Three years ago, I first met Maya when she was in middle school. Maya was facing the daunting challenges of becoming a mother at the tender age of 13. She struggled to continue attending church with her friend, feeling overwhelmed and isolated in her new role. Maya needed a place where she could feel supported, understood, and equipped to navigate the complexities of young motherhood.
That’s when she decided to check out our Parent Life group at Youth For Christ. For Maya, Parent Life became a sanctuary—a safe, nurturing environment where she could connect with other young moms, gain valuable parenting skills, and learn about the unconditional love of a Savior who chose her despite her circumstances.
This past fall, Maya made the courageous decision to return to church. Every week, she and her son faithfully attended with me. The church community embraced them with open arms, offering a network of support and love. One Sunday, Maya witnessed a child dedication ceremony at church and was deeply moved. Without hesitation, she approached the pastor to express her desire to dedicate her toddler son.
Last week, Maya stood before the congregation with her son in her arms and made the beautiful decision to dedicate him to the Lord. Surrounded by her church family, Maya made a sacred commitment to raise her son in the faith. The congregation pledged to walk alongside her on this journey, demonstrating the collective commitment of a community investing in the next generation. Maya’s family also attended to support her, making the moment even more special.
But the story doesn’t end there. Since that day, Maya’s mom and stepdad have begun attending church as well, experiencing God’s transformative work in their lives. In an incredible turn of events, Maya invited her boyfriend—a self-proclaimed atheist who had never set foot in a church. Miraculously, he has now started a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and together, Maya and her boyfriend serve on the worship/production team every week!
This story beautifully illustrates the power of Christ’s redeeming love working through YFC, our partners, and the local church.
None of this would be possible without the support of partners like you. Your generosity helps provide safe spaces and vital resources for young moms like Maya. When you invest in the life of a young person, God can multiply your impact across three generations. – Kim, Parent Life Leader