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Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Greeting family and friends!
I have a story to share and a humble request to impart concerning a young man named Jaheim. Though we haven’t personally met, I came across Jaheim’s story through my Dad, who visits Jaheim regularly and ministers to him while he is in jail. He told me about a young man who “just didn’t seem to belong there.” He was polite and hardworking and stuck out to the people around him. Observing his consistent kindness and respect, my Dad eventually asked him, “Why are you here?”
Jaheim told him this story: in 2019 on the fourth of July, while living in foster care at 17 years old, him and a friend broke into someone’s house. They didn’t take anything or hurt anyone. They took off on bikes, they also stole a car, and the police caught them shortly thereafter. 9 months later, Jaheim is still in jail while his friend has been released on bail.
As I listened to the story, I though about the reckless things many of us do when we’re young. I thank God that he spared me and has spared others from experiencing the full measure of past mistakes. Instead of judging Jaheim, I felt compassion towards him. However, the next thing I learned about him drove my compassion into service; it’s the reason why I’m writing this message and making this request.
By his own admission, Jaheim confessed to not knowing the Lord. He made decisions without God’s guidance, but when exposed to the light of Jesus, he didn’t shy away. First, he accepted a book of bible stories to help him learn about biblical people and the truth about God revealed in their lives. He progressed from not reading at all to reading about them often to being able to answer specific questions about biblical events. Around the time he was ready for a bible, he also accepted a GED book to help him better understand The Word and set himself up for a life outside of jail. Within a short span of time, he shared this testimony:
“I want to thank you for all you have done! You brought me closer to God and without Him, I’d be a lost soul. You’ve shown me something I never had before…love. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
Jaheim is experiencing freedom in Christ and the power of God, Amen! But he is still physically bound with a 2,500.00 bail. So I ask you, in light of my 20th birthday, rather than send me gifts or money, please put it towards Jaheim’s GoFundMe account. Please join with me and others to secure his bail and provide necessities that will help him start a new chapter of his life. To help the word get out, please share this link to your social media timelines.
With gratitude and love,
Chelsea L.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Greeting family and friends!
I have a story to share and a humble request to impart concerning a young man named Jaheim. Though we haven’t personally met, I came across Jaheim’s story through my Dad, who visits Jaheim regularly and ministers to him while he is in jail. He told me about a young man who “just didn’t seem to belong there.” He was polite and hardworking and stuck out to the people around him. Observing his consistent kindness and respect, my Dad eventually asked him, “Why are you here?”
Jaheim told him this story: in 2019 on the fourth of July, while living in foster care at 17 years old, him and a friend broke into someone’s house. They didn’t take anything or hurt anyone. They took off on bikes, they also stole a car, and the police caught them shortly thereafter. 9 months later, Jaheim is still in jail while his friend has been released on bail.
As I listened to the story, I though about the reckless things many of us do when we’re young. I thank God that he spared me and has spared others from experiencing the full measure of past mistakes. Instead of judging Jaheim, I felt compassion towards him. However, the next thing I learned about him drove my compassion into service; it’s the reason why I’m writing this message and making this request.
By his own admission, Jaheim confessed to not knowing the Lord. He made decisions without God’s guidance, but when exposed to the light of Jesus, he didn’t shy away. First, he accepted a book of bible stories to help him learn about biblical people and the truth about God revealed in their lives. He progressed from not reading at all to reading about them often to being able to answer specific questions about biblical events. Around the time he was ready for a bible, he also accepted a GED book to help him better understand The Word and set himself up for a life outside of jail. Within a short span of time, he shared this testimony:
“I want to thank you for all you have done! You brought me closer to God and without Him, I’d be a lost soul. You’ve shown me something I never had before…love. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
Jaheim is experiencing freedom in Christ and the power of God, Amen! But he is still physically bound with a 2,500.00 bail. So I ask you, in light of my 20th birthday, rather than send me gifts or money, please put it towards Jaheim’s GoFundMe account. Please join with me and others to secure his bail and provide necessities that will help him start a new chapter of his life. To help the word get out, please share this link to your social media timelines.
With gratitude and love,
Chelsea L.