Gilbert Jr. High

YAWI reached approx. 150 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at Gilbert Jr. High in this awesome event. Bill partnered with Pastor Dre Bonny from Fresh Start Ministries and delivered a powerful message cautioning against experimenting with drugs at alcohol at a young age. Bill encouraged the students to believe in themselves and gave the example of him walking for the first time in 20 years to demonstrate that they can overcome any adversity through faith in God, hard work, and determination. Pastor Bonny drove the point home through his testimony. He was born to crack addicted parents, was molested at the age of 8, and joined a gang to survive. He was involved in drive by shootings, car jackings, drug dealing and use until he met Jesus. His life was turned completely around through the Fresh Start Program and he is now a youth pastor as well as a corrections deputy for Franklin Parish. Their goal is to give the students the hope and strength to overcome any of the difficult circumstances they may be facing in their own lives as they work toward becoming successful adults.