March has been full of big wins. Our team recently completed our ninth trip to Jamaica, where we have built four houses and helped hundreds of people feel the love of Christ as they continue rebuilding their lives. 

Early in the month, I was able to speak at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice about the work that the JBF has been doing. I can’t wait to share more about the impact of that meeting soon. 

But the biggest and most substantial successes this March have come from our youth. Two stories are still making me celebrate and give God all the glory.

First, we got to help an 18-year-old young man who spent a long time inside the juvenile detention system and later became homeless. We never knew what our role would look like in his life, but God allowed us to provide for him an independent living environment with the Jack Brewer Foundation.

This young man has no family and has lived a life full of turmoil, but now he has the support and mentorship of our 2nd Chance fathers, alongside a warm home, a comfortable bed, clean clothes, and three meals a day. We are honored to journey with him as he makes good choices and creates a beautiful life for himself. 

Second, we saw an actual miracle inside a courtroom. A youthful offender that I’ve gotten to know has seen so much loss in recent years, including his mother dying of cancer, his toddler brother passing away, and his older brother being shot in their front yard. He has known nothing but violence, crime, and heartbreak.

This young man and I grew close during his time in the juvenile detention center, sharing our love for reading the Bible and boxing. I told him many times how I wanted to sponsor him to be in the boxing ring one day, yet he was on trial for attempted murder, possibly facing a life sentence. 

One of our 2nd Chance fathers, Ivan Blanco, who had been in his shoes, spoke on his behalf and shared his own story of being imprisoned at age 15 and serving 15 years. When I walked into the courtroom today, I never expected the outcome: that this young man was coming home.

Not only that, but he was given permission to participate in the JBF’s youthful offender program, where he will get character-based instruction that focuses on leadership, dependability, accountability, and positive decision-making. He will have access to weekly mentorship to strengthen behavioral health awareness and build the skills necessary for long-term success.

And if all of that wasn’t enough, this young man is also getting to train to box. He is hard at work, punching the bag, jumping rope, and taking his first step toward becoming a future boxing champion.

To God be the glory!