Lent day 22

greetings...

i first met M.E. last summer...

he stumbled in drunk to the hub [at the tampa underground]...

he was directed to my class on spiritual formation...

it was exciting...

straight off the street...

living behind a building in ybor...

drinking beer all day...

choosing not to bathe...

a pretty rough dude...

he was NOT a compliant student...

he tried to take over the class...

he scared some of the summer interns...

but, he was there...

with us...

i was thankful...

he and i had a word after class...

"M.E., i want you here -- in this class -- but do NOT come again drunk..."

"respect me and i will respect you -- OK???"

it began a friendship...

he came almost every week...

he engaged the material...

at times he was right on...

he surprised me with his insight...

he really applied himself...

he began to grow...

he really added to the class...

then, the summer institute was over...

i tried to stay in touch with M.E. at the weekend services...

but, suddenly he was missing...

i was so worried...

did he leave the city?

was he back on the street?

did he fall off the wagon?

was he drinking again?

was he MIA for good?

then, i got an invitation this week...

i was invited to a graduation tonight at the salvation army center in north tampa...

M.E. was graduating from the six month arc [adult rehab center] residency program...

six months clean and sober...

six month living in biblical community...

six months toward the beginning of a brand new life...

AWESOME!!!

did i go?

you bet!

there was M.E...

in a suit and tie...

clean and all slicked up...

a picture of joy...

i cannot express just how proud i felt...

i had feared the worst...

god had blessed us with the best...

about 10 or so members of the underground family were present to cheer for M.E.

we were all so proud...

i am so glad to be a part of a spiritual family like this...

matthew 25 in real life...

M.E. is staying on in the program...

he is serious about this new life in jesus...

did i mention that i am so proud of my friend?

blessings!

guy

it was also cool to see a second underground guy just beginning the program this last week -- please join me in praying for R.P.