Tattoos, Impact of Suicides, and New Believers at Malibu

We just had the grand arrival of our most eagerly awaited week: Spokane (North and South/NW), Spokane Valley, Leavenworth, Yakima/Selah, and Bellingham. Wanted to share some highlights from this past week with Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls, West Linn and Olympia here.

A female camper was icing her head with a visible tattoo. One of our leaders here, asked about the tattoo, making conversation. She shared the story of the tattoo, and it was to honor her brother who committed suicide and left a deep sadness for her. As it turns out, the leader who initiated the conversation happened to have a brother who took his own life too. A sweet conversation of connection and healing took place that next while on the bench on Malibu Main Street. Incredible how God orchestrates healing with JUST the right person in unexpected moments. 

A student from North Idaho lost their father, a high profile leader in CDA, to suicide last year. Coming from a family that does not believe in God, it truly was miraculous that he signed up for camp. After Molly Starch, N. Idaho Area Director shared her faith story using both sides of a piece of cardboard, that she was abandoned by both of her parents committing suicide yet adopted into God's family (see picture), this boy broke down crying, finally having a release of emotions after trying to stuff them down for the past year-plus. Right afterwards, he and his leader had a long one-on-one talk on a bench facing Desolation Island at Malibu, discovering for the first time that God does not abandon us, leave us desolate, and offers a hope and a future and life to the full even if parents did not. 

One from camper from Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls has been intrigued, hearing of God’s love for her and Jesus’ invitation of relationship to us. On day 4, she pulled aside her leader and asked, ‘What are the steps to start this relationship with God?’ Amazing how when kid’s eyes are opened, they begin to ask basic questions they’ve never thought to ask before.

One boy is here, from a Muslim background. Being here opened his eyes to what a relationship with God could be like. He has been actively evaluating his faith, spending time alone trying to hear God’s words to him as he has been introduced to Jesus, and getting in real talks with his leader and cabin of guys. Pray for him as he heads home, still considering God’s invitation to him through Jesus. 

There is a group of Samoan guys here from Washington. They expressed that they’ve been having a hard time relating to all the people around here, with the trauma and abandonment  they have experienced. Something finally related during the 'Real Life' panel, as Tanya shared about her life as a bi-racial kid with an absentee dad, on welfare, with her haunting feeling as a kid that there was not a safety net if she did not do everything right. I (Jeff) watched the three boys all catch eyes with each other, nodding their heads to one another as Tanya shared her story. Later, their leader shared how much relatable stories helped them sense that the gospel was good news to them too, not just for rich kids or those who have it easy. Thankful for how our mess can become a message.

This morning at the new believers reception, speaker Scott and crew gave out 60 bibles to kids who did not have one. This scene is where they were taught how to read it, where to start, how to have a time with God, and some of the basics of what to do when they get home and take their next steps with God. Love seeing kids come to know Jesus and take their first steps of faith. The old is gone, and there is SO much new to come (2Corinthians 5:17.)

On a personal note, Dietrich, who often struggles to find joy and connection at places like YL camps, insisted on working at the Totem Inn, the ice cream store here. It was a joy to see him being involved, hands on, serving kids as they meet Jesus.

Prayers:
Pray with us for Spokane. In particular, Rogers HS in the Hilllyard district of Spokane, which includes the highest level of poverty of any zip code in the state. One kid here is homeless and upon arrival, had no clean clothes in his sack (not a suitcase) he brought. Our team here washed them all for him to help him feel comfortable and clean. Let's pray for a fresh start for his soul this week as well!