Friday night Youth Ministry at HOPE draws in many young people from the community. This fun filled evening of games and activities ends with a great time in worship and an interactive sharing of God’s Word. Throughout the week, as part of our schedule, we connect with the youth on a deeper level as we serve alongside them in our Community Outreach Ministry. The focus for our staff during these connecting times is to either lead someone to faith in Jesus or help draw them into a more intimate relationship with Him. This is not an easy task anywhere in the world, as many youth have barriers set up to prevent themselves from being vulnerable. In addition to that, many of our youth have deeply rooted wounds that shield their hearts from accepting love. As we make ourselves available to them and build trust and relationship, we see their hearts softening. Just one example, is the story of a young man we will call Junior, whose mother and father split up, left him and went their own way. For some time he lived with his father’s grandmother. With no guidance, he soon got into trouble and led a sinful lifestyle. His father moved in with another woman and her children. Junior then moved in with his father, but was treated and felt like an outsider. Throughout this time Junior was seeking refuge at Hope for the Island. He soaked up the love and attention at every opportunity. His heart is now softening as the Lord reaches his heart through our staff. Recently Junior’s father again left for another woman. Junior is only 15 and doesn’t know what to do or where to turn. He doesn’t want to follow his father again or return to his previous lifestyle. Please pray that God will open the right doors for Junior. We seek God’s wisdom and discernment as to how we can help in this fragile situation.
