There is one chat that definitely does stand out above all the rest...and I will never forget it.

It happened the very first evening I jumped onto the GW site as a coach.  Not really knowing what to expect that night, I suddenly got connected with a young lady named “Amy”...affectionately known to me now in my heart and prayers as “Amy” from Australia.  She was desperately reaching out to GW and crying out for help to fight the intense urges to go get drunk and high at a nearby party down the street.  I could immediately see that others had already chatted with her, but I suddenly found myself engaged with her and the realities surrounding a dysfunctional family that hates the church and religion, an abusive alcoholic father who spends his income on booze, an emotionally unhealthy sister, and her own ongoing personal temptations and battles while trying to remain clean and sober from a powerful drug and alcohol addiction.
All this, thousands of miles away from the comfort and security of my own home, and she was only 15. 

All this, at only 15...but what was even more engaging was the fact that she had already invited Christ into her heart and into the broken messed up world that surrounded her...what was even more amazing was the depth of her faith, strength, and courage already being exhibited as she fought to carry on with her own life while also taking on the responsibilities of caring for her family. 

We chatted for @ an hour.  I did my best to encourage her in the Lord, to make sure she had the necessary local professional counselors and support involved in her life, to pray with her, and finally to offer any further assistance.  But, throughout all of that, I did my best to tell her know how much her loving Heavenly Father really did love her.  Then, as we closed, the reality of the situation really hit my heart.  She thanked me and said, "I wish my own family would tell me that."

As I have already said, I will never forget that chat, and I have been forever changed.  I remain in constant prayer for her and the church youth pastor involved in her life that she remain clean, sober, faithful, and strong in the Lord. 

Love and blessings...with much thanksgiving for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful ministry team!

Frank W.