So says Mara, a teenager from the 95 who has discovered Jesus through a Hampshire church youth group run by Faith Guides (and married couple) Clare and Nathan. Most of the youth group members lack church backgrounds, but many of them are now passionate followers of Jesus.
‘When young people have that hope Jesus offers, it’s life-changing,’ says Clare, who is Youth and Families team leader at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Waterlooville. She leads the Friday night youth group and Kid’s Zone, an after-school club, praying daily for each member by name. Although both groups are long-established and successful, Clare and Nathan saw the value early on of becoming SU Faith Guides.
‘Jenni, our Mission Enabler, gives us advice and encouragement when things are tough, and can offer a wider perspective on mission. And being part of the wider Faith Guide network lets us share ideas and support each other.’
Lately, there have been exciting developments in the youth group. Clare recalls, ‘It started with Lily* – she came to Kid’s Zone where she told God in prayer she wanted to follow Jesus. Later, she joined the youth group. Then she came on the High Tide** annual residential organised by SU for Faith Guides and their groups. Last Easter (nine years on) her family came to see Lily get baptised.’
Lily then invited her friend Mara to youth group where she found Jesus. Mara says, ‘I used to be an atheist… Jesus has changed me into a more forgiving, loving person and I want everyone to know Jesus and his amazing love!’
Clare says, ‘Sure enough, she’s invited loads of friends and now the group is around twenty strong! One of Mara’s friends, Esme, came on the High Tide residential and had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. She got baptised five months later – her well-intentioned family gave her a Bible but it was a King James translation and she couldn’t understand it! So we gave her a youth Bible which she loves!‘
Anna is one of the few group members from a Christian family. They go to a big modern church with a large youth group. However, Anna changed to ours as she says she feels more “seen” here. She in turn brought along Elana who decided to follow Jesus. Now Elana is so much more confident – she and Anna have gone to Southampton to share Jesus on the streets! Anna’s now completed Amplify, a programme developed by SU and partners to help young people share their faith with their friends. Elana plans to do it next year.’
Each youth group session starts with a sit-down meal and catch-up which helps to build bonds and foster that vital love and acceptance. Then there’s Bible study and worship. ‘It used to be a struggle to get the group through one song,’ recalls Clare, ‘but last week we sang three and they demanded more! At one point, several of them were on their knees in adoration. How times have changed…
‘The church ran a course on how to live the Christian life and these young people attended every session – they said “We want to improve our journey”. They’ve also started their own regular Bible study group. When the girls had a sleepover recently, instead of watching a movie as they’d planned, they did a Bible study instead! Their faith is so deep and authentic – we simply facilitate the space where they’re able to encounter God, and God does the rest.’
* Names of children have been changed
** Costs of High Tide are funded by other local Christian churches and organisations
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