Dear Friend,
A few months ago, a young man arrived on our campus with his hood up, fists clenched,
and a look that warned everyone to stay away. He had been moved from home to home,
school to school, and courtroom to courtroom. Every adult who ever promised to stay
eventually walked out. Hope, to him, was nothing more than a setup for disappointment.
On his first night here, he was asked, “What are you hoping for?”
He laughed, a bitter, broken laugh. “I don’t hope,” he said. “Hope just lets you down.”
But as we all know, God is never finished.
For weeks his walls held firm…until one unexpected chapel service. He didn’t want to be
there, but he went anyway. And when worship began, something in him shifted. This
young man, who had spent years fighting everything and everyone, bowed his head.
Afterward, with tears in his eyes, he whispered, “I think God is after me.”
From that night on, his heart softened. His fists opened. He started asking questions
about faith, purpose, forgiveness. One evening, long after lights out, he asked if someone
could pray with him.
And just weeks ago, he asked Christ to come into his heart and be his Lord and Savior.
He told us, “I came here angry. I’m leaving here alive.”
Friend, this is what your partnership makes possible.
Every gift creates a safe, Christ-centered environment where students who feel forgotten
discover they are seen, known, and loved by God. Every dollar becomes ministry, fueling
our Spiritual Life Program, supporting our staff, and creating space for miracles like the
one above.
As we close this year, the needs are great. The challenges facing our programs are real.
But so is God’s faithfulness. And so is the impact of your generosity.
Today, I am asking you to prayerfully consider a special year-end gift to Josiah White’s.
Your support helps rewrite stories, restore hope, and remind young people that God has
never stopped pursuing them.
Thank you for believing in this mission, standing with our students, and allowing God to
use you in the holy work of transformation.
With gratitude and hope,
Matthew Purkey, President and CEO of Josiah White’s
If you feel called to make a gift, you may do so here: https://josiahwhites.org/donate/

