Jerak - April 2026

On Easter Sunday, I sat with my grandkids and read to them the story of the Resurrection. Afterward, we concluded that of all the holidays, this one must be the greatest in that it represents the final victory over our enemy who desires to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10). It is also our great hope in ministry: that we might provide opportunity and inspiration for others to join us in eternal victory through faith in Jesus. Thankfully, this life with Him doesn't begin on the other side of the grave. It begins now and in the reconciliation between broken man and our gracious God. There are real-world outcomes like new relationships, responsibility, and freedom.

For the entire 14 years of Jerak's adult life, he's not known freedom. Only four months has he not been in jail, prison, or on parole. Coming from a broken family, lost as a youth, addicted at an early age, the enemy had the upper hand until he joined us at Forge.

“I’ve been clean for eight months and have been in the Forge program for six. I'm seeing love played out in my interactions with all the people in the Watered Gardens ministry, and it keeps me on the right track. This is especially true at the Worth Shop where I’ve been serving, and at my church home, too. I’m surrounded by people of God, and it encourages me to grow as a better man of God myself.”

Not only has Jerak found freedom from his past in the newness of a resurrected life, but he's gaining the relationships, education, and skills needed to flourish. For him and many others, your partnership helps create those opportunities. Thank you.