Campaigners became my niche and we soon had at least 25 students coming to breakfast and Bible study once a week. A Bible study then began to grow at Furman University — I guess I was doing Young Life College before it was cool! The work was challenging, but also very rewarding. ​ ​

After five years on staff and building many deep friendships, the Lord called me back to teaching. Leaving staff was difficult, but I never forgot my experiences with Young Life and was excited to meet new kids in a new place. I moved on from my time in Greenville with fond memories and became vested in my new role, knowing that in ministry we don’t often get to see how Jesus grows the seeds He asked us to plant. By the sweet grace of God I was able to see some of the ways He used me to impact the girls He placed in my life. One day, almost 35 years later, the husband of one of those girls in my old Campaigners group appeared on my Facebook feed. I soon was back in touch with four of my girls, which grew to reconnecting with even more. Could it be? They were all married and still walking with Jesus with children of their own who were also walking with Jesus. What an amazing gift, or a “re-gift” as I have come to see it. God showed me that my work, my investment in the lives of high school girls, was worth all of the time spent praying, training, fundraising and preparing for clubs. Any doubt about whether I had made a difference disappeared from my mind and heart.

My hope is that any staff member or volunteer, young or old, who might be wondering if he or she is making a difference might find encouragement in my story. Without a doubt, you are making a difference!