BELIEVE.
Recently, a friend of mine gave me this verse: “Jesus told him, don’t be afraid, just believe” (Mark 5:36). Jesus offered these strengthening words to those who were struggling to trust his ability to heal and for the last several months, he has offered them to me as well. Why? Because today I fly out to Utah to pick up a youth and bring her home to live with me.
In February I met a young lady in group at the juvenile detention facility in Albany, which is located just a few miles from where she will now live. As I learned her story, listened to my heart, prayed with family and friends, God placed it on my heart to begin the process of becoming her foster parent. It’s a long story, and an amazing journey (so far), and I obviously cannot go into details, but know this is an exciting time for me. I believe God placed this young lady in my life and I want to be obedient to his calling. With him anything is possible – after all, he is Healer.
I’ve spent many hours meeting with people to make this process work. Weekly zoom sessions, getting the house ready, road trips to see her in Utah (yes – this turned into an inter-state issue!); all-the-while continuing the ministry and being amazed by God’s blessings through new partners, new friendships, new ideas, and new opportunities. I am so grateful for it all.
Jennifer Berg
Executive Director
Bringing Hope to the Hopeless
Mid-Valley Youth for Christ
Juvenile Justice Ministry
503-559-1005
Jennifer@mvyfc.org
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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.
