BRANDON’S STORY: A Cry From the Pit

God continues to make MainStreet a place for “new beginnings” and a place where amazing grace is proclaimed and experienced. Brandon was a freshman at Crown College back in 201o when we were just beginning to gather a launch team to start MainStreet. He performed at our open mic event for youth and I had many conversations about discipleship and faith back then. Then finances forced Brandon to drop out of Crown and Brandon drifted out of sight — at least my sight. Sadly, Brandon also drifted away from God and spiraled into a dark place in his life — turning to alcohol to numb and escape the inner anguish and pain. Eventually hitting “rock bottom”, God was able to break the desperate silence and sing a song of salvation over Brandon. In a jail cell, Brandon experienced the redeeming love of Christ and recommitted His life to God this past summer. After 3 years of silence, I received a call from Brandon this summer, out of the blue. He shared this story above and said he was coming back to Crown to start over and pursue his degree. He’s looking for a church and wondered if MainStreet was able to get off the ground. With a glimmer in my eye and gratitude in my heart, I was able to say with enthusiasm and honesty: “Brandon, MainStreet is alive and well, and is made up of stories just like yours! Welcome home!” Brandon’s first or second Sunday back, he came forward to the waters to reaffirm his baptism at Surfside Beach. Brandon, a talented musician, hopes to help out with the worship team this year and get plugged into the life of the church. Please welcome Brandon, and enjoy his telling of his story above. Praise God!