Kids Like Me
What an amazing week this has been! A few days ago, I was at a conference for camps who reach out to kids with incarcerated parents. It was a wonderful time of networking with others who have a heart to reach these precious, hurting kids. Next, over the weekend, I participated in an event benefitting a foster care agency and connected with many people who desire to make a difference in the lives of foster kids. Then today, I had profound conversation with a delivery man we’ll call Richard.
Richard was keenly interested in our efforts to reach at-risk kids. He asked several questions about our ministry operations and program. After some time, Richard began to share his own story. He grew up in a rough situation. His father was a drug dealer. Richard had the opportunity as a child to attend an after-school program. The program made an impact on him, but it wasn’t enough to keep him from following in his father’s footsteps. Richard got caught up in drugs and landed in prison. The lessons he learned in the after-school program, however, never left him. Following his release, Richard took charge of his life, getting a good job, building credit, and buying a house. Some of his high school friends were still stuck in the old routine, but Richard got out because someone reached him when he was a child. Richard then looked me in the eye. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” he said. “It really makes a difference for kids like me.” He then shook my hand, blessed me, and said, “I’ll be sending you a donation.”
Friends, this world is full of kids like Richard—incarcerated parents, placed in foster care, a host of negative influences—but hope is not lost. God is actively at work through people like you and me to make a difference in their lives. At South Mountain Christian Camp, the Lord gives them the opportunity to get away from the mess so that they can have a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.
And that can make all the difference in the world.
If you would like to be a part of what God is doing at South Mountain Christian Camp, you can partner with us through your giving through the Donate button below, or mail your donation to SMCC at PO Box 9, Bostic NC 28018.
A Free Gift For You
I would love to send you a free, autographed copy of my book, Footsteps of Faith. This ministry autobiography shares some incredible stories of God's hand at work in my life, at South Mountain Christian Camp, and in the lives of our campers. To receive your free copy, place your order through the link below. No purchase is required. Donations are deeply appreciated.
