Leila, a sophomore at West Allegheny High School, was not looking for Jesus at the beginning of this school year. She was looking forward to another marching band season, when Ella, Youth For Christ’s West Allegheny Campus Life Director, became her flute section instructor.
At Youth For Christ, staff and leaders reach young people, like Leila, where they are and throughout the fall season as Ella worked with band students, God led her to specifically pray for and invite Leila to Campus Life. Although the invitation was initially rejected, a seed was planted that God was growing beneath the surface.
At the end of January, Ella was out of town attending Youth For Christ’s National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. Since she was unable to lead the WA Campus Life meeting, one of her volunteer leaders, Jordan shared his testimony and led a group discussion.
Later that night, while in her hotel room in Orlando, Ella received a text from Leila:
“I finally had the time to come to Campus Life, and it was the most amazing thing ever!… I can’t wait for next week…Hearing Jordan’s testimony and others’ stories really made me feel like I’m not alone in my journey with God! It was really refreshing.”
During the months Ella was praying, God was surrounding Leila with friends who were growing in their faith, attending Campus Life, and inviting her to come with them. Leila took a step of faith, and even in Ella’s absence, she was met with a community that welcomed her!
Campus Life quickly became a place Leila looked forward to going to each week. She shared that Campus Life helped her understand who God is, what His Word says, and how it applies to her life. Leila discovered how her story and God’s story intersect.
A month after Leila began attending, Ella shared the gospel at a Campus Life meeting and gave an invitation to respond. This time, Leila eagerly accepted the invitation and recommitted her life to Christ! Leila found more than what she initially was looking for this year, and now she’s looking forward to so much more!
