When I joined St. Andrew’s youth almost two years ago, we were still meeting on zoom. We’ve since made it back to in-person gatherings every Sunday morning at 9:30am and 11:30am and every Friday night from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Sunday mornings are filled with a few games, worship led by the volunteer youth band, and teaching on the week’s Bible passage. We close by splitting into small groups to pray for each other and discuss how we can apply the Word to our lives. Friday nights tend to be a smaller crew but are no less vibrant. We tend to spend more time talking and having fun at the beginning, followed by Bible study and prayer. 

After making an unexpected transition to Hong Kong, St. Andrew’s Youth was a huge blessing from God. Be it the leaders pouring into my life, the joyful community, or the deep friendships I’ve been given. 

This youth group has become my core friend circle who I can rely on to pray for me in times of need and it has been a real comfort to know I have brothers and sisters in Christ with whom I can share what I’m going through. One leader, in particular, has become like a big brother to me. Within my first weeks of joining, he agreed to help me with an assignment related to Christianity and, through that became a good friend of our family.

Youth tends to be the highlight of my week, and I always go to it excited to learn what God is speaking in His Word. As I’ve grown close with the kids and leaders, I have been drawn to pray for them in a way that I hadn’t prayed before. Seeing God work in our group has been truly encouraging

Like all Christians, teenagers need a God-centered community to “stir one another up to love and good works” and “encourage one another” (Hebrews 10). As we move from childhood into adulthood, Youth provides a place where we can grow in our faith and talk about the everyday struggles we go through together.

Youth leaders are instrumental in this growth and often provide much wisdom, having already experienced much of what we are dealing with. Right now, the Church is looking for more Youth volunteers. You don’t have to be cool and hip to help (although that is a plus). You just have to lead a group of young, bright, and beautiful teenagers closer to God. And who wouldn’t want to do that? Above all, everyone reading this can pray for our leaders to have wisdom and love from God and for us youth to grow deeper in the grace of Jesus.