Lazarus is 13 years old. His father left his mother to marry another woman, abandoning him and his younger sister. But Lazarus’s father refused to provide any sort of assistance, leaving the burden of responsibility solely on their mother.
But their mother had fallen into sin and in time passed away after contracting the deadly AIDS virus.
When Lazarus’ father learned of his ex-wife’s impending death, he returned, but only to see her; he still wanted no responsibility for his children.
To say their lives became difficult would be an understatement. Lazarus and his little sister went to live with their aunt, who was severely impoverished and could barely care for them at all.
But Lazarus had become a courageous young man. He had heard about the Good Shepherd at his J127 Manna Club. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1) With great faith, Lazarus chose to believe this was true. Out of this revelation given to him by God, he began praying for the needs of his sister and for others who were disillusioned by their life circumstances. You see, even though Lazarus walks through the valley of the shadow of death, he fears no evil because he believes the rod and the staff of God will bring comfort to him.
Lazarus knows that he will one day dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Prayer:
Do not forsake us, O God. We need you in every moment of our lives. And, as it says in Psalm 37:28 TLB, we choose to believe that the righteous “will be kept safe forever.” Thank you that we are righteous, because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Update: In 2018, David C Cook transferred oversight of the J127 clubs to an in-country partner which continues to shepherd and grow this program. By supporting David C Cook’s Life on Life curriculum, you will be helping support this program as well.
