Samarkand Manor Youth Detention Center

Colleen Zychowicz;
Ministry at Samarkand Manor (teen facility in Eagle Springs) has expanded to include a group of boys as well as girls. Of course, they are housed separately. Some young men have been transfered from local facilities (most are from Stonewall Jackson) and already know some of our volunteers. This is an opportunity for us to maintain established relationships and continue to speak the love of God into these boys' lives. We hope to see them transformed in the midst of their situation and continuing to grow in Christ when they are released.

The girls (17 of them) are all together in one house and are struggling to share their space...this is difficult for them as they were previously in small groups of less than 10. Please pray for peace in their lives! Pray against a spirit of bitterness and strife that keeps them in conflict with one another instead of becoming encouragers and leaders. They have all been emotionally wounded which makes it even harder for them to trust and form healthy relationships, but we know this is where Jesus is glorified.
As we are consistent in our message and character, many of the girls have opened up their hearts to Jesus and have been in honest conversation with us about their needs and concerns. One of the girls has been praying for the needs of volunteers! She has actually been released and is staying with her aunt and uncle, both of whom are Christians. She was accepted to a local community college and plans on studying law. Lives are redeemed and transformed by Jesus.

Your prayers are SO APPRECIATED and necessary to continue the ministry that God has for these young people. They need consistency and honesty, something few of them have seen or learned. As Christians we are the living example of Christ, the ONLY name by which we are saved, and the only one who can truly show these teens their worth and secure their future.

Colleen Zychowicz corordinates all services for Samarkand Manor Youth Detention Center for the third Sunday morning church services