I met up with Giovani in August after his attorney called me up, saying he needed help getting his drivers license. His attorney overheard a child welfare services worker about Youth For Christ’s Aftercare Program Kaphar and knew Gio would benefit from it. After meeting up with him, we scheduled the exam, however, when the day came, I couldn’t get a hold of him. The following week, I’d get a message starting his phone was having issues.
This is the way our relationship developed. I would meet with him, then I wouldn’t be able to get ahold of him because of phone issues. We scheduled another exam, but then when we arrived, the DMV had no record of our appointment. Then, another time we couldn’t take the exam because he couldn’t find his permit (thank God he found it later that same day though). These challenges proved to be discouraging to Gio to the point where he wanted to give up. He told me, “It’s fine, I don’t care about my license anymore.”
It was hard not to feel like I was losing him. I told him, “I totally understand you might be feeling discouraged, but I hope you wouldn’t lose heart. We’re almost there and it just takes a bit more time. Please know I’m praying for you daily, for you, you’re son and you’re family. Remember this today: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18”
Finally, he rescheduled another appointment for December 19, over 4 months after we began this journey. He was nervous, but we prayed up, giving all our worries to Jesus and not surprisingly, he passed with flying colors! He was so excited, he was smiling from ear to ear. This is the work that mentors do in the aftercare program. They meet with a youth and persevere through the tough times to demonstrate the endurance of God’s grace. Now, the more difficult part begins: finding a decent car!
– Grayson