From Jeff Riddle:
Jarquavious and Alvin are two guys that Jordan Frazier, John Laughlin and I have invested time in through the last year. We have met these young men through our existing relationship with Michael Alexander. Michael is a young man who lives with his grandmother and disabled mother. I had the opportunity to meet Michael in Fall 2012 through my job at Service Over Self (SOS). SOS had partnered with Michael’s grandmother, Lucille Alexander, to rehab a burned-out house during 2012. What ensued for me personally was a mentoring relationship as Michael stayed on my couch the same day that I met him. As Ms. Lucille transitioned back into her newly remodeled home, Michael stayed with me at night and I took him to school in the mornings.God has used myself and others to share the gospel and various experiences with Michael to catalyze his development. Last summer, Lora Lyons put together a summer plan for Michael where he worked for various host families. Michael was not only a worker, but also welcomed as part of a new family. These families loved the Lord and this influenced their decision to host Michael as though he was one of their own family members. Through this summer internship, Michael earned money, learned through experiences and reading, made new friends, and most significantly was moved by the Body of Christ.
John Laughlin was the father of one of the families that hosted Michael in 2013. He had the chance to meet Michael who was great with his kids and hungry for a positive role model. In January 2014, John had a burden to begin a weekly Bible study with Michael. The first time he went to Binghampton to pick Michael up for Bible study, Jarquavious and Alvin were there and eager to go with him. Jarquavious and Alvin are brothers who live around the corner from Michael. They live with their mother and younger brother. The absence of their father has caused much resentment in their hearts and their mother’s as well. “I don’t know why my father bothered making me if he didn’t plan to take care of me” Jarquavious told me one night at dinner. Their mother, Robbee, feels that given the neighborhood, they are best suited to stay inside. Inside they are less likely to be swallowed up by the streets, drugs, and crime.
These guys have had the opportunity to learn scripture with John on Wednesdays. They played basketball with Jordan and me this past spring at 2nd Pres every Tuesday. At basketball they have had the opportunity to play alongside gospel-oriented guys who are in their twenties. For an hour and a half to two hours, they have had the chance to be peers with positive role models. When asked about what they have learned in Bible study with John, I have gotten very detailed responses. They have been like sponges.
This summer will be a very important time where Jarquavious and Alvin can pick up good disciplines, encounter Godly men, and have experiences that can carry them into lives where they desire to pursue manhood. I am writing to recruit families to serve as host families to these guys. I would love for the Body of Christ to love on these young men this summer and impart meaningful skills, disciplines, and wisdom.
~ JEFF RIDDLE
The Guys:
Alvin Justice (Age 16)
Alvin (also called AJ) is a quiet and sensitive young man who battles diabetes. Alvin is the older brother of Jarquavious. Alvin makes decent grades in school, but is a year behind due to issues transferring schools. Along with Jarquavious, he will be entering his Sophomore year of high school at Memphis Academy of Health Sciences. Alvin is thoughtful and goes out of his way to care for and help others.
Jarquavious Murry (Age 15)
Jarquavious is hungry for purpose and is concerned by the lack of opportunities and role models that are in his immediate vicinity. He has shown a desire to follow a good leader, but this can be his detriment in a neighborhood whose leaders are dealing drugs. He is really a kind young man who soaks up knowledge.
The boys’ mother is Robbee Murry. She can be reached at 452-8059.
