Jackie: From gangs to God

The first time I met Jackie, he was in trouble with law enforcement.  I thought that surely the Baptist Home leaders would not accept this kid. He was apparently trouble.  

But accept Jackie they did, and placed him in the Senior Boy’s Cottage where my wife, Joyce, and I serve as houseparents.
Jackie seemed likable enough, but all he talked about was fighting and his gangs. He was interested in nothing but serving his time and getting out of here.  

Almost from the start, he began questioning us about our devotionals, our faith and why we attend church.  

One night, after church services while  preparing to go to bed, Jackie told me that he was very familiar with the Bible and quoted, word for word, Psalm 23.  I was amazed!  When I asked him where he had learned that, he told me his mother (actually grandmother) had taken him to church and made him learn that passage.  However, he said, all that religious stuff was “baloney” and that he didn’t believe in it.

Jackie continued to ask questions after each devotional and sometimes after church services.  Then in November 2010, Jackie made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He joined Second Baptist Church of Monticello and was baptized in December.  Jackie began to read his Bible daily, often staying up past his scheduled bedtime.  

One Sunday night, our cottage residents were unable to attend church and Jackie asked if he could bring a devotional, which he did very well.  He has changed more and quicker than any child my wife and I have had in our care during the nearly six years that we have been house parents.  Jackie now believes that God may be calling him to preach His word. I say, “Amen, Lord let him preach!”

By the way, Jackie now wants to stay at Baptist Home, and finish high school and perhaps go on to college.

By Leonard Russell, houseparent, Baptist Home for Children, Monticello