A Visit to the Youth Detention Center

Several of us who are involved in the On Wings Like a Dove ministry were recently privileged to visit our local Youth Detention Center.  Each time we go I am blown away by what these young people have been exposed to in their short life, and therefore the choices they have made.
Some of them are very open to share their stories of drug use and crime.  It saddens me to the core.  For one thing, it is like going back in time with our own son.  I have also asked God to give me a heart for the lost and it grieves me that most of these young people have not learned about Jesus' love for them and His sacrifice on the cross.
We played the son "Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave.  He sings about not being who he used to be because Christ has redeemed him.
We talked in our small groups about what it means to be redeemed.  Here is the definition"

1. Compensate for the faults or bad aspects of something.  "a disappointing debate redeemed only by an outstanding speech."
2. Gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.  "his best suit had been redeemed from the pawnbrokers."
3. Synonyms: Retrieve, Regain, Recover, Get back, Reclaim, Repossess.

Redemption is the purchasing back of something that had been lost by the payment of a ransom.  Christ paid our ransom on the cross as He sacrificed Himself by His blood.  The debt we owed as sinners was not only cancelled but was paid in full.

If you have not made that decision for yourself won't you do it today?

If you have drifted away won't you confess that to Jesus today?  His Word says if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.

If you want more information on how to ask Jesus to rule in your heart and life, write us and we will send you some materials.