“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a quote proven over and over again through many encounters and situations. I recently meant a group of people that proved, once again, that a cover, alone, does not indicate the character within. We all have the potential to achieve an exemplary life, despite how our current situation may appear to others.
I was blessed recently to have spent a day watching a dedicated ministry make a difference in the life stories of young people in the Solano County Juvenile Detention Facility. I first learned about the Juvenile Hall Ministry of the Revival Center Church in Vallejo, California through my co-worker, Denise Nance, a sincere and bubbly soul who always has a kind word (and hug!) for everyone.
In a recent conversation, Denise shared about her twelve years of mentoring troubled youth. Though it did not surprise me that such a joyful person helped others, I was deeply moved at how her heart hurt for their hardships and I was moved by her passion to make a difference in the lives of young people with words of love and hope. She then introduced me to others with the same mission. One of those people was Anthony Williams, the lead pastor of this ministry for 23 years.
As I talked with Pastor Anthony, it was uplifting to hear the same joy in his voice as he told me about sharing the Gospel with people who were dealt an unfair hand in life—individuals whose struggles in life often resulted in unresolved emotions. Beginning as a mainstream rapper in his teenage years, he was led to Christian rap in 1984 and became a youth pastor. He formed a youth group and focused on studying the bible, and teaching skills on how to minister to the outside world. With a 2.0 GPA requirement and a commitment of one year, this outreach program provided stability and kept youth off the streets. It was this outreach that later brought Pastor Anthony to the Revival Center. His passion to rap and his gift to teach expanded vastly, and the Juvenile Hall Ministry was formed.
Individuals who wish to join are required to complete one day of training, where the rules and guidelines of the juvenile hall are reviewed. Participants also undergo a live scan fingerprint (background check) and commit to the first Sunday of every month to have group discussions in “pods, ” which are gender and age-specific areas within the juvenile hall facility. The ministry participants spend the first three months in the lobby praying and singing. After that initial period, they are each assigned to a team for each “pod.”
My family and I sat in the lobby where we joined in a prayer circle before soaking in the beautiful singing and positive words of affirmation during the hour. I was so moved. I cried tears that came from an array of emotions that inspired me; I felt a sense of hope for a world that can be so difficult for both children and adults. I found it incredible how devoted this ministry is, as it works to change the negative aspects of life that so many young people struggle with. While the covers of their stories may show a picture of being locked up physically, through this ministry, doors are opened to compassion and love. Even though the consequences of past actions must be faced, it is always unconditional love and compassion that “unlocks” their potential.
I was so grateful to be in the presence of individuals who work to inspire others. Thank you, Pastor Anthony. Thank you, Denise. Thank you, Revival Center.
May we all remember that it is never too late—that mistakes are only stepping-stones, and not the final chapter of our life stories. May the world always embrace making new choices, because whether young or old, we all have the potential to create chapters that paint a new picture.
For more information about the Juvenile Hall Ministry or Revival Center, please visit: https://www.revivalcenter.org/
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