HYC Philadelphia: HYC to the Waters of Baptism

From the friendships made, the experiences through service, the laughter, the smiles, the tears, and the advice shared; HYC Philly Track 1 truly changed my life. Going to Philadelphia for a Hope Youth Corps wasn’t something I was sure I wanted to do, but looking back I can see why God had me there. I thought this HYC was sort of the “typical” first youth corps, but now I don’t know if I would ever want to go anywhere besides Philly. You don’t need to travel around the world to make an impact, there are places all around you that have needs. I served in ways that I’ve never served before, and coming back home I’m ready to serve in new ways locally. Although HYC gave me a whole new perspective on serving, it provided for me spiritually in an even bigger way.

I was one of the only non disciples on my HYC. At first, that was intimidating, however, throughout my time on HYC, I began to see how much everyone cared about my studies and wanted to know more about my relationship with God. The fact that people I had just met showed me such kindness and love blew me away. Through their encouragement and advice I felt so convicted to chase after God with my whole heart and to constantly walk with him throughout the day. The love poured out from the other participants, the leaders, the kids from Camp Miracles, people from North Philly and staff members and HFKLA participants at camp showed me how much I loved God’s Kingdom and also how much I needed it. I was nearing the end of my studies before I left for Philly but I was missing that one vital piece: an urgency and thirst for God and an eagerness to become baptized. Upon arriving home, I studied baptism and felt my heart finally desire nothing more than to die to my old self and be made new through Jesus Christ. The only thing on my mind was wanting to serve and give myself to God every day for the rest of my life.

I finished up my studies on July 3rd and two days later, I was baptized and added to God’s kingdom, a memory that I will never forget. HYC Philly gave me the extra push I needed, and it was through God’s perfect timing that I made it to the point where I am now. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” and HYC Philly reminds me of this scripture because I learned to walk with God in every and all situations so that I would stand strong in my faith. I am so grateful for those two weeks and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life serving God and following His will.