"the only Christian in my family"

Wanted: Graduating 8^th graders entering high school. Strong in academics. Focused and Involved. Well behaved. Good attendance.  Leader. Good example to younger students.

Job Role: Tutoring small groups of students. Supporting teaching staff. Helping in the cafeteria. Assisting in Awana. Crowd control. All around helpers.

In Exchange for: Continued delicious nutritious meals at the care center. Some heathcare. Discipleship and Bible study. Stipend to pay for transportation to and from the local highschool and support family. Great job experience.

Tarina grew up in our Kids Alive care center and was chosen as an 8^th grader to be in our high school scholarship program. She comes to the care center in the morning and goes to her high school classes in the afternoon. She is a huge help! She takes first graders who are falling behind into a small group to tutor them and give them more individualized attention. She is a big help in the cafeteria putting out all the food and water before lunch. She gives support to the staff. She is a junior leader on Fridays during Awana- bringing a lot of excitement to her team. This school year, I have seen her grow in maturity, respect, and responsibility. She always comes with a big smile on her face and seeing her walk in the office always brightens my day J

I was talking to her today and asking her about her relationship with the Lord. Praise God that she is a Christian! I asked her if any of her family members are Christians…she said no. I asked her what that is like for her…she said, “Emily, it’s so hard to be the only Christian in my family.” I tried to encourage her reminding her that she has made the best decision of her life and also that God knows her situation and he is ALWAYS with her-even when she feels alone. I’m really grateful that she is involved in her church and youth group and also that she is going to be involved in the care center during her high school years so that she can stay connected to a Christian community and be encouraged in her faith.

Wow…I was born into a Christian family so it’s hard for me to imagine anything else. I’m going to start praying for her. She told me how hard it is and I’m sure the difficulty covers many aspects of daily life, morality, conversations, big decisions…well, I imagine its all-encompassing…

I’m praying that she will keep her eyes fixed on Jesus-

I’m trusting HIM to protect her and comfort her-

I’m asking that God would use her in a big way to bring her other family members to Jesus-

I’m thinking Tarina is gonna be a world changer for Christ.