“We need to talk tomorrow.” These were the last words I said to James. Things have been “heating up” in Tillicum as of late, and on Sunday night there was an incident involving some of the families that we work with. The story, as I understand it now, is that Julie (a former regular in our program) got into a fight with a group of girls. Seeking to deal with the situation, James’ mom went to find the group of girls and, when she did so, got more than she expected. As I sat in my living room Sunday night, I heard the undeniable pop of five rounds. Police soon filled the area and a 19-year-old girl was taken into custody. The whole incident took place just blocks from the newly completed Tillicum Youth & Family Center. 
 
The next day was Monday and things at the Center were quiet. We had fewer kids than normal and there was an obvious tension in the air. It is there that I learned the situation involved Julie and James’ mom. It was a rude awakening to the reality of living and working in Tillicum. It was not my night to work late, so I headed home at 5 to have dinner with my family. After dinner my parents came over to spend time with my girls, so I took the opportunity to take Leah out on a date. As I headed out the door, I realized that I left my jacket at the Center so we swung by to grab it. As I came in, James was there playing ping-pong. I asked him if the rumors that his mom (and his house) was the one that got shot at were true and he confirmed the details with the most casual of shrugs. With the car running and my wife waiting I told James, “We need to talk tomorrow,” and I headed out the door. 
 
I never got to have that tomorrow. That night James and his family packed up and left Tillicum. They moved away and I don’t know if we will ever see him again. Here is what I do know: James knows that God loves him and Jesus died for his sins. James had the opportunity to interact with great men and women of God and shown on a regular basis that a relationship with God is the true key to happiness. I am so heart weary to lose a kid like James. While I am sad and discouraged by his sudden move from this community, it only furthers to strengthen my conviction that we are on the right path to change the lives of these kids. I am reminded of the words that I’ve shared with hundreds of people. “We don’t know how long we have with these kids, it could be six days, six months, or six years. We just don’t know when their family might pack up and be gone overnight”. 
 
So thank you for your prayers, your support and your time in being a part of this ministry. I’ve changed the names of the students involved in this letter, so feel free to pass this on to anyone you feel would benefit from reading.
 
Sincerely,
Daniel Livingston
Tillicum Youth & Family Center