One of my favorite parts of working with youth is seeing them take steps of growth in leadership and their spiritual walk. Nate has been attending 71Five Campus in Eagle Point for over a year now, and he told me one week, “The last three years I’ve strayed from God, but I’m reading my Bible every day now and I realize that following Jesus isn’t just doing the right thing; it’s a relationship with Him.” The past several months, along with the growth in His relationship with Jesus, I have noticed Nate stepping into his student leader role with extra intentionality; helping out consistently and even jumping in to help with things before I ask him to. As one of my volunteers was teaching a Bible story I watched as Nate kept his eye on the younger kids, respectfully making sure they were paying attention. I wanted to express how proud I was so I immediately went and wrote him a thank you card for all of his help. All I was thinking in the moment was that I wanted him to know I was thankful and proud. What I didn’t realize was that one “thank you” would set up the following weeks with even more dedication from Nate to put his best foot forward. It’s amazing what a simple “Thank You” can do.

 

While I’m on the topic, “Thank You” for being a part of these kid’s lives and providing a safe place for them to grow in so many ways. You are making a direct impact in the lives of youth in our community. Thank You!