Stephen and Kace, Youth For Christ Washington Staff, practice faithful presence with students, and Jay’s story grew in that steady space. Three years ago, they met Jay during a program at the LeMoyne Center in Washington. It serves children and families through educational, enrichment, and support programs. This connection with YFC Leaders started one thread in Jay’s life.
Jay stood out to them right away. He listened closely and engaged with the group. When the program ended, Stephen and Kace chose a simple celebration. They took the students to a local restaurant so they could practice sitting, ordering, and tipping. Jay talked about how much he enjoyed the meal, and he raved about the cheeseburger he ordered.
Soon after that program ended, Jay and his family joined Kace at church. There, Kace learned Jay was the nephew of his close friend Nathan. That discovery added another thread of connection, and it widened the circle of adults looking out for Jay and many other Washington kids.
A few years later, this past summer, Jay’s uncle Nathan suggested middle school Campus Life to Jay’s mother, and in the fall, Jay began attending. Leaders watched him make Campus Life his home. He found some friends already there and made new friends quickly.
This winter, Jay joined the Winter Blast trip, an annual weekend for middle school students to get away, hear the gospel afresh, and respond to that invitation. He showed up eager to participate. During the weekend, he started opening up to leaders about his interests and passions.
Jay now comes to Campus Life week after week. In his words, he gets to “be” Jay. “I haven’t experienced a social circle quite like this,” Jay said. “It’s the only place that you don’t have to accomplish anything to be a part of.”
Jay shared that he has had a knowledge of God. Through his time at Campus Life, he has grown in his awareness of the importance of that relationship, and learning more every passing week.
Jay’s story in Washington, shows how the Spirit is patiently weaving threads into students’ lives. In Washington threads look like Stephen and Kace, the LeMoyne Center, a caring uncle, parents, and a place to belong like Campus Life.
