Youth for Tomorrow Special
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven”
(Matthew 19:14, NKJV).
Then the King will say, “I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me”
(Matthew 25:40, MSG).
Friends, there has been a relentless attack on our families, our youth, and our children. Far too many live with dysfunctional families, drug-infested neighborhoods, criminal environments, and a lack of love and values. Our children shouldn’t have to live without the love of a family and the love of Jesus.
Youth for Tomorrow has been working to change the lives of at-risk children for decades. Their program is truly exceptional. They reach out to children with these issues, and more:
Foster Care
Criminal Behavior
Substance Abuse
Depression
Family Crises
Mental Health Disorders
Pregnant Teens and Teen Mothers
Sexually Abused or Exploited Youth
Sex-Trafficked Youth
It is heartbreaking to think of children in such devastating circumstances. But it’s wonderful to know there are men and women of God who are doing something about it.
I recently had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Gary L. Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Youth for Tomorrow, about the amazing work being done there. This outstanding organization maintains a residential treatment center, counseling center, secondary school, and behavioral health program—all fully accredited and Christ-centered.
I want to share some of what he told me with you:
Pastor Jentezen, 75 to 80 percent of the children at Youth for Tomorrow have never had a father in the home. Ever. It’s not unusual for a grandmother to call us and say, "My son is in prison and my daughter has overdosed. I can’t handle my grandson any more. Will you take him in?" The children we deal with average 15 to 16 years of age. They are usually without parenting. They are three to five years behind the typical grade level for their age. Many of them have problems with alcohol or drugs, and most are unchurched.
So many of the children we work with have "street values.” They only care about themselves. They disrespect law, disrespect friends, and disrespect authority. Our role is to parent and love these children, to love these children, and to show God’s love to these children.
While they’re on our campus, these kids are immersed in the Word. Each week we have devotionals, Bible studies, chapel services, and worship celebrations. Our residence homes are staffed with men and women who center their lives around Jesus. We’re not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at Youth for Tomorrow. We believe change must come from the inside out.
Children who come here are as profane, vulgar, and defiant as you could ever expect. They have been through horrific circumstances. They've made destructive choices. They survived tragedy we can't imagine. But when Jesus penetrates their souls, everything changes.
Pastor, there’s spiritual warfare on the Youth for Tomorrow campus. And it’s won in the throne room of God by people on their knees.
I’m so impressed and excited by what God is doing through Youth for Tomorrow. I believe God is favoring them and blessing their work. Because I also believe in getting behind what God is favoring, we’ve pledged to partner with them to build a new residential home to reach even more children.
When God changes the life of a young person, it changes the generations to come. It changes homes and communities. It actually impacts the world. How incredible is it to be part of changing the world?
Would you join me in prayer for Youth for Tomorrow?
Father, thank you for the mission of Youth for Tomorrow. Thank you for lives being changed and souls being reached for you. Lord, give them wisdom, joy, and patience. Enable them to show Jesus to children who are broken. Bless every child and every worker on their campus. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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