NEESES -- April Fogle advises other Christians to listen closely to God's voice when he speaks to them.

"When you surrender to God's call to Christian service, your heart will be filled with tremendous joy," she said.

Fogle travels from her home in Neeses to Columbia twice a month to minister to teenage girls incarcerated at Willow Lane, a facility for girls in long-term commitment and boys with aggression difficulties at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia. At DJJ, she teaches girls and young women about God's love and his purpose for their lives.

"I teach an Acteens class at DJJ, and this type of missions study is helping the girls understand how to apply biblical truths to their own lives," Fogle said. "These girls are at a crossroads in their lives, and they need to know that God loves them and has a plan for each one."

Fogle began her ministry at DJJ in February 2006, and she now campaigns to get others to become volunteers.

"The door is wide-open for ministry at DJJ," she said. "Volunteers are needed to provide spiritual guidance to juveniles. There are also opportunities for people to serve as mentors, tutors and recreation volunteers.

"Just one hour of your time can make a big difference in the lives of young people."

In addition to her work at DJJ, Fogle also serves as an Acteens leader at Calvary Baptist Church in Neeses. It was through an article featured in The Mission Link magazine that her heart was opened to volunteer outside the realm of her community.

"The article focused on the responsibility of Christians to the at-risk youth 'behind the fence,'" she said. "I clipped the article for future reference, but the message stayed in my thoughts daily. I felt God giving me the desire in my heart to become personally involved."

The article, entitled, "Me, Work with At-Risk Youth?" focused on the many challenges that clinicians, social workers and youth advocates face with today's youth and the need for a spiritual dimension in the lives of at-risk youth in rehabilitation. Fogle said she recognized God's call to service but was afraid to step outside her "comfort zone." She even made verbal excuses for not committing herself to new work.

"I argued with God that the timing was not right, because I was already committed to doing many other things," Fogle said. "God's answer to me was, 'This is something I want you to do.'"

She explored opportunities for service and prayed earnestly for direction. The next issue of The Mission Link featured the "sign" April had been praying for. The name of a contact person -- Irene Murphy, a WMU associate with DJJ -- and a telephone number was listed for prospective volunteers. Fogle wrote the information on her "to do list," but somehow, she still procrastinated.

"About a month later, God allowed a big fish to swallow me up," she said. "I called Mrs. Murphy and left a voice mail message. I was still struggling inside the big fish and confessed to God that he had my attention and pleaded for him to lead the way.

"When Mrs. Murphy returned my call, I expressed my desire to become a volunteer and explained that I didn't know where to begin. When she asked me if I would like to teach an Acteens class at DJJ, I became very excited, because I had been leading an Acteens group in my home church for the past two years. I realized that this was something God had prepared me to do, and my heart rejoiced."

Fogle learned her Acteens class would be comprised of girls 14 to 18 years of age, with six to 14 girls in attendance each time. She was also aware the most frequent offenses associated with referrals to DJJ were disturbing schools, simple assault and battery, shoplifting, simple assault and simple possession of marijuana.

"I never gave any thought to problems that could occur; I just trusted God," Fogle said. "I have found the girls to be very receptive and appreciative. For many, they seize the opportunity to know more about Jesus."

Her first trip to the DJJ facility, located on Broad River Road, was significant, Fogle said, because what began as a somewhat apprehensive initiative has evolved into the most rewarding adventure of her Christian life.

"I look forward to going to DJJ each time, and God has met every need along the way," she said.

"April is a godsend, and the girls at DJJ love her," Murphy said. "She's a breath of fresh air on the campus at Willow Lane."

Members of Calvary Baptist Church assist with Fogle's ministry at DJJ whenever possible, particularly on special occasions like monthly birthday parties.

"Calvary Baptist Church is excited about the chance to minister to the teenagers at DJJ," said the Rev. Benjamin Smoak, Calvary's pastor. "Several of our women members have gone on different occasions to help with activities, and some of the men have gone to grill-out for the guys and girls.

"As a church family, we have purchased Bibles for the girls to use as they seek to grow in their relationship with Christ. This is an awesome opportunity to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ."

Calvary member Allyson Carson said she enjoys assisting with birthday and Christmas parties at DJJ.

"My most fond memory happened when we were celebrating the birthdays of the month at DJJ," she said. "One of the girls told me she had not had a birthday party since she was five years old, and this was her 16th birthday.

"As I tell that story, I get teary-eyed because so many of us take for granted what we have. All we gave her was shampoo, conditioner, soap, socks, tee shirts ... basic necessities. But to her, it meant a lot."

Fogle's home church, Ebenezer Baptist Church in Cordova, also assists with activities at DJJ, and her husband, Chuck, and their four sons support her with prayer and encouragement.

But the need for other churches or missions groups to become involved on a regular basis, she said, is clearly evident.

"There are many needs to be met at DJJ, especially with the boys and young men, who greatly need good role models." Fogle said. "I am willing to speak to any church or group that would like to know more about opportunities for service at DJJ, and there are young people who will come with me to tell their personal stories."

Fogle said middle and high school students also need special school supplies, including bookbags, notebooks, pens, highlighters, glue, tape, markers, etc. A supply list is available for interested individuals or groups, Murphy said.

"Donations of tee shirts, hair gels, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes are always on the girls' wish list." Fogle said. "And, they greatly enjoy keeping journals, which is therapeutic for them during their time of transition."

Fogle said she doesn't have any special talents and can't explain why God chose her for a DJJ ministry.

"I just know that he grabbed me by the heart-strings and wouldn't let go," she said.

For more information, call Fogle at 803-263-4004. Murphy can be reached at 1-800-723-7242, ext. 8506.

T&D Features Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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