- Faith
By Sue Felices
John and Fair Brocard and their three children lived the typical middle class life. John was an attorney and Fair was a stay at home mom and an associate in the children’s ministry at church. When their middle son, 16, started having anger issues and was self-medicating with marijuana and alcohol, life got out of control—not only for their son but for the rest of the family. They searched out help and decided upon having an escort service (kidnappers, as John referred to them), come in the middle of the night to take their son to a wilderness program in Utah. That was back in May of 1998.
The decision to get help and send their son away was to change all of their lives. The program allowed their son time away to evaluate what was going on in his life and to deal with it. The family began to restore communication and rebuild trust, and upon his return home, they continued to work on their recovery. Their son became involved in a Young Life ministry, which strengthened his accountability. At the same time, John and Fair recognized how little was available to parents of struggling teens and young adults in search of support and recovery. After much soul-searching and God’s guidance, they found a Bible study entitled, “Surviving a Prodigal Child,” which they decided to use to lead a group on the subject. The twelve week Bible study was launched in their home in 2000. It included themselves and seven other struggling couples with similar issues, sharing, supporting and seeking guidance through the study and God’s Word. Prodigal Child Ministries was the start of something bigger than themselves.
John, who was between jobs part of this time, re-evaluated if he wanted to continue practicing law. He had always loved working with kids. He answered God’s call, and now his law practice is devoted to representing teens and young adults who struggle with addiction and other behavioral issues that have brought them before the legal system. Prodigal Child Ministries’ needs continued to grow. Although Fair loved the children’s ministry at church, she felt called to give full-time attention to the growing ministry. Each year it has grown. The ministry has grown from one Bible study group to many offered throughout the year with many trained leaders. It also has added an educational and support component two times a month. Once a month, speakers who are industry leaders are brought in to speak on treatment, addiction, mental health issues, intervention, the court system or any related topic that will help families work through this process. There is also a night to hear individual stories from parents, family members, or prodigals in recovery. John and Fair want people to know the hope in recovery. They do not want this to be a business, so they have non-profit status and function with donations. Through the donations, they have established a website with many resources for families to tap into. They also visit many programs that can provide information to help families narrow their search. Many hours are spent on the phone and in person listening to and supporting those in need of a place to start.
John and Fair want others to know that there is hope for you and your family. They suggest you do your homework. Find out what you and your family need to help you recover. Get help through programs, support groups and counselors. Ask for the advice you need.
Their son, now a successful 4th year teacher, works with the behaviorally challenged. He coaches and gives back to his community. The Brocard family’s own individual journey has brought them many challenges and blessings. They believe this journey has all been in God’s control and timing. Fair says, “Our faith brought us through all this and led us to where we are.” Where they are is being truly of service to others. For that, all of us who have experienced their service thank them.
Fair said she believes that “God doesn’t waste a hurt,” and that everything can be used for God’s glory. God has used their hurt and recovery to give us all hope that we may receive that same blessing. It is all in God’s time. Their two foundation verses for the ministry are Jeremiah 29:11 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.