Many of the kids that attend our Youth Center come from homes where parents are absent or only minimally involved. Sadly, it’s just their reality.

Lillian is one of those kids. She lives with her mom, aunt, and younger brother, while her dad is rarely part of her life. After being bullied at school, her mom decided to transfer her to a new one near our Youth Center. Lillian longed for a safe place where she didn’t have to be alone after school while her mom was still at work. One day about a year ago, as they were driving past, she and her mom took notice of our playground and decided to stop in. That very day, Lillian was registered and has been part of our Youth Center family ever since.

When Lillian first arrived, she had never been introduced to church or Christianity. She didn’t believe in God and faith in Him was something completely new to her, but she was curious and willing to learn. She began praying, asking God to show her if He was real. One evening, after she and her mom had a difficult argument, Lillian prayed and asked God to make Himself known to her in some way through the struggle with her mom. That night, something happened she had never seen before: her mom came to her and apologized. It was an answer to her prayer.

Later that night, in the quiet of her room, she prayed on her own—telling the Lord she believed, confessing her sins and putting her faith in Him for salvation.

Now, after a year of being part of our Youth Center program, the difference in Lillian is evident. She says: “Coming to the Youth Center is a great way to learn about God! The workers and kids here are amazing.”