In the first semester of my freshman year of college, I became involved in this amazing organization called Young Life. Young Life is a non-denominational ministry for teenagers. In the late fall, I officially became a leader for the middle school division of this ministry known as Wyldlife. Before I knew it, I was diving head first into a stronger relationship with God while helping kids also find their path with Him.
Every Saturday we gather for club. Club is two hours filled with fun games, fellowship, and a wonderful talk about Jesus. My heart became more and more whole as I built strong friendships with some amazing young girls.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to further my friendships with my girls by leading a cabin at Timberwolf Lake, a Young Life camp in Lake City, Michigan. All I can say is wow. I was left truly speechless at the end of the week. Never in my life have I had an experience that has filled my soul and brought me so close to the Lord.
Throughout the week we celebrated Christ through team bonding activities, family style dining, singing, and club every night followed by cabin time. Cabin time is when all the kids and leaders go back to the cabins to talk about their days, ask questions about life, and outline how Jesus can be, and is, present in their lives. This is where many kids break down walls and become vulnerable, as they grow closer to the Lord throughout the week.
One of the most noteworthy experiences I had was on the very last night. After a fabulous club, we were released for ten minutes of silence to talk to God. During this time I broke down in heavy flowing tears. For some immediate reason I felt as though I was questioning my worth. I knew that God had brought me to camp for a reason. Yet I was confused if I mattered here. Did the girls understand what I was trying to convey? Was I doing this right? Did my girls see me as a leader figure? As a new leader, I was scared. Camp was almost over and I wasn't sure if I made the impact that I was striving for. I was sitting on the grass in the middle of a field begging God to show me a sign that I mattered; that He had truly sent me here for a reason. The ten minutes came and went with and I slowly walked back to the cabin, wrapped up in my thoughts.
That night during cabin time, my fellow leader and I once again reassured that girls that they can be open. That we were there for them through anything, that we wanted to do life with them and continue to help them on their path with the Lord. We made a rule in the beginning that what is said here, stays here. Yet, we were still looking for those walls to be broken down. As we began the questions, it was almost as if there was an earthquake because walls were falling quickly and tears were flowing. Where did this come from? Every other night we struggled to get through all of the questions and now the girls were opening up their hearts.
I couldn't help but think this was it. This was my sign.
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9
The relationships with my girls and the Lord grew immensely overnight. I was able to have meaningful and long one-on-one conversations about their spiritual journey. I could feel the Lord speaking through me more and more as time continued.
As the final day came to a close, I was sad that this week was over. Then I realized, that it will never truly be over. We are walking off the bus at home with these kids, just the same as how we got on with them. Life will keep going, and I will be walking right beside these kids, doing life with them. Leading at Wyldlife camp this summer gave me a deep connection with the Lord like no other. I felt his words and hands over me. Leading at Wyldlife camp truly changed my life. I know that God is waiting for me right outside the door of the thoughts and feelings of sin and self-worth that I trap myself in. He leads the way.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
