When I got home, people all around me said I had changed

Before I went to Salem my life was a mess. I stole from my family and was a disrespectful person. I was not a Christian at the time and hid a lot of things inside my heart and from my family. I always caused trouble at school and never paid much attention to my education. Almost everybody either thought I was weird or hated me. My life was a total mess.

Then on January 7, 2005, my Dad and my youth pastor brought me to Salem Ranch. At first I didn't want to go, but I finally went. During my stay I learned lots of things like respect, social skills, and family issues. It seems like every problem I had at home was fixed, but it wasn't very easy. I got mad at the other boys and staff, but there was always somebody to talk to. One time when I was really mad Steve said, "David, it's just another hole in the road. Your car hasn't crashed yet." I always remember that.

When I got home people all around me said I had changed. Salem changed my life forever. Without Salem I would not be where I am today. I have more friends from the church, and everybody knows me as a better person. I think that while you are there you grow to like the Ranch so much that when a boy is ready to leave he doesn't really want to.

The teaching at Salem helped me understand Jesus, and when I came home I became a Christian.

Dave

Brett and Carrie's Story

When things were at their worst and we didn't know what else to do with our son, God provided us with a light. We heard about Salem from an acquaintance whose son had also been through Salem's programs years ago. We drove down and toured the facility and spoke with several of the staff.

We knew even before leaving that this was the answer to our many prayers and cries for help. We knew a short term rehab would not be successful and we didn't want to send him to a long term program in another state because we wanted focus on family therapy as well. Salem was only a short drive from our home, it was a long term program based on Christian philosophy, and it would provide healing for our son as well as our whole family.

As tough as things were at home it was still hard to say goodbye to him that first day. The following weeks were full of challenges for all of us. Our son had to deal with many emotions and confront the reality of what was happening in his life and we had to learn who we were as parents all over again. We had been dealing with all the problems for so long we almost didn't know what to do when we were not bombarded by them daily.

Through all of these difficult days the staff at Salem was wonderful. Even though we didn't directly speak with our son those first few weeks the staff made sure to stay in touch with us, gave us frequent updates, and were there to listen to us and support us. It took time, but as the weeks and months went by we saw the program begin to really work.

There were frustrations as well as many days showing us there was hope for recovery and change of heart. Through all the good and bad the Salem staff continued to be there for him and us. The true commitment the Salem staff has to the boys, their families, and the program as a whole is evident in all they do. We thank God for such a wonderful place and are forever grateful to Salem staff for all they have done for our son.

Brett and Carrie

For the Long Run

Nine of us were standing outside, on the campus of Salem, by the big tree with the tire swing, getting ready to run. Elizabeth, one of the Salem houseparent's, Kyle, my son and I had recently developed a running program for those boys who were interested. It started with 5. Then, when some of the others saw the running shoes that I had been able to get donated, another 5 wanted to join. On this day, there were 7 boys (3 were on home visit), Elizabeth and myself.

So there they were, in mid-march, on a crisp, slightly windy day, standing in their shorts, t-shirt and running shoes, ready to get started.

Now why would we begin a running program for boys who might have a propensity to "run", in effect encouraging them in their endeavor? Because it is a known fact that running can instill a sense of discipline, it's healthy, and it releases endorphins into the brain that can act as a natural high. Running can, in effect, be addictive, a much better drug than some of things these boys have tried.

So, on this day, I split them up into two teams of 4 (with Elizabeth on one team). I tried to make the teams as equal as possible. I had marked a 1.2 mile route, all on the campus of Salem. Each team would start with two running the course. When they finished running, they would tag their team mates and they would run the course. Each runner would run the course twice for a total of 2.4 miles. The winning team would get a small prize (they chose Sour Patch Kids candy).

Now, on every team, there are usually kids with varied skills. It is no different with the Salem boys. There are a few of the boys that are natural athletes and there are others who struggle to run 100 yards, let alone 2.4 miles. But something occurred that I neither encouraged or expected.

The faster runners decided that they would run with their slower teammates to encourage them along the way. This meant that they actually ran almost 5 miles instead of 2.4. As I noticed this phenomenon, I was struck by its irony. These are boys that may not usually be perceived as team players. They have made wrong choices in their young life and that is mainly the reason why they are here. Yet, here they were, selflessly encouraging each other.

Psalm 119:32 states: "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.."

Like the author of this Psalm, I have discovered over the years that as my lifestyle is consistent with God's commands, I have found more and more freedom deep in my heart. This freedom and joy has given me an even greater desire to follow the principles of God. I want to "run" in the path that He has laid out for me in the Bible.

As much benefit running is for us, the spiritual exercise of following God's commandments has even greater benefits for our hearts. The freedom, joy and inner peace that come from "running" alongside God can, at times, be indescribable.

Could it be that what I saw was evidence that these young men are beginning to get a glimpse of this sense of freedom...the sense of joy through the encouragement of one another...or the selflessness that can come from running a different path; of allowing the Lord to work in their life? Many of these boy's lives have truly changed since they have been here and I was getting a glimpse of that change. Instead of running from their problems, they were running towards a solution by encouraging their teammates. It was a heart change that I was seeing and I was greatly encouraged.

This is the essence of our mission...not to force a change in their mind, but to facilitate a change in their heart. This can only be accomplished through the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for us as we continue to stay focused on this important mission...not just now, but for the long run.

"...run with patience (endurance, persistence) the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith ..." (Hebrews 12:1).

Kent Robson, Executive Director