News & Updates

3 Story.

I give thanks to the Lord every time I have an opportunity to visit with a youth. After group last week at Linn County Juvenile Detention, a 17 yr old young man asked if I would talk with him. I’ll call him G.

We talk a lot about stories when I’m at detention. My story, their story, and the most important story of all, God’s story. This is the evangelistic framework of Youth For Christ and it’s called 3 Story, it’s what the three circles in our logo represents.

Relationships are central to this ministry. Providing youth with a safe space to share their story and be heard. We want to listen and model the life of Jesus and not just tell them about Jesus. Through 3 Story, it isn’t about words as much as it is about knowing Jesus, knowing others, and helping them know Jesus, too. The time with G gave me a chance to listen to his story, share about Jesus’ story, and hopefully, invite G to know Jesus personally.

When G was five years old, his biological father died. Later, his mom had a boyfriend who abused him. It started to affect his behavior, his school, his relationships, and he said he just stopped caring. Programs and short term treatment facilities are limited with the resources he needs and the ones he’s been at have not worked; now he’s at the point where he’s not sure what will happen. He thinks he will be sent to long term residential until he’s 18 and hopefully an ILP (Independent Living Program) to better prepare him for success in the future. G’s life has been chaotic and his next steps are unclear. But despite that, his heart is soft toward Jesus. When asked, G said that he feels hopeful that he has, “….a chance to be forgiven about the things I’ve done.”

This is one of many stories I hear from youth and I GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD for his calling on my life that allows me to come alongside a youth like G. Would you pray that his heart will continue to soften – no matter what comes next?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 106:1

THANKFUL

“Thank you for coming today…
I can’t remember the last time I smiled or laughed.” (15-year-old male)

During one of my recent trips to detention, I was disappointed to learn that only three youth requested to attend my group when I knew there were a total of 12 in the facility. The staff escorting us to the classroom was also surprised and asked a colleague, “Did you tell them it was Jen, and that she has licorice?!” Armed with this new information, the second staff member went back to the youth and soon, more than half of the 12 were settling into their seats, ready for the treat that earned me the nickname “The Licorice Lady” over a decade ago.

You might remember that when I do group at detention, I’m frequently meeting with a revolving door of youth because this is a temporary holding facility. So, while I can’t easily do Bible studies or engage in on-going mentoring relationships like I can with youth in long-term facilities, the good news is that in this more introductory context, I can use good materials on frequent repeat. And one of my favorite selections is to grab anything that Christian comedian Tim Hawkins produces because of how humor (in combination with licorice!) breaks down walls. On this night, the video’s main point set up a great conversation with questions from the youth such as, “Will God still love me despite some things I’ve done?” What I love about this (frequently asked) question is just how surprised the youth become when I say that God loves them no matter who they are, or what they have done (Romans 8: 38-39).

That night after the video, I was able to meet one-on-one with a 15-year-old young man who thanked me for coming because he hadn’t felt joy for longer than he could remember. Being able to bring a smile to the heart of a young person who has forgotten what it is like to feel happiness is both a burden and an amazing privilege. Thank you for participating with me in delivering the Good News to incarcerated youth in our community.

I’m grateful for your commitment to this ministry, and I wish you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.

Bringing HOPE to the hopeless.