Anne Vanderham
Youth Engagement Red Deer
I’ve always had a heart for kids, I love their honesty and passion for life. But when it comes to youth, my heart breaks for them. As a kid, it seems a bit easier to believe that you’re loved, but that slowly gets stripped away by unanswered questions and lies about identity and unhealthy expectations. I believe it’s so important to be heard as a teenager. Growing up, God placed adults in my life to pour into me during my middle school and high school years. I remember how loved and encouraged I felt after talking with them. Because of their willingness to take the time to listen, I’ve seen a clear demonstration of Christ’s love for me through those mentors. I believe God has given me a passion to now do the same - having me pour into the lives of youth. I want to take the time to listen to them, share the truth with them, and just simply love them as Jesus would.