When I was in my sophomore year of college I lived at home with my parents. On Wednesday nights my mom volunteered at Westminster and my dad worked late. Those nights were quiet – sometimes lonely. I’m not sure how exactly I got roped in to volunteering with my mom, but I did. We worked with 5th & 6th grade kids in JAM and spent time playing “hey fishy fishy” and acting out Bible stories in silly skits. I would tell anyone who would listen how impressive these kids were. They absolutely blew me away.

See, around that age kids transition their thought process from a purely black and white view to a more abstract one. Around the same time, they start questioning their parents’ authority (if you’re a parent, I bet you are rolling your eyes right about now), so this is the perfect time for kids to explore faith. For their whole lives, their parents and Sunday school teachers have been teaching them about God, but around 5th and 6th grade is typically when children start asking questions and reading scripture in a way similar to the way they would read text in school – critically. They quickly begin to realize the gravity of what Christ did for us and how miraculous his ministry really was (and is). I fell in love with watching this faith journey unfold and was coming to JAM every single week. It also helped that the group of kids in the program were hilarious and genuinely enjoyable to be around.

I finished college and moved on to working for Hilton hotels in sales and events. I loved my job, but still tried to make sure my schedule allowed me to make it to Westminster by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. After a few years and a couple bride-zillas, I found myself interviewing for a job opportunity at Westminster. Those Westminster kids were there to support me, but in a whole new way this time.

Every fall, Veritas begins with a new theme for the year – based on a specific piece of Scripture. This year we are focusing on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I don’t need to remind you how trying the last year has been. Staring at a couple dozen teenagers on a Zoom call is not nearly as exciting as riding down a water slide or playing mini golf. Yet, the kids kept me laughing and continued to impress me with their insights in faith. Even with all of the struggles, I found myself actively searching for the reasons to rejoice, which is what inspired me to choose this theme for the year. Even if case numbers go up, we need to stay focused on the good things that still exist in our lives.

The first group of JAM kids I worked with graduated from high school this past spring. For the first time, I’ll start fall programming without them. As much as I watched and helped them grow, they watched and helped me grow as well. They absolutely made an impact on my life forever.

Even though that group will be scattered across the country this fall, about 65 students will walk through the north entry at the end of August. And every single one of those kids is as insightful, hilarious, and special as the bunch I met when I was 19. They will inspire and impress me in new and different ways. God will continue to give me reasons to rejoice.

I’ll end with a challenge. I know we all rejoice for different reasons, but I ask you to take a peek into this one of mine. Pay attention to what Veritas is doing this year. Follow us on Instagram or check our webpage. Watch for the ways we are connecting with one another. Come spend an hour or two with us on a Wednesday night and give the Veritas students the opportunity to wow you. Jesus trusted his ministry with young people. Let me show you what they can do.

– Laura Ecklin