For many of the students who attend our weekly morning Campus Life clubs at their school, Hangout is where relationships go deeper. Each week, students gather at the Campus Life Clubhouse for games, pizza, small groups and deep conversations with leaders. More than anything, Hangout is where their stories are not only heard and trust begins to build, but students are invited to really take the next step in understanding who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.
Hangout gives students space for real, heartfelt conversations that don’t always fit into a school lunch period or morning club time. It truly is where all questions are welcomed, opinions are heard and faith is explored in an honest and deeper way. The impact of Hangout is best seen through the lives of the students who walk through our doors each week.
One of middle school students, Tim, began his faith journey through Campus Life as he came to his campus’ club and then to Hangout. Over time, he became very curious about Jesus. The stories he heard captured his attention, and he began asking sincere questions as he tried to understand who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.
Last spring, Tim attended our middle school retreat, where he had a conversation with a leader explaining that he was ready to say yes to following God. It was a big moment that marked the beginning of a growing desire to learn more about a relationship with Jesus.
Not long after, Tim was given a Bible by who he calls “Mr. Mike,” our executive director. That Bible has become incredibly meaningful to him as he brings it to school almost daily, reading it and even sharing what he reads with others.
During a recent ride home from Hangout, Tim asked a leader, “Have you ever moved before? And has that transition been hard for you?” When he shared that it had been difficult at times, he responded honestly and vulnerably. Moving is something Tim knows more about than most middle schoolers. With family in Vietnam, he spends the summer there, and has also moved across several different states in his life.
“Campus Life is the only thing I’ve done through all of that where I’ve found my group of people,” he said. “That’s where I found my joy.”
Tim comes from a family with different faith backgrounds. As he learned more about Jesus, he wondered if he could follow Christ while practicing another religion. Learning that following Jesus meant choosing Him fully was a transition for Tim. He’s still unsure how to fully explain to his family his new found faith, but our leaders are here to help him every step of the way.
Because of Hangout, Tim has a safe place to ask questions, grow in his faith, make long-lasting friendships and be surrounded by people who walk with him. His story is a powerful example of how consistent relationships and intentional ministry can make a lasting impact in a student’s life.
Thank you for your support that helps make moments and stories like this possible.
In Christ,
Madelin Sims, Westlawn Middle School Leader