It Started With a Fishing Trip
William’s foster family was loving and provided well for him, eventually adopting him. But anger had taken root in William, growing and controlling his thoughts and emotions. He needed outside help to conquer his rage, so William, now 17, entered the program at Broken Shackle. Part of that program is a life-skills course called Holistic Hardware, led by Here’s Life staff Johnnie Thompson. Holistic Hardware was developed in a Christian homeless shelter, and several years ago Here’s Life made it broadly available on video. It includes biblically-based teaching in ten areas, including "tools" like Responsibility, Discipline, Faith and Vision. Building relationships with the boys is crucial for building trust and seeing change. Johnnie didn’t meet William first in the classroom — they got to know one another while fishing in a nearby creek. William writes songs, and his music reflected the fury he felt. But as he moved through the Holistic Hardware classes — and as he participated in Johnnie’s Bible study — his heart started to change. He began to draw on God’s power to turn away from the anger of his past and move forward with new vision and control. The songs William writes now are about pleasing God, and he dreams of being a Youth Pastor. He will be able to speak from experience about the awesome power of God to change a life. |
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Broken Shackle Ranch in Georgia, a home for at-risk youth, is actually William’s third home. At age 2 he was rescued from a very abusive family situation and placed in foster care.