Life and ministry are one and the same at Salem4Youth, a faith-based residential program for youth and families in crisis, located just outside Chicago, Illinois. Certainly, the required Biblical counseling and other programs play a huge role in transformations at the ranch. In fact, family counseling has become a requirement for parents as well as teens, and it’s yielding great results. But much of the ministry at Salem4Youth actually occurs on a consistent, daily basis. “One of our goals is just living life with the boys and showing them what grace and mercy looks like,” says Terry Benge, executive director. “In the past year, God has opened incredible opportunities for that to happen.”
Consider one young man, who gave his heart to the Lord after a chapel service. His first concern after praying with Terry was for a brother with mental disabilities still living at home. “I need to know how I can share this message with him,” he said. “Here’s his heart,” says Terry, “caring about his brother and where he would spend eternity.” It’s these kinds of life changes—springing from the heart—that are making a real difference in youth and families in crisis. Please continue to pray for the youth and staff at Salem4Youth, that God will continue to touch hearts and lives for His kingdom.
