Before we arrive in our next country we are given a set up sheet, this sheet basically lays out who our ministry host is, where we’re located and what ministry will look like for the month. Our sheet said that this month our ministry would be working with young boys who are in a juvenile detention center. Naturally we all stared at each other confused with how seven women are going to reach these youth boys.
So this morning we woke up headed out to the detention center. Without any information or knowing what we’d be doing there we loaded up in the truck and prayed for our day. The whole ride there I kept asking God what could we possibly teach these boys, how could we be used to share the gospel when we probably didn’t have a single thing in common with them. God sweetly whispered to me, “I know what I’m doing” so I quit asking questions and enjoyed the ride.
As we arrived at the center I prayed one last time and said “Alright God however you want to use us, we’re ready.” We signed in and walked down the hallway to the chapel room, we sat down and waited for the boys to come. About 15 minutes later there were 30 rowdy boys coming in to the room. They all acted real shy and sat down ready to sing worship and hang out with us. A gentlemen named Golf led the boys in worship then explained to us that we would share our testimony and ask/ answer some questions with the boys.
Each of us shared our testimonies. You’d be surprised how God can use your story to connect and impact anyone. Oddly enough each of us shared a part in our life where had chosen sin instead of God and how God can redeem them just like he has done for us. I think there is something so beautiful that we thought this ministry was so strange that there was no way we could connect with youth boys but God can use anyone if they are willing. After testimonies the boys went to town asking us random questions and getting to know us. We also got to ask them questions and find out why they were there.
When we first learned about our ministry for the month we were sorta nervous but what they didn’t tell us was that these boys are misunderstood. Most of them come from broken homes, which has lead to them stealing or dealing drugs for money. They cling to worldly things because of their circumstances, they choose drugs because they think it will give them purpose. Some of the boys are in the juvenile center to get clean from drugs so they can start over.
What our set up sheet and ministry host didn’t tell us was that these boys radiate joy. These boys are 14-18 years old and most of them still act extremely silly. These boys love each other like brothers, they look out for one another but just had a hard time in life. What I can tell you is that these boys are amazing. Some of them haven’t accepted Christ yet and don’t know the potential they have. But one thing is for sure, God is working in this detention center.
After giving our testimonies, Golf asked if any of the boy’s wanted to accept Jesus. Four of them raised their hands. This just shows that God was working through us and in the center today. I can not wait to go back next Tuesday to hang out with these boys again and see God work in their lives while were here. Sometimes your not always given all the information but God knows the plan and will use you if your wiling. PEACE
XOXO
Heather
