Inside Story: “They Deserve A Chance, Too”
When Paul and Christie Brown moved into a less than desirable neighborhood in Elkins, West Virginia, they didn’t know that their home would become a magnet for young people.
I’ve always been youth focused,
says Paul, so when the neighborhood kids wanted to hang out with our kids at the house, we said,
OK, but there are rules:
- Respect. You will treat yourself and others respectfully, with no swearing and no name calling.
- No lying. You lie to me, and it’s done–you are out the door.
- Health/Dietary issues–no drugs, no alcohol, no unclean meat.
Once the young people understood about clean and unclean foods, they tried sharing what they had learned with their families. The grandfather would be cooking a groundhog,
says Paul, but the kids would tell him,
No! We’re not going to eat that!
Before long, the visitors were asking to move in with the Browns. Brayden spends every weekend at our house,
says Paul. It’s his Sabbath retreat, and gets him away from his house.
During the week Brayden tries to avoid his abusive alcoholic step-father as much as possible.
Hunter and Wyatt are two others who spend more time with the Browns than at home. Both coming from difficult situations, the boys feel safe with Paul and Cindy, whom they consider to be their surrogate parents.
I try to treat all the kids as if they’re my kids,
says Paul, because they deserve a chance, too.
That includes providing clothing, bicycles, and various other items. Even the vehicle I drive–an extended cab truck–is based on how many kids we’re looking after, so we can take them to and from school.
With parental permission, the Browns have taken Brayden and Hunter with them to Pathfinders and to church, and are even paying for them to attend the local Adventist church school. Unfortunately, Wyatt’s mother will not give permission for him to join in these activities, but for Brayden and Hunter, their experience has been life changing. On November 2, 2013, both boys, along with the Browns’ son, Payton, were baptized at the Elkins Seventh-day Adventist Church.
We’ve been living here for three years now,
Paul says, and my wife really feels that the Lord put us in this neighborhood. It’s not where we would have chosen, but we are sure that the Lord led us here.
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Great story when we are in his will the bless even in a less de d durable community.
That's a moving and inspiring testimony. I like Paul's comment about how he and his wife didn't originally plan these events but they are following God's plan and God is bringing blessings from it. May we all submit to God's will and not be rigid or make too many plans.
My son and his wife is like Paul an Cindy they gave me a 2nd chance as well ,they took me in Their home to help me get my life together ,from the wrong people ,alcohol and men so I no Their is a GOD he bless they as well as me.
My heart's desire is for God to use me in his service. Please include me and my husband in your prayers. We want to know what does God have for us to do in our community and in the workplace. Thanks.
I praise God for Paul and Christie and the way they have allowed God to use them to help not only your own children but your children's friends as well. At the critical point of their young innocent lives you both have pointed them in the direction of LOVE because God is Love. You both have played a vital role in creating in their young minds these great memories which they will cherish as they grow older and my prayer for each of them is that every time a challenge in life is thrown at them they will always find Hope in these great memories. God continue to bless your ministry.
submitting ourselves fully to God enables Him to reveal and execute His plan and purpose in our lives.
More often we turn blind eye to such areas God directs. i have in many occasions failed to hlp neighbours in physical and spiritual need moreso the latter. may God create in me a heart that readily accepts his will & follow his directives like paul's .
Oh yes, the best place to be, is where God wants you to be. I am intrigued by the Testimony of Paul and Cindy. It should encourage each and every one of us individually to ask God to lead us to where He wants us to be and also lead us through the Guidance of the Holy Spirit on how we are to do His bidding according to the talents and spiritual gifts gave us.
I am reminded of a statement from EGW, Ministry of Health, that is present in the extra reading from this weeks lesson references: "The fifty-eight chapter of Isaiah is a prescription for maladies of the body and of the soul. If we desire health and the true joy of life we must put into practice the rules given in this scripture."