By The Hand is introducing our children to God all over Chicago. Brenton, a fifth grader from Austin, is living proof. When he first started attending club, he had really only ever heard God’s name. But he didn’t know much else. He remembers, “By The Hand introduced me to Jesus. I saw people praying. I saw people reading from the Bible. I didn’t understand all the words. So I asked if they would get me a Bible that I could understand.”
Because of his time at By The Hand, Brenton went from being curious about the things of God to fully invested. He proudly explains, “I read my Bible every day. I pray every day. I know God now. I say these three words all the time: God’s got me. And I know it’s true.” He even encourages others to notice the things God is doing now and to be thankful for the prayers God is answering today, even while we wait for the good things we want to come. He simply says, “Pause and thank God.” It’s no surprise that Brenton’s plan for the future includes becoming a pastor. “But,” he’s quick to explain, “I want to be a different type of pastor. One who raps. So I can get the word out to kids.” He truly believes that with God and enough faith, anything can happen. He wants to encourage others to believe the same. He wants people to know what’s been true for him can also be true for them: God’s got me.
Our students have the power to impact Chicago’s greatest needs. You have the power to show these young men and women abundant life—mind, body and soul.