Steve Bartel. Pure white beard. Well used laugh lines. Deep-welled eyes, filled with wisdom and Jesus' love. This man had the word "Father" written all over him.
He is known as "Dad" to 4 biological, 3 adopted, and 25 foster kids he and his wife raised within their home. And to the hundreds of street children he loves every day, he is "Papito Esteban" (Daddy Steve).
He is known as "Dad" to 4 biological, 3 adopted, and 25 foster kids he and his wife raised within their home. And to the hundreds of street children he loves every day, he is "Papito Esteban" (Daddy Steve).
"Our Father loves street children and wants them to become His sons and daughters. He is willing to use us to reach, prepare, and bring them to Him. The children in turn will love and honor Father, while raising their children to do the same."
Our class soaked in every word as he shared principles, tools and stories from over 25 years of experience and 38 years of a burdened, passion. By the end of the week I felt like a heavy sponge, begging to be wrung out. So go ahead. Squeeze me.
What I soaked up:
- The basis of successful ministry is rooted in knowing God's heart and intention first and faithfully building a foundation in the unseen (intercession, waiting on the Holy Spirit's voice, knowing His goals and desires) before taking action in the seen (buildings, finances, actual ministry).
- Jesus shared His deep, burdened heart for the fatherless with me
- I learned the heart breaking realities of street life, and the horrifying dangers that these young people live out every day. (Abuse, drugs, homelessness, fatherlessness, addiction, the abuse of sex, gangs)
- The independent, distrusting, and broken mindsets of street children
- The life of sacrifice and commitment it takes to dedicate your life to these little people
- The amazing and successful process Steve's organization takes to raise his kids as sons and daughters of God.
- The power and impact of God's word.
- And more deeply than ever, I saw the redeeming power of the Father heart of God
Galatians 4:6
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
"Thank You, Abba, for Your deep, intimate, Father's love for us. Teach us to be Your sons and daughters. We want to honor You."
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
"Thank You, Abba, for Your deep, intimate, Father's love for us. Teach us to be Your sons and daughters. We want to honor You."
by the title, I was concerned you were already feeling crunchy and hung out to dry. glad to see it's the opposite!
ReplyDeleteI think Steve would love your tender description of him.