Youth-Reach Houston: Drew Testimony

I have so much to say about what God is doing in my life. He has taken me away from the problems I created for myself, and set me free. Even after so much disobedience over the past several years, God has still shown me love and has blessed me. Until last year,I spent about 8 years living my own way, just trying to make money and partying all the time. I was constantly intoxicated so i wouldn't have to deal with anything. There is no freedom in living this way. The things that the world says will make you happy and successful only left me empty and broken.
I made a decision when I was a youth reach resident to give God everything that I had in myself and my life. Because youth reach spent so much time discipling me and giving me a solid foundation in God, I knew exactly what I was saying when I made this commitment. Unfortunately, after I left the program I went back to my own way of living, which was trying to prove that my way was better than God's way. Once I walked away from the solid foundation of God, everything I did was unstable.

Last year I decided I couldn't live by my plan anymore, because it wasn't getting me anywhere. I knew I needed God more than ever before. I had a surgery that went bad on my achilles tendon and spent 8 months on crutches. This gave me plenty of time to reflect on the kind of life I was living and who I was living for, which was myself. I had spent so much time away from God that I was convinced that He couldn't use me anymore, but I was so broken I had no where else to turn. Even when we aren't faithful, God is, and he has still shown me love and is using me right now. God can use us if we just get out of the way and let him. I am very thankful to have a family at Youth-Reach that loves me and has always been there for me. the foundation they gave me in God can't be shaken, and even though I walked away from Him, the seeds they planted have finally grown.

In January 2008, I started a DTS (Discipleship Training School) through YWAM Los Angeles. After a 3 month lecture phase I spent 9 weeks on a trip to Cambodia working with churches and orphanages. It was a great time for me to learn more about God and grow closer to Him. I plan to return to Cambodia for full time work in July 2008.

I want to thank the Youth Reach staff for always being there for me, no matter where I am in my life and for never giving up on me. The love you have shown me over the past 10 years will never be forgotten. I thank God for you and often wonder how I would have ever made it here without you. You are a true blessing and I love you all for what you do! Thank you for the seeds that you plant in young people's hearts. The changes don't always come overnight, but the truth you speak, which is God's truth, does not change with time! You are making a great difference in a lot of people's lives.

Brett Medlin