"Are You Kidding Me, God?"

Just...wow!

These are the last and arguably most wow-like God stories to share. Thank you for your prayers and leaning in with us as we served at Malibu (Tanya, as 1st time camp director)

A tough Latino girl was here this week at Malibu...she lived in Texas with her siblings and mom, but her dad was imprisoned. Had to move around a lot because her mom worked for a Mexican drug lord, El Chapo. They ended up moving to Mexico. There, one day, she and her siblings were playing and she pushed one of her brothers off the bed. The fall took a tragic turn, resulting his death from the injury. Her mom was so angry, she exclaimed she would never talk to her again. The next day her mother was arrested (unrelated cause) and the kids were sent to an orphanage in Guadalajara. 

Later on, she was adopted by a family in Woodinville. She got into trouble and the adoptive family dissolved the adoption (this part of the story made her cry as she shared it with me.)

So, a dear family in Woodinville took her in and offered to send her to Malibu. She made it clear to all that she didn't believe in God but would go. She thought, 'I have such a crappy life, how could there be a God?' In her orphanage, she was force-fed religion and resented all of it.

After I (Tanya) shared my story during 'Real Life' she connected with me, relating to part 1 and 2 of my life story about my absentee Mexican dad, growing up in Wenatchee in poverty/welfare and being turned off by the supposed 'wonderful plan' God had for my crappy life. 

Another breakthrough for her was a great convo with her leader, who explained how we all (including her parents) have free choice; that God doesn’t just ‘do stuff TO’ us. For the first time, she could see that God is for her. Her leader asked, "Do you believe in God, Jesus and his love for you?" She answered, "yes." When she realized that it was the religion she had rejected all along, and that she could start a relationship with God now, she described that her 'throat relaxed', and it was the first time she ever felt she could 'really, actually breathe.' On the last night, she stood up at say-so and committed her life to God, saying on the mic "I am now a part of GOD'S family." 414 campers heard and cheer, but had no idea the depth behind her story. Wow, God, are you kidding me?!

Another 'WOW'!

A young man from Gonzaga prep also really resonated with my story.  He has felt alone for so long, as he is adopted from Asia, and has carried unanswered questions about his value as a person in this life.  While on the ropes course, he told me he appreciated my story. I remembered him during Q&A from the crowd. When the host, Scott, asked the crowd what they thought I was chasing after instead of God to fill me life, he shouted out the word, 'confirmation.' I had never thought of my own pursuit of wanting to feel confirmed/affirmed, but it felt true.

Leavenworth boys

Then, after the third 'Real Life' session and cardboard testimonies, through tears, he and his leader, Stewart, prayed and he accepted Christ into his life. At say so, he said, "this week I joined God's family and now I am no longer alone." He was at the new believers experience and told me his story.  What an articulate and appreciative young man.  I have a feeling this young man will do great things for the kingdom of God.  He is smart as a whip and his face is BEAMING with the love of God in his life. 

Feast of the UnLeavenworth
Two boys from Leavenworth were resistant to God all week. They were hung up on how much ‘religion’ has done to divide and hurt our world. As the gospel became more clear, as their cabin times with TJ brought more understanding, and quiet times allowed Jesus to speak to them, they both took the mic at Say So to say they decided to follow Jesus (relationship, not religion.) 

                                                                                            A Final, Mind-blowing WOW!

A work crew girl here, whom we shared about 4 posts ago, from a muslim family, took great courage to be involved with YL in Spokane and follow Jesus. Her home town came up this last week, North Central HS, which one of the campers was her little brother, Ali. She has been praying for him ever since she became a Christian. He loved camp and the messages, and made a special bond with the camp doctor. He sat beside him during songs and the message. Scott, our speaker, shared John 10:10. Ali asked Dr. Deon for a pen, then wrote John 10:10 on his arm, exclaiming that he really liked it.  Then, later that night Ali stood up at say-so and proclaimed that he is now a part of Jesus' family.  His sister was there to witness it. We are delighted that Ali and his sister can continue their relationships with Jesus at home-- together.  It will take great courage for them to continue to grow. Unlike so many of us, they are risking everything to follow Jesus. They have a great support team in their YL family, Jenna and Kolby, were on our assignment team, as well as Gio, the cabin leader who brought Ali to camp.

Please continue to hold these kids and all the kids who encountered Jesus up in prayer and join me in giving glory to God!

Do want a little more details?  Let us know, email or text Jeff.

-Jeff and Tanya-