The following was a letter written by a girl involved with Club Beyond.

Every day I wake up with a smile on my face. I start my day in prayer and hold God's hand throughout the day. I am a genuinely happy person, at peace with everyone and everything around me. I have Club Beyond and its wonderful leaders to thank for this.

Before I became a "Club Beyond Kid," I did almost everything parents have nightmares about their kids doing. I did not care about anyone other than me. My family was only a thorn in my side; I managed to let them know this every minute. I made life hell for almost anyone who met me.

I dealt with life and its obstacles in completely the wrong way. I sank lower, blaming everyone around me — mostly my parents. Nothing was ever my fault; sometimes I wonder if it was possible to be more selfish. I turned away from God and for two years, I walked in the opposite direction, mocking and blaming Him.

Moving to Italy forced me to start over, but I held onto my old self. In the short time I had been here, I had already gone about my old ways. I found my old habits and had become the old me again. Then a good friend invited me to Club Beyond. I have not missed a meeting since I started.

Just walking into the Club building warms your heart and puts a smile on your face. Every time I talked in our small groups, I would open up completely, without caring if I was around friends or strangers and I could feel the presence of God. I became so overwhelmed that, almost every time, I would want to cry. I could see Jesus in every leader around me. I could hear Him telling me, "This is the way; open your eyes and follow me."

So, I did. And I continue to do so every day. Club Beyond is more than a youth Christian group — it is a family. My family.

I have learned the difference between knowing God and knowing about God. I am so proud to say that I, with all my heart and every inch of my soul, know God. I look back on my old self now and just wonder how I got there. I was so lost but now I am found. I look at those evil temptations I gave in to and know that I can blow them off. I am bigger and better than to ever give into temptation again because I walk in Him. He holds me up when I need to lean on Him for help. I put all my everyday dilemmas in His hands.

To anyone who knew me before, I am no longer that rebellious, troubled girl. My heart is warm and caring again. Life is not always easy, and I know life may deal me situations 100 times worse than ever before, but I have confidence that I can hit them head on because God will be with me the whole way. I know the Christian life won't be a breeze, but I know how to deal with life the right way now. I know that if I ever need someone to pray for me or pray with me, they [Club Beyond] are only a call away.

Given any opportunity, I will jump at the chance to invite kids to Club Beyond. If it changed me, I know it can change others as well. God truly is a miracle worker, and I praise Him every day for leading me to Him. Hearing my family tell me that they love the changes in me, hearing them tell me they love me brings tears to my eyes, and I send up a silent "thank you" prayer. No words can describe my absolute joy in finding Christ. Club Beyond means so much to me. I will never hesitate to help anyone in my newfound family. My actions are kind, my heart is happy and my faith is strong — thanks to Club Beyond.

I live by the Bible now and I pray that anyone who hasn't yet will soon find the same joy I have. I hope to set a good Christian example for everyone to see. The best thing you can possibly see in a person is Jesus. I hope people can see Him in me. I have vowed to do everything I can to bring others to Jesus, and I will start by bringing them to the same place that changed my life, Club Beyond.