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Patrick - 18 years old

My journey started as my son Patrick was turning 14. He had become an expert at abusing drugs, alcohol and people. .I tried all the conventional approaches: therapy, drug programs and even Christian counseling with his youth pastor. Together he and I even visited a boy’s home just to try and show how him I wasn’t kidding. As my son attempted to destroy himself at school, home and with the law, those around him also fell apart. By the time he was placed at Heritage, his step father had had enough of being lied to, stolen from and disrespected. Patrick’s behavior along with religious differences destroyed our marriage, we divorced in Nov.2006. To place my son in the Heritage Boys Academy or any Military Academy was the most heart wrenching decision I as a parent ever had to make. It meant not only trusting people I didn't know, in whose care I had to place him, and trusting in the effectiveness of a Christian Military Boot Camp style program and to help bring about the changes in him and myself that were so desperately needed. The Heritage Boys Academy was an answer to my prayers. After much prayer, many tears and phone calls to places around the world the Heritage Boys Academy had an opening. On Oct 26, 2006 I visited the Academy talked with the director and felt it was where God would want my son. On the 27^th he was enrolled in their program. On my first 4 month visit I could see a slight change in my son’s behavior and attitude but before my second visit Patrick told me in our scheduled 10 minute Monday phone conversation he had accepted Jesus as his Savior, that was May 10, 07. That not only gave me Patrick back, but more importantly my son was finally a Christian. God truly hears his children’s prayers and answers them in his own time. During the period of 8 months, I have been privileged to witness the depth of dedication among the Academy staff family that continually inspires me. Patrick and I will be forever grateful for what you have done for his life and for us. On July 23, 07 before our 10 minute phone visit was up Patrick told me, “Mom before we hang up I just want to thank you for sending me here it was the best thing you could have ever done for my life”. What joy that brought to my heart!!

I believe that these changes could occur only because of the unique vision that men of God had to structure a program that would deal with out-of-control adolescent boys. It is also only found through God’s word and a Christian environment that these changes can take place. The politeness of a "yes, sir", is mandatory through rank from Trainee to Sgt. The daily routines show the boys that behavior has immediate and concrete consequences. From the Sunday church services to the boy’s daily routine of school work, chores, exercise and daily devotions they are becoming Godly young men. On completion my son will receive a high school diploma and not a GED. Praise the Lord for all of you at Heritage Boys Academy!

R/ JILL B. JARVIS

Patrick Serving at a Wedding Reception

Happy Kitchen Helper!

God has been good to me in sending me to HBA. I was messed up when I first came here, but in May, 2007 I repented of my sins and made Jesus Christ the Lord of my life. I waited a long time before getting saved, and I am glad that I finally yielded to the conviction and was born again.

I thank God for Bro. Buddy and all the staff here at HBA, and for the way they care for us boys. My former life is in the past, and I have a bright hope for the future, thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't know for sure what the Lord wants me to do yet, but I plan on doing something for Him, whatever it is.

Hi, My name is Varrick Winters. I am from Long Island, New York. I came to HBA from a life of running the streets, drugs, running from the police, my family & my problems. I was walking side by side with death and the devil. I was trapped with no happiness & no peace. On July 9, 2007 the Lord saved me and changed my life. I am the only saved person in my family and it may be the only chance they have to hear the truth. Please pray that I will be a good tesitimony in their eyes. I thank God for saving my soul. Amen!

Varrick - 16 years old

My name is Robert Sullivan. I am 16 years old. I was raised a strict catholic. As a child, I thought a person could get to heaven by works, and if that person didn't get to heaven, they'd be in purgatory until they would be released by prayers of family members, the priest, etc. I was also very rebellious towards my parents. But this all changed when I came to Heritage Boys Academy June 16, 2006. Before I came here I had never opened a Bible. At first I thought these people were weird. But after preaching and teaching, month after month, I came to the realization I was on the wrong boat. One Sunday morning on November 17, Bro. Rob preached a message on Hell. The Lord kept dealing with me to get saved. That same day Bro. Bob preached, when Bro. Buddy came to the pulpit and asked if anyone wanted to get saved, I came up. After getting saved it felt like a ton of bricks lifted off my shoulders. I want to thank my parents for sending me here. I think this is the best Academy is the world. There is straight preaching on the KJB, and Bro. Buddy bases all the rules and decisions on the Bible.