It would have been easy for Jeremy to give in to this narrative, but he believed and prayed for greater things. Jeremy trusted that the God who called him to Sherwood would make a way. Through unrelenting determination, consistency and prayer, Jeremy and the team of volunteers found themselves being invited into the school to serve and be with kids.
On top of all this holy work, our powerful God is on the move when it comes to camp. Remember the fact that four kids went to camp before Jeremy showed up in Sherwood? There is a new story to tell now. In Jeremy’s first summer, 28 kids went to camp, and last summer they took 56 kids. Camp is already sold out for this summer, and they are pushing 80 total high school campers.
Two years later, Young Life in Sherwood is standing firm on a new narrative: “All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, NLT). There are now 10 leaders walking daily with kids who they know and love, while also remaining committed to reaching new kids. Club, which was started from the ground up, has grown consistently and now has 60 to 80 kids each week. And 40 to 50 kids are being discipled in Campaigners on a weekly basis.
Jeremy said YES to God’s invitation to boldly follow Him into beautiful Kingdom work. Then, God did the rest, as He always does. The Spirit-led growth in communities such as Sherwood, Oregon, should leave us all quick to acknowledge that “God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6, CEB). It also wells up a hope deep within us that God still moves in miraculous ways to call His children to Himself. To God be the glory. Great things He has done and great things He will continue to do. Let’s hold on, trust, follow in boldness and confidence, and watch in wonder as He moves mountains. Young Life Sherwood at Washington Family Ranch Canyon.
Spring Board Report 2020 25
