So many kids are trying to make sense of things right now. Masks, social distancing requirements, and canceled activities have added to their confusion and frustration, especially for kids who were already struggling with feelings of hurt and abandonment.
Trevor* is one of those kids. When his mom wrote to us, she said:
I would love for my son to go to Youth Haven as both my older brother and I went growing up. My son has never really had his father in his life, he goes in and out of jail or prison and I don’t want that for my son. I want him to be so much more. I’ve worked hard to give him what I can but I know I can’t teach him everything. Youth Haven is where I fell in love with Bible teaching and I want my son to fall in love with it as well. I believe this place helped my brother and I grow to the hard working people we are today and it kept us out of trouble. My son is a great kid and this would give him the confidence he needs to be a great man when he grows up.
Trevor first joined us over the summer for our Spy Academy Virtual Camp, where he learned that God is trustworthy, loving, and all-powerful. Since then, he has attended our on-site program as often as he could be here! “Every time he comes back he remembers more of the Gospel,” his team leader told me. “The last time he was here he was trying to help me explain it to the group!”
I could share countless stories just like Trevor’s, of kids who are learning more about Jesus and what it means to be His follower through the role models they have here at Youth Haven. And that continues even when they’re not on our campus, through our mail and online ministry. I’m so grateful we can provide that steady positive influence for them, to give them hope for a brighter future!
I want to thank you for your support, because without you, we wouldn’t be able to provide this experience for kids like Trevor. We are grateful you are part of our ministry team!
Your Mission Partner,
Lars Carlson, President & CEO