Over spring break we brought a speaker/artist in to share with kids who are on probation. After the show I took four kids to Pizza Hut. While we were driving there I asked them what they thought of the event. They said they really liked what the guy had to say, the positive message, and the art that the speaker did. Almost immediately after they said that, the kids in the backseat began to talk about who they were going to have sex with, their excitement to smoke weed, and just talking about other foolish things.
After I dropped off the backseat kids, the kid in the front seat began telling me excitedly that a year ago he used to talk about foolish stuff like those guys. He then went on to say that God has been changing his thoughts, his speech, and his actions. Here's a note he recently sent to me.
“God has shown me the truth and the way to truly live. and he has delivered me from the evil one. He saved my life and protected me from getting shot in the face about a year ago when the bullet just grazed my arm. I can name things he does for me every day, like teaching me daily disciplines. Often I feel like I don't want to be here on earth because it's so difficult, but it’s making me stronger.”
As you can see, this young man is learning a lot and is very open to learning what it means to change his ways and live for God.
Joe Wright, JJM Director