THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
WRITTEN BY JUDITH ROBERTS
HOPE
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HOPE *
Olivia Gulley’s Story
Even though the move from Michigan was challenging, I was ready for a change. I had always lived with my mom, but felt it was time to be with my dad. So, at the end of my sophomore year of high school, I packed up and moved to Arizona, where my dad lives. When I first arrived, I knew only a few people. Leaving friends and changing schools during my junior year was a lot to deal with. The move was more difficult than I imagined.
During my childhood, I went to church with my brothers and my mom. Church is an essential part of mom’s life, so no matter what, she brought us to church. I rarely missed youth meetings and Sunday school. While growing up, the church, my mom, and my friends influenced me. As I got older, I backed away from all of it and took a slightly different direction.
My resistance to church and God continued until I moved to Arizona two years ago. That’s when my journey with God really began. Up to that point, I knew of God because of my upbringing, but I didn’t know Him. In the midst of my overwhelming loneliness, I found myself reaching out to God seeking His help through prayer. My prayer was simple: “I prayed for my family and asked God to guide me toward a good community of friends.”
God’s miraculous answer literally unfolded on the very first day of school and during my algebra class. That’s when I met Andre Saucedo and noticed the words “Young Life” on the back of his shirt. It was incredible because my grandparents, who profoundly influenced my life, were involved with the same organization since the mid '60s. My mom also attended their camps when she was my age. While I knew Young Life was a great organization, at that point, I had no idea how God would use all these events to answer my prayer.
After a brief conversation with Andre, he invited me to a Chandler Young Life meeting. Eager to check it out, I attended a meeting and met some incredible people. I quickly felt at home with this Christian community of friends, especially with Yuliana Noriega Cota, one of the group leaders.
My greatest hope and biggest prayer is, “Please never let me turn away from God.” My hope for others is the same; that they continue to stay connected because it’s so important. I also remind my friends of God’s love, my love for them, and that I am praying for them.. I ask how they’re doing and stay connected. The small stuff really matters.
Staying connected with God and my faith communities has reinforced a hopeful spirit in me and helps when I start feeling lost. I know God answers prayer. Knowing this has sustained me through many difficult times.
Yuliana and I spent a little time together. I think she saw how important it was for me to connect with friends. Soon after, she invited me to go to Crossroads. I have met some pretty remarkable people there. Crossroads is now my church home.
Moving was a tough decision, but it was the best one I have made so far. My renewed connection with God and the support from my faith communities, has restored my hope. Young Life leaders Yuliana and Alexa, Crossroads Youth Leaders, Pastors Brett and Tara, and the church, have all shown me what it means to be hopeful.
Even though it’s still hard, whenever I feel lost, I pray. The last couple of weeks were super hectic. But this one Sunday, I went to church. During the service, Pastor Tara asked everyone to stop and enter into prayer. As I prayed, everything felt right again.
Among the many things I have learned since my original prayer, is the importance of surrounding myself with people who are children of God, who know Him, and love Him. They pray for me, and I pray for them. I also have learned how important it is to hold myself accountable for where I put myself and who I’m surrounded by because people influence you, and that influence can have a lasting impact. It is very humbling for me to look back on that simple prayer and see God’s generosity in providing two awesome Christian communities.
Crossroads Youth Ministry’s Mission:
“Committed to Creating an Environment where Young People Can Encounter Christ.” Ask David or Hannah Parker for more information: david@crnaz.com hannah@crnaz.com
Young Life’s Mission:
Introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. Ask Yuliana for more information at yuliana2003f@gmail.com