“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” -Psalm 133:1
Your average high school building is filled with hundreds of teenagers. These buildings require significant care by custodians who pick up trash, clean rooms, and keep the facilities in good repair. It is a challenging job. Those custodians who serve in these buildings deserve recognition for their hard work that keeps these schools functioning.
Francis Apraku is a custodian at James Madison High School in Virginia. Francis moved to Virginia from Ghana. He has cared for the students at James Madison for several years. The students and staff love Francis. Francis cares for the building and the students. The students say Francis is “kind, friendly, and sometimes he prays for us.”
One day, Francis was talking with a group of freshman soccer players. They asked Francis about his birthday and if he had any wishes. Francis told them he had a dream of owning a Jeep Wrangler. After the conversation was over, the boys decided they needed to help make Francis’ birthday wish become a reality. With the help of their parents and some local businesses, the freshmen launched a GoFundMe to help make this wish come true.
It took over six months of work, but eventually, the students were able to raise over $20,000. They purchased a bright red Jeep Wrangler and organized a surprise presentation for Francis.
When the students brought Francis into the parking lot, to his surprise, he fell to the ground and said, “Oh my God, Oh my God.” When he could catch his breath and look at his new Jeep, Francis said, “I don’t believe this is happening in my life…I give thanks to Almighty God for making today for me.”
This beautiful moment was made possible because of the respect shared between the students and Francis. Long before the bright red Jeep was presented, the students and Francis cared for one another with kindness, compassion, and prayers. This is how we are all to care for one another. Each person deserves respect. Each person deserves kindness. Each person is a child of God. Let us begin this week with a commitment to share God’s love through kindness, compassion, respect, and generosity. Life Francis and the students at James Madison, we can create beautiful moments that bring hope to our world.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
