Seven years, 84 months or 2,555 days to be exact. That's how long I got to spend making memories, growing closer to God and become rooted in his word. This is my letter not just of thanks but of encouragement to all of you. It’s the story about what growing up surrounded by such an incredible group of people meant to me. I want to tell every single one of you currently in or coming into youth group these three things. Number one, press into whatever the Lord has for you because he’s got big plans. Secondly become a part of the youth group community, dig into one another’s lives and grow together with others. Last but not least, Have as much fun as possible, seriously I could go on all day about the crazy fun things that happened just in the time I spent in youth, so make the very best of it!

I will forever remember the first day of this chapter of my life. The first pages were written about youth group, it all started at the kickoff picnic in the fall. I was a terrified little boy straight from homeschooling thinking I would be surrounded by all these big bad seniors and upperclassmen. For sure I thought they would peg me with dodgeballs at any moment. Anyways, that first night was one I will never forget, you all took me in, you invited me to play with you and introduced yourselves. I felt wanted like people actually saw me as someone new and fun to hang with. Now here I am saying goodbye, this is it, it was a great run guys.

I don’t want to get too teary eyed. So speaking of dodgeball, use it guys. I can’t say this enough our dodgeball has become a ministry of its own for you guys to bring others. I can speak from experience I’ve seen one of my best friends come because of it. Secondly, as the years go on keep up the practice because we are proud dodgeball legends! McBIC youth are the battleball champs!! Trust me there is so much more that makes us a passionate group than just our ball throwing skills.

The other thing I will always remember from youth is its incredible family atmosphere. You guys are so accepting, so inviting and you practically love others into the youth group. Every week all of you arrive with open hearts and warm smiles. That blows me away to see such an open and positive role model group building and learning together. I know it probably just seems normal but it's not, it's extremely special and you guys have the ability to draw so many people in just by using your hearts.

Personally I have to say youth group was my life. Legitimately it was, I found my best friends, my mentors, and my amazing girlfriend all in one place, the worship room. My life is surrounded by the blessings of having joined the youth group and my life has never been the same since. I tell you all that because I hope you get the most of all the blessings from McBIC too and see how much it influences your life. So to sum it all up I just need to say thanks! Thank you Jesus for both awesome and incredibly blessed youth pastors I had. Chad and Jason you rocked it! Thanks to all my friends, my leaders and everyone for being a part of the youth group and for being part of my story. I am who am I today because of what you all spoke into my life. Now’s it is time for the next chapter in my journey and the continuation of many yours.

I love our youth group and it will forever be in my heart. My life story will never be the same. I pray all you have stories to share when your time comes. Thanks once and for all!