Rickey Fanning, our Assistant Community Director at Willow Pond, walked into the Community Center Monday morning to find it "in shambles" after a weekend break-in. A list of items were stolen, including several computers, guitars, and so forth.
A couple of days later, Rickey was at the basketball court when he was approached by two young men...one of whom we'll call "Mike." "Mr. Rick, can we talk to you?" Rickey could see tears filling Mike's eyes. He then went on to tell the story of what happened and how he was involved. He told Rickey that he sat in school all day and just couldn't go on without confessing.
Mike's story is a difficult one. He doesn't live at Willow Pond. He jumps from couch to couch. He's been at shelters with his mother at different times. Or he'll sleep outside. But, in Rickey's words, he is "respectful and a joy to be around."
Mike shared with Rickey that the weekend of the break-in he was sleeping outside. Rickey told him he doesn't need to sleep outside...we have places to go. He doesn't need to steal for food...we have food to share.
Long story short. In cooperation with the police, no charges are being filed against Mike for his part in the break-in. Mike was able to lead police to the man who stole everything and earlier today we recovered almost everything.
Another thing. At the moment Mike approached Rickey on the basketball court to confess, Suzanne Wallace was upstairs in the Community Center praying with our young "W.O.W. Girls" (Women of Wisdom)...praying that the person who stole everything would come forward!
As for Mike? He made a courageous decision to do the right thing. And he has been forgiven. And as a side note...he also received a job offer today.
A break-in and a break-through!
-- Dean Wilson and Rickey Fanning
