Alena
Alena is one of the first students I met at YFC. When she first started coming, she was the almost-silent sidekick to one of our most lively students. Over the last year, she has blossomed into an outgoing and talkative 7th grader. With this new side to her personality, I also learned that she has a mean streak. Middle schoolers can be mean, this is no surprise, but it did catch me off guard to hear these harsh words come from such a quiet and gentle soul.
I’ve watched Alena grow in more ways than one though. Through summer camp, rock climbing and rafting trips, running to the grocery store and more, I’ve had the opportunity to be with Alena in a variety of environments. She is also beginning to know and follow Jesus. We’ve had some serious discussions about treating others kindly and giving our best effort in school.
Fast forward to this last week, Alena came to youth group with me as she usually does. During our Bible study on Psalm 1, I got the chance to ask Alena if she wants to follow God. “Yes!” she responded emphatically.
“Really? Do you want to follow him forever?”
“Yes, forever and ever!” she said.
I got to ask Alena why she wants to follow God forever and she shared with me words that will bless me forever. “Before I started coming to YFC I didn’t believe in God. But after I’ve come to YFC for a long time now I do, and that’s why I want to follow God forever.”
I can’t say Alena has mastered the kindness thing yet, but she is learning and growing like us all. Her grades are an all time high and she is engaged in a variety of after school and church programs. Every day this week she’s shown me her grades and recited a verse she recently memorized with incredible pride. Join us in prayer that Alena and others will continue to grow in her faith and be completely transformed by Jesus to live a new life.