Debbie and I have known “Ivy” for the four years we have been involved with MYC Club. She uses two different last names because of her confusing, complicated family. Her little brother has a different last name, which isn't the same as mom's last name One brother has been in prison for a violent assault. Another brother openly displays “sexual orientation” issues. It's safe to say that the families who work at MYC are not what she is used to seeing at home.
Earlier this month Ivy was working with Debbie at Youth Enterprises, which is our job program for high school students. The subject of conversation was work related, not about relationships or marriage. Seemingly out of nowhere, Ivy said, “Ms. Debbie, seeing you and Mr. Mark makes me want to get married!” It really wasn't out of nowhere, though. She has been watching us and listening to us as we relate to each other while we work with the kids.
It isn't by accident that we have married couples working at MYC, because these kids need role models who display the fruit of God's spirit through their marriages. This hasn't been the only time the subject of marriage has been brought up by the kids. One boy told Greg that watching Greg and his wife made marriage look like fun! Some girls have asked me if Debbie and I ever argue. (Of course, I tell them that Debbie and I have disagreements whenever Debbie is wrong about something.) It's encouraging to know that the kids are watching us and learning from us. It's also a little scary, knowing that you are being watched, but that's a part of building relationships and a reason to pray. We also pray that these kids can break the cycle of destructive family lifestyles which have caused them to be at risk and need us.
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