Dan Schmoyer’s Blog

Today I am hanging out with Mark (name changed to keep anonymity). He is going into 8th grade and lives with his Dad. His Mom died in a car accident 2 years ago and he has since changed schools, moved to a new town, and been forced to spend a lot of time alone at home (his Dad works long hours so Mark is home by himself for a lot of the day).

Recently Mark told with me that he was watching a TV preacher on Sunday, When he told me I smiled because most teens don’t watch TV evangelists! :). He said the preacher talked about how Christians often tell OTHERS how they should live but then go and do the exact opposite. That idea really hit home for him (I would say Mark is “Christian” but not necessarily a “Christ follower”). He has been telling his friends to do certain things or not to do certain things, yet, when he has had an opportunity he does those same things himself. As a result of his conviction, Mark told me that he decided to recommit his life to Jesus and start doing the things he has told others to do.

I think Mark is has truly accepted Christ into his heart now but I don’t think he fully grasps what it means to have Christ at the center of his life. He wants to go to church but his Dad does not take him. He is interested in spiritual things but I don’t think he knows what to do next.

Today when we hang out I want to get Mark a Bible and a devotional book to encourage him to continue to pursue God. Pray that we are able to find something that interests him and continues to bring him back each day. Pray that he will be sensitive to God’s still small voice in his life. Saying you want to change is a lot easier than actually changing so pray that he’ll have the courage to make wise choices this summer. With so much “down time” it can be easy to get involved in things that are not positive or beneficial (especially since his Dad is not home much).

Thank you for all your prayers and support. This summer has been going by so fast! I can’t believe it’s almost July!! My June calender has been SUPER full and July is beginning to look pretty scary too! I am so blessed and encouraged by all of you who have supported me and my ministry at TreeHouse on a monthly bases, one time bases, or as a summer scholarship sponsor. You have no idea how excited I am to see how God has brought you all around me to help reach kids who are struggling to stay afloat in life. I hope I can represent you all well. Pray that I’ll be able to continue to have the energy and patience I need to reach the kids I see each day.

Thanks again and I hope you all have a great day!

Dan