Equipped. Empowered. Launched.
Decoran is a recent graduate of the class of 2021. This past summer, Decoran took part in the Leadership Institute – our 8 week summer internship. Decoran quickly rose above “participant” and became a leader to his peers. He is now enrolled at the University of North Texas working towards a degree in Sports Psychology.
In addition to the Summer Intensive, Decoran has been part of a Street Team – our high school bible study groups. He was also matched with a mentor, Grant. As Grant and Decoran grew together, it happened that they each grew in the Lord. As Decoran has matured – his faith has become his own. He has a more personal and individual relationship with the Lord and has developed a strong character and wisdom beyond his years.
After the Summer Intensive, Decoran joined us as and over 85 youth to Pine Cove for a week! The week in August! Later that same week, he moved into his dorm at the University of North Texas. We’ve continued to keep up with Decoran through our Alumni Association and are excited to know that he has found a community of believers on campus, rededicated his life to Christ, and was recently baptized!
by Decoran, Mercy Street Alum
I was never raised in a God-like household, so I didn’t understand how important God is in our life until high school. However, I was raised by a single mother, ensuring that my sisters and I had everything we needed. Even though we had a rough upbringing, my mother never showed us the struggles that were going on. We thought it was customary to not have food in the refrigerator, occasionally, or all sleep in the same bed, or not know why the lights were not working. It was never presented that we were broke until I grew older. Amid this, we were always disciplined and raised to live a good life, you know. We also had a great support system among my aunts, cousins, and uncles. Unfortunately, we were exposed to a lot at a young age, so we were also taught not to do what they were doing and be better to break the curse in the family.
I didn’t start to understand the spiritual views of the world till I made it to high school. I began to see that there were many deceivers and people whose goals were to make people miserable and evil. That’s until I met Ken and Jonny, the best street team leaders ever (this is all facts too). Since elementary school, I already knew about Mercy Street, but it was blurry. So, Ken invited me to an event one day, and I went. I was blown away by the fantastic and welcoming people that were there. I could feel that this was where I belonged. Along the way, I met so many amazing people that welcomed me with open arms and love. Along those years of being part of Mercy Street, I began to build my faith and understand the true meaning of being a child of God. Mercy Street also allowed me to meet one of my future lifelong friends, brother, and mentor, Grant. Not only were the people great, but the one program I couldn’t wait to be a part of was the summer internship. This alone was one of the stepping stones for me to pursue Christ. It allowed me to listen to the fantastic stories of the bible and work with others who had the same goal.
The last summer internship will forever be engraved in my heart; I was blessed enough to receive a $2500 scholarship and a MacBook Air, provided by a fantastic team of people, some to name are Mr. Carlton and Brian. I was also fortunate enough to receive an entire ride to UNT. Going into college, I didn’t want to lose any progress I made with God, so I decided to join two incredible organizations, Cru and Christian Students, at UNT. With one of the organizations, I was baptized and opened my eyes wider for Christ. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve also made good friends devoted to Christ and keep me accountable to my devotions. I also have a fantastic group of friends and family back home who are the same. Now, I try to gain as much knowledge as I can to help anyone in need and be the servant leader that God wants us to be. So, anything I do, I try to live by this verse, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.
