So what does this have to do with street children? The perception of street children is often negative. People believe that they are lazy or even useless. No body wants them hanging around their place of business because the perception is that they are only thieves and beggars. When you think of a street child's future, you often picture them soon ending up in jail or even worse. Yet, Capstone is different. Capstone does not judge street children like other men, looking at the outward appearance. No, Capstone ministers to the heart of a child and knows that God has the power to change their direction and future.
The work here at Capstone reminds me often of the story of how David became king in the Bible (1 Samuel 16). God told the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king because Saul, the previous king, had become corrupt with power and greed. Interesting how absolute power corrupts absolutely! God revealed to Samuel that the new king would come from the family of Jesse in "little" town of Bethlehem. The only stipulation that God gave to Samuel is that He, God Himself would indicate which son Samuel would choose to be the next king. Why? Isn't the prophet Samuel, who is a man of God and faithful religious leader, already qualified to know God's will! Yet, we see that when Samuel arrives, there are many sons of Jesse and Samuel even remarks “surely the Lord's anointed stands here!” But we know that he wasn't there. Samuel goes on to describe the boys as being tall, handsome, intelligent and strong- all the things we look for in a good leader, right! Yet, God reveals once again to Samuel that none of the boys standing before him are to be chosen. What! Samuel is confused. What is God doing? Finally, Jesse discloses that his youngest son is out in the fields tending to the flock. He is sent for and as soon as David arrives, the Bible describes him as being very young and in no uncertain terms, a pretty boy! Oh, and if that isn't enough he is a shepherd as well. Shepherds are the lowest in society. They are on the same level as the poor and no one expects great things from them. But as soon as he arrives, God reveals to Samuel, “He is the one!” Yes indeed! David would become the greatest and most faithful of all the kings of Israel. Yet, not without his faults like all of us. Thank God we are saved by God's Grace! Good thing God was with Samuel that day to judge the heart of David, instead of his outward appearance.
How is this similar to the work of Capstone. Capstone is changing the destiny of a nation, by changing the hearts of street children and their ultimate future. If we only looked at a street child's outward appearance, we would deem him unworthy. Thank God that Capstone has been called by God to look at the heart. Who knows who these street children will become one day- a pastor, a teacher, a doctor, a faithful and generous Christian businessman! How different this is to how we normally think. What about even becoming president one day? We think of a president coming from a good pedigree, so to speak. He must have been educated in the finest ivy league schools and universities. He must have had all the “advantages” that others have lacked. He must be tall, strong and handsome. Yet, who knows- one of these street boys might have the chance to prove everyone wrong and God right one day!
Who do you know in your life that doesn't look like they will make something of themselves by their outward appearance? What does God see in them? How can you be a part of touching their lives through the power of God? You never know how God will use you in the life of an individual. Judge not like the world, but judge as God judges by looking at the heart! ~Joel
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