Jack the Balloon Guy

Following is an excerpt from Brian Kim - a site pastor at NewSong NorthOC

A few weeks ago, I did a walk through of Fullerton College with the Dean of Fine Arts who happens to be a strong believer. He has been there nearly 25 years and said that he was extremely excited about us being on the Fullerton College. His desire was to really see Fullerton College impacted in spiritual ways and believed that NewSong could be that kind of community to serve and influence not only the students on campus but also the administration. As we walked around the campus he introduced me to many of the staff - pointing out the ones that were believers and other who really needed Jesus.

One of the women he introduced me to was an administrator in the Admissions department. I think she was the Dean... Iin any case, as I told her about the demographics of NewSong - 70% single, multi-ethnic, average age 27, etc. she casually mentioned that perhaps NewSong could be a church for her son. Her face told me that she has probably been through a lot with him and remarked that it would be a miracle if he ever went back to church. Even the Dean of Fine Arts said that it would be a miracle. I found out that he was a "balloon artist!" and magician that did parties for kids in the area and asked her for his humber and thought that it would be possible to hire him for some of our events. Liz Yim then followed up and hired him for our re-launch. One of our prayers for our re-launch was specifically for him.

He came set up and began to do his amazing art. In between service, I would talk to him as many did, and make comments about his craft. The stuff he did was amazing. At the end of the day, as we thanked him, he said that he thought what we were doing was amazing and that he had NEVER seen a church like ours. The sense of fun, excitement, authenticity of the people, and the kindness he experienced from the kids and parents was unparalleled. He then said that though he went to church as a teen ager, he had not been back in years. Through this friend has not made a commitment to Jesus, what spoke volumes was that he SAW Jesus in your smiles, graciousness, and your apprication fo his art.

As I thought about him Sunday afternoon after the hustle and bustle, I also thought about his mother. I can imagine him talking to his mom and sharing with her his experience on Sunday at NewSong. I pictured her reactions and the hope that was born in her. The possibility that Jesus may be drawing her beloved son to Himself. A miracle? Who knows. But the possibility is there.

We all have moms who have prayed for us or we are praying for our moms. We all have loved ones who desperately need the love and grace of Jesus, people who we would never believe would actually live in freedom from their pasts and their dark present. To be able to be a part of a family where LIFE can be REBORN will always be my greatest privilege.

May we NEVER forget the mission that God has given to us all. To bear witness to the One who runs to meet us in our brokenness.