By Stephen Thomas
Ministry Supervisor, Washington/Trinity Campus Life
Washington/Trinity Campus Life is YFC Metro Pittsburgh’s youth ministry serving students in the Washington, PA and Trinity communities.
Morgan started coming to Washington/Trinity Campus Life last year, during her junior year, and it has been a blessing to see her blossom in the Lord.
When Morgan first started coming around, depression and anxiety had a solid grip on her life. With her head on a swivel, it seemed she was always trying to find her place.
Hoping not to overwhelm her, we nudged Morgan with questions to gain a better understanding of her story. As we intently listened to Morgan speak from the abundance of her heart, it became clear that she was angry with God. She had so many questions about family situations and her personal life that seemed to go unanswered. The more she asked questions, the more distant God seemed to be.
As Morgan kept showing up to Campus Life, it seemed we were gaining her trust. We talked about our high school summer trip, Heatwave, and Morgan was interested in going. Nervous and excited at the same time, she made a commitment to go. An eight-hour drive to New Jersey to spend time with people you really don’t know can be a little stressful, but Morgan championed her inner thoughts and emotions and pushed through.
On night two of our trip, unbeknownst to the leaders, God encountered Morgan in a powerful way. After that night’s session, we had a beach party where the music was really loud. Over the music, I could hear someone yelling my name.
“Stephen! Stephen!”
When I looked up, I saw Morgan running toward me, yelling, “God is so good!” and “Jesus is real!”
I said, “Amen, Morgan! What happened?”
Morgan replied, “I’m not totally sure. I just know God answered my prayer! He revealed Himself to me!”
The depressive countenance Morgan had carried seemed to be lifted. Her anxiety seemed to ease. There was an undeniable change in Morgan after that night, and she described it as an encounter with the Lord. For the rest of the trip, Morgan was like a fountain of flowing water, full of testimony about how good God is for answering her prayers. It was truly one of the greatest experiences I’ve had with a student.
Since we’ve come back from that trip, Morgan has been intentional about growing in her faith in Jesus. She actively reads her Bible and participates in her local church and youth group. She has become a student leader in Campus Life, and she openly shares her faith with strangers who are willing to listen.
Morgan’s family has started attending church again after some events that caused them to leave. Morgan has gained community through Christ-centered relationships, which has been beautiful to watch. She was baptized at her church, which we had the opportunity to attend.
Hearing her profess her faith is the reason Campus Life and Youth For Christ exist.
Now, as Morgan begins her senior year, we asked what she hopes will come next. Morgan said, “I’m hoping to become an adult volunteer leader with Youth For Christ and join an adult life group at my church to continue to grow in my faith.”
Morgan is a real testimony to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Washington/Trinity Campus Life is YFC Metro Pittsburgh’s youth ministry serving students in the Washington, PA and Trinity communities.
