Global Fountains

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:8

“We’ll share this one, thanks!” We shouted to our gracious, smiling host over the pulsing music as she set in front of us a plate piled with two (yes, TWO) large slices of chocolate cake and a mound of wrapped candies. Our request was of no use, a second plate quickly followed and was set in front of my new roommate, alongside a steaming cup of spiced tea—hospitality unrivaled. There was an abundance of guests, food, dancing, and the aforementioned loud music, all filling our neighbor’s downstairs apartment. It was our first week living in our new home, the Fountains apartment complex, and I can honestly say that I have no idea how we came to attend this celebration, aside from being willing to meet those around us. The fact of the matter is this—we love Jesus and we wanted to show His love to our neighbors. God used the friends made and conversations shared at this first event to shape much of my time at the Fountains. So many meals were shared with dear friends (at both our home and theirs), endless cups of tea and coffee, several cultural blunders on my end, and most importantly, many conversations where, by the Holy Spirit, we were able to share Truth and point to the Father. God faithfully gave us opportunities to magnify his name when we were obedient to go and visit with others.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

In addition to meeting my neighbors throughout the week at house visits, I had the great opportunity to partner with Global Fountains on Monday nights with the After School ministry. It is here that I met many bright students and dedicated leaders/tutors. Many school-age children living at the Fountains desperately need help navigating the instructions for their homework and information sent home from school. Some students may be the only English speakers within their home, or perhaps their parents work long, stressful shifts and don’t have the time or energy needed to help their children complete their homework. Some students also just come for the friends and fun! The After School ministry aims to share Jesus Christ with students, while also meeting their need for quality homework help. Getting to greet the students each Monday and hear their excited voices tell stories from the past week brightened my day. Seeing them listen to stories from the Word, memorize Bible verses, and work diligently at their schoolwork was so encouraging. It was always a joy getting to serve alongside brothers and sisters who took time out of their busy schedules to encourage and share God’s love with the wonderful children of the Fountains.

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 1:9

When I look back at the last several years of my life, I can easily say that the large majority of my most memorable moments happened at a humble, little apartment in the middle of Fort Worth, TX. When I moved into the Fountains apartment complex in 2016, many things in my life changed; a new apartment, a new roommate, a new routine, and even a new nickname. I met new friends, tried new foods, and heard new stories. The one thing that never changed amidst all of these new things, however, was the Father’s constant love and pursuit of His children. It is my hope and prayer that people of all ages and backgrounds from the Fountains apartment complex would come to know the love of God in Christ Jesus.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Readers, I encourage you to make yourself available to meeting new friends and neighbors, addressing a need that you see in your community, and sharing your testimony and stories of God’s power with those around you. God has given you a unique story and a specific circle of influence to share within; be obedient to Him and watch what amazing things He will do to glorify His name! 

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” – Revelation 7:9-12