Tyron is 11 years old and will be going into the fifth grade this Fall. He has three older brothers and one younger sister. His oldest brother is in jail and the other two are in juvenile detention. His father is not in the picture and his mom wants little to do with him. His grandma is left to raise him and his eight cousins. Recently, I have felt that they have given up on him and just let him wander the streets. Despite all of this, God is working in this young man’s life.
His brother made a profession of faith just before going into juvenile detention. We would meet for discipleship and Tyron would tag along. Though his brother made the profession, Tyron has made the changes. Though he has a long way to go, I see growth in him almost every day.
My heart breaks for Tyron because of all he must endure. One morning he came over and crashed on my couch saying he was tired. I asked him what time he had gone to bed the night before. Tyron has no bed time and often stays up until four or five in the morning. His poor choices were not the cause this time. His mother and her boyfriend had kicked him out of his bed early that morning. Just the day before Tyron was locked out of his house when he had gone outside to cool off from an argument he had with his mother’s boyfriend.
These and other situations have put a bad taste in Tyron’s mouth, making his constant desire to be out of the house. Lately Tyron has been spending every day with me, helping me work. He walks the mile to my house, sometimes before I am awake. Though he often slows me down, it is a joy to have him with me. We get to talk about everything under the sun while I am showing him Christ’s love and teaching him valuable life lessons. He is a hard worker, eager to learn, and has a tender heart. He has helped me change brakes, fill water balloons, and even clean toilets.
He is faithful in coming to church with me every week, often calling me several times to make sure I have not forgotten him. He loves to sing. His favorite songs are Power in the Blood and Here I am to Worship. In club he will yell loudly with both hands in the air when one of these songs is sung.
Though he is not on fire for the Lord yet, he is making positive changes in his life. I am excited to see what God will do with Tyron. I think one day he will be a church leader or even a pastor. Please pray that God will continue to change this young man’s life and keep him safe from the snares of this world.
