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1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…
A few years ago, my mom came to stay with my wife and I during a big move. Her help was invaluable. We couldn’t have managed without her. Once all the boxes were unloaded and we’d settled into our new place, we took my mom to dinner at a local restaurant. Driving home afterward, we noticed a teenage boy sitting alone by the side of the road. We don’t see in that part of town. In that moment, I faced a choice: keep driving and ignore him, or turn around to see if he was okay. Honestly, if my mom hadn’t been with me, I probably would have kept going. But her compassion challenged me, so I turned the car around and stopped to check on the boy.
His name was Gabriel Hall. He was fourteen and living in a group home. He didn’t know his phone number or address, or how to get back to where he belonged. It became clear pretty quickly that Gabriel had learning disabilities. As we talked, he revealed that life in the group home was quite difficult, so hard that he’d run away that morning. He hadn’t eaten or had anything to drink all day. After learning this, I stepped to the side, called the police and asked my wife and mom to get him some food. Then I sat on the curb next to Gabriel while we waited.
I asked Gabriel who he talked to when he felt sad. He quietly replied, “No one.” I shared with him that, when I’m sad, I talk to Jesus, and asked if he had ever heard of Jesus. He shook his head no. As I began to explain who Jesus is and how much He loves Gabriel personally, it felt like something deeper was happening. It wasn’t just a conversation—the words themselves seemed to carry a weight and power I’d never felt before. The power of the Holy Spirit was at work and I know with certainty that something spiritual was unfolding in that moment.
When the police arrived, the officer stepped out and called, “Gabriel, get in the car.” I learned that Gabriel had run away many times before. He had a low IQ, the result of his mother being a drug addict. Gabriel entered into this world as an infant, but also an addict too. He didn’t know his parents, and he was living with AIDS.
My wife and mom returned with food just as the officer was preparing to drive Gabriel away. I opened the back door of the police car and handed Gabriel the food. I told him, I will be praying for you.” I still do. If you can, please pray for him too.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Peace and love in Christ,
Kyle Spradley
National Director
SOMA USA
