Detroit
– Home Sweet Home
.
by
Mikayla Pardon
After spending
my first summer (2012) serving with Detroit
Summer Outreach (DSO)
and then returning again in the summer of 2013, I found many
things the same and different. The one thing that remained the same from
one summer to the next was my need for Jesus.
Every time
I return to Detroit, whether for a weekend or a summer, I feel as though
I have stepped into the presence of God. I find myself praying and turning
to God much more than I do anywhere else. It is not just that I turn to
him during times of need, which are plentiful, but even just doing monotonous
tasks. It is a very freeing experience being able to place everything in
God’s hands and leave it there. I can truly rest in Him knowing that everything
necessary will be provided in due time.
My favorite
thing about Detroit is the very real presence of God that is experienced,
which did not change over the past 2 summers. What has changed is my task
in Detroit. I would say that last summer was my “honeymoon” stage of living
in Detroit. Everything was perfect – the Bezalel kids, household, prayer
life, and the service. This past summer has been a whole new experience.
As staff, I have more responsibility for others, which made for a less-than-care-free
summer. My first summer I was just told what to do and when to do it. The
roles reversed this past summer when I had to lead and tell others what
to do. While leading I was able to experience the other side of the program,
and see how much of the program is truly in God’s hands.
There were
daily miracles that made all of the practical aspects of our programs fall
into place, sometimes later than we would have liked, but they did. In
addition, the added responsibility opened my eyes to all the background
work that happens with any program. It made me more appreciative for the
people who plan programs that I can just attend in a carefree manner. And
even though I was no longer in the “honeymoon” stages, I was still full
of joy and grateful to be in Detroit and in the presence of God for a second
summer.
Mikayla
Pardon is from Imlay City, Michigan. She currently lives in Grand Rapids,
Michigan. She is a student at Grand Valley State University and also works
as a substitute teacher.
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