Like many parents, John and Fair Brocard know what it’s like to have a child who has strayed from God.
Often, they were alone in their prayers and agony for their son.
That’s why they started a mission to help parents caught in a similar situation through the formation of Prodigal Child Ministries.
Fair said, “It’s key to have a strong support system. We didn’t have that when dealing with Bubba. It helps parents to realize they’re not alone.”
At the time, Fair was an associate in the children’s ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. She moved on from that role with PCM’s founding, but she and John remain members. Johnson Ferry has become pivotal to the ministry’s efforts by providing space on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month for a “Parents of Prodigals” support group.
John continued his career as an attorney. But his direction changed from civil and personal injury litigation to working with kids and young adults mired in the consequences that follow bad choices.
From January to Easter, the Brocards host a Bible study in their home with parents of a prodigal. Another couple hosts a group over Zoom. The bimonthly meetings at Johnson Ferry feature prodigals sharing their stories, but also psychologists, law enforcement officers and others in various fields.
The Brocard’s say, “God can use your prodigal to change your heart.”