Aiden* is quiet, very kind, and sensitive. He lives between his mom and dad’s homes and has a tough relationship with his dad. 

Before we’d met him and before he’d been invited by another student, one day he showed up at Campus Life Club at Spanaway Lake High School. He tells Site Leader Ericka Wallace he’s an atheist, yet he comes to Club week after week. Once a group of students came to Club that made him really uncomfortable. He didn’t specify why and told Ericka he might leave as a result. She encouraged him to see if he could stay. He did and did well!

Now beyond just showing up to Club, Aiden has taken the initiative to begin leading games. He also always stops by to let leaders know when he can’t make it to Club. 

Ericka senses Aiden softening to God as he hears how good, real, and kind God is.

Aiden is part of a community at Campus Life. He is welcome, known, and safe to explore truths about Jesus. 

That community did not shut down when schools closed. Ericka and the Spanaway Lake team have reached out to youth through social media and tools like Zoom, where leaders and youth can still play games, still hear a message about the hope of Jesus, and still see each other’s faces. They are still welcomed, heard, and known.

Ministry looks different than it did a few months ago, but we are so grateful for the volunteer leaders God is using to bring connection and fun to youth who would otherwise be isolated.

*Teen name and image have been changed.