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
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