Jesus, Our Only Hope

Yesterday I was blessed to have the opportunity to speak and minister to about 100 boys and girls at the Oakley Training School in Raymond, MS, several of whom were graduating that day. These young people appeared to be mostly between 13 to 17 years old and are there because they have gotten into trouble with the law. I was told that their reform training usually lasts at least 10 weeks. I asked one of the staff members if many of them end up returning after they’ve gone back home. I was told that several have been back seven or eight times. The problem is that they are usually returning home to an environment with the same problems and without any hope or encouragement. God allowed me to minister to these young people out of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you…plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” I pray that they will call on God. His Word promises that if we will seek Him with all of our heart we will find Him. These boys and girls need the Lord in a big way. Man’s way to bring change is always an attempt from the outside in, but only God can give us a new heart and cause us to become a new creature. When the Lord Jesus Christ is sought and found He will change our lives like no one else ever can. He will set us free from the bondages of sin and addictions. I believe that households and neighborhoods will be changed when one person truly repents and puts his trust in Jesus Christ. Please pray for these young people, their families, and also for the staff at Oakley. The folks that I met there were encouraging to me in that they know how much these kids need God. I am very thankful that I was allowed, and encouraged, to preach Jesus without compromise in this public institution. Praise be to God!