Mar 17, 2015

Turning Points #1


Imagine being in a dark place-- physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Think about how lost you feel. Do you feel alone? Are you cold? Nervous? Scared?
What does this darkness do to your Spirit? Do you have any sliver of hope? 
What brought you to the darkness – Drugs? Gangs? Poverty? The loss of a loved one?

You are at {what seems like} the lowest point of your life.  You live under a dirty garbage infested bridge, you get high on drugs every chance you get, you spend your days walking along polluted streets to find even the smallest of recyclable trash. You are a leader in a small gang – perhaps because it’s only your peers that will listen you to, you quarrel with other gangs, you steal, lie and cheat. The majority of society looks down upon you and often times you are {literally} treated like a stray dog.

You want to change. You no longer like the darkness that has engulfed you. But you are hopeless and tired.



‘But take heart I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33



This was exactly the case of four of our young men just a year ago. Four of our boys lived life in that deep dark place. A pit of hopelessness surrounded them. That was until the Jesan Center …

In a recent conversation we asked them what their turning points were 
Why, when so many of their friends have the same opportunities and denied them, did they decide to make the change and grab for the  ‘gold’ that the JC team was offering them.  What kept them coming back?

The answer … RELATIONSHIP and LOVE. 

The JC team has invested in the lives of these four young men.  Giving them responsibilities, showing them love, mentoring them. They have poured out their lives into the brokenness of these four. They joined them in the pit of darkness in order to hold their hands and lead them out. They have loved unconditionally as the boys learn to make better decisions. They pray over the boys daily. They share their struggles and show their imperfections.  They are real with these young men. 
The boys have developed a deep respect for the JC team. They hear their concerns, listen to their teachings and strive for better.
 It’s because of those relationships that these four boys have made significant changes in their once broken and dark lives.



‘Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.’ Philippians 4:9



We see hope, life, light and love in their eyes! We see happiness and restoration in lives that used to only show sadness and brokenness.

Of course, certain events in each individual life lead them to the Jesan Center. Each boy has a different reason that they grabbed at the opportunity and never let go. The common factor however is the relationship and love experienced with the JC team.




‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ Romans 8:28