Sharing & Showing the Love of Christ at Highlands Juvenile Detention Center

There is such beauty in each encounter we have at Highlands Juvenile Detention Center. Because our team is so diverse, each encounter is unique, personal, meaningful, and real. And each always conveys the hope and the love found in Christ.

Every story is powerful in its own way, but team member Ginger (from The Table Ministries) provided this summary last week that was especially touching and awe inspiring because of what took place in the midst of the hour:

"Today I went into pod c. The story of how Saul became Paul was laid on my heart, so I was in Acts 9. It started with Carlos and I. We started off with a prayer and before I knew it we had Akeem, Lay, Caleb, and eventually Xzayevion, (he wasn’t going to attend at first because they were playing poker). As we began to read and discuss the verses, Lay had said he believed in God, but he was Muslim and explained about his parents and how one was a Muslim. He had a lot of questions about belief and seemed very interested in belief in JESUS. Our discussion and reading of the scripture left us with me sharing my testimony, as well as why and how I believe. We were able to go through Acts 1-13, with discussions and questions. By the time it was ending all together there were 7 kids sitting at the table with me. I wasn’t able to get 2 of the names because it was so close to the end when they came I didn’t have a chance."

This has never happened before that one came, then some more came, then even more came! 

Bottom line: these kids trust us and they are hungry for Truth. They feel the power of God’s Word in action and our consistency and presence matters. The Holy Spirit is with us and with them in HJDC! 

What a blessing it is to be part of this and to see God at work in these young people - and in us - through this ministry. 

Are you feeling called to a ministry like this? Want to hear more? Contact any of the FPC team members to learn more: Nancy Allerton, John Graham, Bob Greene, Leigh King, Tom King, John Vann, Karen Vann, Dave Welch, and Linda Welch