BEHIND WHEN LIFE HURTS
The teen survey sheet had seven X’s next to the topic of “suicide.” That was as many as the space allowed. Time after time suicide has been the number one requested topic of discussion in teen groups.
After seeing many attempts at suicide and two successful suicides I was convinced both suicidal teens and their peers who wanted to help needed to have access to information. All of the teens who succeeded or attempted suicide could have been stopped if their peers knew what to look for and how to respond.
For over 30 years I’ve had the privilege of leading teen groups in Western New York. All teens are welcome regardless of background. They are unconditionally accepted as we minister to their hurts. We have seen lives turned around as hurts are conquered. Now the outreach of On The Road Youth Ministry is online at www.whenlifehurts.com.
In the gospel of John in the bible we see a woman who was also hurting, a prostitute caught in the act of adultery. Those around her wanted to stone her. (getting stoned was different in those days) Jesus told her accusers that the one who had never sinned should cast the first stone. One-by-one they left until only the woman and Jesus remained. Jesus asked if anyone condemned her. She looked into Jesus’ eyes and said “no one Lord.” He said, “neither do I, go and sin no more.”
She saw a look of love in Jesus’ eyes that she did not see in her accusers. We reach out to teens with that same love which can find their lives turned around as they begin a new life centered in Jesus Christ. With this 180 degree turn their lives begin anew and they are guaranteed to spend a perfect eternity in heaven.
The bible tells us that we have peace that passes all understanding in Jesus Christ. As teens draw closer to God they have strength to overcome the pressures of life.
That woman is my favorite person in the bible. I know how she felt surrounded by those who condemned her, and I know the love that I found when I turned my life over to Jesus. On July 10, 1974 I was a brand new person in Jesus. The bitter “F the world” attitude that I had was replaced with peace that only Jesus can give.
We strive to be there for our teens when life hurts. Over the years we have referred many teens to professionals such as therapists and counselors. God has done mighty things through these people to lead teens to victory. Many hours have been spent just listening. Often knowing that someone cares, that they’re not alone, makes a big difference.
The team of When Life Hurts consists of forum moderators including junior high school students, high school students, college students and adults. All forum moderators have “been there, done that.” And they have a heart for teens who hurt.
The team also includes those who pray and direct God’s power to those who hurt and those who help them. Behind When Life Hurts are the financial backers.
Funds for When Life Hurts come from local churches, individual donors, the Wal Mart Foundation and from the Greater Rochester United Way Donor Option program. We are grateful to all who support When Life Hurts.
Thank you.