THE FOLD TESTIMONIALS
Steve - Rescued by the Great Shepherd
Before attending The Fold Family Ministries, I was like a lot of people I know. I was part of a culture in youth that was trying to get their needs met, but in the wrong way. Being the product of a broken home with an absent father and a mother with Multiple Sclerosis, I had a rough start. Compounding this was an extreme difficulty meeting expectations academically, and I tried to escape through the use of drugs and alcohol.
Though I had knowledge of the Lord before The Fold, I was lost. But God, who is now my Great Shepherd, was working all the while, even when I was unaware, to bring me to the adherence of His teachings. Through some legal problems, I was presented with a number of options; one of them was attending The Fold program. Reluctant, but willing, I began a journey that would result in my acknowledging the truth that I knew was there but failed to observe.
I saw God work in marvelous ways during my stay at The Fold. For example, during a boys’ home hike on the Long Trail, one of the other teens sprained his ankle. It began to rain and got freezing cold. We looked at the map and it indicated there was a shelter on the trail but it was a mile or two away. So, we prayed. Within minutes, we found a cabin that was not marked on the map and were able to stay there overnight and make it back safely helping our injured companion to our van the next morning in the sunlight! We sometimes sing how He ‘gives and takes away’ according to His justice and we experienced how He gave His help abundantly.
Through God’s grace, I have overcome the key areas in my life that were previously problematic. A huge accomplishment while at The Fold was that I completed my senior year of high school and earned my diploma. This was a goal that was nothing more than a vague ambition a year ago. My relationship with my mother has become increasingly meaningful and my entire family dynamic is now Christ-centered. I can honestly say I have a “hope and a future” that I know He predestined for me before the foundation of the world. Today, I feel capable and responsible as I face each day, letting Christ live through me.
My ambition for my future includes a bright prospect in the area of music. God has blessed me in that regard and I look forward to using this gift for His glory. I intend to enroll in college for further study and develop my talents.
Looking back, the evidence of a loving Savior who is my Shepherd, can be seen in the various facets of my life. Psalm 1 tells us that those who find delight in God instead of the world are “blessed.” This describes my personal experience each day in the choices I now make. I can truly say that God has made my “paths” straight. I would encourage anyone to become involved in The Fold’s ministry with the godly people who seek the Lord’s will. It is an experience that no one would be likely to forget!
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