And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. –Deuteronomy 6:6-7

As a teenager in today’s society, I am constantly faced with daily struggles from other teenagers of doing drugs, drinking alcohol, partying, smoking cigarettes, being apathetic about school, disrespecting authority, and having sex. Fortunately, I have been blessed with caring parents that have raised me and my brother with this verse in mind. Beginning with my birth, my parents have started building on a solid foundation for a Christ-driven life by:

• Having me baptized
• Enrolling me in Sunday school from the age of 3
• Encouraging me to participate in weekly youth groups
• Attending confirmation class and being confirmed
• Thanking God daily through prayer
• Traveling on mission trips

I’m grateful that my parents have put Jesus in my heart, continue to take me to church every Sunday, encourage me to grow spiritually and reach out to serve others in the church and the community. I’m glad to be a part of Christus Victor and look forward to the potential of expanding our church to further serve the youth in this community.