Camp, Where Everything Changes

January 14, 2025

story

Joe and Kristian, our high school team leaders, had just returned from camp last week. They were eager to sit down and share a bit of what had just happened.

Kristian shared first. “I feel like our kids were forever changed. I don’t know about you Joe, but I am forever changed… being able to witness what took place.”

Joe responded. “As a leader witnessing the students that you have been praying for and ministering to for an entire year…  seeing them encounter God is the ultimate trophy. There is no amount of money I could have been paid that could take the place of that. It was far above what I wanted to see. I have been doing some form of youth ministry for four years. I have been praying for this. This was the answer to that prayer.”

Here are a few stories of the kids they took to camp. I have changed names so I can share more of their stories.

Terrance saw his father shot and killed just over a year ago. He has said he doesn’t believe in God. It has been a tough year. But Campus Life has filled a tremendous void for him. At camp, he told his Campus Life leaders that he loves them for the first time. Terrance gave his life to Christ at camp.

Ashton comes from a tough home situation. He was not interested in any of this “God stuff.” He wanted to go to camp to have a good time with his friends. Ashton now says God changed his life. But one night our leaders found him sobbing uncontrollably. He shared with us that his “mom is an atheist and my dad is stuck on drugs. I don’t know what to do.” Long conversations gave Ashton the hope he so desperately needs.  Joe says the highlight of the camp was seeing Ashton singing praise songs at the top of his lungs.

We were all shocked when Reece agreed to even go to camp. He had told us that “all this God stuff is stupid” during the school year. Reece said “yes” to Jesus at camp. In the cabin time late that night, Reece, inspired by what had taken place that day, said “we have to take this Jesus story to everyone.”

Real kids. True stories. Stories of kids whose lives have been “forever changed.” Changed by God’s story. And God allows you and me to be a part of all of this. Wow!

As our new semester begins, this will afford us the opportunity to connect with hundreds of new high school and middle school students. You can make a lasting impact on the lives of kids by becoming a Storyteller today. Our Storytellers make a weekly or monthly recurring gift to the work of Youth For Christ. Every dollar will be stewarded to have the greatest impact on young people right here in Tuscaloosa. Here is what your monthly gift will accomplish. $17 per month will provide a teen with a Christian mentor for the year. $50 per month will provide 3 teens a mentor. $100 per month will send 4 teens to camp. $200 per month will send 8 teens to camp.

To become a storyteller click here or contact our giving team at (205) 752-3361 or email campuslife@tuscaloosayfc.com.