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Posture Shift – "Get Jack Back" in College!

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On October 19, 2020, 19-year-old Jack* was told to leave his home after his parents found out he is attracted to guys.

For over a week, Jack had been surviving in a tent, without food or money, experiencing suicidality — and praying for God to intervene. After scouring the internet for help, Jack came across Posture Shift, an organization that helps Christian churches and families honor God and care for LGBT+ loved ones.

Posture Shift immediately requested prayer support and began securing safe housing for Jack. Knowing that  Hurricane Zeta was fast approaching, we worked late into the night seeking safe refuge for Jack. The next morning, Jack's Mom unexpectedly reached out to say that Jack could live in their garage. Jack experienced this offer as a miracle breakthrough and answer to prayer. However, Jack's parents still do not feel they can provide their teenage son with any assistance for basic needs - including college support.

Jack is eager to get a job, continue his education and pursue God's plan for his life. We are calling on the Body of Christ to supply Jack with $10,000 to continue his education along with secure housing and a meal plan at his college for Spring and Fall 2021. We trust God for family restoration and a bright future for Jack.

We invite you to join us as we seek to "Get Jack Back" in college! Thank you for your help.

THE FULL STORY

As Hurricane Zeta shifted towards New Orleans, 19-year-old "Jack" had already been living in a tent for a week. Deep in a forest and afraid, he began to lose hope after being disowned by his parents for being gay. Jack had no money. He had no food. He knew the risk of cruel people who could harm him. Yet he also knew that his parents were done with him. They had disowned him and kicked him out. 

Late one night as he tried to fall asleep in his makeshift tent, he said to himself: "They don't love me anymore. They'll never change their mind." Jack felt so much emotional pain that he thought of taking his life. Instead, he decided to try to find some kind of help. He searched online for Christian ministries who help gay youth. High in the search engine results, he found Posture Shift and contacted the ministry.

After realizing that Jack was writing from inside a tent in the woods, Posture Shift founder Bill Henson tried to reach Jack's parents to encourage them to welcome Jack back home. Understandably, Jack was too afraid to make this connection happen. Midnight came and went so Posture Shift tried to get Jack a motel but he was too exhausted. This would mean "another night" in his tent deep in the woods. 

Sensing the desperation of Jack's situation, Posture Shift issued a prayer alert on Facebook. Over 250 people expressed their care or shared a prayer or words to encourage Jack. Offers poured in to help Jack and even offer him a place to stay. What friends did not know is that Jack became a Facebook friend and watched all this support in tears! He began to feel hope. His faith awakened. He realized that God did "not" hate him. He suddenly felt that God was going to rescue him. He fell asleep with hope for the first time in over a week since being disowned by his parents. 

On the next morning of October 27, news solidified that Hurricane Zeta was headed directly at New Orleans. The staff at Posture Shift knew they had less than 24 hours to get Jack to a motel or nearby safe house. Unexpectedly, Jack received a text from his Mom: "Come home. You can't stay in the house, but you can stay in the garage. We won't pay for your food or any expenses but come stay in the garage."

Alright, it was "not" exactly the warm welcome home that we hoped for! But remember: Jack was living in a tent for a week with no money and no food and potentially alligators outside his tent! For Jack, it was a miracle! As if God heard the cascade of countless prayers and answered his own prayer for help. 

Jack writes, "If I did not contact Posture Shift, I would maybe be dead in the woods. Thank you and everyone on Facebook for your love, care and support."

He continues, "For the last 2 weeks I had no hope in my life. I was thinking about suicide because it would free me from all the pain and hatred. My life began to change dramatically when I approached Posture Shift. I am completely overwhelmed by all your support and love. I want to thank every person!"

ALL TOO COMMON

LGBT+ youth like Jack are up to 8x more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual peers due to bullying and family rejection. They account for as much as 40% of homeless youth in America. Many stories don't end with an open door back home; rather, people's lives "end" from suicide or murder or sex trafficking.

Thankfully, Jack is home! Yet he remains a victim of family rejection with no financial support at all.

We are seeking $10,000 to secure Jack's educational expenses for 2021. After being disowned and homeless in the tent, he is now fighting to stay in his fall semester and finish well. Even if he finishes this Fall 2020 semester, he will need a reset to begin strong again in 2021. He will need support to stay in college.

We want Jack to complete his education and be able to start his young life with the degree he is pursuing. 

Jack says, "I cannot believe God is helping me so much. I was about to die. Now, I am surrounded by love and support. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for caring for me. Thank you for helping me continue my college education."

Posture Shift founder Bill Henson closes with this thought: "Rejecting LGBT+ youth is not godly. When it happens, the Body of Christ must surround a young person and secure refuge, shelter, and a viable path forward for them. We will not sit idly by as LGBT+ youth are disowned into the streets of America where sex trafficking will rob them of their health - and even their soul. We will be the hands and feet of Jesus ready to help restore family relationships and secure protection and safety for those who are rejected. I ask everyone to help us 'Get Jack Back' in college and ensure he has safe living arrangements.

Bill continues: "Jack, God has a plan for your life. Jesus loves you. And we sure could use an individual with your talents and gifts to help us work to ensure that no LGBT+ child is disowned by their family. As we help you seek employment and obtain support for your education, we'd be honored to have you help our Posture Shift team advance our mission."

*Note: Alternate names have been used to protect confidentiality. This campaign has been created with the written permission of its benefactor. No portion of funds will be given to Posture Shift or any other individual or entity. All funds will go to the educational institution where Jack is enrolled and living. Jack will work to provide many of his everyday living expenses. A portion of funds may go to Jack directly for urgent needs.
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Donations 

  • Johana-Marie Williams
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $10 
    • 3 yrs
  • Rana Irby
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
  • Jean Younker
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $15 
    • 3 yrs
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Fundraising team: Posture Shift "Get Jack Back" Team! (4)

Bill Henson
Organizer
Olcott, TX
Josh Proctor
Team member
Lesli Hudson-Reynolds
Team member
Meg Baatz
Team member

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