This past year has been a time of serious growth for me—both in my relationship with God and in how I’ve been able to live out my faith in real ways. I’ve had the privilege of leading Jesus Club at my high school, where each week students gather to hear about Jesus, have fellowship, and pray together. It’s been amazing to watch people who never considered faith begin to ask questions, find hope, and even give their lives to Christ.

Last summer, I went to Los Angeles for my first mission trip. This experience truly opened my eyes to how much God is at work in the world and gave me a heart for serving beyond my own community. I’ve also been able to serve through my church and in other local ways that have grown my compassion and my boldness in sharing the Gospel. This fall, I’ll be starting college at Point Loma Nazarene University, where I hope to keep building on this foundation and pursue what it means to live on mission every day.

I’m beyond excited to share that this summer, I have the opportunity to travel to Paris on a mission trip with my youth group! This is an incredible chance to step into a new culture to serve people in need and share the love of Christ in a place where Jesus is often overlooked or misunderstood. Through this experience, I hope to deepen my own faith and help others encounter God’s presence in real and personal ways.