Person of the Month

"Little Jimmy"

Interview by Helen Barnes
 
By the time I finished interviewing "Little Jimmy," I realized I was standing beside a miracle! Here's part of his story...
Jimmy's childhood included emotional, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. He was drinking and doing drugs at 8 years old. One landmark event occurred at age 8 when his cousins were beating him up badly, and he was knocked unconscious. He said he remembers "voices" telling him how to kill his family because of his abuse. He envisioned himself being in a cell with bars, with big black dogs all around him. One was as large as a house and said, "You will be mine and do my bidding." He said he did try to kill his family. He was placed in State custody when he was 11 !/2. He said he was "on the street" a lot by the time he was 12. He begged to die and prayed for God to take him. He felt as if no one cared or would help.
When he was a child, the only person he would listen to was his grandma. He respected her and wouldn't go to her house drunk or high. From ages 13-18, he had no contact with his grandma. He graduated from high school (while in State care), in 1996, and the State also sent him to trade school. After this, he was out of State care. In 1997, his grandma died. He said the "bottom fell out" at that point and he took off. And so began a progressively worse downward spiral...
Jimmy said he's been homeless for more than 12 years. He actually camped out on the streets. He was kicked out of every shelter. He admitted the reason was "because of my actions."
In 2001, he had a death wish. He robbed a bank. In the midst of a blackout due to drugs and alcohol, he got caught and was in jail for l'/2 years. He got out on recognizance and was on probation for 5 years. He is now off probation.
He started coming to the River City Love Squad JUST FOR THE FOOD! Joe McGrew and Mike Miller kept urging him to come back. In time, he said he actually started listening to the messages! He testifies that his salvation walk has been a process. He appreciates all the RCLS staff, and said he feels the support of Michael and others praying for him.
Jimmy said he used to read science fiction, fantasy, and witchcraft books. Now, he said he couldn't. The Holy Spirit checks him, and he wants to obey and listen. He used to worship the "Great Spirit," based on a Cherokee Indian tradition but no more! Before, he described himself as angry, depressed, stressed, and dying on the inside. He didn't care if he hurt someone's feelings, made them mad, or made them cry! Now, he said he cares! He knows his purpose.
Change hasn't come without its ups and downs! It's been a battle. In July 2007, he slid back into old habits and spent $800 in three days on drugs. February 2008, however, marked a major turning point. An issue occurred at a RCLS meeting where a fellow street person hit him in the head, sending him to the hospital. Jimmy had a personal revelation and felt God speaking to him, saying, "I am going to use you to MY advantage. You're going to do MY will." This opened his eyes. At first, he thought he was "tripping" off his medicine, but he knew it was God speaking to his heart.
He realized he was living in sin with his girlfriend and had to make the change and separate. God has completely changed is life. A friend, Darryl Briant, took him under his wings and he feels he's being mentored now. But it's still a daily walk.
"Little Jimmy" is proud to be a RCLS member now! He can relate to the homeless and addicted people who come. He knows exactly where they've been, or where they are. He knows he's been called to minister. He wants to help them get free. The Lord has moved on him so much that he wants to enroll in Bible College! He reads his Bible and prays every day. His closing words: "God is so awesome, and I can't thank Him enough!"