Stories from the Inside
Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 by
By Gareth Unruh, Assistant Director, Juvenile Justice Ministry, Denver Area YFC
My dad was killed in prison.
I never knew my dad.
My dad molested me.
My mom was raped and I’m the result; she never wanted me.
My cousin got shot last night and didn’t make it.
My lady had an abortion because she wants to go with this other guy.
My family has never wanted me.
I’m only a paycheck for my foster family.
No one loves me, I can’t trust anyone; I’d be better off dead.
My home boy was killed right in front of me … it was supposed to be me.
These are the experiences we hear about daily in the Juvenile Justice program: hard stories, wounded stories, stories of abondonment. But this isn't the end. When Christ's love intersects young lives, hearts are changed and stories are set on new paths. Like with Miguel and Devin, God's work through YFC is bringing light to some of the darkest places. And when you support the ministry of Youth for Christ, you go with us. You are a part of making each conversation, each interaction, happen to the glory of God. Thank you for all do and especially for your prayers for us and for the youth we serve.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:10-19)