YFC Campus Life Director Leads by Example

LANE COUNTY YFC RECOGNIZES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Youth For Christ strives to engage youth with the timeless message of Jesus Christ. As America celebrates Women’s History Month, Lane County YFC in Eugene, Oregon recognizes the women who partner with YFC.  Their mission is to build relationships with young people and share the Gospel with youth. Sheldon Area Campus Life Director, Jessica Olsen, leads by example as she heads the charge to create meaningful relationships with youth.  With that said, this is not only for the next generation of women, but young people everywhere.

Olsen described the interactions that inspire her to continue building these meaningful relationships: “I have a group of eighth-grade girls who are sweet, sassy, and super trendy. Throughout my time with them, I have gotten to know each of their stories. With that said, I hear more and more about the church being misrepresented to them. They have heartbreaking stories of people claiming to know and follow Jesus, but who have deeply wounded them. Through friendship and trust, I have been able to share what Jesus is really like. That keeps me coming back.  This is what makes it all worth it.  I know that I get the chance to speak truth where lies have been spread, to rebuild broken bridges.”

EXPERIENCING GOD IN YOUR YOUTH

Experiencing God at the early age of eight, Olsen believes there is a main misconception. People believe students are too young to understand God’s message of hope. But in her experience, “God’s story and transformation transcends age.” Therefore, Olsen is passionate about coming alongside youth and pointing the way to the Gospel—no matter the age. God can reach anyone with His love and grace.

Olsen explained, “I think we shy away from certain questions and conversations because we are scared that we don’t know it all. This is the design for discipleship—to grow in knowledge of who God is and pursue a deeper relationship with Him while inviting others to discover Him as well. Leading out of following.”

COURAGEOUS FAITHFULNESS

Olsen also remarked on her journey of leading and serving within YFC, highlighting how God has stretched her faith as He calls her to put her trust solely in the Lord. Leaning into God’s provision and surrendering her daily life to Him gave Olsen the courage to lead her students out of her own walk with Christ.

“God has been teaching me that ultimately, the worries of this world do not worry him,” Olsen said. “If I put my trust in him, my peace is not shaken. When I put my trust in a number, an outcome, a positive interaction with a student, then my peace is stolen away when things don’t go as planned. True peace is found in trusting God with all things and surrendering all parts of my life to him.”