The following post comes from Angel Pittman, one of CBF’s field personnel in Miami, Fla. Learn more about Angel and her ministry, Touching Miami with Love

This past Saturday, September 28th, some 40 people from Christ Journey Church came out to use their hands to help us with a variety of projects at Touching Miami with Love (TML). We built picnic tables, potted palm trees, spruced up our flower bed, painted our storage shed and even prepared our latest newsletter for mailing.

Before we began our projects we paused to share a bit about the ministry that happens at TML on a daily basis. As we were introducing the staff scattered around the room, the back door opened and Deondre* walked in.  His visit and the tiny moment that happened in the midst was hugely profound for us.

For the large group gathered in the back room it happened so quickly that they might not have even noticed it. 

Undaunted by the huge group of strangers, Deondre squeezed in between my husband Jason and me and put an arm around both our shoulders. Surprised to see him, I jokingly introduced him while I was sharing.

In between talking about TML, he squeezed our shoulders and whispered, “Thanks for going to court with me last Friday,” and then just as quickly slipped out the door.

Deondre is like a lot of young men in Overtown. Raised in the projects, he roamed the streets as a kid, and without a stable home life, was always very behind in school. Deondre might look tough with his tattoos and long dreads, but as you get to know him you’ll find he is very sweet and is receptive to advice and learning.

He joined our Today’s Leaders Youth Group while in high school and his junior year attended Camp Oasis with us, a Christian camp specifically designed for urban youth.  His time at camp was encouraging to watch as staff reported later how he separated himself during worship sitting at the end of the row so he could concentrate and listen.

Despite his growth in understanding from our Bible studies and time at camp, he remains confused about whether Jesus is “for real” and whether God could really make a difference in his life.

Although he had great attendance in our program and decent attendance in school Deondre wasn’t able to pass the state mandated exam and instead of a high school diploma received a certificate of completion—a worthless document.

Struggling to find a job without a diploma or have a chance at college his options are severely limited. During some one-on-one time with one of our youth mentors recently he shared in a very matter of fact way that he really has no hope of a better life.

Just a few weeks ago, driving his girlfriend home in a friends’ car he was stopped and arrested for possession of a narcotic. Even though his story and the police account didn’t match up, Jason and Trina our program director decided that standing beside him in court as he faced his punishment was important to send the message that no matter what mistakes he may have made we were still with him.

In the weeks leading up to the court date there were long conversations about right choices and even some motherly advice from me regarding what was considered appropriate dress for the court room and how to wear his long dreads he refused to cut off.

Deondre as a first time offender was sentenced to out-patient drug rehab and although it might seem discouraging, we see it as a new opportunity for him.  Now having to check in for classes twice a week and routine drug tests, we know he’ll have to stay on the straight and narrow.  We’re looking into options that will allow him the chance to enter some alternative programs for his GED and even get some much needed work experience.

For all our TML family, children to young adults and beyond, we never want to give up on them. For us on Saturday seeing Deondre pop up in the midst of all those unfamiliar faces, throw an arm around us and whisper thanks tells me that he’s not ready to give up just yet either.

We give God the glory for allowing us the opportunity to continue to walk beside this young man and continue to share in his hope for a better future.  Thanks to all of you who served on Saturday, please join us in prayer for Deondre.

*We’ve changed his name to protect his privacy, but if you were with us on Saturday I introduced him by his real name!