Sharon's Story
Tikkun Olam would not be a success without the wonderful people that fill our homes or work in our community. Sharon Young is one of these great people and she has been living here on the Rez for the past 9 months helping facilitate our community living in the Teacher’s houses and taking care of pretty much everyone. Sharon comes to us from the Denver area and is a very special person to all of us at Tikkun Olam. We wanted to share the vision God has put on her heart as she ministers up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Below are Sharon’s words after spending the better part of her last year making weekly visits to the local prison, and really reaching those who many have already given up on.
“Addictions and suicide are rampant on Native American reservations, which contribute to difficult family situations, which produce stress in the children -- making it difficult for them to learn in school. Contributing causes for this are feelings of powerlessness and worthlessness.
I am ministering in a Native American jail and have discovered an incredible love for the prisoners are in jail because of drug-related crimes. I feel God’s love for them – a love that says “You are NOT the problem, you are the ANSWER.” Of course, Satan wants to keep them in mental prisons that say “You are worthless, you ARE the problem.” When in jail, they are clean and sober for the first time in a long time but are afraid to get out of jail for fear they’ll relapse into their old lifestyle. I want to help their desires to be good moms, dads and spouses become reality. I think the best way to achieve that goal is to provide a Christian lifestyle home when they are released from jail or treatment. Romans 12:1 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 teaches that spiritual warfare is fought by taking every thought captive to the word of God. This is most easily attained when immersed in a loving Christian community.
God not only has unconditional love, He also uses trusting love: a love that says “I trust you to kick your drug habit,” “I trust you to hold down a job,” “I trust you to be a responsible father/mother” etc. I want to buy a house in Wolf Point to create this Christian Boot Camp (thus named because it’s not easy) living situation.”
To help demonstrate this trusting love and the vision God has given Sharon for an intermediate housing solution, Sharon has taken a recently released inmate, Frank Eagle, with her to Colorado for the summer where he can become God’s success story. Frank also has a vision beyond addiction to help in this transitional living home. He is on fire to help restore a healthy way of life on the Rez, and to use the path he has walked for helping his people.
If prison ministry or Sharon’s story finds a special place in your heart please reach out to her. It is always nice to hear words of encouragement and possibly a way for you to help as well. She can be reached at 303.520.2225 or sharon.young828@gmail.com.
