Johannes is a leader who has experienced God's grace. Having decided that there was more to life than hanging around bars, he came to join our running club when he was 16 years old. The laughter of his friends poking fun at his weight did not deter him. He trained in his own time and at every session we offered. Before long, he became one of the top runners at the club. His character also began to change as he attended the Bible studies we offered. He was quickly becoming a role model in his community, and one I had singled out for extra training and leadership.

But one night, everything changed. Johannes admitted that he had made one the runners in the club pregnant. My wife and I met with the two of them and discussed their options. They decided to keep the baby and to inform their parents as soon as possible. This was very difficult for Johannes. He was laughed at again, and he lost his standing with the youth in the community. We were left shattered, asking "if this is what can happen to the best of our community, what hope is there for the rest?"

Today Johannes loves his two year old daughter dearly. He has accepted the responsibility for his actions and has endured the criticism of his peers. The pressures of his surroundings and his poor choices resulted in difficult consequences for him, but he has faced them with courage even though he is still only 21.

He has grown in wisdom and character so much that his peers seek his advice again. He has begun a support group for young adults who have made bad choices. He wants to minister to those who feel judged and condemned, with no hope of reconciling with the church or with God. He has asked if I would be available to work with him. I consider it a tremendous privilege and opportunity to work with these young men.

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The running club is part of the ministry of the Maele Family Center in South Africa. There is a place for YOU on their team! Opportunities abound to show the love of Christ through counseling, family services, AIDS education and more