This year I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with two students, Keju and Chukgo, through YFC. I first met Keju at The Hub (a studying space) at Rogers High School. Since then, she has shown consistency in showing up at the center and leaning into community. This year hasn’t been without challenges for her. For a season her family’s car was broken down making transportation difficult, until a mechanic generously repaired it for free (costs were up to $2k). Through it all, Keju has continued to pursue the Lord with boldness, prayer, and passion. Now a junior in high school, Keju openly shares her faith and isn’t afraid to speak about what Jesus has done in her life. After giving her life to Christ last year, she has become deeply dedicated to her studies, athletics, and personal growth. She often comes to the center to work on projects and schoolwork making it a place of both support and belonging.
I met Chukgo through Keju and their group of friends. Over time, I’ve had the chance to help her with practical things like building a resume and preparing for what comes after graduation. As a Highschool Senior balancing school, driving, and responsibilities at home, Chukgo also helps care for her younger brother and supports her family in meaningful ways. Along the way, I’ve also gotten glimpses into her growing faith, hearing Christian music playing in the car, conversations about scripture, and thoughtful reflections about God.
The Friday before Memorial Day, the students had the day off from a make-up snow day so we decided to head down to the river together to make steak tacos for lunch. While I cooked and prepared the food, the girls explored the bridge, skipped rocks along the water, and simply enjoyed being together. There was something peaceful and grounding about slowing down to enjoy creation and conversation.
When they came back to the table, the conversation turned deeper.
They began asking thoughtful questions about my own life and what I was like as a teenager. It created an organic opportunity for me to share my testimony and talk honestly about how God had worked in my life over the years. As we talked, I noticed tears in Chukgo’s eyes, a moment that felt significant and worth continuing to follow up on.
In another unexpected moment, we ran into Mitch, one of our meal team volunteers, who happened to be at the river taking photos for our community partner, Peak 7. We invited him over to refuel with some tacos, and it was fun getting the opportunity to return the blessing, as he has been so consistent in providing meals for our students. It was also a reminder of how often ministry overlaps in unexpected places, seeing volunteers and community partners woven naturally into everyday moments around Spokane.
Before heading home, we closed the afternoon by reading Psalm 27 together and sharing what stood out to each of us. Keju reflected on how the passage revealed that God is stronger than every enemy and fully in control. Chukgo shared how verse 1 spoke directly to her heart: “I do not need to be afraid.”
We ended the drive home by singing along to Christian pop music. It was a simple afternoon, tacos by the river, conversations, scripture, laughter, and time together. But those are often the spaces where the deepest relationships are built. Ministry is not always found in large events or big moments. Sometimes it happens in slower, intentional spaces where students feel seen, safe, and connected.
I left encouraged by the faith, zeal, and hunger these young women have for the Lord. Their openness reminded me that faith is strengthened in relationships, through walking alongside one another, sharing meals, experiencing God’s creation, and doing life together in community. Sometimes the most meaningful ministry happens in the simplest moments.