The lack of a father figure has been a problem for many troubled youths. The RNDC jail on Rikers Island is home to some of the most dangerous criminals. 

Dangerous Prison

According to a report with Fox News, the jail houses young men aged 18- to 21-year-old years old. Many of these detainees already have some unresolved issues with their fellow inmates. 

In an earlier report with Fox News, there was an incident involving the death of a 13th inmate in 2022.

Pastor Tim Johnson created a faith-based initiative inside these four walls. 

The faith leader wanted to create a sense of family. He explained that getting them involved in activities like sports and camaraderie gave them a higher purpose in life. 

Productive Future

The pastor added that teaching them about God also changed their lives because it gave them a more productive future. 

Johnson is a pastor from Orlando. He is no stranger to the limelight, as he was a Super Bowl champion. 

The life of fame and fortune did not seem to make the faith leader happy as he realized that his calling was in helping the youth of Rikers Island get a second lease in life. 

He told the news outlet that most of these young men grew up without a father. The pastor has been living in an RV for five months to show his commitment to them. 

Importance of Father Figure

Johnson stressed the importance of having a father figure in one's life. He said that having someone remind the youth that they are loved is crucial in their upbringing.

The pastor pointed out that when they gave the youth a sense of belongingness, it would help keep them off the streets. 

He urged people to show compassion regarding these troubled young men, as they did not have anyone to show them the way. 

He also stressed the difference communication could make in their lives. 

Pastor Tim said the government is not paying him for his efforts. He receives funding from private donors. 

The participants receive free catered meals from their sessions. These are considered to be a luxury and a privilege in prison. 

Johnson said that restoring their belief in themselves would take time and patience. He hopes that the detainees will be able to change the course of their lives with the help of the program. 

Temporal Things Do Not Matter

The pastor prayed that he would be able to communicate with the youth in an effective matter. For him, things like money, cars, and houses were only temporal in life. 

"It's the hole in their soul in the shape of their dad that's been left empty, that they've been trying to fill, is filled, by the father who's the source of our existence," he pointed out. 

The detainees thanked Johnson for his efforts. They were grateful for the program because it allowed them to interact with father figures considered upstanding citizens. 

One of the youths, Lesley Johnson, felt like the program helped get his head in the game and on the right track. He is confident that the initiative will keep him off the streets. 

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