Just In Time: When One Conversation Changes Eternity.
- Brian Darden
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
A Teacher's Legacy and The Urgent Call to Reach the One
Memoir Written by Chaplain Brian Darden (Master in Education, a Teacher)
Just In Time: A Story of Faith and Salvation
As a Bible-believing Christian, I am a fervent advocate for sharing my faith. I was recently reminded of the critical importance of this endeavor. As a public school teacher, I often find myself praying for the opportunity to share the gospel in a restrictive setting. The Lord has given me amazing opportunities to share the gift of salvation, but one instance stands out in my mind. I was teaching 8th-grade English at the time and had a student who became very special to me. This young lady would visit my class to talk about life, food, music, and often faith. I felt like a surrogate big brother and cherished our conversations. The school I worked at was predominantly Hispanic, and the student body was mostly Catholic. One day, my student and I got on the subject of faith. She was curious about the differences between her faith and mine. At one point during our conversation, we discussed what salvation is.
She asked me what the Bible says about salvation, and I quoted Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." I told her that if we acknowledge our sinful condition, believe that Christ died to pay for that sin, and accept the gift that God gave us, then we are saved. I remember how her face lit up with her amazing smile as she said, “I am saved!” I took great comfort in knowing that my favorite student understood that heaven was her future home.
I eventually left that school, only occasionally touching base with her. Not long ago, I received a call that shook my world. At the age of 16, my favorite student had taken her own life. I attended her funeral with a heavy heart, reminiscing about all of our wonderful conversations. I looked back on the day we spoke about our faith, smiling as I remembered her face when she proclaimed her faith in Christ.
This experience deeply underscored the urgency of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We never know what tomorrow holds, and the opportunity to share the gospel might be the very last.
"In life's fragile moments, the Gospel echoes eternal." Brain Darden
1|99 Project: The Power of One
This poignant story, while heartbreaking, powerfully illustrates the profound impact of reaching just one person with the message of salvation. This very principle is the cornerstone of CA Jail Outreach's mission, and it's deeply rooted in the powerful truth of Luke 15:7 (KJV): "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
That word, "one," echoed against "ninety and nine" – it's more than just a number. It's the very foundation of our 1|99 Project: The Power of One. It emphasizes that while many may seem untouched or "just," the heavenly celebration and our earthly focus are profoundly centered on that single soul who turns to hope. Consider:
One inmate finds peace through prayer, igniting a beacon in chaotic surroundings.
One child, whose parent is incarcerated, receives support that shatters a cycle of despair, securing a future saved.
One transformed heart initiates a powerful ripple, impacting families and communities far beyond the jail walls.
One struggling soul, who has lost all hope in life, finds it at the foot of the cross.
One person walking down the street comes across vital information about the cross.
One student in a classroom reaches out and bravely decides to say yes to the cross.
One whispered word of encouragement sparks courage in a soul feeling invisible.
One act of selfless service multiplies kindness, inspiring countless others to do the same.
One small spark of faith illuminates the darkest path, guiding a life step by step.
One outcast finds a loving home and true belonging in the embrace of the cross.
One life, once marked by failure, is given a profound second chance through the redeeming power of the cross.
One soul, adrift and without direction, anchors itself in hope and purpose found only at the cross.
This unwavering commitment to the value of the one is what truly drives all the chaplains and volunteers of CA Jail Outreach.
Our blog platform makes transferring long articles challenging, particularly for posts that exceed 10 pages. To ensure easy access and download of our content, we've provided it in PDF format. We also offer a podcast version for those who prefer to listen, saving you time. Please note that for conciseness, some sources and scriptures may be omitted from the podcast; the PDF includes all detailed references. Thank you for being so understanding!
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