Why Did You Come?
A short time ago on a Wednesday evening, I walked into the runaway shelter for our normal Leverage Ministries program. I was greeted by a young lady named Penny who looked me in the eye and asked, “Why did you come?”
I’ve never been asked that question. But before I could answer, Penny said, “If you came to see smiles on our faces, it’s not going to happen.”
She went on to tell me that every person was there not of their own choice, but because they were sent there. That nobody wants to be there. She continued on to share how bad it was. The kids are told when they can eat, when they can go outside, when they have to get up, when they have to go to sleep.
Penny then said again: “If you’re looking for smiles and happiness and to make yourself feel better, you’ve come to the wrong place.”
I told Penny that no, I didn’t come to see smiles. If I wanted smiles, I could go to Disney World or to the beach. I explained to her that while I always hope the kids have a good time with the games and that they will listen to me as I share from God’s Word, her smile or happiness has nothing to do with why I come to the runaway shelter. I told Penny that I come for one reason: to share with each one of them a message from the Bible — God’s instruction book to each of us on how we are to navigate this thing we call life.
I believe Penny did have fun with the game that night, partly because the girls’ team won. After the game when I shared from God’s word, I believe Penny did listen. In fact, she came to me after the program to thank me. Then she said, “You all are different. I hope you all will come back.”
I told Penny that we would be back — not just for the smiles, but because we care and serve a God who loves and cares about each kid at the runaway shelter. I shared about how God wants to have a personal relationship with each one.
Please pray for kids like Penny and for Leverage Ministries as we continue to meet teens in difficult places. Our goal is always to point them to Jesus.
Thank you so much to each of you who sacrificially give so that Leverage Ministries can continue to reach the abused, abandoned and arrested teens in central Florida.
In His Service,
Scott
DEAN JOHNSON LEGACY TEAM
Recently, we announced the Dean Johnson Legacy Team. This legacy fund will provide much-needed support as we grow and expand the various programs of Leverage Ministries. Currently, there are more than 8,000 at-risk youth in Polk County. Dean loved Leverage Ministries and was a faithful volunteer from the very beginning, and we thought this was a fitting way to honor his legacy.
This team is limited to 100 people who will give a minimum donation of $25/month for a year. Team members will have a photo and one-sentence memory or tribute. If you would like to honor Dean by joining this legacy team and continuing his passion to serve the youth in our area, please call me at (863) 221-7593 or email me at scott@leverageministries.org.
You can also visit www.leverageministries.org to find out more and see who has already joined the team.
ROGER EVANS MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC
The Inaugural Roger Evans Memorial Golf Classic benefiting Leverage Ministries will be held on Friday, May 10, at the Club at Eaglebrooke. We are currently looking for golfers and sponsors for this event. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/EvansClassic.