But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting
to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and
His righteousness unto children's children.
Psalm 103:17
Yesterday was very special...
to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and
His righteousness unto children's children.
Psalm 103:17
Yesterday was very special...
I had a visit with my friend, Mike. He came with his pastor and two young men, both of whom had permission from their parents to visit.
"John-John" and "Ronnie" are from Long Island. They attend my friend's youth group at church. Mike had been wanting to bring them for a while, and this time everything finally worked out.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to share my story. John-John is nineteen, and Ronnie, sixteen. Both come from a home where there are serious conflicts going on, none of which I am at liberty to discuss. But Mike and his pastor had hoped that I could somehow encourage them to stay on the right path, and not succumb to peer pressure or various temptations which, if given in to, can ruin a man's life.
My two main themes were, "Let God do something wonderful with your life," and "You have a good future. Don't waste it." They appeared to listen intently, and they asked questions. By no means was this a lecture. It was more like a gathering amongst friends. I used my own failings as an example of just how quickly a person could take a wrong turn and end up in prison. Of course, I also shared about my salvation experience and my faith in Christ, too.
I know that John-John and Ronnie are carrying around a lot of emotional baggage - for want of a better term. Although living in the suburbs, their lives are anything but ideal. For me, it was a privilege to meet them. Hopefully I was able to give John-John and Ronnie some good advice to help them navigate the world. I know, too, that I may never see their faces again. So at the end of the visit, we all joined hands and prayed. Then we said our goodbyes. I plan to stay in touch with them via my friend, Mike.
It was a productive time together. We had a good talk. I know these two boys are very special to Jesus, and He loves them very much.
D.B.
"John-John" and "Ronnie" are from Long Island. They attend my friend's youth group at church. Mike had been wanting to bring them for a while, and this time everything finally worked out.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to share my story. John-John is nineteen, and Ronnie, sixteen. Both come from a home where there are serious conflicts going on, none of which I am at liberty to discuss. But Mike and his pastor had hoped that I could somehow encourage them to stay on the right path, and not succumb to peer pressure or various temptations which, if given in to, can ruin a man's life.
My two main themes were, "Let God do something wonderful with your life," and "You have a good future. Don't waste it." They appeared to listen intently, and they asked questions. By no means was this a lecture. It was more like a gathering amongst friends. I used my own failings as an example of just how quickly a person could take a wrong turn and end up in prison. Of course, I also shared about my salvation experience and my faith in Christ, too.
I know that John-John and Ronnie are carrying around a lot of emotional baggage - for want of a better term. Although living in the suburbs, their lives are anything but ideal. For me, it was a privilege to meet them. Hopefully I was able to give John-John and Ronnie some good advice to help them navigate the world. I know, too, that I may never see their faces again. So at the end of the visit, we all joined hands and prayed. Then we said our goodbyes. I plan to stay in touch with them via my friend, Mike.
It was a productive time together. We had a good talk. I know these two boys are very special to Jesus, and He loves them very much.
D.B.
