Since its beginning among the pews of our Men’s Shelter in 1992, the Youth Center has been a place where kids can thrive and discover the hope of the Gospel. It’s a safe space after school and during the summer where thousands of young people have found encouragement and the path to a brighter future.

This safe haven has been especially important for Brianna, who first started coming in 2016. At just nine years old, she and her sister came each afternoon while their single mom worked, finding a place to play and grow among caring adults who shared the love of Christ with them.

In many ways, Brianna grew up here. At 13, during a church service at Greenwood Bible Baptist, the Holy Spirit convicted her of her need for salvation. She responded, putting her faith in Jesus, a decision that transformed her life. “I trusted in Christ. It’s changed the way I behave.”

Now, Brianna has graduated high school and is heading off to college where she’ll study Neuroscience on a scholarship she earned through her hard work in the classroom. She often reflects on how grateful she is for the Youth Center, a place that gave her stability, pointed her toward Christ and taught her to dream about the future. As she looks ahead, she carries with her not just memories of games and laughter, but the truth of God’s Word and the encouragement of people who walked alongside her.

“I’m so thankful and blessed for these amazing people God has placed in my life and many others that have encouraged, supported, loved, prayed and helped me on this journey. I’m very excited to see what the Lord’s going to continue to do for me in this next chapter I embark on.”

Please join us in praying for Brianna as she takes this big step forward. Her story is a reminder that every child at our Youth Center is an example of God’s faithfulness and the difference this ministry makes.