By: Brett Medlin, Founder & Executive Director
As we enter into a new year and I look forward to celebrating another birthday next month, I can’t help but feel grateful. I dearly love my work, my wife and the precious people I get to serve here in Cambodia. Looking back, I am deeply aware that without a turning point in my teens, I would not be where I am today.
Back then I was selfish, living without purpose, and frankly, I was miserable. I had no goals, no aspirations and no hope for the future. Then, 26 years ago, I met Curt Williams: founder and devoted leader of Youth Reach Houston.
Youth Reach is a program that offers long-term help for troubled teenage boys, like myself. From 1999 to 2000, I was a resident of Youth-Reach. The time I spent there has proven to be the most significant investment in my life. I was taught invaluable skills like how to work hard and have discipline, and was given a purpose and a foundation for serving God.
To say that the year spent at Youth-Reach has impacted my life would be an understatement. The love and support that I received back in 1999 still continues today. I remain close with many of the staff and former residents from my time there, and our unbreakable bond makes it seem like we are more like family.
Had I not spent the time that I did being cared for at Youth-Reach Houston, Rock Foundation Cambodia would not exist today.
I am so grateful for the influence that Curt had and still has on my life. In honor of my birthday, I would like to take this month to give back to the organization that gave so much to me.
Youth-Reach Houston is a Christ-centered, residential ministry that aims to redirect troubled teens and produce men of honor. As an organization, they are committed to raising their own financial support needed to relieve parents of the financial burden of helping their sons, and to create an environment where the residents themselves earn their beds through their own dedication, not just because their parents are paying their way.
Would you consider being a part of the transformation that takes place at Youth Reach by donating? Who knows… maybe there is another well-driller or ministry leader that will arise because of your gift.
