As 2018 draws to a close, we are thinking seriously about the fact that as adults in Miami, we hold the key to unlocking a child’s relationship with Jesus.  When we give our time, talent, and a treasure to God, we make paths straight for children who are trying to walk the right way.

Yolande is one of those youth whose life was changed when she encountered Jesus at a YFC program.  Yolande grew up in West Homestead, in one of the most violent neighborhoods in Miami Dade; in the past year, there have been over 15 shootings there, and many involved youth.

But Yolande is not caught up in a life of violence and crime.  Instead, she is committed to being a difference-maker. Because someone else unlocked the chains holding her back, she wants to do the same for others.

Christ Journey is part of unlocking chains here in Miami.  Your church holds a key!  And each of its members do as well.  We hope you are inspired, as we are, by Yolande’s story, and find a place in the new year where you can be even more fully immersed in serving as part of God’s story.

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Hi, my name is Yolande, and I graduated from Homestead Senior High School in June 2018. Miami YFC’s KIX program has been a part of my life since the fourth grade.

I remember being saved at this conference that KIX took us to  called The Pink Lid.  The speaker said, “If you feel this is your moment to be saved then come to the front.” He had shared about what Jesus had done for me on the cross, and I really felt in that moment that I understood this to be true for me.  That was the beginning of my life changing.

My first year at KIX, I was always getting into fights over petty stuff, and I had a nasty attitude. But now I have changed. I no longer fight, and my attitude is much better. It is a process, but I know God has worked on me in many ways.  In July of 2018 I even decided that I was going to get baptized because I wanted to take my relationship with God more seriously.

Without KIX being present in my life I wouldn’t be the person I am today. KIX and its staff showed me that I should want to succeed and that I should have high hopes and dreams. There are specifically 3 staff members from KIX who have played an important role in my life: Delna, Kendall, and Stacy. Because of their investment,  I want to stand out and not be like what I see happening in my community around me. I have realized that I can bring change to my community by striving to be a leader and bringing hope to those around me.

I will soon be enlisting into the United States Army, and then a job in Emergency Medical Services. I am excited and a little nervous about the things ahead, but I know I have a solid support team in Homestead. My goals are strong and I am determined to be the change.