A question I get asked often is, “What happens to the kids when they get out?”
Here’s a story of one. A young man named Brad. He is 21 years old, making good choices now…but let’s back up a few years.
At age 10 his dad came into his room, pulled out a shotgun, and killed himself right in front of him. The impact of that horrific act on his 10 year-old mind left him shocked and angry. Brad’s anger led him into trouble for several years. At age 15 he was incarcerated for assault. He was defending his mom from an abusive boyfriend and put the man in the hospital by beating him in the head with an ashtray. Brad spent about three years in prison.
I met Brad when he was 15, in prison in Alabama, and I was on an outreach. Brad responded to my message and he gave his life to Christ! At age 18 he got out and has stayed out! He tells me the return rate for youth offenders in Alabama is over 75%, so he feels God is the one who helped him beat the odds.
Brad wants to positively impact and make a difference in other people’s lives now. To help, ATP is assisting to grow and mature him spiritually. He’d like to go into youth prisons, speak to and reach kids like the one he used to be: angry, lost and without hope. He has a great sense of humor, too, and says if he can bring laughter and joy to people in a day, then he feels like he’s done good!
Would you like to help Brad, too?
Please pray for him, as we assist him to help him grow in the things of the Lord so his life can fulfill God’ purpose in this world.
God bless you,
Victor and Eileen Marx & Staff
Brad, my prayers are with you and for you, Buddy! Keep us posted on how you’re doing!
-ATP Amy
My prayers are with you also Brad. I see and hear many awful things that have happened to prisoners as well as the terrible things that they themselves have done. But isn’t it wonderful to know that a loving God can take his own blood, cleanse us, make us whole, set us free, change our lives and give us eternal life! Praise the Lord! Keep your eyes on Jesus my brother!
God bless!
George (Jn.9: 4)
Aloha from Arizona, Brad. There isn’t a human being on God’s planet earth that can answer all of the “Why?” questions we have. But I do know that our life experiences do prepare us to minister to hundreds, even thousands of others, who have gone through or will go through the same experiences you’ve already encountered. I’ve heard it said many times that God will turn all these difficult experiences around for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. The hurts, trials, tribulations, testings,difficulties can serve to make us who God ultimately sees us becoming: a man of God He can use, and send out to those who need what you have to give – your self, your experiences, your caring, your empathy, and most of all, your love. Wounded, healed warriors make the best “spiritual” medics in our spiritual battles. Blessings Brad!
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah! I’m always in such awe when I hear what the Lord is doing in other people’s lives. He’s so WONDERFUL!!!
Brad
What amazing plan our God has for you. He has set one of His beloved sons before you to guide you in fellowship under the power of our Helper. How hearts will begin to heal at the words that will flow from The Holy Spirit through your mouth. Lord I thank You for the new heart that You have created in Brad. Thank You Father for never leaving his side. You Abba and You alone are the able One who carries Your children through the valley of this world and Father because of Your loving grace You have added another soldier to Your Mighty Kingdom…I praise You Father for the plans You have for Brad’s life and for the strength and confidence You will grant Him when he calls upon Your name to fulfill Your plans. Capture Him today with Your Mighty arms Abba for he is the One whom You have called by name..he is the one whom You love.Thank You Father setting Victor in Brad’s path to reveal Your will for Brad’s life. Father I ask that You would continue to show them both Your power and please Abba pour Your power all over them because they desire to live a life that honors You. Please Father with the same strength that Brad had to protect his broken hearted mother may You give him that strength to defend Your Word. May his life have such an extreme transformation that it will be associated with the life of Your servant Paul. Abba grant them both Your strength to stand together in the power of Your might because they desire to give all the glory to You Father, for You are the only worthy One. In the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ I pray, Amen
Keep this scripture in your heart because the enemy is at your door. Our Lord is always with you, He has never and will never leave your side!!!!!!
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and then not fulfill?
My email is cristiana23@live.com if at any time you need prayer, my husband and I will pray, and our Defender, our loving God, will give ear because He loves His children to come to Him.
Brad, God has plans for you. The tactics the enemy uses to halt God’s work can often become opportunities for growth as well as blessings for God’s people. placed in hard circumstances, we can either choose to be better or bitter, thankful or critical, humble or rebellious. What satan intends for evil, God intends for our good. When allowed,He uses the enemy’s weapons as tools to further His work and develop our character. Words taken out of my women’s minintry bible study. We are studing the book of Nehemiah. God has placed Victor in your path,He has given both of you strength and power that only comes from our Father. Love in Jesus, Sarah K.
Dear Brad
This comes to you from Oakville, Ontario Canada. l am 47 yrs old, and with that have endured some things in common with you. Of one, my brother committed suicide several years ago, and my heart is still torn at times as l wonder what life would have been had he not done this. My life was filled with anger, disappointment, hurt and grief. God is so joyful and proud of you, because you have made the biggest decision of your life, to let Him heal you, encourage you, and bring you to a place where you will be able to encourage others through this suffering if you are not already. As l am sure you know by now, it is through these times of great suffering that “We” do our greatest works for the Lord. In that, you will find continued healing, and joy in your heart. l am with you, l support you, and l love you for what you have endured, and the strong young man you have become!
Now, go and knock their socks off!
God Bless You Always….Hang in There Brother!!
Catherine