Today is David's birthday.  David is a young man that I go to church with and also one of our sponsor kids.  We threw a surprise birthday party for David today.  Me, my Pastor, my worship leader and about 8 of our students from our youth group had a good time celebrating David's birthday.  I'm sure this was the first party he's had and I have to say he may have been a bit overwhelmed.  Before we prayed for him we asked him to share a few words.  He said something that hit my heart very hard and reminded me why God has me here.  He said "I am glad I made it to 19 years"  You see, David lives in an area that is heavily populated by the gangs.  Where very often violence and death surround him.  To us a birthday is a day of fun and presents.  To David it is an opportunity to thank God for His mercy and protection.  A lot of kids in David's area do not make it to their 19 birthdays.  It impressed in my heart how very serious the work is that we do here.  So many days I just go through the day not really thinking about the seriousness of my work.  I just work.  I love what I do and so I breeze through most days.  Today though is different.  While I did enjoy myself immensely today, I was also reminded that what we are doing here is serious business.  It is a matter of life and death in some cases.  I want to wish David a very happy birthday.  I praise God for him, and I know God is going to use him greatly in the years to come.