Never Abandoned
March/April 2022
I recently met with four young men at Linn-Benton County juvenile detention and for a while, it seemed like the themes of abandonment, loss, and confusion…in other words, HOPELESSNESS was going to win out. Have you ever been in a conversation that you know is going the wrong way but you weren’t sure how to get it to turn the corner? Fortunately, Jesus had been speaking to me about troubles and feelings of hopelessness and so he had already prepared my heart and mind with Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians 4 – about how God will never abandon us and how we can always have hope because of him! I read this passage to them out of the Life Application Bible and saw something click as I read, “We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” In the application section it said, “…we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of our hope.”
We also listened to Tim Hawkins sing a song from his comedy video “Insanitized” where the lyrics said, “Jesus gave me new life.” Click this link to listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSfeT4OrR4. In this tough conversational moment, the combination of Scripture and song got through what otherwise was looking to be a dark, dead-end moment. I wish you could have been with me as the conversation turned to how a relationship with Jesus could transform their lives and give them new hope. Tonight, I’m heading back to detention to have a follow up visit with them and continue to encourage them on understanding what it means to let God lead their life. I’m looking forward to sharing this prayer with them and helping them remember (or learn) what the upcoming Easter season represents.
“Father God, you have designed a plan for my salvation. It is truly a gift that should not be taken lightly nor should it be taken for granted. I thank you for knowing that it is only by YOUR blood that I am cleansed. I ask that you would cleanse me now, help me to repent of the things that I need to rid of, in order for me to be a clean vessel to serve Your Kingdom.” (written by Whitney Sabins)
As we look forward to Easter, will you join me in praying for these four young men specifically? They are hungry for the promises of Christ and I have the privilege of reminding them of the HOPE that is available to them.
Bringing HOPE to the hopeless,
P.S. Thank you for your financial support! If you haven’t given in a while, would you consider giving today? Click the button below and follow the donate instructions on our website.
We’re celebrating 50 years of ministry in the
Mid-Valley! And, we’re moving forward.
What is SEE THE STORY? In June, twice a week we’ll take small groups to one of our ministry site locations where you’ll see the facility, meet the staff and youth, and hear about how we’re meeting the spiritual needs of incarcerated youth.
We would love for you to join us!
Click the button below and let us know you’re interested.
More details coming soon!
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.
