencing this all-encompassing, completely inclusive love through my step-dad, Steve Sturtz. Over and over and over I’ve watched this man love unconditionally. A love extending across divorces, marriages, counties, states, countries, and even oceans. A love reaching so many, regardless of age, gender, relation or lack thereof. Unfortunately it took a near death experience on his part for me to truly grasp the depth and range of his love. I realized quickly just how many had experienced the pride and love of a father from Steve…it was far more than I imagined. I’m eternally grateful for my unique perspective in getting to experience this powerful love, as a son and as a distant youth fortunate enough to fall under its umbrella. The parallels are infinite in relation to God THE Father. Although I may have been “far off” His love never was. It was always right there, no matter where I was, waiting for me to let it in and run toward it. I love knowing I have the same ever-growing umbrella, His umbrella, and I get to experience the endless pride of a father everywhere I go. Dang. God is so good. Did not expect this blog to go this direction but praise the whole Lord. I think it’s only fitting I close with some lyrics to the ‘The Pride of a Father’:
“When You see me, You see my heart
Through the eyes of Your mercy in the light of Your Son
You love me with open arms
And the pride of a Father”
UPDATE: We’re back in Craiova, Romania now constantly pushing back darkness and bringing light to a very spiritually heavy place. God is on the MOVE but we could ALWAYS use prayer. So for those so inclined, pray for the protection of our missionaries, the church we’re partnered with, as well as all those we encounter who want to know Jesus. If you’d like to help in any other way you know where to find me!
Love Always,
Jordan Bryce Jost
