Dear Partner,
Want to know what a difference a week at HYC can make? Here is a reason why we do what we do.
Last summer I convinced my coworker to let her son spend a week with us at HYC. (I actually said: "Let me take him off your hands for a week.") She didn't think he would want to go, but eagerly he said yes. He came by himself unable to find a friend to join. The first meal was rough, and he ended up sitting with me, my heart was breaking as I knew he was homesick. By the time the service was over he was doing better and when I checked on him the next morning, he totally ignored me! That was a good sign! The staff surrounded him with love and support, so he had the best time and didn't want to go home when Saturday came.
I had lunch with his mom this past week and she couldn't stop telling me how great he is doing. They go to church occasionally but not on a regular basis. Cameron is going to a youth group every week and trying to get mom and dad to come more often. He auditioned to sing for the youth group praise band and made it, so he is now learning to play the guitar. He is in a cell group that meets once during the week, so he is accountable to his leader and has someone to talk to and ask questions. (He has a lot of them!) This past Sunday I was invited along with his family, to watch him get baptized. It was so amazing I had to include a few pictures! He talked about camp so much that during football practice one of his friends asked him why he didn't invite him to go. Cameron promised to bring him this summer.
Although the effort was put forth by Cameron, I feel that a seed was planted while he was at Hiawatha. That is the reason our ministry exists, is to be a catalyst to encourage young people to get firmly planted in a church where they can grow. Cameron is planning on coming back to Hiawatha this summer and I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for him.
So many little things can add up to a really big thing. I would like to challenge you, do not be afraid to speak with your friends and coworkers about HYC, you never know who will be willing. Offer to pay for or be available to assist in the process of getting someone signed up, if it changes one life it will be worth it. We appreciate all the hard work and effort that you put forth to be a part of this ministry, I wanted you to know that it works!!
Thanks for helping make it happen,
Lora