“It is a miracle that I am able to write my story today. I should not be here but the Lord has been gracious to me. I was born to a 16 year old girl and a 20 something year old man. They were married for a short time but divorced when I was in the 1st grade. I do not remember much about that time except that my biological dad was an alcoholic and abusive towards my biological mom. Life was not easy. My biological mom loved two things: drugs and sex. It started with lesser drugs but progressed to the heavy hitters like crystal meth. We moved a lot when I was a child. It seemed like every new drug led to a new man which led to a new house. From kindergarten to 6th grade, I went to more than 10 schools in multiple states. I never really had friends but somehow managed to keep good grades. Things changed dramatically after I turned 12. One night my biological mom dropped me off at my great-grandmother’s house and disappeared for about two weeks. One day we received a phone call from a hospital where she tried to kill herself by overdosing on drugs. We went and picked her up and she was told by my great-grandmother to call DHR. I was taken into custody that night. I was placed in a group home for about 8 months. During this time, my heart was hardened. I was influenced by older guys who made terrible choices and ended up learning some bad behaviors.
Everything changed at the end of this 8 months when I moved to Raleigh’s Place. Tim and Sharon King showed me love and care for the very first time. I had never experienced the kind of love they loved me with. I was eventually adopted into their family and became a King. They also led me to Christ. In the 15 years that I have been a King my life has been radically different. I can honestly say that I do not remember much of my childhood because my life has been so good since I arrived at Raleigh’s Place. I have accomplished much in these last 15 years: I graduated college with honors, married my wife Kyla, served in many different ministry positions, and have a huge blessing in my son, Fletcher. One of the greatest things I have done during this time is serve as the Camp Director at Raleigh’s Place Camp 1:27. Mom told me when I was 19 that we were going to have camp and we have never looked back. I have seen God do great things at Raleigh’s Place throughout the years. I have seen lives transformed by love that can only come from Christ and the Gospel. I have seen God provide for this ministry time and again. I have been able to meet many great people and share my story with hundreds. Of course, this is not just my story; it is God’s story. I would not be here if it were not for His providential leading and good will for my life. I hope my story is an encouragement to you. Please consider partnering with us so that other children will be able to have a story similar to mine.”