A year ago, as a sophomore in high school, Josie Jimenez was headed down a dangerous path of destruction. "I had no clue about the importance of life and I didn't really care about it," she shared. Then Josie discovered Young Life.
She immediately clicked with kids she met at club as well as the Young Life staff and volunteers. Having felt alone and detached for a long time, Young Life offered Josie a second family and a place she finally felt at home.
When Josie heard about summer camp at Crooked Creek in Colorado, it didn't take long for her to decide to go. Josie said, "To this day, I can say that's been the best decision I've made in my life." She continued, "I had an amazing week with amazing people and realized what life is really all about. I realized I want to live my life the way it was meant to be lived — in a relationship with Christ."
Since the summer, Josie can see what God has already done in her life, and she anticipates much more coming. Not every day is easy, but she trusts that God is good. "I've had some bumps in the road and every day is a struggle letting go of destructive habits and people in my life, struggling to find out who I really am," Josie explained. "But I am not who I was a year ago or even six months ago. I am Josie Jimenez, happy, strong, loving, thankful, real and most of all saved!"
Young Life has given Josie courage, strength and hope. She is a new creation in Christ with a new outlook on life. Josie said, "I owe so much of it to my Young Life leaders, and friends. Only God knows where I would be without them."
Truly part of the kingdom family now, Josie has been chased and embraced by God. She has an excitement to walk with Jesus and see all He has in store for her.
One of Josie's favorite verses:
Matthew 7: 13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road
that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.