Prayer Versus The Impossible
The joy on his face was gone, wiped away as cleanly as chalk from a blackboard. Now, Paco’s face was darkened with worry and sadness.
He had been a standout in Street2Street’s league—not just because of his skills on the court, but his infectious personality. Every night he had arrived with a big smile, a great attitude, and loads of charisma.
Paco was one of those rare souls determined to stay positive in any circumstances, and his circumstances, frankly, were a lot to put on the back of any 13-year-old. Tough, tough neighborhood—riddled with crime and poverty, and people dead-set on taking you in the wrong direction. His refuge from all this was Street2Street, where he found a coach, and a mentor, and a friend.
But now, it was coming to an end. This was too much.
Coach André saw the gloom on Paco’s face as he huddled the team.
“I’m so sorry, Coach,” Paco’s voice broke. “This is my last time at Street2Street. I’m sorry to let my team down.”
Paco’s grandmother was ill. With a grim diagnosis, his family needed him to step up to help make ends meet. André knew Paco was discouraged about leaving his Street2Street family. But even more so, he knew Paco was distraught by his grandmother’s sickness.
With arms around shoulders, Coach André led the team in a prayer for Paco's grandmother, asking for healing and for a peace that surpasses all understanding. It was a profound moment of solidarity and faith, one that created a deep impression on Paco’s heart. He thanked André for the prayer, and they continued with practice.
Two months later, Coach André received a heartfelt message from Paco. There was incredible news to share. His grandmother, against all odds, had been healed. Paco was convinced that team prayer had played the pivotal role in her recovery. This was his first encounter with personal prayer, and it moved him deeply. It wasn’t just the miraculous healing that touched Paco, but the kindness of his coach taking the time to bring his cares before God, showing Paco the One to seek in times of trouble.
As he returns for the fall season, Paco is excited to be back with his Street2Street family, growing and learning more about the God who is always near. The God who, as the theologian A.W. Tozer said, “is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible.”
We are here serving Paco and thousands of other kids only because of your faithful generosity and vision for what others can’t conceive. Impossible circumstances, often, but no match for faithful prayers.
