This past week, I shared with about 100 youth in two facilities. I was able to share the Gospel and my story and even show my opening video, but they did not want any open responses from kids so that was hard. I was allowed to fully share Christ as my hope and savior and pray with them to do the same . In one place I asked the kids to just look up as me…indicating their need. After the message of forgiveness about abuse or being wronged .. better than 80% looked right at me. So many of these kids are stuck in bitterness that is both destructive against themselves and others. So GREAT to see JESUS set them FREE! Oh how do I know…
Here’s a high point of my visit. One young man looked at me with intense hate the whole time. It was a bit off-putting honestly, and then when I spoke about my abuse he sneered and laughed! But when I shared Christ on the Cross and the fact that he came to set them free from the inside guess who came up to me the last kid leaving the gym…right up to my face…he had tears in his eyes and then…HE GAVE ME A HUG!!! His hate had been replaced by hope! Only the Holy Spirit can do that. So never allow what a person is saying or doing to indicate what the Holy Spirit may be doing.
Also, last week on Wednesday I spoke to Christian Junior High and High School. Why? These are kids at risk. I hear sad stories and get calls and e-mails weekly about Christian kids who have gone haywire. So I feel compelled to reach out to churched kids as well to stop them from taking the bait by Satan. And when I tell them about the other side of the spectrum of the kids I see in youth prisons–the ones who kill, rape deal drugs etc. I get the full attention of the Christian kids. A total of 31 indicated their need to repent and fully surrender to Christ last week. Your prayers make the difference I hope you can see this is not a normal thing.
Here are two responses I received from a boy and a girl who read my book this past week PTL!!!
Dear Mr. Marx
Your book really made a positive impact on me. Reading about all the trials
you went through in life really opened my eyes. I don’t think I would be able
to handle everything you did, and still come out serving God in the end. I
want to thank you for helping to strengthen my faith and make me more aware of
God’s power over us.
Gregory (from high school)
Dear Mr. Marx,
Thank you so much for writing this book. It encouraged me in my walk with
God and it gave me a new perspective on what people go through in this world.
I didnt have any idea that people go through so much suffering. I am so
blessed to have a mom and dad that love eachother and i am so blessed in going
to a christian school. I’m interested in taking karate from you so i hope that
i will see you soon. Thank you for all that you do and i pray that you will
stay strong in your relationship with Jesus.
Your friend,
Sarah 
(from junior high)
God is faithful. We are grateful to be part of what He’s doing in the lives of these kids.
Do you have stories like these? Do you know kids who need to hear the Gospel? Would love to hear from y’all.
hi, my names brittany bowditch. you came and spoke to my church about a month ago (calvary chapel murrieta)and i thought it was a beautiful funny message. i will see you again today in my youth room! these last two months have been really difficult on my moher and grandmother.
my grandma has had a massive heart attack, the worst part was, i have always hated her, i told her not too long ago. then i had to face her in a hospital bed where she very well may die. but after we got back from this trip i saw your message…it brought me to tears-i dont cry-and i was so….encouraged.so two weeks later the doctors said my grandma had no chance pat two weeks left.
we went back to visit. my grandma gotsaved and our relationship restored.i thank you. you are an amazing optimist! im very exited to see you tonight!