s e Y GROWING THROUGH YOUR
Don’t miss the God adventures that will change your life.
by Christine E. Wagoner
ȷustbetweenus
winter 2021
T 12
eddi and her family piled into their SUV, left the suburbs, and ventured 45 minutes toward the city’s downtown district. They’d planned a family fun night, cheering on the local baseball team. Teddi’s family arrived downtown and snagged a parking spot in a nearby gravel lot. As they hustled from the parking lot to the game, they passed several homeless people holding signs. One sign captured Teddi’s eye. It read, “Do you have a sandwich?” She had never seen a sign with such a specific request. Teddi entered the baseball park and saw a crowd full of families like hers, rolling coolers filled with snacks, beverages, and sandwiches.
While baseballs were pitched and the crowd cheered, Teddi continued thinking about this sign. All he wants is someone’s extra peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We can do that. That seems easy. Once the kids are out of school for the summer, we could pack sandwiches and bring them to people who are hungry.
Teddi attempted to be present with her family that evening, but her thoughts kept moving toward this mission, which I will refer to as “Operation PB&J.” She could sense her excitement building. After the outing, Teddi discussed her PB&J idea with her husband. He thought it was too dangerous for his wife and three children to go downtown and interact with this population. “Yep, you’re right. What was I thinking?” Teddi agreed. She decided not to pursue it. Instead, she resumed her summer plans of vacation Bible school, kids’ sports teams, and days at the pool.
Months later, Teddi read Just Courage by Gary Haugen, president of International Justice Mission. The book encouraged her to embody courage instead of fear when pursuing God and opportunities He may provide. The memory of the sandwich sign flooded her heart again.
