A 9-year-old foster boy, Marcus, finds peace despite his horrific beginning.
His foster mom, Shirley, told me they found him and his sister, Ava, when they were babies, crying in a closet full of human waste.
But today is different. It is June 11, 2024, and Marcus, his foster mom, and four foster siblings are experiencing heaven on earth at a Christian water sports camp, Skiin’ With The Galilean (SWTG). Twenty-five years ago, United Airlines captain Todd Garrett created SWTG to help foster and special-needs children.
After taking the kids and caretakers out on a beautiful lake in beautiful boats, SWTG volunteers bring everyone in for lunch.
As the camp pastor, I invite anyone to talk and pray about troubles privately after a brief devotional.
Shirley, Marcus and Ava’s foster mom, approaches me in tears.
Peace begins in prayer
“What’s going on, Shirley?” I asked.
“My husband, Tony, died four weeks ago. He was only 55, and now it’s just me and the five kids (foster), and we got to hold it together.”
Shirley poured her heart out, and I listened.
“Would you like to pray?” “Yes,” she sobbed, “with all the kids.”
So Shirley, the five kids, and I held hands in a circle, praying one at a time.
Three teenage girls go first, followed by 9-year-old Marcus and 11-year-old Ava.
During his prayer, I hear Marcus quote scripture. In disbelief, I open my eyes as he quotes John 16:33. “In me you have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But, take heart. I have overcome the world.”
Out of the mouth of a 9-year-old foster boy comes his solution to chaos.
Jesus.
After prayer, I turn to Shirley in sheer amazement, and for the first time this morning, she smiles, “He wants to be a preacher.”
Peace grows with identity
A tidal wave of inspiration envelopes me as I connect with this foster family, their loss, and their faith.
And then I turn to Marcus’ younger foster sister, “I’m sorry, please remind me your name.”
“My name is Ava, glory be to God!”
What in the world? I think to myself.
Shirley is fertilizing faith in these children.
Rising from a closet of human waste to a strong identity by ages 9 and 11, Marcus and Ava show us the way out of our darkest holes.
Faith fuels hope, and hope fuels strength.
Commitment extends peace
As Shirley and the kids gather their things, I notice how the kids carry the load.
They lost their foster dad, yet they all quietly work together, picking up lake toys, towels, and beach supplies and carrying them to the too-small SUV.
I watch Shirley get in the car first as all of her “kids” organize and pack everything neatly.
Speechless at the example, I wave goodbye wondering how they will survive.
And then, I remember Marcus quoting John 16:33. “In me, you have peace.”
Faith, prayer, and commitment sound like good foundations for peace.
Would you add anything else?
I was there as a volunteer and remember this precious little boy coming through the lunch line. He had a radiant smile that was contagious! What a privilege it was to serve him and all the other children and families.
Thanks for your comment Melissa!