Visit the camp website here: http://www.fbc-naca.org/

Would you consider a $5.00 donation to purchase a Chaplain Bag for one teen? $50 would provide for 10 teens!

Your donation will not only help us reach more youth but will also help us see more “fruit that remains.”

My desire is to bring a message of hope to the hearts and minds of troubled youth who have found themselves at the “bottom” of life’s circumstances. Having spent the past 24 months in weekly Bible studies, counseling with parents and doing one on one mentoring of troubled youth in the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center, I hope to put in writing a message that will help teens understand how their circumstances and choices have led them down a certain path.

But there is hope! A troubled teenager can experience the same opportunity to “bounce back” that God offers to everyone! Whatever the circumstances of life there is a path to victory by taking a close look at where we are, how we got here and formulate a new plan that follows a new path.

Pray for this very important project! I hope to see it completed by the end of the summer 2010.

Here is the link to the local news story…

http://www.indysportsnation.com/videobeta/?watchId=b9496a27-2d7a-4676-abea-3ccab35d8002

It kind of made me wonder if Michael has people in his life who really care for him, who pray for him and are willing to take his name to the throne of God.

When the Bible study ended the guys started applauding, thanking me and asking me to come back as soon as possible to share more. The applause was started by the guy who was so angry when I walked in to the room.

Oh, and the guy that was angry when we started… he’s a brother in Christ now too!

“I have served side-by-side with Ken Turner and know his heart and his leadership capabilities. He has the unique ability to connect with diverse groups of parents and kids…from struggling  youth at the juvenile correctional facility, all the way to college bound high school football players at All Pro Dad’s community events held at the Colts Complex. His love for the Lord is always evident. If you need to learn more about Ken call me at 813.777.3140.

Darrin D. Gray, Director of Partner Development, All Pro Dad, “The fatherhood program founded by Tony Dungy” Indianapolis, IN (National Offices in Tampa, FL)

I have found in Ken a kindred spirit! His passion for people is marked by his entrepreneurial outreach to the lost, the last, the least, the locked in and the locked out. Clearly a man of integrity and character, Ken’s abilities to articulate the Good News and mentor disciples of the Lord Jesus are supported by his lifestyle of evangelistic faith. He has been a great blessing to me personally and to our local church!

Curt De Graaff, Senior Pastor, Bethesda Baptist Church, Brownsburg, IN

I am honored to recommend my friend Ken Turner whom I have known over 13 years. I have had the pleasure of serving with Ken on several occasions and have found him to have a true heart for the youth he ministers to. Ken’s tenacity and selfless drive to help young people who may not have known the love of an earthly father to come to know the true love of our heavenly father is an inspiration to me. Above all his professional qualities and achievements, the things that I admire the most in Ken is his dedication to follow his calling and his God given ability to connect with and impact the mission field he has been given.

Kurt Hufford, Commercial Airline Pilot, Skywest Airlines, Colorado Springs, CO

“Ken, has a zeal to serve our LORD by working with youth and teens. Though his efforts and prayers many have come to know the LORD and grow in grace and knowledge of him. Ken is diligent and unselfish in his work and I am honored to serve our LORD with him.

Ralph Wendel, Owner, Breakers Unlimited Inc., Westfield, IN

“I have known Ken for many years and God has clearly gifted him with a calling to impact today’s youth for the cause of Christ.”

Jeff Leffew, Servant HR, Fishers, IN

“What an encouragement it is to hear of the work that the Lord is doing through Ken Turner for Indy’s troubled youths.  It’s not just Ken’s burden for these young people that is so exciting, but his ability to break down the walls that these kids have built against adults they don’t trust.  Ken is truly gifted in his knowing how to reach them.”

Ryan Donovan, Principal Financial, Indianapolis, IN

“Ken is well organized, efficient, and a visionary. He is always looking to get better, and will work tirelessly to be productive. He is personable, and makes the lives of people a priority. Good men seem to be hard to come by, and this is a good man.”

Jack Woodring, Missionary, Baptist World Mission, Nashville, TN

“Ken has been working with the Juvenile Detention Center and provided an excellent mentoring program.”

Douglas Hairston, Front Porch Alliance, Indianapolis Mayor’s Office, Indiana

“Ken Turner has a unique ability to understand the challenges that young men of today are facing. Ken is dedicated, persistent and a great leader. His life and work have positively affected many young people in the State of Indiana.”

Melissa Thompson, Clerk of the Council, City of Indianapolis, IN

“I truly believe that ministering to the next generation, to underserved people and communities, and to those on the fringes of society are three of the most important areas in which a person can minister. Ken has not only shown a commitment in these areas, but great effectiveness! I would whole-heartedly endorse his ministry!”

Dave Jamerson, Minister of Local and Global Partnerships, Traders Point Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN

Former NBA, Houston Rockets

“I have known Ken since 1984. He has always demonstrated a passion to help people and make a difference. He is unselfish, an extremely hard worker that will not give up. He has been tested through many fires and passed the test. Any further questions? Feel free to call me to ask anything – 423-727-7436.”

Glenn Ransom, Sales Manager, Varsity (Formerly a division of Thomas Nelson Inc.)

“Ken is a compassionate believer in the positive role that faith can play in young people’s lives – where its just a matter of how you can present this good news to them (that he does very very well). I have personally witnessed remarkable transformation in many of the young men in the juvenile detention facility where we have mentored together. I would trust him with any aspect of dealing with my friends and family should that need ever arise.”

Mike Cline, VP, HWC Engineering, Indianapolis, IN

“Ken Turner is doing an excellent job making a difference in the lives of teenagers. Especially those teenagers whom a lot of people would just write off as hopeless. His ministry in the Juvenile Detention Centers and other places is excellent, and I’ve been honored to be a small part of it.”

Joshua Goodling, Inspirational Speaker, and Director, Web Development, Premier Global Services,  Atlanta, GA

“Ken is a dedicated Christian leader with a burden for teens and a forward thinker in planning activities and programs to meet their needs.”

Sandy Van Vlymen, President, Widow’s Jar Ministries, Inc., Carmel, IN

We began our usual Bible study and Darrel sat way over to the left of everyone else and was pretty disconnected from the group. I didn’t know him. Darrel had been admitted to the detention center and assigned to my unit just days before. I knew this about him though… he looked mad, uninterested, hardened and a little intimidating. A few minutes in to our study I looked at Darrel and told him to slide over closer to the group and be a little more engaged with us. He did what I said but he wasn’t a very “happy camper” if you know what I mean.

During the study I asked a question that I wanted everyone to answer. Darrel’s turn to answer was just what I expected. He was continually staring at the floor and looked up and said, “I don’t have an answer.” I said, “It’s no problem… keep thinking about it and I’ll let you answer later.” Obviously, this young man was carrying some heavy burdens. I’m for these guys… not against them. God has the power to change, convert and transform them. I closed in prayer and offered an invitation for any of the guys to accept Christ as their personal Savior. Four guys prayed to receive Christ. At the end of our Bible study Darrel and I had not connected in any way. At least that’s what I thought. I was about to find out how unbelievably wrong I was in thinking this way.

After our closing prayer I thanked the guys for their attention and closed my Bible. Darrel looked up at me from across the room and said, “Are you leaving right away?” I said I would hang around a few minutes if anyone wanted to talk.” Darrel grabbed his chair and darted over to me and pulled up under a table. I sat down and just looked at him. He leaned forward and looked straight into my eyes and said, “I need to be saved. Can you please tell me how to be saved? Can you show me from the Bible how a person gets saved?” I said, “You know… I think I have a minute or two!” As I began to read the passages of scripture he put his finger on the pages of my Bible and touched each word as I read it. I offered to pray with him and he prayed and asked Jesus Christ to save him from all of his sin and he became a child of God. But there is more.

On my way out of the detention center I ran into one of the directors of the center and told this story to her. She was amazed to hear of Darrel’s decision to accept Christ. It was somewhat of a miracle to hear that he had made the decision to come to God. Out of approximately 100 young men in the detention center, God had touched this young man’s heart and the change in his spirit was noticeable right away.

I truly hope this story excites you and motivates you in your own relationship with God. He can reach the hardest one of a hundred men. When I saw Darrel the other day, he was smiling and vibrant. He told me he is reading the Bible and praying every day. Thank you for your prayers and financial support of this vital ministry to troubled youth!

_______________________________________________________________________

UPDATE ON THIS STORY – March 22, 2009

15 Year Old Dies In Indianapolis
By Ken Turner

On Saturday, March 21 I learned of the tragic death of this young man. When I write to you about the youth I minister to, I use an alternate name to protect their privacy.

The “Darrel” I mentioned last week was released from the juvenile detention center on Monday, March 16 and was killed on Friday, March 20. Please pray for his family as I meet with them today to tell them of his recent decision for Christ and seek to help.

He is the Daniel mentioned in this news story…

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?s=10042731

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/crime/Police_investigating_citys_latest_homicide_20090320

__________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE ON THIS STORY – March 23, 2009

Pray for the Daniel Ferguson Family
By Ken Turner

I met Daniel Ferguson within the past two weeks through my ministry to youth in the inner city of Indianapolis. Daniel was tragically killed on Friday, March 20, 2009.

Thank you to all who have offered prayer and support to the family at this time. If you would like to offer support to the family please feel free to contact me.

WTHR News Story

WISH TV News Story

Funeral arrangements are with:

Lavenia, Smith & Summers Home for Funerals
5811 East 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46218
(317) 547-5814
www.laveniasmithsummers.com

The day and time of services are as follows…

Daniel T. Ferguson
(April 17, 1993 – March 20, 2009)

I was privileged to be a part of this youth event as a keynote speaker along with Randy Tanis as the other keynote speaker. Randy is a great friend a youth ministry veteran of over 20 years who now serves as director of Camp Chetek in Chetek, WI.

Dwayne Morris is the youth pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, serving with Senior Pastor Bob Loggans.

Over 400 attended the conference including about 100 youth leaders.

The challenge of the day was HE NOT ME. Our messages dove tailed together lifting up a key truth for all youth to embrace… “Live your life focused on God, not to seek the approval of others, not for self, but to sincerely pursue a growing relationship with God and His word and through that strength allow God to use you to impact others for eternity.”

I give the people of Calvary Baptist an A+ for their spirit of hospitality, friendliness and obvious desire to see God work in the lives of youth!

Don is a member of our Mentor Outreach Team to troubled youth.

Click here to see a video of his story.

“You will be the same person ten years from now that you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Charles Jones, from his book, Life Is Tremendous.

Have you stopped to think about the friends in your life? Is there someone dragging you down?

Life is full of relationships. Our relationships with God, parents, family and friends play a huge role in forming us in to the person we are becoming.

Proverbs 1:10-14 shines the spotlight of truth on how to spot a bad friend. It’s that person in your life that is pushing you away from being the person God wants you to be and being that person your parents desire you to be.

Here are the three strategies a bad friend uses to bring you down to their level.

1. Invite – My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10

• It starts with an “invitation.” Everyone wants to be included and this friend will come to you often and entice you to come join us and be accepted by us.
• Remember, no one ever got into trouble unless they first agreed to accept an invitation that led them down a destructive path.

2. Involve – This friend will try to convince you that you can just “come” but you don’t have to “participate.”

• We just want you to be with the rest of us.
• Proverbs 1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause. (notice the phrase “let us”).
• Proverbs 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
• The “catch” comes when you are in the “wrong place” with the “wrong people” you will be greatly tempted to do the “wrong thing.”

3. Entangle – Now that you are “with us” you need to become “one of us.”

• Proverbs 1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
• Proverbs 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
• The sliding progression taking place here is a person who wanted to fit in and the person who wanted to be accepted is now in a very bad situation because he or she yielded to the influence of a bad friend.

• So what is the answer to overcoming the influence of a bad friend?

• Never accept an invitation from a friend that will compromise what you truly believe. Be strong in the Lord. Let God’s approval of you override the approval of your friends.

Proverbs 1:15-16 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Ken Turner

High Impact Teens

www.kenturnerministries.org

After praying with a few teen guys I asked the youth manager if I could help *Anthony. She said I could have permission to go speak to him in his room. There he sat on his bed with a toilet and sink and small window to see outside. It was just before Christmas and he was crying so hard. It was the kind of cry that made me think, “His muscles are going to be so sore when he wakes up tomorrow.” He was so tense. I put my hand on his shoulder and it was as hard as the steel holding up the bed.

I waited for Anthony to catch enough breath top talk. He began to say in very broken phrases he was so scared because he was all alone. He had no dad and his mom lost custody of him when he was two years old. What can I say to that? I couldn’t think of anything. Nothing was coming to my mind that sounded in the least bit hopeful.

Then it hit me! You need a father. You need to know someone will be there for you. I couldn’t promise to be his father but I could promise to teach him about God as his Heavenly Father. We talked about that for a while. I prayed with him. His hard shoulder became soft and he started breathing without effort. He smiled and said he felt so much better.

That was December 2008 and I have been on a mission this past year. A mission to help give hope and answers to hundreds of fatherless and troubled youth.

I have had a few people ask recently if I could send them a document they could share with others explaining the ministry I have to troubled youth. People who have had a part in this ministry during 2009 are wanting to know what they can do to spread the word.

At the beginning of 2009 I could never have imagined the year God would have given us. It has been pretty incredible seeing over 160 teens come to Christ and watching God open new doors in so many ways.

I thought I would attach this 3 page PDF file for you to save to your computer. Feel free as you are talking to friends or associates to share this ministry with others you feel may be interested in partnering with us.

God bless all those who have faithfully prayed, supported and encouraged our ministry to troubled youth this year!

Sincerely,

Ken Turner

*(For the sake of confidentiality I must use alternate names when sharing about the youth I serve)

My vehicle had a computer that tells you miles per gallon, length of trip and DTE. My gas gauge was pretty low but I thought, “I can beat the system.” I switched the computer to the DTE setting, which of course tells me my Distance to Empty. I watched the numbers as they dropped to 7 miles to empty, 6, 5 and on down to 2 miles to empty as I whipped into the parking lot! Once again… a victory was won! I was at the church on time for the activity and did not have to waste precious time to stop for gas.

I thought later, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if we had a DTE gauge which was installed to monitor our walk with God?” So many times I have found myself running to do the next thing for God that I was convinced I could not take time for God. It would be so foolish to start out a trip to summer camp with all church vehicles on empty because you just don’t have time for a fuel stop!

I am afraid many of us start too many days with God running on empty because we convince ourselves we do not have time to spiritually fuel up. Sound familiar?

What about your devotional life, prayer life, your outside reading or even exercise? Are you taking care of yourself? I have recommitted myself as we enter the New Year to spend more time taking care of the things that produce the energy I need to do the work of God. How about you?

Ken Turner
High Impact Teens

1. Consider these principles for making wise decisions.

2. Will It Please God?

3. Will It Please My Parents

4. What Would Jesus Do?

5. What Would My Parents Do?

6. Is It Biblical?

7. Will It Affect My Testimony?

8. Will It Offend Someone?

9. Is It Safe or Is It Smart?

Ken Turner
High Impact Teen Ministries
PO Box 460
Zionsville, IN 46077
www.kenturnerministries.org