This is God's work

The following three stories were shared with me from YFC staff from different areas in the US. (Names have been changed)

Last week Sarah said, "My dad puts his cigarettes out on my arm"... "When I go to Campus Life my little brother is alone." Sarah is 12 years old. Her little brother is 8.

Melissa got involved in drugs at a young age. The only adults she would talk to were her mom and a YFC staff. Eventually she ended up in rehab. All the while she was "on the streets," in rehab and since her release, YFC staff have maintained contact and Melissa is now a follower of Christ.

Tony grew up with a Christian background and attended church as a kid, but there were family problems and he eventually found himself in a foster home. He is on is own now and his mom has told him that she still believes in "God" but now embraces the religion of "Wicca," which Tony totally refutes, although he has distanced himself from God.

What a privilege to be in relationship with teens who need Jesus for salvation and for navigating through life day after day.

Earlier this month I was part of a team of adults from our staff who presented an anti-bullying program called Point Break. For two different days (different group of teens each day) we interacted with over 140 freshman and sophomores. We shared how our words and actions or our lack of words and actions impact not only our own lives but the lives of those around us. There was a time of being vulnerable and taking risks. There was a time of affirmation and trust building. At the end of both days the teens left a little less burdened and with more hope and understanding.

One of the adults commented after we were done that we were Jesus to these teenagers. What she meant was that we got the opportunity to show Jesus' character to these teens. Without being able to share about Christ we had the privilege to show them Jesus. I know God will use our time during both days to draw these teens into a relationship with Him. We get to be part of the process of the teens knowing Him. Praise God!