Robbed Of My Opportunities: Jay's Story

A couple days ago at Breakfast Club, I was talking with a young man named Jay about his life goals, future plans and his relationship with Jesus. Jay looked at me and said, “Pastor Scott, life has robbed me of most of my choices and opportunities.” That caught my attention, so I asked him to explain what he meant.

Jay said to me, “I would have liked to have grown up with a mom and dad in the same house. But my dad is dead, and my mom is in jail. You see, Pastor Scott…life has robbed me of living in a nice house with hot water and food I want to eat and clothes I want to wear. I would like to do well in school and be able to go to college some day, but to be completely honest with you, I will probably end up in prison like the rest of my family and people I know.”

Unfortunately, that is the story I hear way too often. Each story is a little different than Jay’s, but so many of the kids we worked with feel they have no choice and no hope.

This year, as you sit around your Christmas tree to share gifts and gather around your dinner table with your family and friends, would you remember those who do not have that same opportunities? Teenagers like Jay who who need the one true Hope that comes from having a relationship with Christ?

Luke 2:10 says, “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.’” That good news is salvation.

Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” That includes Jay, who feels like he was robbed of some of life’s opportunities. But no one has been robbed of the opportunity to trust In the Saving Grace of Jesus.

Would you prayerfully consider a year-end gift to Leverage Ministries that will enable us to continue sharing this Hope with the at-risk youth of Polk County through our Breakfast Club ministries, at the Runaway Shelter, at summer camps and at the various sports camps throughout the year?

You can give online at www.leverageministries.org/give-now or send a check to Leverage Ministries, PO Box 1533, Auburndale, FL 33823.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In His Service,

Scott Hirdes