Published On:Wednesday, September 08, 2010

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Feature Writer

SELLING drugs, breaking into homes, gang banging and committing heinous crimes was his long suit at age 13.

There was no law for young Dave Burrows as he did what we pleased and no one could have stopped him.

He was born into a middle class family who saw the importance of a Christian upbringing. However, to the dismay of his parents this did not have an impact on him.

At the age of 14, he assaulted a school teacher and was put out of his home after an altercation with his father. His life spiraled even more out of control and young Dave found himself, counterfeiting and involved in a high speed police chase and arrest in Florida while in college.

One year later Mr Burrows made a decision that led to redemption as he was introduced to Christ by his brother in law Robyn Gool.

Now, Pastor Dave Burrows is releasing a autobiographical book titled "The Power of Positive Choices", which documents his past life and turning point that brought joy and relief to his family.

With his new book and youth ministry Pastor Dave Burrows is destined to turn the lives of young people around.

"I wrote about my life several years ago but I never released it. People began to encourage me to tell my story because they felt it could reach a lot of people," he told Tribune Religion.

He said his story is a life lesson that many young people, who may be engaging in the same activities can learn from. "I did a lot of horrible things when I was younger and it is all because of the influence that people had on me.

When I was younger, my brother was doing a lot of negative things. I watched my brother and I got attracted to the things that he and his friend was doing. I got introduced to marijuana and I began to use it and I started selling it at school and once you start getting into those kinds of things they lead to other things," he said.

Selling packages of marijuana at school led to robbery, counterfeiting, burglary and hand gun possession where he faced the possibility of three years in prison. Fortunately for him the charges were resolved through a probation arrangement with the Sherriff's department in Florida.

He said he wants young people to know that his is not the life to live. "Most of my friends back then are now dead, on drugs, in prison, and some have HIV/AIDS. When I turned my life around the first people I targeted was my friends. I tried to get them to go to church to change their lives. Some of them agreed, they changed their ways but they didn't last very long and went right back to doing the same things," Pastor Burrows explained.

So far Pastor Burrows has been successful in reforming many young people. "I started doing the unconventional things. I started doing the things that pastors weren't doing at that time. I would take a group of guys go to the basketball court play ball with them. I talked to them about their life and some of them responded positively to me," he said.

"The Power of Positive Choices" is just another extension of Pastor Burrows' youth ministry.

"The gist of it all is it is a life lesson. When people hear my story they can appreciate it. They tend to examine their own lives he said. "But the main message I am sending out is that no matter the mistakes you have made or the bad choices you have made you can get back on track," he said.

The book is recommended for all young people to read. Parents who are struggling with youth are also encouraged to read the book.

"The Power of Positive Choices" is available at local and international outlets including, One Rib Publications on Robinson Road, Faith Life Bookstore, and online at www.bfmmm.com or interested persons can call 954-603-7285 or 242-322-5281 or 242-327-0105.