In Philadelphia, a 13-year-old would accuse a homeless man of “coming on” to him and his friend. He would return with family and friends to administer street justice. That man would end up in a coma and later die.
The 13-year-old would end up at St Gabriel’s Hall, a residential treatment facility for delinquent youth. He would be charged with assault, as he administered the final stomp that ended a life. There he would meet Mr. Nick Gresh.
When asked about his classroom, Nick says it’s just vibes and coffee. An environment that is relaxed yet disciplined. Mr. Gresh is no stranger to troubled youth. Having worked 10 years in some of Pennsylvania’s most difficult school systems, with 3 years at St. Gabe’s and another 6 years in Northeast Philadelphia. He would often find himself breaking up fights, trying to keep some semblance of order in a chaotic world.
Having grown up in a Christian home, saved at the age of 5, Mr. Gresh had a stable childhood and loving parents. Having been in an Evangelical Congregational church, and then a Methodist church, Mr. Gresh understands what it means to keep Jesus the focus despite doctrinal changes.
While that child was in a dark atmosphere, he found the light of Christ was that much brighter. Eventually, Nick led that 13-year-old felon to Jesus. He wasn’t the only one, as he constantly would be as authentic as he could be, and his students felt it. It’s at those moments when things are darkest, that you need to know what you believe.
Eventually, the Lord led him to teach at our Academy. He finds the principles learned from the public school system still apply to teenagers here. “We all go through human issues and human problems. We all have a sinful nature that we’re trying to fight daily. Why we try to ignore that and pretend otherwise, is something I don’t understand. You have to realize you can’t lease your faith from your parents or mentor, you have to own it.”
He knows his students need to know the reality of owning your faith. Because this world doesn’t want you to own anything close to Jesus Christ.
If he’s done that, he’s done his job.
Recent Comments