While driving one Saturday with my wife and kids my cell phone started ringing. It was a young man named Jaime who I met years ago when he was 14 or 15. He said, “I’m just calling to say thank you and to tell you how much I appreciated all that you have done for me.” We had spent a lot of time talking together in the little glassed-in room at juvenile detention. Many tears, much regret, and shame over the things he had done. He would re-dedicate his life to the Lord and plan to do better when he got out. I was grateful that my family was able to catch a glimpse of the depth of relationship I had with this young man and the love we shared for each other. Unfortunately, two weeks later, he was dead of a fentanyl overdose.

 

As I write this, I have tears in my eyes for the loss I feel. The only thing that could be worse would be if he hadn’t given his life to Jesus. I am comforted to know that we will have lots of time in heaven to catch up and hug each other once again, with only tears of joy to wet our faces. Thank you for being in this Kingdom work!