TO LAY THE AXE TO THE CORRECT ROOT, it is no secret that we live in a world in open rejection of and rebellion against a holy God. As a result of the increasing glorification of sin in our culture, and because so many kids grow up today in a world without fathers (and often without mothers) to provide sufficient boundaries and structure, it is no surprise that they end up in juvenile detention or, worse, are sentenced "up state" to juvenile correctional institutions. A woefully high number of kids in juvenile detention have been abused, neglected or abandoned by parents who they may never have known, who are serving lengthy prison sentences, or who otherwise just haven't yet been a good "skipper of the boat." Often, the kids are there for violent crimes, and often for bad choices made in an attempt to "fit in," whether it be in a "substitute family" (I.e., gang), or just with peers with similarly few family resources.
AND TO BE FAIR, many do have a good parent, but have just made impulsive or bad choices. But when you take the time to get to know them, they are all human just like you and me, all great and inspiring kids, all with hopes and aspirations, and all in need of Christ and a true and loyal friend to point the way to Him, to show them the possibilities, and to walk with them while they take their first steps of trust and growth in Him.
Cross and Bars exists to minister to them, because they are constantly on God's heart. Scripture tells us that their angels are constantly before Him, and He is not willing that any child should perish (Matthew 18:10-14). Therefore, when ministering to juveniles, we do not shy away from the "tough" kids, the unlovely, the gang members, those who have lost hope, seem incorrigible, or those suffering from severe emotional disturbance or other mental illnesses. Instead, as God has "shed his love abroad in our hearts" (Romans 5:5) for those kids, we specifically seek them out, because the Father specifically and powerfully loves them. And when they come to know that, they respond to Him.
Cross and Bars' Chaplains provide one-on-one Christian counseling, evangelism and discipleship to youth ranging in age from 14 to 17 in the juvenile detention centers we serve. We work hard to earn and merit the trust of each youth, by getting to know each one as a unique individual, and by demonstrating the respect and love that each one deserves. We work for the individual benefit of each youth, accepting them as we find them, and contending for their salvation through Biblical preaching and teaching. By exalating the Lord Jesus Christ as the only and sinless Son of God who gave His life for them, and by exalting the Bible as His complete and trustworthy Word upon which they can rely, we strive to correct any errors and provide a solid, Biblical foundation and track upon which they can base their perceptions of themselves, set their sights, and anchor their lives.
Through our carefully selected, trained and supervised volunteers, Cross and Bars offers voluntary weekly Sunday morning church services and evening Bible study and worship services to every youth in the facilities we serve. Our church services provide an opportunity to hear the Gospel preached, in ways that directly relate to what the youth are experiencing in their lives, and to the unique challenges they face. Christ is contrasted with the world, to present to the kids God's provision of salvation through faith in Christ, and, to all who will receive Him, the good news that God will give them the power to become His sons or daughters; that He will be a loving and perfect heavenly Father to them, and that through obedience to HIm, they will overome the world and one day sit with God on His throne.
We preach with compassion, but urgency, Christ - and Him crucified. We refrain from teaching denominational doctrines, but simply preach directly from the Bible. Our goal is to help the kids to understand the Gospel, and to make the all-important choice to become born-again followers of Christ; to help them to grow in Him while they're incarcerated, and prepare them for the challenges they will face in following Him once they return home.
Depending on the seriousness and prior history of their charges, their family situation and their need for supervision, after their trial the youths may either be allowed to return home, serve time "up state" in a secure juvenile facility, or be placed with foster parents or in a group home. In addition, they may have a variety of educational pathways, including return to their regular school, a public or private alternative school, home school, or may prepare for their GED.
When possible and granted permission by the child's parent or legal guardian, a Cross and Bars Chaplain or volunteer may provide continuing spiritual supprt and mentorship to a youth who requests follow-up ministry after their release from Juvenile Detention, or to youths in the community while a parent is incarcerated. In addition, whenever possible, Cross and Bars will introduce released youth to a local youth pastor with the intent of helping the youth to establish a connection and spiritual support system in a local church and youth group. In addition, Cross and Bars Chaplains or volunteers will provide follow-up ministry to youths who request it and are later committed to adult jail or to the state Department of Corrections.
A Former Juvenile's Testimony.
A Former Juvenile's Testimony, via Facebook
"The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him." - Lamentations 3:24