From The Executive Director
Connecting With You
Dear Friend,
As many adults in our shelters recall their dysfunctional childhoods—and boys and girls in our youth programs share the realities of their current living situations—they speak of children forced to make adult decisions and of absentee, addicted or “unprotective” parents who either don’t care about their youngsters or don’t know how to keep them safe.
I’m both shocked and saddened when I hear such tragic accounts. They prompt me to remember my blessings as a child raised in a family where both parents were present, loved God, and truly cared for my needs. Yet I know that apart from a life-altering relationship with Jesus Christ, man can do horrendous things to other human beings, even their own children.
Some of the most moving words I’ve ever heard came from former Christian Life Program graduate and current staff member Johnny Evans. In his testimony he says with tears of sadness and joy, “I’m so happy ‘cause I’ve been trying to do it for so long.” He’s recalling the vast majority of his life spent trying to find happiness and answers apart from Jesus Christ, pursuing what often brought pain to others and only temporary relief from his despair.
Psalm 56:8 speaks of God keeping a record of our tears—even collecting them in a bottle. He truly cares for the overwhelmingly difficult lives of the men, women and children we seek to love every day. Thank you for loving them through us!
For His glory,
Rev. Daniel J. Doty
Executive Director
