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You Never Know How God Will Work
Ken Turner
Last Thursday night I drove to the Indianapolis Juvenile Detention Center to lead a weekly Bible study called "Man Up!" The guys chose the title because they tell each other to "Man Up" when they feel someone is not taking responsibility for their own actions. I never know what might happen when I go each Thursday night.
I'm not supposed to share names of teens because of confidentiality policies of the detention center so I will refer to this guy as James.
Our study was on Moses call to lead the children of Israel. I explained the fears Moses felt when he was called of God through the voice coming from a burning fiery bush. We talked about our fears as young men. It occurred to us all that Moses was not afraid of the fire, the snake or even the dark; Moses was afraid TO LEAD.
Of all the things to strike fear in us, is it not amazing the fear to lead is at the top.
James came to me after we finished our study. He asked me to pray for him. He has been in the detention center for three weeks, has made significant spiritual commitments to give his life over to God and is now extremely worried that he has broken his mother's heart. James shared through his tears how much he worries that he is not home to support and show love to his mother. You see, James is like most of the boys I minister to; he has no father at his house. He will go home soon and try to be the man of the house at the age of 15. I want to do more for James and others like him. I want to see young men like James experience a new life in Christ by accepting Jesus as their Savior, become established in the Word of God and be discipled after they are released to go home. That's why, when asked to take a lead role in the development of a mentoring program, I jumped at the opportunity. It's a great way to implement discipleship in the lives of these young people.
It's a lot different ministering to troubled youth in the inner city. I spent most of my years ministering to church teens as a youth pastor. These teens are not afraid to walk right up to you and plead with you to pray for them, teach them and help them. It's because approximately 75% of them are not really troubled youth in the sense we think of as "troublemakers." They have committed "crimes of survival." Crimes like running away to get out the home where drug deals and other illegal activities are threatening their very existence. These kids want help. It's not that they are unteachable, it's that they don't have a teacher.
When you support Ken Turner Ministries, you are investing as a partner with me in reaching these youth who really want to find God's path. This ministry is now five months old. The way God has provided has been miraculous. There are times, however when funds are very tight. It's part of being a young ministry endeavor. Recently a guy came to me and wanted to buy me a tank of gas. We literally drove to the gas station and he put his card in the pump and filled the tank. I drove to the detention center and saw 10 boys saved that night. I had to call and tell him about it the next day. I said, "You bought the gas that made this possible." I don't know which is more exciting, being in the room and hearing 10 teenagers pray to accept Christ or being the one who bought the gas? I think they are both equal in God's eyes.
If you feel God is leading you to partner with me by financially supporting this ministry to youth who are truly wanting to change, your gift will be greatly used.
Here is how you can help:
- Regular, monthly support in any amount.
- $25.00 to purchase a Bible and a spiritual journal for one teen.
- A one time substantial gift to help fund the expenses of the ministry.
How to give:
- Mail your gift to:
- Ken Turner Ministries, PO Box 460, Zionsville, IN 46077
- Give online at www.kenturnerministries.org
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Ken Turner Ministries
One Brings The Message - 
