Ray is the director of the Juvenile Justice Ministry at Greater Cleveland Youth for Christ. Each week, he visits incarcerated youth at Juvenile Detention Centers to build relationships, teach life skills, and share the hope of Jesus. One week, a guard noticed which particular group he was visiting. “Good luck with them,” he remarked.
“What do you mean?” Ray responded. “Those are my boys!”
The kids were rowdy that day, so Ray stopped to get their attention. “You know what people are saying about you out there?” he asked. “In here?”
The boys were quiet. They knew.
“But what did I say about you?” He met their eyes. “I told them you’re my boys.” He let it sink in. “Now go out this week and prove it to yourselves. Show this whole facility that you can be better!”
That day was a teaching moment for Ray. He realized these kids had no one else rooting for them. The world is against them. Even the guards are against them. If everyone keeps telling them—“You’re horrible. You’re a lost cause.”—then they are going to stay that way. But Ray believes God isn’t done with them yet.
There is a stark difference between what the world says about you and what God says. The world may say you are broken, hopeless, and worthless. But God says you are His. He picks you up and makes you new. Behavior change will never matter without a heart change, and that only comes through being seen, being known, and being loved. Having someone to lift you up and believe in more for you makes all the difference. That’s what we’re showing these kids. That is the Gospel.
Want to Make a Difference?
Ray and the YFC staff are showing teens someone loves and believes in them. Do you want to give these teens a second chance? Click here to volunteer to help students know God’s love. Your presence makes a difference in the lives of youth across Cleveland.