Roger was introduced to Jessie during a regular pre-camp home visit. This is her story in his words: “I was invited into the home by the grandparents. It was obvious we (the Ranch as well as myself) were being scrutinized. As I shared more about us, they opened up. Then they revealed to me that Jessie had lost her mother to suicide a year ago, and her father was living with his girlfriend. She was struggling with this whole situation. When she arrived home and plunked herself down at the table, I could tell she was hurting and had built up a “tough girl” attitude. I shared my story about the loss of my little girl who was killed 7 years ago. As I was speaking, her heart softened, and tears welled up in her eyes as she expressed her sadness for the loss of my baby girl. From that moment, we were visiting like we had known each other for a long time. Grandpa walked me out to the car. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘I hope you know what a Godsend you’ve been today.’”
Another mentor and his protégé visit over dinner.
During another visit after camp, Grandma expressed her thrill with what had happened at camp saying, “This was the best thing that’s happened to our little girl since her mom’s death”. She went on to share how Jessie was all “bubbly” when she recounted the stories and shared pictures of herself from camp with friends and extended family, and she also told me how she is not the same person she was!
Just a few weeks ago, Jessie was matched with a new friend, her mentor Jackie. They are embarking on the wonderful journey of developing a trusting friendship. They played games together, visited about the death of Jessie’s dog, and the feelings she has of being “weird”. This is the beginning of a long term friendship centered on Christ. Please pray for them as they walk this road together.