The day before winter camp, Joey’s parents told me they don’t know why he’s so angry. As a youth leader, I’m always looking for opportunities to have meaningful conversations with students. After the trip, I told Joey’s parents I hadn’t found the right moment to talk. About an hour after I hung up, a student told me she had a conversation with Joey about his parents. She encouraged him to be respectful and to put more effort into being Christ-like. He confided that he really wanted a good relationship with his parents. Later, he told her camp changed his perspective and he wanted to spend more time with his parents.

 

I’ve come to realize it’s not always about my influence as director, it’s about the environment Youth 71Five Ministries creates. The conversation this student had with Joey was most likely far more effective than the one I’d have. Philippians 1:5-6 says, “…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Wherever leaders, volunteers, and students gather, 71Five fosters an atmosphere where building trusting relationships lead to hope. FARRAH GUTHRIE 71Five Campus Area Director – Grants Pass (541) 779-3275 farrah@71Five.org