Mission Generation is happy to introduce Zachary Verley as a partner rep in Connecticut. Here’s a summary of Zachary’s testimony.
2012 was one of the worst years of Zachary’s life. On January 5th, he found his father lifeless in his bed from a heart attack and just two short weeks later, his older brother was arrested. At just 16 years old, these events left him in deep emotional pain and feeling empty, but God was faithful during that time. As he called out to God, he received the comfort and answers he so desperately needed.
Following these events, Zachary poured himself into his faith and football. His football team had a record-breaking season that took them to the state championship game. It looked like 2012 was going to end on a good note after all. Unfortunately, his season was cut short. On Thanksgiving Day, while running down the field on kick off, Zachary was hit hard and immediately felt excruciating pain. He was evaluated by a trainer and taken by ambulance to the hospital where doctors discovered he had suffered a laceration to his kidney. With the risk of bleeding to death, he underwent 3 surgeries, but all were unsuccessful. There was one more surgery left to try – if unsuccessful, Zachary would lose his kidney. All the feelings of disappointment from his childhood had resurfaced. After his pastor and God believing mother came to pray for him, Zachary realized he was bitter towards God and his anger boiled out. His mother remained calm, listened as he released his built-up anger and told him to have faith and believe for his healing. She reminded him that “by Jesus’ stripes, he was healed” (Jeremiah 53:5). The surgery was successful. Looking back, Zachary realizes that this injury was his “mustard seed of faith experience.” God took the small amount of faith Zachary had left and grew it to bring him healing which allowed the medical personnel to witness God’s healing power.
Zachary experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences due to the death of his father, the imprisonment of his older brother, and his football injury. The power of Jesus in his life helped him overcome the trauma he endured. Placing Mission Generation’s curriculum into American schools can impact at risk kids just like he was. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference in giving kids direction and purpose for their futures.