Last month we spent a week reconnecting with the high
school, college, and vocational students.
Many of these students, we’ve known, loved and poured into for more than
10 years! As with our own
children, each walks a unique journey, making both good and bad choices along
the way, ultimately growing and learning with each decision. We want to share
some of the things we’re thankful for about their journeys.
We personally asked James* to lead the group discussion time
for the Freshman and Sophomore boys. The
fact it was possible to make this request, much less to be enthusiastic about
it, demonstrates dramatic life change. James has a history of self-indulgence
and hedonism. He has been deeply hurt
and turned to deeply hurting himself and others to try to mitigate his
pain. Over the last year, amidst a
‘tough-love’ environment, he has faced his struggles head on. He has apologized and found restitution with
others. He has forgiven himself. He’s found an intimate connection with God as
his Father and found grace and mercy. He’s on a path to growing wholeness. His joy and new found freedom is
contagious. I was so thankful for his
vulnerability with the younger boys and the positive discussions that ensued.
Betty has been consistently faithful since she was a small
girl. She’s still is. She loves others
so well and it’s encouraging to be a part of seeing her mature. She wants to be a teacher. I think she’ll have a profound influence on
the next generation. Her future impact is why we’re presently here. She, and others like her, are the solution.
Mercy and Grace are really struggling. They’ve made some poor choice and it is
heartrending to see them suffer the consequences. Their futures feel bleak
right now. We cried together and put our arms around them and reminded them they
are always, ALWAYS loved. Loving a broken someone, when someone has loved
broken you, is gift.
*Names changed to value
privacy
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