"Thank You for Showing Me How to Walk With Jesus.”
Dear Friends of Leverage Ministries,
Around this time seven years ago, Leverage Ministries was born. A small group of men, led by the vision of Mike Musick, came together with a shared burden to reach the abused, abandoned, and arrested youth of Central Florida. Shortly after, I was invited to serve as the first director—and as they say, the rest is history.
One of the very first young people we met was a boy named Alan. His story has stayed with me ever since. Alan’s father had just been deported to Mexico, where he was immediately arrested and sentenced to life in prison. I’ll never forget Alan climbing into our van for Breakfast Club one morning and saying, “I’ll never see my dad again—but to be honest, I had only met him once.”
Alan’s mother faced her own challenges, and he moved from place to place, never living in the same home for more than a year. But during one of Leverage Ministries’ first overnight camps, Alan made the decision to trust Jesus as his Savior. From that moment on, he became a faithful part of our ministry—attending every single camp we’ve hosted and staying connected through all these years.
Many of our volunteers know Alan’s story and how difficult his life has been, but as one of them once said, “I don’t think Alan has ever had a bad day.” Despite everything he’s endured, Alan always manages to find joy.
Today, Alan is 18 years old. Last summer, he joined us once again for camp, and it was an incredible week. Shortly after, one of our local business partners offered to buy brand-new shoes for every boy in our program. The very last pair we delivered was—of course—Alan’s.
By then, he was living somewhere new, but we tracked him down and surprised him with a pair of Nike basketball shoes. His eyes lit up. He looked at me and said, “Pastor Scott, this is kind of funny—years ago you taught me how to walk with Jesus, and now you’re giving me the shoes.”
He hugged me and said softly, “I don’t know where I’d be without you guys. Thank you for showing me how to walk with Jesus.” Before I left, he gave me another hug and whispered, “These are my only shoes. The ones I wore to camp fell apart when I got home. You always have perfect timing—these are the first brand-new shoes I’ve ever had.”
Stories like Alan’s are the reason Leverage Ministries exists—to reach and disciple young men who need to experience the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
This year has been financially challenging, as our expenses have continued to rise. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us through a special year-end gift, so we can continue reaching young people like Alan? You can give online at www.leverageministries.org or by mailing a check (payable to Leverage Ministries) in the envelope provided.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6
Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your partnership in this ministry.
In His Service,
Scott Hirdes
From our family to yours, may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, a blessed Christmas, and a joyful New Year!