I officially survived my first year as the youth and young adult director in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference! I praise the Lord for that and for the support from my family, our conference leadership, and members. I am excited about the possibilities for this ministry to grow across Kansas and Nebraska. Let me share just one example of why I feel this way.
The needs and opportunities for my department are immense and drive me to pray for people to come alongside me and make meaningful ministry a reality. Crystal Eno is one of the people God sent as an answer to my prayers.
As a teen, Crystal found fulfillment in an annual mission trip hosted by the Upper Columbia Conference. She said, “Pathfinder Teen Mission Adventure was my favorite trip every year. I enjoyed the travel, building friendships, and serving alongside my friends. It was fun participating in different projects, where I learned life skills like laying cement and painting. These trips led to lifelong friendships and mentorships that kept me connected with God.”
Inspired by her experiences, Crystal wanted to offer the same kind of experience to her local Pathfinder club. She asked if they could volunteer at Broken Arrow Ranch, and I encouraged her to open it up to all the teens in our conference. She prayed about it and agreed. Because of Crystal’s willingness to dream bigger and trust Jesus’ guidance, the Kansas-Nebraska Teen Mission was born.
We rallied together a diverse group of teens, parents and leaders from Kansas and Nebraska to join in service, spiritual growth and friendship. We revitalized an outdoor chapel called the Green Cathedral and created new trails. The group worked so fast we had to expand our list of projects!
Crystal reflected, “After directing this first Kansan-Nebraska Teen Mission, I realize now how much love the leaders had for me. So much effort goes into planning and preparing a Teen Mission trip. I loved being with my friends and doing manual labor on various projects. The love and time given to me when I was a teen, now I want to give to all the young people I can. I’m looking forward to next year.”
I’m so glad she feels that way. She did such a great job that I invited her to be an assistant camp director for me at summer camp, and she accepted. Come get to know her and her family this summer!
God has great plans for us all to live activated in service that will bring us joy. Let’s all pray, trust Jesus, and see what amazing things He will do through us and others in the territory He has entrusted to us.
